gaber said:
Daylight savings = lighting question. What are you guys doing for lights? I'd like decently bright lights, but would also like to utilize the simplicity of the build in VLCD5 light button/output wire (it's on our cargo bike which is mainly ridden by my wife). Would love to get input on some thoughts...
1. Are there 6v ebike lights that give decent "see me" brightness? I have a bright battery powered headlight on can throw on in a pinch...don't need a $100 motorcycle quality beam on this bike. This would be the simplest approach.
2. If not #1, could I wire brighter lights direct into the 52v battery (or utilize a DC-DC converter, not scared of some DIY) and use the 6v output in the setup as a light switch? Could even add an arduino to the setup if needed. I would imagine this is possible someway.
TIY!
Gabe
Hi Gabe,
1. I'm using a very good headlight which was originally designed by Philips. I'm also using lights from Busch&Muller and Supernova. All fantastic lights with a nice cutoff and optics to prevent blinding others.
2. Yes you can and I would advise you to look into this first before going the 6V route. The 6V solution has several drawbacks:
- The TSDZ2 can't deliver enough current for a serious bike light. I have 3W and 4W lights which aren't floodlights of course but they still activate the thermal protection of the TSDZ2 light output driver. In my opinion, the light output of the TSDZ2 is useless.
- You need a DC-DC converter if you want to power 6V headlights from your battery and use the TSDZ2 light output as switch. I'm doing this because I had the 6V lights already.
See my previous posts about this topic:
EndlessCadence said:
EndlessCadence said:
...
I've now also ordered
this power control board because it is very small, can switch my battery voltage and should handle the load well. Although it's a logic level MOSFET, 6V control voltage shouldn't be a problem I think.
Should receive it very soon, will let you guys know!
The MOSFET is also really cheap on aliexpress: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5pcs-lot-NEW-RFP30N06LE-P30N06LE-30A-60V-TO-220/32835135967.html
My lights are working with the MOSFET above and this DC-DC converter: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/DC-24V-36V-48V-60V-20V-60V-to-6V-5A-DC-DC-Converter-Step-Down-Buck/32714423315.html
The lights turn on perfect and the motor keeps assisting while the lights are on. Nothing runs hot or even warm. But, the lights don't turn off until I switch off battery power. I must have some phantom power somewhere or the TSDZ2 light output has a buffer (capacitor) and the MOSFET wasn't drawing enough current to empty the buffer during my test. Should be able to fix this soon, will review the firmware as well. I'll post some pictures and a guide soon!
The issue with the light not turning off isn't resolved yet. Maybe the resistor needs a lower value than the current 10k ohm. I don't have a disassembled TSDZ2 controller here so I can't check the light output circuit. Does anyone have more information?
I have quickly drawn a schematic without the DC-DC converter:
Make sure to protect your battery by adding a fuse, I forgot this in the schematic :wink:
And some pictures while assembling the Sparkfun kit:
Because it's so small I can easily mount it into my battery cradle, to give you an idea (No mosfet in this picture. The blue part is a solid state relay which I was experimenting with, didn't work at all) :
This is the best light switch option in my opinion. It doesn't run warm at all, wide voltage range, is able to drive enough current, low cost, very small and uses almost no power.
