How to visualize flash pattern

I bought a lightbar that mounts under the tailgate.

I wired it to a double switch from ch4x4 that I modified. The top turns it on and off and the bottom I modified to be a momentary switch to change the flash pattern.

I initially though that I was going to be able to see the flash pattern via the rear camera, but the tailgate blocks most of the light.

I am looking for a solution so I am able to visualize which flashing pattern I am on. There are 29 flash patterns on the light bar, and the company doesn't have any options to let you know which one you are on.

I initially thought of wiring a small led number display, but then I realised that I have no idea how to do it.

If anyone has any ideas I would love to hear them!

Cheers!

 

Do it after the sun goes down and look backwards.

Or have someone else pushing the button while you stand behind the truck (or vise versa).

Or set your phone behind the truck and record a video.

 

Go to a building with lots of windows. Back in a parking parking place in front of the glass. Look in your mirrors and do your thang.

 

Those are great ideas. I was thinking more of a way to visualize it from inside the cab, without having to exit the truck.

 

You’ll need to do some deep searching on your own.

https://www.automation24.com/progra...PumwhQfyWvsxHIs40MbxXgUm86dlrxPBoC8b4QAvD_BwE

Something like this. Of course this one the voltage is wrong. Some counter that you can program to go to 29 then start over every time you push the momentary switch. Ideally something that turns the display on with key on power and won’t lose the count when turned off.

CA, if you’re in LA, Torrance electronics has tons of stuff and a knowledgeable staff. Or if you have a good electronics store try there.

Happy hunting.

 

The hardware and software is around to do what you need just going to take some looking .

Most times I used a driver that would produce the flash patterns rather then having them in the light itself.

When installing first responder lights and construction equipment lights .

Gotta be someone close that installs this type of equipment.

 

Thanks for the direction. That was my initial idea, and I think that it would be easier than trying to reproduce the flash patterns on a mini led bar in the cab or something.

I just learned that lesson. I guess I wanted the convenience of having that light without thinking of the possible shortcomings.

Ill ask the fire mechanic and see if he knows something or someone.

thank you!

 

The latter suggestion allows you to see what's going on without exiting the truck.

 

https://www.speedtechlights.com/Switch-box-control-panels/direct-2-control-switch-box

 

Unfortunately, that control box is not compatible. I think I will use a relay counter and will have a cheat sheet with the flashing patterns.
Thank you!

 

The consequences of going with cheap code 3 lights.

 

180$ is certainly not cheap.
Thank you for your sage advise and words of encouragement. /s

 

Sounds like a fun electronics project

I’d start with a couple of these:
https://www.ti.com/lit/ds/symlink/cd4026b.pdf

link them together, hook up a 7 segment display, and the come up with some logic so that when you hit 24 it resets.

 

I've up-fitted well over a hundred vehicles over the last 20 years, we stick to name brand products for a reason.

You'll notice the major manufacturers and even the smaller ones (SVP, Able2 Sho-me) have directionals that work with a controller that has a visual depiction of what's going on.

Smart Siren, Cencom, whatever Code3 PSE is using as an analog all have that option as well.

 

What I wanted was something low profile underneath my tail light. I don't want a traffic advisor on top of my cab or on my bed rack.
I appreciate your comments, I really do, but that light bar seemed to be the best fit and now I'm just trying to figure out a way to make it better.

 

Can you not just pick a pattern you like and use that ?

Just what advantage does changing patterns really give you ?

I am just curious.

 

Some patterns sweep left to right, and vice versa. Honestly those are the ones I would like to use the most in case I need to stop in a lane or similar