Loose Chain

I installed an old Miller lighting set on my English 3 speed. The dynamo definitely cranks out power. The rear light lights up brightly. There is a single output post on the dynamo (wheel driven type) to which I have both the head lamp and rear lamp connected. This set came together from another bike I purchased and stripped of parts.

So, the issue, the head lamp does not light up. I have checked with a multimeter and it has ground and the positive power wire has continuity. I have also checked the light by inserting a AA1.5 volt battery into the circuit and the lamp glows very dimly.

Any thoughts as to why my rear lamp is bright and my head lam, nothing when connected to the dynamo?

I am thinking the bulb is not correct, too high a wattage/voltage requirement and I need to find something with lower current demand?

prathmann

If the lamp glows with 1.5V then it should definitely light up visibly with the 6V+ output of a dynamo. Have you checked the voltage at the headlamp when the wheel is spinning with your multimeter?

rifraf

Just wanted to add, that considering converting the headlights bulb to lcd might be a worthy option, once you've sorted out your issues.
There is info online about it - google is your friend

fietsbob

Modern LED headlights are pushed to be brighter , then they must include a Heat sink in the light design.

LED substitute bulbs are more for flashlights run off batteries . 1.5v = one battery cell .. (rechargeable is 1.2v)


Normal incandescent bulb bike generator sets were 2.4w headlight, and 0.6w tail lights = 3w total.