DIY Lights

jman0

Considering making my own bike lights for this winter, DIY seems to be the way to go if you want very bright lights comparable to a cars headlamps.
Just looking at the prices of some of those lights at cyclesuperstore.ie its like :eek:

I'm wondering if anybody has had some experience at this, maybe some recomendations for a rechargeable battery that would power 2 halogen lamps PLUS whatever i put on the rear.

Morgan

I've never gotten around to trying this myself but you might find some inspiration here:
http://www.timpaton.net/bikes/light/

Mucco

I made myself a set of lights similar to lumicycles.
The lights consisted of 2 MR11 bulbs, 2 bulb holders, 2 switches + wiring epoxied into a plumbing reducer (from 50mm to 35mm I think) as the housing.

For the battery, I used 11 x 4.5Ah NiMH cells, giving me an over-volted pack. I fitted a resettable thermal fuse to protect the pack from over-charging. I wanted a smart charger, so ended up paying ~50 for one, identical to lumicycle, but direct from the supplier, so cheaper.

It's quite easy to do, and a lot cheaper!

M

jman0

What is that charger and where do u get one?
I'd be willing to pay for one that protects against over charging too.
And what about a rear light?
Does your battery fit into a bottle cage?

Mucco

Batteries:
http://www.budgetbatteries.co.uk/cgi-bin/store/products/ProductDetail.pl?productid=20317&prorec=1&cartid=954_7Aug05_213534&_pageid=17
11 of them fit in a water bottle.

Charger:
http://www.lumicycle.com/Product/product2.aspx?product=NIMH_FST&dep=88
I got it a bit cheaper, but can't remember where at the moment.

I just use a cateye rear light

robfitz

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