Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Just Ordered a Dinotte 600L and 140L Combo.

When I got home there was a small box waiting for me out front. I think I was successful in rerouting your DiNotte box to my address. Cool! :D

Oh . . . I guess I shouldn't actually be bragging about that, though... :o

http://www.htguide.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_laughat.gif



Looks like you'll be getting 2 of them :lol:

Got mine, off to ride with it in the dark right now :)

Looks like you'll be getting 2 of them :lol:

In all fairness, I really should send you back the tail light since I already have one on the way.

But I think I'm really gonna be needing that 600L.

:p

:D

Well, its sure a hell of a light. As one would expect, MUCH brighter than my 200L :) Rode with a smile on my face even though it was cold, wet, dark, and windy.

In all fairness, I really should send you back the tail light since I already have one on the way.

But I think I'm really gonna be needing that 600L.

:p

:D

Your re-direction must not have worked... The Dinotte 600L is Inda house! :D

First impressions is it is a nice unit, and surprizingly bright for it's size and weight. So far it looks nicely designed. It has 3 levels of power modes, and 4 flashing modes. This should make it a very versatile unit.

Here are some quick snaps of it... I'll see about some night shots, however can't promise tonight.

http://aycu38.webshots.com/image/29357/2005756704096630511_rs.jpg

http://aycu17.webshots.com/image/32096/2005714717537011521_rs.jpg

http://aycu14.webshots.com/image/30133/2005785050164128449_rs.jpg

http://aycu10.webshots.com/image/31929/2005724304728247385_rs.jpg

http://aycu38.webshots.com/image/32957/2005718420487661505_rs.jpg

http://aycu26.webshots.com/image/30425/2005779546575685233_rs.jpg


Now the tail light should arrive soon! 6 days is fast to Canada!

Just realized a dual handlebar 600L + helmet 200L rivals Lupine's new Betty lineup in terms of lumens but at a significantly lower cost.

What is the total cost for that set up? How long do they run on high?

I come up with $28 more for the Betty and 1/3 as much stuff on the bike.


I also ordered the 600L with the standard lens rather than the wide... If I need more light I'll just add a Wide later for the wicked Duals
If you add another 600L now you are about $900 for three lights, three battery packs, three chargers etc. etc.

The Betty is about $975 you get it all in one light and you lose a lot of weight. With a much better, faster, more convenient bracket. The whole thing fits in your pocket when you get to work.

edit: $995 not $975

If you add another 600L now you are about $900 for three lights, three battery packs, three chargers etc. etc.

The Betty is about $975 you get it all in one light and you lose a lot of weight. With a much better, faster, more convenient bracket. The whole thing fits in your pocket when you get to work.

edit: $995 not $975


While you have a point there, I think you have to look at the whole and understand what started this. I ordered the 600L Kit for $391 shipped. That included Charger, 2 batteries, all the hardware. 7 Hours run time at Full Power. It was such a screaming deal, how could I resist?

Adding in the 140L for another $120 with 2cell Li-Ion also seemed a no brainer, bringing the system cost to $511. Still an easy choice given the Wilma or Betty when cost is factored in. So I can use this, be happy, or if I need more light, I can always throw on my Alias HID for 1200 Lumen of power, and with one of the brightest Tail Lights in the industry.

Now, you know me, I like uniformity, so really , if I need more power, I would look at either buying another light (more powerful like a Wilma or Betty), or just add/upgrade with another 600L. Cost of another 600L is ~$300 for light engine only. Bringing the total system cost to $811. Which is still pretty good for 1200 Lumen, and having the 140L included in that. Sure it's now in the territory of the Betty, but this is the path I have chosen.

All is not lost however, for if I was to order another 600L, I think I would just order the the entire kit again, thus ending up with 2 chargers and 4 batteries in total, getting 14 hours run time at full power. Additionally, this gives me a very flexible system that allows me to run one light at full power, one less, or run with less batteries (depending on the ride), or strap one to my head, one on the bike, or lend one to a friend, or leave one on one bike, one on the other.



So in summary:

Betty 6 = $995 for 1400 Lumen, 3 hrs run time (at full power) with one battery, one charger, no tail light.

Dinotte Extreme Pack = $900 for 1200 Lumen, 14 hrs run time (at full power) 4 batteries + a Mini 2 cell for the 140L tail light and 2 chargers. (Note the addition of that kick ass 140L tail light), plus the total system is very flexible ;)

So while some would say its a wash, some would say Betty is the answer, I say right now I'm into it for $520, which is cheap for 600 lumen, 7 hour system with tail light, the answer for me was the Dinotte. I did not plan to spend more, however I do have an upgrade path available that is still cost effective for Lumen/Burn time per dollar, should I wan tto add more light. It's all dependant on a person's perspective. It is all talk at this point, I need to get the light out in the dark and see if I like it :D

Quite honestly, I can't see this or any current system replacing my Alias HID, for Commuting, as the integrated unit is too convenient for installation and removal on a daily basis, Plus it's 600 lumen's is bright enough for my daily commute. In fact so much so, I just ordered a spare battery for the Alias today as well :D I just wanted a secondary system for back up or non commute rides, and the Dinotte seemed like a cost effective solution.

Your re-direction must not have worked... The Dinotte 600L is Inda house! :D


Yeah, what I thought was your light was actually a box of Peanut Brittle from the local school fund raiser. :(

I feel like Charlie Brown on Halloween when the other kids get candy in their bags and all he gets is a rock. Rats. Sigh.

;)

Have fun with that light! I think you did well. :)

While you have a point there, I think you have to look at the whole and understand what started this. I ordered the 600L Kit for $391 shipped. That included Charger, 2 batteries, all the hardware. 7 Hours run time at Full Power. It was such a screaming deal, how could I resist?

Adding in the 140L for another $120 with 2cell Li-Ion also seemed a no brainer, bringing the system cost to $511. Still an easy choice given the Wilma or Betty when cost is factored in. So I can use this, be happy, or if I need more light, I can always throw on my Alias HID for 1200 Lumen of power, and with one of the brightest Tail Lights in the industry.

Now, you know me, I like uniformity, so really , if I need more power, I would look at either buying another light (more powerful like a Wilma or Betty), or just add/upgrade with another 600L. Cost of another 600L is ~$300 for light engine only. Bringing the total system cost to $811. Which is still pretty good for 1200 Lumen, and having the 140L included in that. Sure it's now in the territory of the Betty, but this is the path I have chosen.

All is not lost however, for if I was to order another 600L, I think I would just order the the entire kit again, thus ending up with 2 chargers and 4 batteries in total, getting 14 hours run time at full power. Additionally, this gives me a very flexible system that allows me to run one light at full power, one less, or run with less batteries (depending on the ride), or strap one to my head, one on the bike, or lend one to a friend, or leave one on one bike, one on the other.



So in summary:

Betty 6 = $995 for 1400 Lumen, 3 hrs run time (at full power) with one battery, one charger, no tail light.

Dinotte Extreme Pack = $900 for 1200 Lumen, 14 hrs run time (at full power) 4 batteries + a Mini 2 cell for the 140L tail light and 2 chargers. (Note the addition of that kick ass 140L tail light), plus the total system is very flexible ;)

So while some would say its a wash, some would say Betty is the answer, I say right now I'm into it for $520, which is cheap for 600 lumen, 7 hour system with tail light, the answer for me was the Dinotte. I did not plan to spend more, however I do have an upgrade path available that is still cost effective for Lumen/Burn time per dollar, should I wan tto add more light. It's all dependant on a person's perspective. It is all talk at this point, I need to get the light out in the dark and see if I like it :D

Quite honestly, I can't see this or any current system replacing my Alias HID, for Commuting, as the integrated unit is too convenient for installation and removal on a daily basis, Plus it's 600 lumen's is bright enough for my daily commute. In fact so much so, I just ordered a spare battery for the Alias today as well :D I just wanted a secondary system for back up or non commute rides, and the Dinotte seemed like a cost effective solution.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6075/youguysarebothnutstb8.jpg

Yeah, what I thought was your light was actually a box of Peanut Brittle from the local school fund raiser. :(

I feel like Charlie Brown on Halloween when the other kids get candy in their bags and all he gets is a rock. Rats. Sigh.

;)

Have fun with that light! I think you did well. :)

Thanks, you too :)


"I Got a Rock" :lol:

http://www.petcaretips.net/IGotARock.jpg





http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/6075/youguysarebothnutstb8.jpg


:roflmao: Bailey Knows it all too well! :D

My first impression of this lamp is it puts out as much light as the L&M Arc, Planet Bike Alias HID, or any other HID in this price range.

Is it as bright as an Edison? No, but that's a killer HID.


Alias HID
http://aycu13.webshots.com/image/29572/2000040602982655493_rs.jpg

Dinotte 600L LED
http://aycu01.webshots.com/image/32480/2000075130905682520_rs.jpg

The pictures aren't really representative of real world conditions for both lamps, but they give you an idea. The 600L projects further and offers lots of spill light. The HID does not have such a dark ring or hot white center spot to the naked eye.

First indicators are I really like the light pattern the 600L puts out. It just seems to illuminate the entire area in front of you. The light color is very pleasing as well. I'm glad I went with the standard beam.

I'll try to get more shots and a real full out riding session with it, to post back here.

Viper

With the 600l did you get the standard or the wide lens ?
Are you running the 4cell or 2cell Li-ion battery pack ?

What camera settings did you use eg. manual mode, shutter speed, apeture.


Thanks

Well, now that you have seen for yourself, let me give you my take on it. I also got the tail light and the 600L package, which is pretty good as a combo. Before you read on, I should give you a background of what I am comparing things to. I have never had any real light system in the past, so the intensity expectations I had were maybe compared to the sun and the lights in my car (new Audi A6). So, take it for what it is worth to you.

Good things:
-Very very flexible system. You can hook up both the front and tail light to one single battery, which for me is more than fine as if I ride in the afternoon into the evening, I hardly ever go for more than 2.5 hours. Plenty and then some for a single battery. That saves me having to carry 2 batteries. If I got for a ride in the very very early morning like at 3-4 AM, I would add the smaller battery for the back light and use a regular for the front in case I get some mechanical problem or a flat and need the extra run time. I seriously hate riding in the morning as I ususally would have to work 12-16 hours after that, so I don't see this happening much though.
-Very light and easy to set up.
-Quick on and off the bike.
-The tail light is very very bright. When I look back in the areas where there is no city/house lights, it looks like there is a cop car parked 1/2 mile behind me with the flashers on! Even with city lights around, it is pretty intense.
-No question you get seen very well with the tail light. At first I thought I was overpaying, it is a tail light for god's sake, but I am convinced it is worth every single penny.
-The batteries charge very quickly even though you have to do one at a time. However, the smaller battery for the tail light charges much much quicker than the other normal size ones and runs a lot longer with the tail light.
-It comes with the helmet mount and the longer cable for it, which I don't see me using ever, but it is there.

Things I did not like:
-PRICE. I still think they are little overpriced. I also think the same for all the current lights in the market anyway, so it is not exclusive to this set up.
-I was a little disappointed at the intensity/spread of the light. I guess I was expecting the intensity of a semi truck:o:o
-I personally find the beam a little too narrow, sort of. If I point the light right in front of the bike like ViperZ has it in the picture above, it is more than plenty bright. Almost too bright! But if I point it to a certain distance to see a longer distance in front of me, then the path looks not bright enough for my taste. I think the ultimate solution to this would be 2 lights, which would make this blindingly bright even for me. Almost and maybe too much really. :p My eyes got used to the intensit of the light in any way I pointed it though, and I never felt like I couldn't see well at all though. However, I wished I had more.......... Having said that, I don't forsee me getting the second light anytime soon.
-I wished the cable from the charger had a splitter like the one that came with the batteries. That way you could charge 2 batteries at once. That would be the ultimate rather than having 2 different chargers. Sounds wastfull to me:o
-Although it may sound and look too simple, I wished they had out in the box some better instructions and info for the system. I had a hard time getting the bracket for the front light to stay in the same spot without moving at all with bumps. Finally I made it work with a little shim they included, but it would have been nice not to have to waste the 20 min. trying to figure it out.
-Shipping: I was told they would ship express mail and that it would get here basically in 2 days. They did ship it that way, but it took 6 days to get here. That is "USPS Express Shipping" at its best. It takes PBK 3-4 days to send me stuff from England for god's sake:(

I've used the system now twice and it has performed as advertised. Like you said, I think you'll find a hard time finding a light that will be as easy on/off as the Planet Bike HID you already have, but this has got to be a pretty darn close second I would think.

Kleng, it's a standard lens. I'm using the 4 cell pack that porovides 3.5 hours at full power.

Exposure settings were on Programed Auto with aperature set to F/2.8, shutter speed was 1 second. The camera was on a tripod.

Interesting observations dgsamd...

I find the light it gives plenty enough, however I'm like you and we could always use more than what is required. The standard lens seems to reach far enough, and you do have to be mindful to not adjust the light too far ahead, for you want to light the area in front of you, being mindful of how fast it takes you to cover that distance. Even with both the lights on @1200 lumens, I found the distance of reach wasn't really increased (marginally better), however the ground was just lit up brighter.

Again, it may just be my points of reference: the sun and my car!!

The sun and a brand new A6.... Yeah, those are killer references :D

I was not able to test the light further due to a busy weekend schedule... The 140L should arrive this week, so maybe I'll try to get shots of the whole assembly then.

Thanks for the comparison pics Viperz.
It sure looks like the Alias Hid lights up a spot on the ground in front of the bike, whereas the Dinotte lights up a path for a distance in front of the bike.

Pics are always misrepresentative of how they really look, but is that difference still seen to the naked eye, where the Dinotte you can hardly tell where its focused on the ground in front while the Hid its obvious ?

You are right Jarey, the HID does have a more focused point of light, where as the LED, doe snot and just seems to be more a cloud of light.


I just came back night riding with the Dinotte 600L and I'm very pleased with this light. The overall illumination of it is stellar. In the bright city lights on the streets, it gets a bit drowned out however, I notice drivers and pedestrians still taking double takes just like with my HID. It's once you hit the dark trails that the light shines :) This is as good as any HID (in the same class) I have seen or used.

http://aycu27.webshots.com/image/31346/2001942318575064414_rs.jpg

http://aycu12.webshots.com/image/33171/2001993126968029928_rs.jpg
I stopped at the local College field and watch a short game of soccer

http://aycu26.webshots.com/image/31585/2001941896118106449_rs.jpg

http://aycu28.webshots.com/image/31347/2001949846775613533_rs.jpg

http://aycu15.webshots.com/image/30614/2001938939319290396_rs.jpg

Just did my first real night ride with the 600L myself tonight. I've commuted with it a couple times as well. In comparison to a Cygolight Dualcross LiIon, DiNotte 200L, this thing blows them away. I have to keep it on low on the MUP otherwise it would absolutely blind people. Once I had it aimed in a good spot, I had no problems cruising along at 20 mph. Having the one button switch to hi is fantastic too, so you can run it on low until you hit a very dark/rough patch, flash it bright, and one button back to whatever setting you were using. Pretty handy on a MUP path like this where you dont want to be running high the entire time. Overall I'm very happy with it, even for the steep price. The taillight will come next, but I gotta wait for another paycheck :)

What is the verdict between the standard and wide lenses if you only buy one 600L and it would be your only front light? In combination with a helmet mounted light?

What is the verdict between the standard and wide lenses if you only buy one 600L and it would be your only front light? In combination with a helmet mounted light?

I have a 200L with the standard beam. It lights up the whole width of the lane with more spill light to the sides. The only time it's too narrow is if I'm turning onto a side street at high speeds. So I just received a fenix AA flashlight (https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=333&osCsid=43f32c311eaf1e7bdd5ff5a5ae39fb74) for my helmet. But it's been raining, I haven't tested it yet. I had tried a cheap $10.00 LED light and even that one helped see around corners or light up something off the side of the road.

The 200L has plenty of light when the road is completely dark, my eyes adapt. With street lights, it's light supplements the street lights, and fills in the darker sections between lights.

The only time you would need the wide beam 600L is on offroad trail riding, where there's lots of sharp turns.

I have a 200L with the standard beam. It lights up the whole width of the lane with more spill light to the sides. The only time it's too narrow is if I'm turning onto a side street at high speeds. So I just received a fenix AA flashlight (https://www.fenix-store.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_65&products_id=333&osCsid=43f32c311eaf1e7bdd5ff5a5ae39fb74) for my helmet. But it's been raining, I haven't tested it yet. I had tried a cheap $10.00 LED light and even that one helped see around corners or light up something off the side of the road.

The 200L has plenty of light when the road is completely dark, my eyes adapt. With street lights, it's light supplements the street lights, and fills in the darker sections between lights.

The only time you would need the wide beam 600L is on offroad trail riding, where there's lots of sharp turns.

I would like to hear your fenix report.

What is the verdict between the standard and wide lenses if you only buy one 600L and it would be your only front light? In combination with a helmet mounted light?

I think the 600L Standard lens is sufficient. It allows more reach, yet has enough spill light to the sides.

I suppose it depends what you want, but I wanted more reach.

I would like to hear your fenix report.

It'll be a few days. Rain all week here. I'm planning to post pictures of both lights, too.

I got my 200L and tried it out yesterday. It is an awesome light. Now I can see where I'm going. With my old light I felt like I was looking through a pinhole. Now I can see the entire road. When I first got it charged it was daylight and I was shining it around in the garage. It didn't seem very powerful, but boy, after dark it was a whole different story. It is a very powerful little light. Only thing I need to do Is figure out how to mount it so my brake and shifter cables aren't in the way. Any suggestions?

Put it on your helmet?

Seriously, I much prefer a helmet mounted light to a bar mounted light for street riding. Can't comment on trail riding since I have no experience.

BTW, I had a lot of fun shining my helmet light on the guys from the group relieving themselves in cornfields during last night's ride.

Even with powerful bar mounted lights, for trail riding having a helmet mounted light allows you to look ahead around corners. That's a big plus!

My combo has arrived -- but I am in a different city. Darn! Well, the weekend awaits ...

I hope the tail light arrives today.... :rolleyes:

I hope the tail light arrives today.... :rolleyes:

Yeah, I'm still waiting on mine, too (ever since I got the "It's in the Mail" notice from Nashbar on Oct. 17).

:lol: puny earthlings

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2219/hpim7282smallpr0.jpg

I'd love to see a beamshot with all of those systems running. The current draw alone
would suck your battery dry in seconds but while it lasted it would be brighter than
daylight!

This has got you beat. 6000 lumens

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p202/bubbles_mr/epic10_800.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p202/bubbles_mr/epic4_800.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p202/bubbles_mr/800_HB_steady__LB_steady.jpg

I've got the same mountain bike. What light set is that? We could have twins!

Edit: after reading your mtbr.com writeup and the dangers involved, I think my
batteryspace.com HID from Trailtech is as far as I need to go with dangerous
battery technology!

OK, the 140L is in da house! :D

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5640/140ldt8.jpg

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2804/140l1zx6.jpg

I still wonder why your unit was shipped separate. Mine came all in the same box as a combo unit. Looks good though. What do you think of the intensity? You must have turned it on at least outside to check it out!

Look out!!! It's starting the work bench on fire! :D


http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5972/140l1ch8.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5699/140l11yq1.jpg


I love how the intensity of the red LED oversaturates the CCD sensor of the camera :roflmao:

I still wonder why your unit was shipped separate. Mine came all in the same box as a combo unit. Looks good though. What do you think of the intensity? You must have turned it on at least outside to check it out!

I ordered just the 600L at first and then 2 days later asked to make it a combo.

Look out!!! It's starting the work bench on fire! :D

I love how the intensity of the red LED oversaturates the CCD sensor of the camera :roflmao:

Patiently waiting for photos outside on the bike. That might be good for the Recumbent trike Velocar I am designing now.

Patiently waiting for photos outside on the bike. That might be good for the Recumbent trike Velocar I am designing now.

Good Things come to those that wait


I just got back for a night ride with this set-up and I have to say I'm very impressed with it. It is a solid package for the price. I noticed everyone in cars were doing double takes as there were approaching me, or passing me, it's as if they did not believe a bicycle was packing so much HEAT all around.

Anyway, here are some shots... Sorry for the lack of compositional quality as I was more out for the ride :D

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1005/blazevk1.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/2246/blaze3bp2.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9513/blaze4xq4.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7628/blaze5pa0.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/6478/blaze8al6.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9153/blaze7ai6.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/8481/blaze2gp1.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5497/blaze9ct6.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/5837/blaze10fl0.jpg

OK, the 140L is in da house! :D


I, too, received a box from whence emanates a mysterious, red glow.

Er . . . I wonder what it is? :rolleyes:

:p

:D

As always, very nice pictures.

Thanks Dgas! :beer:

What kind of front mount are you using? I need to get my 200L out from behind my brake cables, and I don't want to use a helmet mount.

What kind of front mount are you using? I need to get my 200L out from behind my brake cables, and I don't want to use a helmet mount.

I'm using the stock mount that came with the 600L. I just discovered the other day it has a racheting pivot that allows you to adjust the light side to side... Bonus for the fine adjustment.

I posted my Dinotte 200L and Fenix review here. (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?p=5531126). I have even more respect for your night photos, viperz. It's really hard get the exposures working correctly.

About the cables in the way of the 200L, I don't have any good ideas, since I have campy cables that route under the bar tape. The 200L works great with those.

Thanks on the photos, I'll check out the review.

Here is a different shot

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/1350/dscn7837mediumev1.jpg

[QUOTE=ViperZ;5529191]
Anyway, here are some shots... Sorry for the lack of compositional quality as I was more out for the ride :D

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/1005/blazevk1.jpg

QUOTE]

Lack of compositional quality? That's awesome composition dude! However, I would crop so that the bike is exactly in the center; the symmetry would give added impact IMHO.

Thanks :beer:

I too was thinking with a bit of Photo shopping it would make a good picture to be framed.

Geez. With the brightness produced by that light, you would think that you saw the "No Parking" sign you were parked next to!

;-)