Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Batteryspace light units
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Muttley
09-25-08, 06:31 PM
Anybody use these semi-homebuilt lights from Batteryspace? How well are the lamp holders made?
http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3108
Muttley
dekindy
09-26-08, 07:36 AM
I have seen mixed reviews. That is the total extent of my knowledge.
Muttley
10-12-08, 07:50 PM
OK folks,
Got my lighting system done. (For now, at least. You know how it goes.)
I used a 3800 mAh NiMH pack and smart charger from batteryspace.
I added an Optronics lamphousing, and a 20W, 12 degree MR16 lamp.
I used a 12v red Lightman strobe from E-Tip.
Added a few brackets, some wiring, switches, and a fuse.
I think I'm up to $125 total, and I still have a spare lamphousing and several spare bulbs left.
It's frankly amazing! My first car, a 1974 Fiat, didn't put out this much light - which admittedly is faint praise, but it's a lot more than I was hoping for. My previous lighting experience was a Cateye HL1500 and a 3-led rear blinky.
Look out cagers! Here I come.
Muttley
Muttley
10-27-08, 10:50 PM
An update on my lights -
Still amazingly bright. However, I have discovered that the NiMH battery doesn't quite have a flat output curve. On my third commute I noticed that the headlight was dimmer and rather yellow. Not a big deal, especially as it was getting brighter by the moment (daylight.) I decided to shut the front light off except at intersections.
I also discovered that the Lightman strobe doesn't work at all if the voltage gets too low. I guess the only warning is when the headlight starts to fade. Fortunately, when I shut down the front light the strobe started to work again - and it seems to be the most important part of the system, especially on my route to work.
Having charged up the battery, everything runs fine now. But I'll have to make sure I don't overextend my run time in the future.
Muttley
10-28-08, 10:38 PM
Post pictures. NOW!
Your wish is my command.
Let's see if I can figure this attachment function out.....
Muttley
steveknight
10-28-08, 10:48 PM
I have the 13 watt HID light I used a custom battery pack works fine.
dclaryjr
10-30-08, 07:59 PM
OK folks,
Got my lighting system done. (For now, at least. You know how it goes.)
I used a 12v red Lightman strobe from E-Tip.
So what do you think of the Lightman compared to an LED blinkie? Several year ago, I had one on a faired recumbent I used for commuting (see pic), and I thought it was great. I'm back to commuting (on a traditional bike) and I'm trying to decide with getting another Lightman or go with something like the Planet Bike Super Flash.
Muttley
11-03-08, 01:22 PM
So what do you think of the Lightman compared to an LED blinkie? Several year ago, I had one on a faired recumbent I used for commuting (see pic), and I thought it was great. I'm back to commuting (on a traditional bike) and I'm trying to decide with getting another Lightman or go with something like the Planet Bike Super Flash.
I like the visibility of the Lightman. Remember that mine is a 12v unit, not the AA powered version... they might not have the same output. I am a bit annoyed at the way it quits working abruptly when the battery starts to fade. I worry a bit that it may just quit during my commute, and that I won't even realize it because the headlight is still working.
As a result, I put an LED blinkie on the seatpost to supplement the Lightman... just in case.
Muttley
PS I formerly had a V-Rex (similar to your P-38) but found it to be slower and more awkward than a normal bike... so I sold it to finance the Burley Runabout I commute on!