pinkrobe
09-19-07, 02:19 PM
Hello! I was riding in to work today and my light turned off. I don't know why, and I kind of don't care. It's an excuse for me to get a new light! ;) :D
Now, what to make? I have a 13W Trailtech HID setup courtesy of Batteryspace with a rechargeable Li-ion 4800 mAh battery, and it is pretty close to 40W halogen brightness with ~4hr runtime. I want to go with an LED setup that is dimmable. In fact I want even more light than the HID, but also the ability to run it lower when I don't need as much light. My research has pushed me in the direction of:
XR-E Mounted on Triple PCB for MR16: Q5 3-LED
some sort of buckpuck to control dimming and flashing?
waterproof casing that doubles as a heatsink
handlebar mount
waterproof switch
target lumens = 700+
Does this sound like I'm on the right track to get a single light that can produce that many lumens? The MR16 setup is available with triple Q5 Cree emitters, and apparently is the latest and greatest. I can get aluminum tubing and plate in any dimensions I need, but I don't have access to a lathe or machining tools beyond a dremel and hacksaw. I will learn how to solder properly. One thing I haven't seen is how to put a weatherproof lens/cover on the front so that it can be replaced easily. Is a flexible silicone caulk the only way? I keep thinking a screw-on clear cap would work, but I haven't seen anything appropriate.
I have done searches here and elsewhere, resulting in my choice of LED format and dimmer. I like the square aluminum tubing that one guy used (http://myfwyc.org/bikeled/DIY_LED_Bike_Lighting_Guide.html) to create a handlebar/head light using separate single emitters with lenses, and I think I can adapt that design. However, I'm really unsure on the electronics assembly. Is the MR16 format worthwhile, or should I just get individual LEDs?
All suggestions, links, etc. are appreciated!
Now, what to make? I have a 13W Trailtech HID setup courtesy of Batteryspace with a rechargeable Li-ion 4800 mAh battery, and it is pretty close to 40W halogen brightness with ~4hr runtime. I want to go with an LED setup that is dimmable. In fact I want even more light than the HID, but also the ability to run it lower when I don't need as much light. My research has pushed me in the direction of:
XR-E Mounted on Triple PCB for MR16: Q5 3-LED
some sort of buckpuck to control dimming and flashing?
waterproof casing that doubles as a heatsink
handlebar mount
waterproof switch
target lumens = 700+
Does this sound like I'm on the right track to get a single light that can produce that many lumens? The MR16 setup is available with triple Q5 Cree emitters, and apparently is the latest and greatest. I can get aluminum tubing and plate in any dimensions I need, but I don't have access to a lathe or machining tools beyond a dremel and hacksaw. I will learn how to solder properly. One thing I haven't seen is how to put a weatherproof lens/cover on the front so that it can be replaced easily. Is a flexible silicone caulk the only way? I keep thinking a screw-on clear cap would work, but I haven't seen anything appropriate.
I have done searches here and elsewhere, resulting in my choice of LED format and dimmer. I like the square aluminum tubing that one guy used (http://myfwyc.org/bikeled/DIY_LED_Bike_Lighting_Guide.html) to create a handlebar/head light using separate single emitters with lenses, and I think I can adapt that design. However, I'm really unsure on the electronics assembly. Is the MR16 format worthwhile, or should I just get individual LEDs?
All suggestions, links, etc. are appreciated!
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