Originally Posted by CigTech
Hi Guys and Gals,
This week lets talk Lights. What type head light do you use? Whats the output wattage? How does it works for you? And have you made any mod's to it?
Multiple lights.
Cygolite dual halogen helmet $60 down from $80 I use this as the main light on my vintage road bikes or as an add-on to the modern bike. Spot and Narrow flood 6v / 10w, NiMh water bottle battery. Originally 6w but I blew that out using an 8.4v battery. Great for staring down cagers. This is sufficient by itself.
Nitehawk SLA $20 down from $60 6v 10w handlebar light - One occasionally used as backup, and another for my son's road bike.
Little handlebar 3 LED blinky - to be seen only, may help you walk out
Big power DIY $200+ [Li-ion expensive!] Two optronics housings side by side off my aerobars. I have multiple MR16 halogen bulbs in separate housings for exchange. They rate 20w - 35w, 10degree - 24 degree, 3000K - 4800K (some solux). A couple are the high-efficiency Phillips brand. These are controlled by a lightbrain computer. A side momentary push button switches 1st light 33%, 66%, 100%, then adds 2nd light 66%, 100%. It overvolts at 13.2v until battery voltage drops. I normally use a Li-ion 18v 6.125 ah battery. I also have 2 8.4v RC NiMh packs in series. With 20w/35w lights going cars wait for considerable time at intersections
I haven't measured duration on a charge but at 33% a 20w lasted over 6 hours. Only the Li-ion battery has lasted.
