Generator hub compatibility??
 

I'm trying to figure out the lighting setup I want to use for my touring/rando/commuter bike and my wife's touring bike. I've been using a rechargeable light for commuting, but I really like the idea of having lights available all the time and not having to recharge.

I've decided I want to go with the Shimano DH-3N72 because it's so much cheaper than the Schmidt, and from what I have heard the difference between the two doesn't justify the cost. For lights, all I've been able to go on are the pictures from Peter White's site, and based on that the B&M Lumotec IQ CYO R is my choice.

My question is, will the B&M Lumotec IQ CYO R work with the Shimano DH-3N72? Can you run two CYOs together from one hub?

Yes, you should be able to run two CYOs from a Shimano dynohub. The dynamo is rated to provide 0.5A of current, while a CYO achieves full brightness at about a third of that. Thus you can put two CYOs in parallel and throw in a rear light to that, again in parallel.

You need to consider how to switch the lights, whether with one switch or two switches, for a primary CYO with rear and a secondary CYO. Depending on the version, the CYO comes with extra wires for rear. You might be able to use those wires to achieve either configuration.

Can't see the need for two myself when one looks like this
http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/imag...&MCYORweb1.jpg

Yeah, not sure I'd need two, but I'm curious if it's a possibility.

To answer your primary question about compatibility, I can answer in the affirmative. I just put together a system with the CYO powered by that exact Shimano hub, and it works great. I don't regret not buying the Schmidt; the Shimano seems to work very well, and I can't really even tell when it's on versus when it's off at moderate speeds. It does seem to have more drag at high (>15mph in my world) speeds.

Hi, i have a Cyo R with that same hub (the disc brake version) along with a tail light and it works great. I can't even think on installing a battery light again, in fact i'm going to convert my other bike and my wife's bike into dynamo hubs + B&M lights.

The only different thing that i would like to see in action is one of those Supernova lights that claim 250 lumens or so... it must be amazing riding with that at night, specially off road.

By the way, i got everything from www.Ebay.de at a much better price.

Go for it, you wont regret it!.
Coque.

The latest Supernova E3 claims 275 Lumens and the E3 Triple claims 680. I have the triple ordered and am awaiting it's arrival. That one ought to annoy a few drivers if misaimed slightly.:eek:

I also, personally use the Shimano DH-3N72 with a Cyo. So they're definitely compatible.

What I wonder is - can you run a Cyo in parallel with a Supernova E3? One Cyo is pretty decent, it's main issue is that it doesn't light up off to the sides of the road very much, I've always wondered if I added a second light if I could hook up an e3...hmm...

you probably could but if you want that much light just go for the triple e3. Same costs...even more light.

Current LED dynamo lights are designed for stand alone use. The high power ones use almost everything the dynamo can put out. Per their web site the Light On! Dynolight does not reach maximum brightness until 18 to 20MPH and per an email received from Supernova the E3 Triple reaches full output at about 25 MPH with 80% output at about 12MPH. In contrast the E3 Pro reaches 80% output at about 8 MPH which still does not meet German dynamo light requirements for street use. I believe I have read that they require full light output, or close to it, by about 6 MPH or 10 k/ph. This limits the power input requirements for any German road approved dynamo light.

It may be possible to use a pair of IQ Cyos or similar German road approved LED headlights hooked up in series at higher speeds but I would try it with a switch installed to allow bypassing one for lower speed use. As bike dynamos are current limiting due to design I would not expect two hooked up in parallel to reach full brightness, depending on current draw. Hooked in series a hub dynamo has enough voltage at higher speeds so that it should be able to drive both.

To me an ideal, but expensive, setup would be two E3 Pro lights on the bike, one asymmetric and one symmetrical beam, with switching to activate the asymmetrical one for city use and the symmetrical beam one for higher speed use. This should provide the equivalent of the high and low beams on a car headlight.

Have you tried emailing the manufacturer to ask? They should be able to provide technical support.