Orfos Flarepro bike light, good or bad?
#26
Senior Member
Don't you think about how to put your USB power source out of water before you'd buy the FlarePro?
I'd recommend an top tube bag.
topeak.com/us/en/products/waterproof-bags/365-tri-drybag
topeak.com/us/en/products/bags
I'd recommend an top tube bag.
topeak.com/us/en/products/waterproof-bags/365-tri-drybag
topeak.com/us/en/products/bags
Last edited by angerdan; 08-28-18 at 02:09 AM.
#27
Let's Ride!
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Triad, NC USA
Posts: 2,569
Bikes: --2010 Jamis 650b1-- 2016 Cervelo R2-- 2018 Salsa Journeyman 650B
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 327 Post(s)
Liked 37 Times
in
24 Posts
@angerdan I did but I didn't think it all the way through. I forgot how much I disliked the look and functionality of a light with a separate battery pack.
#29
Senior Member
@angerdan....Just a question about the OrfosPro's that I thought you might be able to answer. When you connect the unit to a micro (?) USB plug...Is there some sort of protection there to protect the port from water/rain ingress if it were to rain while on a ride/commute? This is a worry for almost any type of lamp that either charges or runs with a wire plugged or unplugged into a micro USB port. I own several of the Raveman lamps which can run with a remote control button plugged into the micro USB port. Now if it started to rain while using the lamp / remote I would have no choice but to unplug the remote and close the rubber flap. How does the Orfos products handle this situation or is it not addressed.(?)
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 16
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
On my casual rides I have used a zipper top tube bag to protect the battery for my front light --it's a full-sized (not micro) usb connection.
Orfos didn't design any specific rubber gasket or any other specifically waterproof attachment method to protect your battery more. I think their usb cord and connection is waterproof by design if I remember from videos…as for the battery you use for power ymmv.
Personally, I haven't had any issues with waterproofing using an aftermarket top tube bag and an Anker lipstick tube battery. But I have had two Orfos lights fail at the plastic shroud, essentially the plastic silver shroud that protects the actually usb connection pulls away (exposing metal and wiring) after some use. Nothing has shorted out electrically…it was just glue failure. Depending on my riding (commute or touring) I have also kept my rear light attached a backpack and my front attached to the front pocket of a handlebar bag. @RidingMatthew I agree re: cost, time and ghetto-ness of Velcro.
Orfos didn't design any specific rubber gasket or any other specifically waterproof attachment method to protect your battery more. I think their usb cord and connection is waterproof by design if I remember from videos…as for the battery you use for power ymmv.
Personally, I haven't had any issues with waterproofing using an aftermarket top tube bag and an Anker lipstick tube battery. But I have had two Orfos lights fail at the plastic shroud, essentially the plastic silver shroud that protects the actually usb connection pulls away (exposing metal and wiring) after some use. Nothing has shorted out electrically…it was just glue failure. Depending on my riding (commute or touring) I have also kept my rear light attached a backpack and my front attached to the front pocket of a handlebar bag. @RidingMatthew I agree re: cost, time and ghetto-ness of Velcro.
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 2,468
Bikes: Co-Motion Cappuccino Tandem,'88 Bob Jackson Touring, Co-Motion Cascadia Touring, Open U.P., Ritchie Titanium Breakaway, Frances Cycles SmallHaul cargo bike. Those are the permanent ones; others wander in and out of the stable occasionally as well.
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 427 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 339 Times
in
229 Posts
@angerdan....Just a question about the OrfosPro's that I thought you might be able to answer. When you connect the unit to a micro (?) USB plug...Is there some sort of protection there to protect the port from water/rain ingress if it were to rain while on a ride/commute? This is a worry for almost any type of lamp that either charges or runs with a wire plugged or unplugged into a micro USB port. I own several of the Raveman lamps which can run with a remote control button plugged into the micro USB port. Now if it started to rain while using the lamp / remote I would have no choice but to unplug the remote and close the rubber flap. How does the Orfos products handle this situation or is it not addressed.(?)
My flare gets water on the exposed port all of the time, but it never gets past the waterproofing to harm the light internals.
#32
Senior Member
The thought of rain in the electrical connector is bothersome, but rain water actually has negligible impact on the low voltage circuitry of a bike light. You can disassemble and reassemble a 2 battery D-cell maglight completely under water and it will still work fine, though full of water (I have done it). The issue you really need to worry about is if the water gets inside the LED circuitry and causes longer-term corrosion. That is where the Orfos 'shines.' Everything behind the electrical port contacts is waterproof sealed, so water cannot get into the internals, even though it can get between the contacts of the exposed plug. Put your Orfos in a sink full of water (it is waterproof) and plug in the USB power supply, It will work fine, just shake out the water after you are done.
My flare gets water on the exposed port all of the time, but it never gets past the waterproofing to harm the light internals.
My flare gets water on the exposed port all of the time, but it never gets past the waterproofing to harm the light internals.
#33
Senior Member
- When you connect the unit to a micro (?) USB plug...Is there some sort of protection there to protect the port from water/rain ingress if it were to rain while on a ride/commute?
- This is a worry for almost any type of lamp that either charges or runs with a wire plugged or unplugged into a micro USB port.
- I own several of the Raveman lamps which can run with a remote control button plugged into the micro USB port.
- Now if it started to rain while using the lamp / remote I would have no choice but to unplug the remote and close the rubber flap.
- How does the Orfos products handle this situation or is it not addressed.(?)
- It's an classical USB A plug. No protection on the plug, since the cable and the whole light itself are complete watersealed.
- When the cable is fixed to the light, it should be water resistant. So no problem with an water resistant top tube bag.
- It's a nice feature, known by the Fenic BC30 and BC30R.
- A poor design flaw, with a good rubber sealing around the plug it would be safe(r).
- Since there are no waterproof Powerbanks, it's not an issue. The USB power plug has to been protected anyway.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Falchoon
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
5
10-02-17 12:13 PM
stedanrac
Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets
2
11-26-12 02:10 PM