Commuting - Converting 6V Cygolite to 12V?

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View Full Version : Converting 6V Cygolite to 12V?

rnagaoka
02-18-05, 02:33 PM
(beginner geeky light enthusiast, so bear with me...:o)

I have the Rover NiCad Xtra 6 Volt dual headlight, which has been good to me...until recently, when the battery wouldn't hold a full charge.

I figure, maybe now's a good time to convert to a 12 volt system. I could buy a powerful 12V NiMH battery pack from batteryspace.com and swap the existing 6V 6W/10W mr11 bulbs with 10W/20W 12V bulbs.

Does this make sense? Will I fry the plasic light housing or wires by doing this? Or is it better just to buy a new 6V battery and call it a day?

TIA,
Ron

thomj513
02-21-05, 09:38 AM
Sounds like an easy conversion. I'd check the heat dissiaption rating on the 6 and 12V bulbs for the wattage you're looking at. In most cases, there will be more heat generated with the higher wattage bulbs but it might be marginal. Most "plastic" cases are a blend of compounds to resist not only the heat generated from the bulbs but also environmental conditions and the physical abuse of day-to-day use. See if the manufacturer uses the same material for similar wattage units it sells. As for the wire, no, it won't make much difference. The lights probably use a PVC insulated wire that will in most cases function to 105 C. If you're worried, get some Teflon insulated wire and re-wire the lamp. Anyway, good luck.
rnagaoka
02-21-05, 12:56 PM
thomj513, thanks for the advice.