H3 Driving Light = eBike Headlight?

[TonyReynolds]

By the way I was under the impression that LED is much lower power per lumen than the rest. Is that not true?

Some figures:

HID : 60 lumens per watt
Halogen : 30 lumens per watt
Luxeon III emitter : 25-30 lumens per watt

I've also seen a figure of 17 lumens per watt for LEDs.

None of these figures mean much if the beam can't be controlled and focused where you want it. This is a little bit harder to do with LEDs than HID or halogen. Please note that someone up the thread mentioned automotive LED headlights, and I can't see how these would be practical on a bike at all, because (from my reading) these systems are not simply a bulb, but electronics, power supplies, cooling fans, etc. in a total package.

Also please note that the figure given for halogen lamps is at 12VDC. I will be over-volting to 14.4VDC, so my output will be somewhere between the figure give for halogen and HID. That's pretty impressive for lamps that don't cost a whole heck of a lot, especially when compared to HID or LED.

 

[An average human]

@ TonyReynolds
sorry to say but i think you really underestimate LEDs, they are much more efficient than halogen and similar to HID.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Ar...eds-produces-rebel-led-delivering-100-lmw.htm

Even these, with converter ready for use on 12v (i use these with 3s li ion ) http://www.rapidonline.com/Electron...095/?sid=d015e230-a240-47ea-8b0d-1824c03bcb36
give 270/3.8 = 71 lm/w

for a really bright efficient light look at
http://www.ebikes.ca/lights/
that uses ten watts and puts out 1000lm

 

[TonyReynolds]

@ TonyReynolds
sorry to say put i think you really underestimate LEDs, they are much more efficient than halogen and similar to HID.
http://www.electronicsweekly.com/Ar...eds-produces-rebel-led-delivering-100-lmw.htm

Even these, with converter ready for use on 12v (i use these with 3s li ion ) http://www.rapidonline.com/Electron...095/?sid=d015e230-a240-47ea-8b0d-1824c03bcb36
give 270/3.8 = 71 lm/w

for a really bright efficient light look at
http://www.ebikes.ca/lights/
that uses ten watts and puts out 1000lm

The information changes all the time and manufacturers mis-state facts all the time. The data I used was several years old, but your first link is three years old and isn't in the form of a useable product. Please note that I'm NOT interested in the brightest light out there and virtually no replies to this thread have addressed my key issue, that the headlight have a vertical cut-off on the beam for oncoming traffic. The ebikes lights are nice, but have no cut-off, nor do any of the flashlight solutions; they're all conical beams.

 

[An average human]

sorry about that, one thought I have had it to add "shutters" to the light, probably translucent such that traffic can still see some light but not get blinded. Something like "barn doors" used in stage lighting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stage_lighting_accessories#Barn_doors I currently use an off the shelf bike light to be seen, and switch on some LED MR16's when I want to see (on cycle paths mainly) but I can see this will not work on unlit roads

good luck.

 

[TonyReynolds]

sorry about that, one thought I have had it to add "shutters" to the light, probably translucent such that traffic can still see some light but not get blinded. Something like "barn doors" used in stage lighting http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stage_lighting_accessories#Barn_doors I currently use an off the shelf bike light to be seen, and switch on some LED MR16's when I want to see (on cycle paths mainly) but I can see this will not work on unlit roads

good luck.

Thanks, I hadn't thought of using barn-door shutters as a cutoff. Great idea!

I plan on using a pair of yellow 3x1W MR16's in lights down low for conspicuity.

 

[E-racer]

I don't know what main pack voltage you run. But I use h3 fog lamps with 48volt h3 bulbs.

 

[TonyReynolds]

I don't know what main pack voltage you run. But I use h3 fog lamps with 48volt h3 bulbs.

Mian pack is 11.5Ah 52V (48V nominal), 57V HOC.

Where do you get 48V H3's?

What's the wattage for the bulbs and how many amps are you drawing from your pack?

 

[TonyReynolds]

I don't know what main pack voltage you run. But I use h3 fog lamps with 48volt h3 bulbs.

Main pack is 11.5Ah 52V (48V nominal), 57V HOC.

Where do you get 48V H3's?

What's the wattage for the bulbs and how many amps are you drawing from your pack?

 

[An average human]

Having thought some more (I do this slowly) the the "peak" on most scooter and motorbike lamps probably is there to achieve this shuttering effect http://s295.photobucket.com/albums/mm138/world_sport_way/motorcycle/?action=view&current=2-901-1.jpg
??? if so then these can be bought for MR16 size and might be an off the shelf solution.

 

[biohazardman]

I did this to a Magicshine to get the light down a bit and it seems to werq well. Car lights are much brighter and beams are much higher especially the HID units with a single bulb running four times the lumens of one of our best bike lights. Do they shine low on the horizon? I think not. In the end it's up to the individual's use and preference. Although I like to see us somewhat thoughtful at least. Hope this helps a bit anyway.

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34376&start=15#p505583

 

[TonyReynolds]

I did this to a Magicshine to get the light down a bit and it seems to werq well. Car lights are much brighter and beams are much higher especially the HID units with a single bulb running four times the lumens of one of our best bike lights. Do they shine low on the horizon? I think not. In the end it's up to the individual's use and preference. Although I like to see us somewhat thoughtful at least. Hope this helps a bit anyway.

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=31&t=34376&start=15#p505583

Great thread; thanks for sharing!

 

[E-racer]

This is a 55w http://www.lightexports.com/servlet/the-2053/H3-Fog-Auxiliary-Halogen/Detail
This page has 35w http://www.aps-supply.com/e-Catalogue/id/30/prod_id/208/

I run two 55w for serious night time riding. I just added a 1watt Led in each of the fog lights for daytime running lights.