Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Stupid Question

Would it be possible/advisable to replace the halogen bulb in a niterider system w/ an LED? I've seen all kinds of DIY LED systems, but they look really awkward and kind of fragile, mainly b/c of the housing and mount.

I've also seen LED replacements for halogen track bulbs eg http://www.doctorled.com/p3.htm

Thoughts?

Would it be possible/advisable to replace the halogen bulb in a niterider system w/ an LED? I've seen all kinds of DIY LED systems, but they look really awkward and kind of fragile, mainly b/c of the housing and mount.

I've also seen LED replacements for halogen track bulbs eg http://www.doctorled.com/p3.htm

Thoughts?

If it's an MR11, it's difficult. I think a few companies are starting to make some plug-n-play modules but they're pretty expensive.

There are kits that, with work, you can use to replace an mr11 halogen bulb. www.cutter.com.au has two kits, one for low voltage systems, and one for high voltage systems. They aren't exactly cheap at about $100, and you will need some knowledge of electronics and soldering. On the other hand, the kit is a relatively inexpensive way to give an older halogen system the same or better light output as a Dinotte 600L. The kit you mention probably is a flood, and not a spot, and in any event, uses lower powered leds and not the eye blinding, paint scorching sort used in the dinottes.

There are kits that, with work, you can use to replace an mr11 halogen bulb. www.cutter.com.au has two kits, one for low voltage systems, and one for high voltage systems. They aren't exactly cheap at about $100, and you will need some knowledge of electronics and soldering. On the other hand, the kit is a relatively inexpensive way to give an older halogen system the same or better light output as a Dinotte 600L. The kit you mention probably is a flood, and not a spot, and in any event, uses lower powered leds and not the eye blinding, paint scorching sort used in the dinottes.

For the cost of a bulb and a battery, it's not that difficult nor expensive to boost the output of the halogen to what the 600L puts out. It's not as light as the Dinotte but, then, your wallet would be heavier;)

Here is a LED headlight I made using a 1-inch PVC pipe coupler, Luxeon 1-watt star LED, and a matching elliptical lens and holder.
http://i143.photobucket.com/albums/r154/n4zou/Hpim0312.jpg
I made my own heat sink from some scrap copper sheet metal cut round to just fit inside the plastic pipe coupler that is mounted to the lens holder sandwiching the LED between them.
I used a 1-watt LED as I am using it with a dynamo so I had to keep the power requirements below 500mA.
Here is the link where I got my LED and matching optics.
http://www.luxeonstar.com/index.php

If you don’t mind batteries you might consider using a flashlight LED drop in lamp assembly like this.
http://www.dealextreme.com/productimages/sku_1343_1.jpg
I don’t think it will fit in your current halogen bulb housing but it would be very easy to put it in a PVC pipe or a PVC pipe coupler. Just go to a hardware store and find something it will fit in and mount that assembly inside. Here is the link where you can purchase this assembly.
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1343
For about $10 you get the reflector, LED, and driver circuit board. This is a very bright LED light! It is rated at 1000 LUX. It operates between 3.6 and 9 volts DC so your 6-volt batteries will be fine for it.
Be sure and look at the other DIY flashlight stuff as well.
http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.917~page.1