Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Nite rider, can I upgrade?
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funrover
10-04-08, 12:50 AM
I have an OLD version. Runs on 6 D batteries. I want one that last longer and perhaps a batter pack or two I can charge.. not individual batteries. Now I really like the light set up with a high/low both option. I wanna know if I can just upgrade to a newer battery/power source. Any ideas where I can find out would be great!
cyccommute
10-04-08, 09:27 AM
I have an OLD version. Runs on 6 D batteries. I want one that last longer and perhaps a batter pack or two I can charge.. not individual batteries. Now I really like the light set up with a high/low both option. I wanna know if I can just upgrade to a newer battery/power source. Any ideas where I can find out would be great!
The battery part is easy. Go to Batteryspace and buy a NiMH RC car battery (http://www.batteryspace.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3468). The increased voltage will make for a brighter light. While there, look around for connectors or go down to Hobby Town and buy some Dean's Ultra connectors for the wires on the light and the battery
http://www.rcdude.com/catalog/DeansSet-crop.jpg
While at Batteryspace, look around for MR11 bulbs, too. You can increase the wattage...your current one is probably around 5 W...to 15W. It will shorten your run time but give you more light.
The controller part is more difficult. There's a control unit out there but I can't remember the name. Someone else here will probably know. Personally, I've never seen the utility of being able to dim my lights. Run them at full blast for as long as you can. If you need more run time, get another battery;) More electronics adds more complexity which means more modes of failure. Keep it simple.
funrover
10-06-08, 10:11 AM
Thanks!
funrover
10-07-08, 11:43 PM
Wiring it up wouldn't be the hard part, just making sure it is all in working order could be. I will look into this, for if it works I can get 2 battery packs and always have 1 ready!
cyccommute
10-08-08, 09:37 AM
Wiring it up wouldn't be the hard part, just making sure it is all in working order could be. I will look into this, for if it works I can get 2 battery packs and always have 1 ready!
It's pretty simple. The Dean's are a soldered connection and are very rugged if done properly. There are also some connectors out there called Anderson Power Poles that are a crimp connector and still very good. For wire, I use speaker wire from Radio Shack in a pretty thick gauge. Less resistance.
Get a Cage Rocket (http://www.rei.com/product/723319) to carry the battery in. Put a little notch in the case where the battery wire comes out and you are good to go.