there are several tail light modulators out... just depends on what you want...
here's what I'm planning on getting
http://www.kriss.com/brakeflasher.php
as for brightening your tail lights... some LED lights are brighter than bulbs... but I've also seen some (like my signals ) that suck and are much dimmer. so it's hard to say
You can add reflective decals to your helmet... you can wear reflective vests...
Us military have to wear one anyways... Icon has the Military Spec Vest... and it was the only one out till last year... so A LOT of people including myself use that...
I gave that to my bro though... and I'm gonna be sporting this one this summer
oh and the electronics are simple... just think of the wire as a tube of water... larger tube more water... bad connection... leak... too many outlets... poor volume... longer tube... higher pressure. hope that helps
