R65 and the 20 flash patterns of the flashlights

The LED flashlights on these bars are not one-trick strobes: the controller ships with twenty selectable flash patterns, programmable from a button on the unit. One of those patterns matters more than the others: the R65 pattern, the EU-approved one.

What R65 is (general knowledge)

R65 refers to UN/ECE Regulation 65, the European regulation for special warning lamps on vehicles. It defines what an approved amber warning lamp must do: flash rate, light intensity over the required angles, colour. A flashlight can only be R65-certified in a flash pattern that meets those parameters. That is exactly why the pattern list below singles one out.

The twenty patterns

The manufacturer's product sheets (translated from Swedish, originals archived) list the flash programmes as follows:

• 0 - Random (default)
• 1 - Single (split)
• 2 - Double (split)
• 3 - Quad (split)
• 4 - Quint (split)
• 5 - Mega (split)
• 6 - Ultra (split)
• 7 - Single-Quad (split)
• 8 - Single H/L (split)
• 9 - Single (all) (R65 - EU Certified)
• 10 - Single (all) (SAE)
• 11 - Double (all)
• 12 - Quad (all)
• 13 - Quint (all)
• 14 - Mega (all)
• 15 - Ultra (all)
• 16 - Single-Quad (all)
• 17 - Single H/L (all)
• 18 - Steady 2 (California)
• 19 - Steady 4 (all)

The split patterns alternate between lamp groups; the (all) patterns fire every lamp together. Pattern 10 follows the American SAE characteristic, and the two steady modes at the end turn the flashers into constant warning lights.

How to change the pattern

From the product sheet, translated: hold the button on the unit pressed for about 1 second to step to the next flash pattern. To reset, hold the button pressed for about 5 seconds and the flashlights return to factory mode #0, Random.

Which pattern to use

The manufacturer's own note is unambiguous and worth repeating: R65 is the EU-approved pattern and its use is recommended. Factory default #0 (Random) is a demonstration of everything the controller can do; pattern #9 is the one designed to meet the European requirements for warning lamps. If the machine will be seen on or near public roads, set it once to #9 and leave it there. What is legally required on a public road differs per country and vehicle class; see also position lights and public roads.