Tripping Inductive Loop Traffic lights.

[Fizz]

I've been looking on the net for a while and I can't find a definitive article on just exactly how inductive loop traffic lights work.

Some sources say the loop detects Iron and other ferrous material that is magnetically conductive, meaning aluminum won't cut it.

Other sources say that the inductive loop detects any kind of metal, Aluminum being a better conductor than steel.
http://www.humantransport.org/bicycl...nals/green.htm

Usually if I can see the loop, I position my front right tire's Contact Patch on the loop, with my stator cover area over the loop as well (I figure the stator's gotta generate all sorts of interference with the inductive loop). Other times, I'm sitting at a light rocking back and forth trying my damnedest to get the thing to work, until eventually I just make sure no one's looking and run the red .

What cost effective solutions have you guys found to trip the loops? I was thinking about putting some spare diamond (aluminum) plate sheet metal under the inner sole of my boot.

[derstuka]

It works by detecting a change of inductance in the loop when metal is placed over it. When the level of inductance rises, it trips the loop and changes the signal. If you are going to place anything on your bike/boots, make it be ferrous and/or magnetics. I placed a small magnet on the bottom of my centerstand...I need another larger one. The inductive loop will still detect non-ferrous metals, but your more likely to trip it with ferrous metals because of the ferro-magnetic effect of the ferrous metal(s).

Read up buddy...

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question234.htm

http://www.humantransport.org/bicycl.../detection.htm

[Mac]

Always tour to the right.

Mac

[eddievalleytrailer]

I saw a product in Whitehorse, supposed to fix this very problem. When I get home (tomorrow) I'll post the p/n. Tennessee just passed a law making it legal for a bike to "Run the Red", if the light won't trip, and the bike can safely procede.

[KC-10 FE]

I usually just move forward past it & the impatient NJ asshole behind me is almost guaranteed to move up to within an milimeter of my back wheel & they trip it.

If there is nobody behind me, I (not exaggerating) simply wait till safe & run them. I do this for two reasons.

1) I'm from NJ & everyone expects me to drive like a total No Talent Ass Clown. Fortunately for me, I honed my skills in Turkey & Germany so I drive better than about 97% of the people I know. I keep that my little secret from the rest of the NJ people.

2) Believe it or not, for the most part, cops don't care if riders do this. I've been observed/pulled over for this in 8 different states & have never received a ticket for it once. I even do this on base, in uniform & never get hassled for it. If you do get pulled over, all you have to do is explain to the LEO that a motorcycle rarely trips the sensor actuated lights & they are usually cool with it.

KC-10 FE out...

[BJ Sim]

Most of the time in DE I do like KC-10 does... ride up past the trip and some A-hole will be on top of my rear tire to set it off anyway.

Another trick is to put your kickstand down and let it touch the ground for a couple seconds. Don't forget to stick the bike in neutral so you don't kill the engine. This works about 25% of the time in my experience.

Other than that... run the red. You can only be so patient.

[eddievalleytrailer]

Try this link http://www.whitehorsepress.com/produ...oducts_id=5170
I think this is what you're looking for. I've never seen one work, but they say it will.

[Fizz]

Thanks or all the comments guys. I'm thinking a solution would be to put a piece of sheet metal inside my chin fairing, with a big bulky magnet in there to magnetize the whole shebang.

[MonkeyNuke]

I think its more fun to run the red.

[elf800]

think its the wieght might set it off try standing on pegs and jump down on seat freefall i've tripped many lights that way or i wait for the a-hole to get near my back wheel and trip it also i guess they are everywhere.....................at night right turn, u-turn, fn light who thought of that design definately don't ride..............

[Gatekeeper]

Just drag your sidestand on the loop until the light changes.
OR
Turn right and make a u-turn when able.
OR
Run the light AFTER waiting 60 seconds and when it is safe to do so.

[Fizz]

Originally Posted by elf800

think its the wieght might set it off try standing on pegs and jump down on seat freefall i've tripped many lights that way or i wait for the a-hole to get near my back wheel and trip it also i guess they are everywhere.....................at night right turn, u-turn, fn light who thought of that design definately don't ride..............

Weight doesn't set them off at all.

Please tell me english isn't your first language.

[Shaun]

On my previous 2000 VFR, I used this:

http://www.greenlightstuff.com/trigger.html

I had to try something, the light at either end of my apartment complex wouldn't turn no matter what I did before I got this. I'll buy another one for my new bike.

[Shaun]

I used this
http://www.greenlightstuff.com/trigger.html
on my 2000 VFR. It worked great. I had to do something, as the lights at either end of my apartment complex wouldn't trip for me at all, regardless of what I tried. I'll buy another one for my new bike. One less excuse to pull me over is worth the couple of bucks.

[rngdng]

Originally Posted by Shaun

I used this
http://www.greenlightstuff.com/trigger.html
on my 2000 VFR. It worked great. I had to do something, as the lights at either end of my apartment complex wouldn't trip for me at all, regardless of what I tried. I'll buy another one for my new bike. One less excuse to pull me over is worth the couple of bucks.

So this thing worked for you? That surprises me.


Lane

[Fizz]

I think tomorrow night I'm going to go to the stop light up the street and test a bunch of materials over the loop and note the results

[NeverlosT]

Last night.. sat at a light for like 2 minutes trying everything from pumping the starter to revving to stomping to kickstand. Nothing worked and it was for a highway crossing so I was being cautious. Finally I just did the right, exit, then back on the highway, and another right. It was lame, but whatever, I got to ride two more fun exit ramps!

I have been pulled over for this in MA. Cop was not understanding. Told me if this ever happens, turn around and find another way home. Then again... he WAS the car behind me at the light!!! (im not a total moron, he was in an unmarked cruiser).

[keeena]

Originally Posted by VeryFunRide

Usually if I can see the loop, I position my front right tire's contact patch on the loop...

You have 2 front tires on your bike?

Originally Posted by NeverlosT

I have been pulled over for this in MA. Cop was not understanding. Told me if this ever happens, turn around and find another way home. Then again... he WAS the car behind me at the light!!! (im not a total moron, he was in an unmarked cruiser).

Cop should understand; thats ridiculous.

[Fizz]