Commuting - Homemade commuter lights

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Big Johnson
08-20-03, 01:00 PM
Has anyone else made thier own bicycle lights? I recently constructed an excellent light using an MR-16 20 watt halogen spot lamp, the housing from a Cr-500 rotor head (sprinkler head), an 18 volt rechargable niCad battery from a cordless drill, an inexpensive switch, and some miscelaneous wire, connectors, and other parts. I welded up an adjustable bracket for the light itsself and mounted the battery in a wedge pack under the seat. It is BRIGHT! and it will run at least two hours without dimming ( more than long enough for my purposes). Motorists must think I am on a motorcycle, because they yeild rather than cutting in front of me like they usually do. I couldn't be happier with this system, except for the wieght(about 5 lbs.) The best part is it cost me less than $20.00 to construct since I allready owned the battery and charger. I will post pictures soon. I would love to see what other inventive and creative people have come up with.

ljbike
08-20-03, 01:05 PM
Check the archives for Alister who made some lights that fit into his handle bar as I remember. There are some pics as well.

Your system sounds pretty good. Glad it's working as expected. Am looking forward to the pics.
purple hayes
08-20-03, 01:39 PM
Where'd you pick up the sprinkler head?

Big Johnson
08-20-03, 02:04 PM
I am the purchasing agent at a local plumbing and irrigation supply company. It came from the defective pile.
Allister
08-20-03, 05:58 PM
Originally posted by ljbike
Check the archives for Alister who made some lights that fit into his handle bar as I remember. There are some pics as well.

Your system sounds pretty good. Glad it's working as expected. Am looking forward to the pics.

Mine is an LED setup, and cost a fair bit more than $20. I also don't have the batteries in the handle bar since I switched to riser handlebars. It could be done, but I've been to lazy to get around to it.

I'm looking forward to seeing pictures of your setup Big Johnson - in the meantime, mine can be seen here (http://members.optushome.com.au/clanmclaren/headlight.htm)
MichaelW
08-21-03, 02:54 AM
Wiring a lead-acid 6v battery to a 3watt dynamo headlamp is pretty easy. No need to actually construct a lamp.