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09-16-08, 12:37 AM
I had a home-brew light set-up using an MR16 and a xenon rear flasher running off a 2.1aH SLA. I didn't want to put this on my new bike so I'm getting a C7 torch for the front from DX. But how to get 12v for the flasher? Via DX I discovered the 14400 3.8v li-ion cell is a substitute for an AA cell - four of those is a bit much but 3 is probably too few; anyway there are no 3-cell battery holders. It's a snug fit as the 14400 is a couple of mm longer than an AA.
I already had the flasher but here's what it would cost if built from scratch --
Xenon flasher, 12v - $15
Waterproof instrument case - $10
Mini 12v toggle switch - $2.00
Waterproof boot to suit switch - $1.50
Battery holder - $2.50
Batteries - $13.00
Total - $44.00
I already the necesary charger in connection with the torch. All parts should available from Tandy. I couldn't get a red flasher - they only had orange. Orange is said to be brighter. Beware - some flashers are dim LED jobs.
This instrument case has a rubber seal and brass screw fittings - good seal and durable. It's attached to the seat post with with bracket originally used for the compulsory reflector -- should be strong enough.
In the US you could get a Lightman strobe cheaper than this but I couldn't find a distributor willing to post ot Australia, and postage costs add 50% anyway. Actually I couldn't get a distributor to reply to email queries and faxes about overseas shipping -- pretty pathetic actually.
Construction: easy. I could have improved the appearance by spraying the case with matt black auto paint. Originally I Araldited the battery holder to the lid but the glue didn't adhere to the battery holder so it's wedged in with a couple of pieces of foam from a camping mat.
I already had the flasher but here's what it would cost if built from scratch --
Xenon flasher, 12v - $15
Waterproof instrument case - $10
Mini 12v toggle switch - $2.00
Waterproof boot to suit switch - $1.50
Battery holder - $2.50
Batteries - $13.00
Total - $44.00
I already the necesary charger in connection with the torch. All parts should available from Tandy. I couldn't get a red flasher - they only had orange. Orange is said to be brighter. Beware - some flashers are dim LED jobs.
This instrument case has a rubber seal and brass screw fittings - good seal and durable. It's attached to the seat post with with bracket originally used for the compulsory reflector -- should be strong enough.
In the US you could get a Lightman strobe cheaper than this but I couldn't find a distributor willing to post ot Australia, and postage costs add 50% anyway. Actually I couldn't get a distributor to reply to email queries and faxes about overseas shipping -- pretty pathetic actually.
Construction: easy. I could have improved the appearance by spraying the case with matt black auto paint. Originally I Araldited the battery holder to the lid but the glue didn't adhere to the battery holder so it's wedged in with a couple of pieces of foam from a camping mat.