Dynamo USB Devices
 

I'm finally building a dynamo set up after many years of toying with the idea. I've got a Shutter Precision hub and just received my Schmidt eDelux II light. Looking at the Supernova The Plug III as a means of powering USB powered devices. I know there are several other commercially available products on the market. Does the BF Commuting community have a preference for these devices? Has the crowd found a clear winner(s) in this category? BTW, I'm not interested in DIY options (I don't have the skill not time for those options).

I have a B&M Luxos U that charges my phone just fine. I suspect If you stick with a known brand with a good reputation it will work within their limitations.

Tout Terrain's "the Plug", seems a Tidy installation , running the wires through your threadless steerer tube
Tout Terrain from Peter White Cycles

perhaps your supernova company is marketing the same thing , made by a 3rd Party..
SupernovaTHE PLUG III
Looks the same ..

I got the PedalPower+. I like it so far, but I've only used it a couple of times.

Interesting I didn't know Tout Terrain had something similar. Maybe same manufacturer. Maybe rebadged by Supernova, which wouldn't surprise me a their dynamos are made by Shutter Precision.

I'll check out the PedalPower+

I recently got one of these:http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA...VIkr3/$_12.JPG

Generator Bicycle Bike Dynamo w USB Charge for Cellphone Mobile 12V | eBay

Disregard the fact that it includes a 12v sidewall dynamo that I will never use, and USB adapter with ten different device plus that positively frightens me.

The interesting thing is the little aluminum box. The box mounts to the handlebar (could probably put it on the fork blade as well, or inside a handlebar mounted bag etc). The wire connects the box to my dynamo hub. The other side of the box has a standard (12mm) USB outlet. I got it already. Preliminary tests shows it works. Haven't really used it yet, though.

The above cost me under $23 shipped.

I also ordered a USB powered headlight, a bit over $8 shipped:
http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NjAwWDYwMA...UWEJS/$_12.JPG
800LM 10W 3 Modes USB Powerd LED CREE XM L T6 LED Bike Bicycle Headlight | eBay

The idea is to use the USB outlet for either the light or charging my phone, just plug in the one needed. But this light hasn't arrived yet, so I can't comment on whether it was worth eight bucks.

That's a clever setup, [MENTION=73614]rhm[/MENTION]. The light looks like the often-mentioned Magicshine clone, and I believe those lights normally run on about 8.4 volts. Interesting that this one runs on 5 volts. Perhaps it has a step-up, and I hope the efficiency of it is OK.

Please be sure to report your findings!

This is a nice The Plug alternative made in the USA, the SineWave Reactor : Sinewave Cycles Reactor

At that price ($220), it better be nice!

Well, the Supernova one is almost as much!

I agree, the in headset USB devices are all pretty expensive...

Okay, a bit of an update on this setup. I have all the pieces: wheel with dynamo hub (Shimano Alfine, 3w), dynamo-to-USB converter, and USB headlight.

I haven't actually used this combination on a bike, but I put the wheel in the truing stand and plugged all the parts in.

And it works. The light from the USB headlight is impressive; the bright setting, the dimmer setting, and the flashing setting all function as they should. There's a push-button switch on the headlight that cycles through the settings off>high>dim>flashing>off.

The only weirdness, not really unexpected, is that if the current is interrupted, the headlight turns itself off. So every time you stop, the light turns itself off and you have to push the button again after you start.

Since I haven't ridden the bike with this setup, I can't report on efficiency. More to come.....

That's a deal breaker. No one wants to turn the headlight on after every time one stops or slows down a lot.

Well, yeah, depending on how often you stop.

I love my Sinewave Revolution
 

I have a Shutter Precision hub, Busch and Meuller Fly Senso Plus front light and Toplight Plus tail light. Ultra super bright, even and low speeds. I like the fact that the lights stay on when the dyno isn't turning. The capacitors keep the lights glowing for quite a long time while the bike is standing still. The Sinewave Revolution is tiny -- about the size of a box of the smallest wooden matches, and super light weight. Wires are sturdy and it is dunkable waterproof. I tried using 24 gauge wire run from the hub to the Sinewave, but the wires were too small, so I went to -- I think -- 18 gauge and it works great. Buy a super short -- 3 inches or so -- highest quality USB cable from Monoprice. The shorter the wires, the less loss due to wire length. I can keep my MotoX phone 100% charged while GPS bike app is running and with the phone service turned on. Or if I plug in when the phone is somewhat discharged, it charges it very fast to 100% with the phone turned off or in airplane mode. If I use GPS while in airplane mode, it still charges the phone up to 100% but takes a bit longer.

My phone is expensive -- about $500 off-contract. The Sinewave has built-in anti-overcharging circuitry to protect your phone. I preferred to spend a few bucks on the Sinewave to protect my phone, instead of saving money on the USB charger and risk frying my phone. If you are using a burner phone or a $150 MotoG or something like that, go ahead and take a chance on a sketchy USB charger. I tend to be paranoid so I was fine spending more for the top quality of the Sinewave.