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-   -   best dynamo front light with SIDE visibility (https://www.bikeforums.net/electronics-lighting-gadgets/1234454-best-dynamo-front-light-side-visibility.html)

noglider 08-06-21 10:28 AM

Thanks for telling us about Ciclavia. I hadn't heard of it. There's a link for everyone else.

A distant relative lives in Colombia, and I'm watching her facebook posts. It looks like an interesting country. I should have learned Spanish long ago. I picked up a tiny bit on the streets of New York but not really enough.

I also have distant relatives in Argentina whom I've never met. Maybe I'll go one day.

Boy, I'm the king of changing the subject.

formdeformed 12-19-21 08:42 AM

Way late to this conversation.
I see you've gone with an IQ-X. I've got one as well. Originally used a Topline taillight with it, but that was rack mounted and I switched to a seatpack on that bike.
So it's got DIY taillights on each seat stay now.
The integral standlight for the IQ-X doesn't last very long anymore. It's probably 5-6 years old now.
So I've considered replicating the taillight in front with amber or white LEDs. You could do the same for side lights.
The IQ-X taillight terminals are AC.
So the taillight is a rectifier with 3 red LEDs in series and a resistor. I don't recall the value. Somewhere around 22-33 ohms. Plus a capacitor across it all.
I think I used a 1 F cap. Which is much larger than necessary. Probably rated for 9V, but I may have risked it with a 7.5V.
For the front I would use 1 white + 2 ambers in series. Similar resistor. White facing forward and an amber facing each side.
That said. A small 5mm Amber LED is probably not going to catch the attention of a driver intending to roll through a stop sign.
And do you aim it straight to the side or angled forward.
High vis attire and gear is probably more effective.
I can't post a photo of the taillight so imagine a Supernova E3 oriented vertical on each seatstay. Except it's an ugly aluminum angle with black goop and 3 really bright red LEDs.


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