Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - Dinotte Sale

Just FYI folks,

Dinotte is having another sale on their products. Just in case you've been lurking and thinking about that uber-bright tail light :)

http://www.dinottelighting.com/

oh boo, just as I was trying to get rid of my dinotte headlight :p

I've been thinking of moving up to Li-ion; AA is handy, but the extra runtime would be nice.

I've been thinking of moving up to Li-ion; AA is handy, but the extra runtime would be nice.


I did just that this year... have not regretted it either. Longer run times and a lot less hassle. You can still use AA if you want to build a six pack, or just build a 18650 pack.

would the AA version be better than 2 fenix l2ds??

Does the Fenix have an always-on flash pattern?

would the AA version be better than 2 fenix l2ds??

I've owned a Dinotte 200L pro-series and I use a Fenix L2D-Q5 on my job. A simple comparison of the two showed me that the Dinotte's beam pattern was wider, and it was a tad bit brighter. The throw was about the same. That being said ... If I was wanting strictly a AA battery powered system I would still opt for the Fenix. If I were to choose Dinotte I would go for the Li Ion battery system (which I presently use).

My reasons are ..

1. Two AA batteries (vs 4 in the dinotte)

2. Lack of external cords and battery pack.

3. More battery flexibility. The Dinotte cannot use Alkaline batteries, it drains them in about 10 minutes. The fenix truly can use alkaline, albeit with a slightly diminished performance. Both systems can use Lithium batteries and NiMh.

Dinotte does have one major advantage over the Fenix.... The customer support is the best in the industry. That is why I stuck with them.

Don't get me wrong, the 200L was a good light. I just did not get the performance I wanted using the AA powered system. I came up with some "tricks" like creating a parallel wire system that allowed me to use two battery packs simultaneously for slightly more than twice the run time. I used to carry a spare battery holder loaded with Lithium batteries as a "last chance" battery pack. The Dinotte actually performs very well with Lith batteries, just too expensive to use as anything but a backup. This year I ordered a 400L that utilized the Li Ion system. What a pleasure to use! I liked it so much I upgraded my tail light to it as well.

Does the Fenix have an always-on flash pattern?

The Fenix has two flashing modes ... SOS and Strobe. The strobe is the closest to an always on mode.

Some argue that the strobe is too fast. I don't think I agree, but I guess you would have to try it for yourself.

The SOS is the slowest, maybe too slow as the flashing pauses between each letter. That could amount to the time a car doing 55 mph coming around a curve would have to spot and react. Some don't like the idea of running an SOS signal. Personally I don't think you're going to cause a SAR or EMS response. I think 95% (or more) drivers wouldn't even put that together. That feature was designed for someone lost or trapped in a remote area to signal a passer by or a helicopter overhead.

I do agree that a Dinotte has better flash modes.

It is showing $129 + $3 for shipping for the 140 taillight without batteries. Is there any coupon code someone can PM me to get it lower?

I think you're looking at the wrong one.

Look at: http://store.dinottelighting.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=dinotte&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=721981227&Count2=639121651

That one is $103.20 No AA batteries or charger, so you have to provide your own.

I think you're looking at the wrong one.

Look at: http://store.dinottelighting.com/shared/StoreFront/default.asp?CS=dinotte&StoreType=BtoC&Count1=721981227&Count2=639121651

That one is $103.20 No AA batteries or charger, so you have to provide your own.

Thanks for catching that.
Good prices on the other lights also.

Just noticed the link I posted doesn't work...ugh.

Go to Dinotte's store, click on the AA lights, and it's the second one from the top.

Before I take the plunge, does anyone know if it will be easy to install on a folding bike? My seatpost diameter is larger than average and never fits the standard rings that comes with usual blinkys.

Second question, if I go for the no-charger option it only shows 2 hour runtime on high. Is high the recommended setting, or do most run it on lower modes?

Before I take the plunge, does anyone know if it will be easy to install on a folding bike? My seatpost diameter is larger than average and never fits the standard rings that comes with usual blinkys.

Second question, if I go for the no-charger option it only shows 2 hour runtime on high. Is high the recommended setting, or do most run it on lower modes?

Mine came with two O-rings, so you should be able to use it. If not you can always shop around for larger O-rings, or use a cross section from an old inner tube. I would make that old tube something like 2.0 or larger. Bottom line is there is more than one way to use this light if you get creative enough.

Call and speak to Dinotte about your concern. Tell them the diameter of your seatpost and I bet they can advise you the best course of action.

You, and maybe others might disagree with me. But I would spend the extra 56.00 and get the Li Ion system at it's sale price. Longer run times and easier battery maintenance.

I run mine on High-Steady mode when I'm on roads with cars. If I am group riding or using a MUP then I use low-steady mode. In daylight conditions I go fast-flashing.

Before I take the plunge, does anyone know if it will be easy to install on a folding bike? My seatpost diameter is larger than average and never fits the standard rings that comes with usual blinkys. Both the front and rear dinotte lights use a fairly unique system involving O-ring rubberbands. They can fit pretty much any size handlebars/stems/seatposts out there.

An image of the rear mount:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/22876.jpg

veggie_lover (http://www.bikeforums.net/member.php?u=110339)
I just got one last week.
Easy to install, mine came with 4 o-rings.
The battery charger is great.
You can use your own if you already have one.
I get 7 hr run time on the fast strobe mode.
That seems to be the favorite mode for visibility.

I run mine on High-Steady mode when I'm on roads with cars. If I am group riding or using a MUP then I use low-steady mode. In daylight conditions I go fast-flashing.

Thanks for the info! Their website says 6 hours runtime on rapid pulse with the AA. Is rapid pulse operating at full intensity or lower intensity?

Thanks for the info! Their website says 6 hours runtime on rapid pulse with the AA. Is rapid pulse operating at full intensity or lower intensity?

pulses are full intensity spaced with lower intensity or none depending on mode

Thanks to all, I have just placed my order for the tail light for $108 incl. shipping. Any suggestions for what I should do with my planet bike superflash light? It came with a small clip, should I mount it on the side of my bike?

Put your Superflash on a seatstay; it'll be good as a backup or when the Dinotte feels like overkill.

I clip my PBSF onto the back of my hat when I run in the darkness of early morning. Other than that, it would make a good back-up for the DiNotte, but I've never had to use it for this b/c I carry an extra set of batteries.

A back up is always a good idea. Just don't waste your batteries if the Dinotte tail light is on because it will wash out the PB. Wait till you have a problem, then switch it on.

A back up is always a good idea. Just don't waste your batteries if the Dinotte tail light is on because it will wash out the PB. Wait till you have a problem, then switch it on.

My way of thinking is that if the DiNotte goes out, I want the PB SuperFlash to already be running, so I have a working taillight even if I'm not aware of the failure at first. The SuperFlash is very economical on battery power, plus I use rechargeable NiMH in it anyway, so hey :) In computerese, this would be called a "hot spare."

Don't die with your taillight turned off, that's what I say :thumb:

I finally broke down and ordered a Dinotte 140L tail-light since they are on sale. It only took 2 days to arrive in the mail, so I installed it yesterday. My main hesitancy in ordering a Dinotte was the limited mounting options. Since I use a large seatbag (Carradice Barley) for commuting, I couldn't mount the tail-light on my seatpost. I ended up figuring out a very simple way to mount the light. I added an 8" piece of PVC pipe just behind my seat, held in place by the straps on my Barley. The light is perfectly centered just behind the seat at a good height. I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet, but will have it on my commute tomorrow.

One of the nice things of the 140L tail light is that I can tell if it is on by looking at signs in my mirror. If they are not red as I pass, the tail light is off.

I finally broke down and ordered a Dinotte 140L tail-light since they are on sale. It only took 2 days to arrive in the mail, so I installed it yesterday. My main hesitancy in ordering a Dinotte was the limited mounting options. Since I use a large seatbag (Carradice Barley) for commuting, I couldn't mount the tail-light on my seatpost. I ended up figuring out a very simple way to mount the light. I added an 8" piece of PVC pipe just behind my seat, held in place by the straps on my Barley. The light is perfectly centered just behind the seat at a good height. I haven't had an opportunity to use it yet, but will have it on my commute tomorrow.

I wanted mine as high as I could mount it.
1/4 inch plywood wedge, with a tab on the end to mount the light.
One screw in the seat bottom support bar through the plywood.
Two Ty wraps on the mount bracket.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/undereat2.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/bestseatmount.jpg

Both the front and rear dinotte lights use a fairly unique system involving O-ring rubberbands. They can fit pretty much any size handlebars/stems/seatposts out there.

An image of the rear mount:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/22876.jpg

A uniquely worthless system. It means you cannot swivel the light engine AT ALL. Which is critical if you're riding on roads with other motorists.

Just FYI folks,

Dinotte is having another sale on their products. Just in case you've been lurking and thinking about that uber-bright tail light :)

http://www.dinottelighting.com/

I'm sort of wondering what the hell kind of sale this is. The 200L is retailing for $125. The last time it was "on sale" it was $99.

I wanted mine as high as I could mount it.
1/4 inch plywood wedge, with a tab on the end to mount the light.
One screw in the seat bottom support bar through the plywood.
Two Ty wraps on the mount bracket.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/undereat2.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/bestseatmount.jpg

Nice high visibility location, but won't your butt hit it when you move your ass and weight back for full braking power emergency stops?

A uniquely worthless system. It means you cannot swivel the light engine AT ALL. Which is critical if you're riding on roads with other motorists.

Funny -- I can swivel mine without any problem. Usually just up & down, but if I want to point the taillight to the side, I can do that, too.

I bought a dinnotte 140-AA-R rear light. So far, I think it's super bright! :thumb:

Unfortunately, it has to go back! The battery connector on the cable attached to the light doesn't create a solid connection to the battery. If I jiggle it, the connection is intermittent.:(

Hopefully their support is good because I want these lights to work soon. I could just open it up and solder a different connector and cable, but you would think a set of lights this expensive, even on sale, would work perfectly.

Unfortunately, it has to go back! The battery connector on the cable attached to the light doesn't create a solid connection to the battery. If I jiggle it, the connection is intermittent.:(

Does it happen when you jiggle it at the light, or at the connection with the battery pack?

If it's at the pack, try pinching either of the "female" connectors so that they clamp tighter. That's one thing I've done with nearly every 9-volt battery and/or connector.

If that doesn't help, or if the jittery connection is at the light body, certainly contact Dinotte about it and they should take care of you. They did well with me resolving a shipping issue (got two taillights instead of one taillight and one amber headlight, so he sent me a prepaid shipping pack for the extra light).

I'm sort of wondering what the hell kind of sale this is. The 200L is retailing for $125. The last time it was "on sale" it was $99.

exchange rate and weaker economy.


A uniquely worthless system. It means you cannot swivel the light engine AT ALL. Which is critical if you're riding on roads with other motorists.

I don't get it, this thing swivels both horizontally and vertically when mounted on a seat post.

one thing I don't like about it, is that there's next to no side spill.

Nice high visibility location, but won't your butt hit it when you move your ass and weight back for full braking power emergency stops?

I don't have much of a butt.
The plywood or holder would crack if hit hard.

If you're willing to drill a hole through the plastic mount, you get a few more placement options.


http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u147/Editz_photos/DiNotte2.jpg

A uniquely worthless system. It means you cannot swivel the light engine AT ALL. Which is critical if you're riding on roads with other motorists.

You didn't explore all the options.
Mount the Cylinder part of the mount to the seat post.
Turn it anyway you can think of.

Does it happen when you jiggle it at the light, or at the connection with the battery pack?

If it's at the pack, try pinching either of the "female" connectors so that they clamp tighter. That's one thing I've done with nearly every 9-volt battery and/or connector.

If that doesn't help, or if the jittery connection is at the light body, certainly contact Dinotte about it and they should take care of you. They did well with me resolving a shipping issue (got two taillights instead of one taillight and one amber headlight, so he sent me a prepaid shipping pack for the extra light).

The jittery connection is on the cable end of the light. I just tried pinching the female connectors on both the battery holders and the cable connector and it still works intermittently. I can connect the light to the battery holder and just tap the connector and it'll turn off and on. I can't even get it to stay on if I put it in the battery pouch. It's definitely going back!

The jittery connection is on the cable end of the light. I just tried pinching the female connectors on both the battery holders and the cable connector and it still works intermittently. I can connect the light to the battery holder and just tap the connector and it'll turn off and on. I can't even get it to stay on if I put it in the battery pouch. It's definitely going back!

Are you sure the problem isn't in the battery holder? Those things are a little flimsy, and can break if you drop them. At least try a different battery holder if you can. Otherwise, I am quite sure they'll take good care of you.

Dinotte's service is first class. Just contact them and they will reply quickly. If you have to send it back, you'll most likely have a new one a week later.

I wanted mine as high as I could mount it.
1/4 inch plywood wedge, with a tab on the end to mount the light.
One screw in the seat bottom support bar through the plywood.
Two Ty wraps on the mount bracket.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/undereat2.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh187/10wheels/bestseatmount.jpg

Interesting effect this placement produces. Has anyone asked about your afterburner?

The jittery connection is on the cable end of the light. I just tried pinching the female connectors on both the battery holders and the cable connector and it still works intermittently. I can connect the light to the battery holder and just tap the connector and it'll turn off and on. I can't even get it to stay on if I put it in the battery pouch. It's definitely going back!

My new light is on its way. Their support is pretty good. :thumb:

^^^ Told ya not to worry. ;)

I just ordered a dual 400L set. It was not on sale but Rob gave me a 10% discount out of the goodness of his heart! :)

exchange rate and weaker economy.



I don't get it, this thing swivels both horizontally and vertically when mounted on a seat post.

one thing I don't like about it, is that there's next to no side spill.

Sorry, I should've been a bit more clearn and stated I was specifically talking about the front headlight mount - not the rear seatpost mount. Which is obviously pointable anywhere you want.

Sorry, I should've been a bit more clearn and stated I was specifically talking about the front headlight mount - not the rear seatpost mount. Which is obviously pointable anywhere you want.

I've stopped on a dark road and goofed around with the aim and intensity of my lights before, then trotted up the road to see what the effect was. It's surprising how bright lights can appear even when you aim them in what you think is a "friendly" fashion. With a rather floody beam like the 200L has, you'd have to aim it drastically off to the side to make a real change in its "attack" level anyway, wouldn't you?

Granted, it would be nice to see DiNotte come up with a real mount for their 200-series lights.

Sorry, I should've been a bit more clearn and stated I was specifically talking about the front headlight mount - not the rear seatpost mount. Which is obviously pointable anywhere you want.

99% of front lights are basically fixed. If you really want the pointing ability, strap it to your helemt.

Or is that too obvious?

99% of front lights are basically fixed. If you really want the pointing ability, strap it to your helemt.

Or is that too obvious?

Wrong.

Fixed with a small swivel ability. Even the cheapo $10-$15 basic lights evey shop sells have them. Guess this point wasn't too obvious for you either. Any other smart replies? The dinotte is fixed to pependicular to your bar where it's attached. Which means you have no choice if you have a straight bar.

Are you being dense or do you not see a problem in this when you're riding a light that was never intentionally desinged to be biased out on roads with motor vehicles?

With a rather floody beam like the 200L has, you'd have to aim it drastically off to the side to make a real change in its "attack" level anyway, wouldn't you?


Maybe.

Better than nothing perhaps? I've pretty much resigned myself to aim it low enough so that the beam doesn't significantly spill over into the oncoming lane and to stop recommending said light to anyone who actually rides on the road.