TJ500
Member
the RCA (female) connector on my visor was giving a bad connection so I decided to remove it and hard wire in a cable to elliminate this connection...
when I had the thing off the helmet and dismantled, I noticed two silver conductve strips (one at top and one at bottom) with one conductor going to each... (12V pos to one and negative to the other)...
what I don't understand is how this circuit is completed when the two strips are completely separate from each other?????
can't see how the heat is created within the visor????? (without a cct)
perhaps an invisible semiconductive film so something like that....
don't expect a lot of replies on this but surely someone can tell me...
DING, are you reading this?..
tj...
when I had the thing off the helmet and dismantled, I noticed two silver conductve strips (one at top and one at bottom) with one conductor going to each... (12V pos to one and negative to the other)...
what I don't understand is how this circuit is completed when the two strips are completely separate from each other?????
can't see how the heat is created within the visor????? (without a cct)
perhaps an invisible semiconductive film so something like that....
don't expect a lot of replies on this but surely someone can tell me...
DING, are you reading this?..
tj...
flying dutchman
Member
I had the same questions a few years back.
Since the 2 wires never touch each other, it doesn't matter what wire goes on top or bottom.
I was told the 2 conductive strips create a electronic field by trying to jump over to the other strip. If you have a current tester, you will see the resistance between the 2. That's what creates the heat to keep the shield clear.
hey, i'm no electrician, but it makes sense.
Since the 2 wires never touch each other, it doesn't matter what wire goes on top or bottom.
I was told the 2 conductive strips create a electronic field by trying to jump over to the other strip. If you have a current tester, you will see the resistance between the 2. That's what creates the heat to keep the shield clear.
hey, i'm no electrician, but it makes sense.
Sorry, I have been a way for a while, and am just now reading this . . .
The Dutchman hit it right on the head . . .
The material between the two strips is neither a great conductor nor a great insulator. It has the right amount of resistance to create the desired amount of heat when a 12-volt difference of potential is applied to the 2 strips (yes one positive and the other negative).
Given the 2 simple formulas ( I = E / R, and P = I * E)
P = power in Watts
E = emf or voltage in Volts
I = current in Amps
R = resistance in ohms
You could measure the resistance with any multi-meter, and calculate the expected wattage of heat once power is applied.
I would use an ohmmeter (again, any multi-meter should read resistance) testing the entire circuit at different points to see where the open might be occurring. Remember that while the circuit is connected to any vehicle it can always back feed via another path.
The Dutchman hit it right on the head . . .
The material between the two strips is neither a great conductor nor a great insulator. It has the right amount of resistance to create the desired amount of heat when a 12-volt difference of potential is applied to the 2 strips (yes one positive and the other negative).
Given the 2 simple formulas ( I = E / R, and P = I * E)
P = power in Watts
E = emf or voltage in Volts
I = current in Amps
R = resistance in ohms
You could measure the resistance with any multi-meter, and calculate the expected wattage of heat once power is applied.
I would use an ohmmeter (again, any multi-meter should read resistance) testing the entire circuit at different points to see where the open might be occurring. Remember that while the circuit is connected to any vehicle it can always back feed via another path.
BTW: You can always remember those formulas by simple phrases such as . . .
Eagle over an Indian chasing a Rabbit (E = I * R) which of course I = E / R is derived from.
Sounds goofy, but my dad taught me that at a very young age and I have never forgotten it.
Eagle over an Indian chasing a Rabbit (E = I * R) which of course I = E / R is derived from.
Sounds goofy, but my dad taught me that at a very young age and I have never forgotten it.
TJ500: I just read your note that you are an electrician by trade after I sent the previous notes . . .
Sorry, did not mean to be too condescending on my responses. Basically, the shield itself acts a heat element, that's all there is to it.
Sorry, did not mean to be too condescending on my responses. Basically, the shield itself acts a heat element, that's all there is to it.
TJ500
Member
Hey... Ding.... always look forward to your input on these things..... damn visors are not made in North America/Europe... just assumed the technology was typical of a rear window defogger.... a tiny bit different it seems...
thanks again.... tj..
thanks again.... tj..
Be careful taking the connector off of the plug. Some of them are step down connectors meaning they lower the voltage. Don't ask how I know, just trust that I found out the hard way. Maxdlx
aSRX600guy
New member
had a buddy with a tarus that had an invisible filament heated windshield, saw it on some caddys too.
that taurus had a 240 watt alternater to run that thing.
good thing helment visors are smaller
that taurus had a 240 watt alternater to run that thing.
good thing helment visors are smaller