I have always been interested in having a blinking third brake light–the top center strip that uses LEDs. Quickly flashing it a few times when first braking catches people’s attention (you know–the ones blabbing on their phones and playing with their ipods) and increases their reaction time, reducing your chances of being rear-ended. Some car brands have them built-in and if made ideally they will flash quickly a few times then stay solid so as not to be annoying.
Many MINIs in the area have installed kits that flash the brake light, I assume using the hockey puck kit that Ian mentioned on his site long ago. I however found this to flash too slow, too many times, and for too long, so it was annoying. In fact, I often found myself behind someone with one of these on MINI runs and after 15 minutes or so I wanted to rear end them just to make it stop! 😉
So I was very pleased a few weeks ago when GoMINIGo, makers of the best glovebox organizer, announced on NAM that they were introducing their Third Brake Light PULSAR. I sent a few PMs back and forth to be sure it flashed quicker and shorter, and once they posted this video I was sure it was better than the other. The price was right at $25 so I took my chances and ordered one.
I installed the Pulsar tonight and am much happier with it than what I’ve seen on others’ MINIs. I would still prefer it a little bit quicker flashing and shorter delay till solid, but it is at least three times faster than the hockey puck kit, and should therefore be three times less annoying. I only wish that these did not re-flash if you hit your brakes again in the next several seconds in case you are driving in a spot that needs braking often (that would be hard to do as it only has power when the brakes are on). But for the cheap price, tiny size, and easy installation, the GoMINIGo 3rd brake light pulsar is a safety mod that could pay off big time. This means YOU, Dr. Doogie!
Funny you mention this; I was contemplating the exact same thing a couple of days ago! I was contemplating modifying something like these lights for just the 3rd brake light. The GMG pulsar looks to be cheaper by half and easier to install. Sweet! The blinking action seems a little inconsistent, however, looking at the video.
Comment by blalor — September 28, 2006 @ 7:50 am
The lights consitantly blink 4 times in a half second; the inconstancy in the video is just an effect of the camera shutter speed or video framerate conversion.
Comment by jwardel — September 28, 2006 @ 8:27 am
Thanks for posting this information. Based on your description and after a quick look at the site I submitted my order. Super idea!
Comment by Taylor — September 28, 2006 @ 8:57 am
I think Ian mentioned some sort of annoying noise in his article on the hockey puck, does this one have that clicking sound and if yes hoe loud is it?
Comment by ltzmtor — September 28, 2006 @ 10:05 am
The unit make no noise what so ever. I also have the hockey puck and the noise was driving me crazy, this is why we decided to invest the time and resources in the development of this product.
Comment by mini-rolls — September 28, 2006 @ 1:30 pm
Ha – I was going to ask the same question as RB; (silent?); glad to see it is quiet.
What we really need to develop is a module that monitors deceleration and only flashes on harsh braking 😉
Comment by Ian C. — September 28, 2006 @ 5:50 pm
EN C,
Here in LaLaLand you need all the blinking, whirring, flashing, strobing lites you can get!!!! I’m thinking I need a Bubble machine on top so the frkn’ masses can see me!
Comment by ltzmtor — September 29, 2006 @ 4:22 pm
“…In fact, I often found myself behind someone with one of these on MINI runs and after 15 minutes or so I wanted to rear end them just to make it stop!…”
Ooops! You must have bee following me, Josh! Sorry. I’ll have to get one of these to replace my (loud) hockey puck…and reduce road rage. 😉
Thanks for the lead…
Theo
Comment by Theo — October 3, 2006 @ 6:47 pm
After following Josh this weekend, I’m kind of underwhelmed. It just flashes too fast and not for long enough; there were several times where I looked forward and saw the light on solid and wondered how I didn’t see it blink! I’m gonna have to keep looking for another solution. 🙁
Comment by blalor — October 4, 2006 @ 7:45 am
After following Josh this weekend, I’m kind of underwhelmed. It just flashes too fast and not for long enough; there were several times where I looked forward and saw the light on solid and wondered how I didn’t see it blink! I’m gonna have to keep looking for another solution. 🙁
Comment by blalor — October 4, 2006 @ 7:45 am
Brian, that’s exactly what I want. It’s supposed to subliminally catch your attention and then all you have to stare at is a solid light.
There were two others that I was behind this weekend, with different blinkers..the aforemention hockey puck, and one that was even slower, which blinked for about 3 seconds, and only twice per second! Even more annoying.
But I do wish someone made one that was programmable, so everyone could have exactly what they want.
As for the noise comments, it is fully electronic (apparently the hockey buck has a relay?) and makes no sound.
Comment by jwardell — October 4, 2006 @ 8:39 am
Try looking at my website. signalz4u.com
I don’t believe anyone has a better one and pricewise can’t be beat.
$20.00 includes shipping.
Comment by Nicholas Donato — October 16, 2006 @ 1:18 pm
I wrapped my hockey puck in a couple of layers of flannel — I can’t hear it unless the engine’s off. I’m fine with it. (If I’m freaked out by by the destruction of my perfect silence while sitting in my MINI with the engine off and the brake light on, then I’ve probably got issues that are unrelated to the hockey puck.)
If it’s annoying to Josh and inattentive SUV drivers as they’re following me, then (1) I know it’s working as designed, and (2) I welcome them to get off my tail.
Comment by MrEdly — October 24, 2006 @ 3:04 am