hero999...
i will do that. thank you for the input!
russlk...
'bout the only thing i know about series circuits vs. parallel circuits is the difference between them. i've been researching the internet furiously, but it's quite hard to go from absolutely zero knowledge using the web. i don't know if it's the danger factor or what, but there's little to no "step-by-step" type information. i will pick up a couple books this weekend just to pad my knowledge, but i registered here hoping to circumvent some of that. (cheating, i know, i know. hahaha!!!) thanks for your advice on wire gauges!
andy1845c...
the type of horn i'm looking at purchasing is
THIS ONE. it's stated as a 12v horn, using 3.5 amps. clearly, this is a reproduction.
as far as the power source, and your recommendations against using a car battery, i'll give you some additional details and then welcome more feedback if you have it.
the bike i'm building is a trike conversion, working from a classic schwinn stingray frame. as a trike, it will have a large back section which i'm doing some custom fiberglass work on to completely enclose with a locking lid. this is where the entire electrical system will be constructed. i will NOT be riding in the rain. as a trike, the likelihood of wiping out is essentially non-existent, and the weight is not an issue either, as the bike is geared to be cruised slowly on flat ground.
all that said, would you still recommend that i look into alternate power sources? keep in mind also that i'll be powering more stuff in the future. these lights and the horn are merely the first two of four intended electrical outputs. eventually, i'll want to wire up a stereo system and then hydraulics for the front end. (the hydros MAY get their own battery.)
any additional thoughts?
i also have some other specific questions, if anyone cares to impart any additional knowledge on me. when creating my circuit, i'll need to go from the + lead to a fusebox, right? if each output device needs a separate fuse, how do i split this wire from the lead to the fuses? further to that, when wiring from one fuse to four lights, how do i split THAT wire for each individual light?
i really feel silly here, but your knowledge is well-received and i so appreciate all of it.
cheers.
blair, sf.ca