Computers With Backlight
#3
Toyota Racing Dev.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,339
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From: Knoxville, TN baby!
Bikes: 2004 Kona Hoss Dee-Lux
#5
Originally Posted by TomM
I am looking for a computer with a backlight. The LBS was no help. Any suggestions?
https://www.specialized.com/SBCEqSect...EquipComputers
#6
I used a Cateye AT-100 for a long time. It had a backlight, but it stunk.
It was one of those Electro-Luminescent deals, so the lighting was even, but contrasted with my headlights, it was dim and I really had to zero in on the display and look hard to read the numbers. On top of that, it was on a timer, so one press of the backlight button would get me maybe five seconds of time to read. And lastly, if the batteries were getting stale (this particular model needed a new battery twice a year), it would crash the whole computer. Blooie!
I've since given up on backlights, because even if the thing stayed on for 30 seconds or a minute, I'd probably eventually wreck trying to read it while riding. Plus my helmet lamp has eliminated the need.
Be nice to hook up a small, power-miser LED to a headlight to use as an aux computer light. It could stay on all the time, provice a useful amount of light to make use of the display with a quick glance, and would barely tap the battery. Now that I think of it, it's be pretty easy to rig in line with a typical Nightrider setup that could easily be unplugged when not wanted. Hmmm...
It was one of those Electro-Luminescent deals, so the lighting was even, but contrasted with my headlights, it was dim and I really had to zero in on the display and look hard to read the numbers. On top of that, it was on a timer, so one press of the backlight button would get me maybe five seconds of time to read. And lastly, if the batteries were getting stale (this particular model needed a new battery twice a year), it would crash the whole computer. Blooie!
I've since given up on backlights, because even if the thing stayed on for 30 seconds or a minute, I'd probably eventually wreck trying to read it while riding. Plus my helmet lamp has eliminated the need.
Be nice to hook up a small, power-miser LED to a headlight to use as an aux computer light. It could stay on all the time, provice a useful amount of light to make use of the display with a quick glance, and would barely tap the battery. Now that I think of it, it's be pretty easy to rig in line with a typical Nightrider setup that could easily be unplugged when not wanted. Hmmm...
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
Originally Posted by Speedub.Nate
Be nice to hook up a small, power-miser LED to a headlight to use as an aux computer light. It could stay on all the time, provice a useful amount of light to make use of the display with a quick glance, and would barely tap the battery. Now that I think of it, it's be pretty easy to rig in line with a typical Nightrider setup that could easily be unplugged when not wanted. Hmmm...
For a while with my Nightrider light I just used a fiber optic filament. One end pointed at the lens and one at the computer. No power drain, Good lighting. I used many different ways of making it look good. It always looked unfinished. After a while I realized I did not always want to see the display, so I took it off.
The nice thing about the Sigma Sport computer light is that you can turn it on and off. I just like to read the mileage on a century in the dark once in a while, or see what time it is. Then I keep it off. I think one battery will go three hours.
I finally realized that if I hold my white water bottle in front of my headlight, even while riding. I can see the computer and anything I want to. Even the pedals. Anything. Even a hand works pretty good.
So I have no need for a computer light, I can see it anytime I want to without one. Just need a water bottle or a hand. I usually have both.
Less is more.
Last edited by 2manybikes; 03-22-05 at 12:17 AM. Reason: incomplete
#9
Toyota Racing Dev.
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,339
Likes: 0
From: Knoxville, TN baby!
Bikes: 2004 Kona Hoss Dee-Lux
just for the reason mentioned above I have a surfire tactical flashlight I take with me that runs off 2 Lithium batteries @ 6V making 120 lumens....it's uber small and has a holster, I love it.
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 18,138
Likes: 324
Bikes: 2 many
Originally Posted by PWRDbyTRD
just for the reason mentioned above I have a surfire tactical flashlight I take with me that runs off 2 Lithium batteries @ 6V making 120 lumens....it's uber small and has a holster, I love it.





