
NOTE: In January 2016 we discontinued the IQ-150 and introduced a redesigned controller, the IQ-250 series.
The Photon Blaster front visibility lighting system:
- Works on any motorcycle
- Easy to install - typical installation takes 30-40 minutes
- Includes a controller, pair of LED modules, installation manual, and all necessary wire connectors and mounting hardware
The LED modules are typically mounted to existing fender or brake caliper bolts on either side of your front wheel using the included brackets and replacement bolts. While extremely bright. these LED modules weigh less than 1/2 of an ounce so they do not adversely affect your bike's handling, unlike other, heavier fork mounted running lights. Once you mount the LED modules on your bike, you then route the wires from the modules up along each fork leg securing them with the included zip-ties.
MOUNTING BRACKETS: Included with each Photon Blaster. Several different versions of brackets are available to fit most motorcycles. The two Photon Blaster LED modules typically mount on either side of the motorcycle's front forks. Click the button to find the right one for your bike.
Alternate mounting options using clamps can be used on bikes without fender screws or dual brake calipers (example: BMW 650GS). Clamps are an option to mount the LED modules engine guards, front forks and other places on the front of your bike. These can be used with the right angle bracket that comes with our T2 bracket.
Photon Blaster (click to print)
The red wire from the controller is connected to a switched 12 volt source, typically a parking light. The controller can be attached to almost any power source without fear of overloading because the current draw is only 0.35A (<5 watts).
The black wire is connected to any ground connection.
If you have the turn signal or alert option skip to the diagram below.
The red wires (silver prior to 5/2020) from the LED modules are connected to the gray/green wire from the controller.
The black wires (copper prior to 5/ 2020) from the LED modules are connected to ground along with the black wire.
Photon Blaster-TS Connection Diagram (click here to print)
Photon Blaster-A model with ALERT!
The blue wire from the controller is connected to the brake light wire, high beam or horn wire using the included black extension wire if needed. Note: On the water-cooled BMW R1200GS and R1200RT, we recommend the horn as a trigger because the brake light stays on too long.
Photon Blaster-TS model with turn signal
The green and yellow wires from the controller are connected to the wires powering your vehicle's left and right turn signals, respectively.
The gray/green and gray/yellow wires are connected to the red wires (silver prior to 5/2020) on the left and right LED modules respectively.
The black wires (copper prior to 5/ 2020) from the LED modules are connected to ground along with the black wire.
Converting Stock Turn Signals to Marker Lights
Optional Photon Blaster A-TS Connection Diagram (click here to print)
Connect to your bike's turn signals with Photon Blaster -TS with turn signals
The TS model can control your bike's existing turn signals, so they operate as bright running lights (with conspicuity flicker if they are LED turn signals).
For this installation you need to cut the signal wires and connect the end running to the turn signal to the gray/green and gray/yellow wires along with the LED module wires.
NOTE: On bikes that monitor bulb continuity the other end of the cut wire must be connected to a load resistor and then to ground. Load resistors prevent the relay from signaling that the turn signal filament has burned out. Resistance value required may be calculated as follows: R = 144/P, where P is the power in watts of the turn signal bulb used on your bike. Resistor power rating should be at least double the power rating of the turn signal bulb.
Our online store does offer a pair of load resistors appropriate for most stock LED turn signals. Click here to shop resistors. NOTE: The load resistors in our store are not suitable for use with incandescent turn signals. Commonly available 6-8 ohm, 50 watt resistors should be used for these.
It is in The IQ-250 family of controllers can control any number of lamps up to 6 amps, 3 amps per side for the TS versions.
ALERT Trigger Note:
On some motorcycles the horn button grounds the wire coming from the horn. The horn can be used as a trigger for the ALERT! function only if the horn button provides power to the horn when pushed.
Photon Blaster Programming Details
The Photon Blaster has two different modes of operation. The default mode has conspicuity flicker enabled. In the optional, non-modulated mode, the LEDs maintain a constant brightness. The average brightness of the LED modules is the same in both modes. When conspicuity flicker is enabled, your vehicle will be much more noticeable to oncoming traffic, particularly when the driver is not looking directly at your bike.
The Photon Blaster can quickly and easily be switched from one operating mode to the other.
To change modes:
- Turn the ignition on then off three times, leaving it on for no longer than one second each time.
- When you turn the ignition on again, the unit will reprogram itself to be in the alternate mode.
The operating mode is saved, and is only changed when the above process is followed.
NOTE: On some motorcycles, when you turn on the ignition, the switch passes through the accessory position, so the ignition is switched on, then off for a brief interval. Some bikes also have a load relief relay which switches power off while the starter is engaged. If your bike has both of these characteristics, it may be that when you turn on the ignition and start the bike, the Photon Blaster controller experiences 3 short power-on cycles and the flicker mode is toggled from on to off or from off to on. To prevent this from happening in the future, you may want to wait with the ignition on for a few seconds before pressing the starter button.
Alternate Mounting Option Examples
If you would like to mount the LED modules somewhere on your bike where there is not an existing fender screw or brake caliper, many customers have used hose or bar clamps to mount to the engine guard or front forks. These clamps can often be used with our other mounting brackets.