Halogen Headlight

[Cold-E-Commuter]

I recently purchased and am trying a halogen headlight on my bike. The unit is actually an automotive driving light from Autozone that came as a pair.
http://www.autozone.com/autozone/catalog/accessories/accProductDetails.jsp?counter=0&categoryDisplayName=Appearance+and+Personalization&fromString=search&itemIdentifier=413381_0_0_&productId=413381&sortType=&parentId=1-10&filterByKeyWord=driving+light&categoryNValue=100001&navValue=102053&fromWhere=&itemId=2053-10&displayName=5+x+1+7/8+x+2+1/4+in.+55+Watts+rectangular+driving+light+kit&store=836&skuDisplayName=5+x+1+7/8+x+2+1/4+in.+55+Watts+rectangular+driving+light+kit&brandName=Pilot+Automotive
The lighting is far superior than any bike light that I could find and the price was right considering that there are 2 lights per package. The brackets allowed me to mount the unit to my handle bars with a couple of hose clamps. However, there are a couple of concerns. First of all this is a 55 watt light. I have figured that my morning commute, taking roughly 23 minutes, will use an additional 21 watts from the battery. Not a huge concern, but I wonder if there is something better. Then there is the wiring. The current configuration is 4 SLA 12V batteries in series for 48V for the power of the bike. I have tied the light to a single battery in the pack by a seperate connector. The main connector shows 54.2V and the secondary 13.4V. But I wonder if the single battery that this light is connected to is getting the s**t kicked out of it by pulling double duty. After only 3 morning rides the voltage on this single battery is almost 1/2 Volt less than the other when the charger has finished. Also, this afternoons charge took longer than normal and the other 3 batteries were hot to the touch while the single was room temp. Any ideas? Should I find a DC-DC convertor? I appreciate any input.
Dan

 

[John in CR]

I run a halogen headlight. My only issue is my pack for it. I tried 3s, but the light was too dim, and the 16v fully charged for the 4s I'm running now will surely burn it out prematurely. In the meantime though, it's extremely bright.

 

[BLUESTREAK]

I use 55watt halgon's on my trikes but have 48volt 20ah lifpo4 battries and use a 36-72 volt dc-dc convertor from (THUNDERSTRUCKMOTORS.COM).

 

[zenon]

Hi Dan,

Been a while i have not used sla chemistry,

First sla don' t like too much heat, it shorten its life cycle by releasing hot gases.

Second can' t hook up your lighting that way, better to have another battery extra weight or dc/dc converter might be pricey at 6A 12V. With almost 5 Amp draw from one battery of the pack, you have experienced unbalanced 48V pack.

Third you have to recharge the battery that was hooked up to the lighting separately back to 14.5V use a car battery charger if you have one ,
also check the 3 battery that got hot it should have resting voltage of 13.6V . After all that the pack should be back in balance.

Plus check the topic on" lighting "for more idea.

Cheer's

Zenon

 

[auraslip]

http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=17590



I just finished my fog light halogen build, and I second the recomendation for the thunderstruck motors dc-dc converter. Cheapest you will find unless you feel comfortable wiring up a $10 ebay dc-dc and making a housing for it.

And it runs 10amps, so you could run a bitchin speaker system off it!

Seriously though I think I'm gonna get a 12v led map light so I can read my cycle computer at night.

 

[Cold-E-Commuter]

Great info Bluestreak! The DC-DC convertor from thunderstruck works like a dream and was cheap. Not to mention small and light weight. It fits inside the triangle bag under the seat. I managed to get my packs balanced per advise from Zenon and they are holding within .05V of each other and the light is nice and bright. Not only can I see but I guarantee that people can see me. Thanks all for the help. By the way auraslip, the Cycle Analyst from ebikes.ca is back lit so you can read info in the dark without a light. Not to mention is does all that a cycle computer and a watts-up in one unit. (Less the max Wh) It is a bit pricy but well worth it in my opinion. And now my system is wired so that the convertor comes after the shunt so I can see the power usage of the convertor and the light. (63W total, so 55W for light and 8W for convertor) Enjoy the ride!

 

[dogman dan]

Having smashed my halogen light from an EVG in my crash, I just bought a replacement at Wallmart. It's a Zefal led light that clamps on the bars. I'm going to try one, and then maybe add another if it's too dim. 17 bucks wasn't too bad to pay, and it won't drain my main battery. Handy to use as a regular flashlight too.

I was running my halogen on a 24v drill battery. I failed to recharge it, and the day I hit the pedestrian dressed in black, it was too dim to see him in time.

So good lights are really important! I wasn't expecting that guy walking in the bike lane of the road. Nowday's I'm waiting for it to get a bit lighter. Lucky me, my work schedule is from when I show up, to when I leave. So I'm going to stick to daylight riding now mostly.

 

[AussieJester]

Another vote for the Bluestreak The DC-DC convertor
I use one for running my linear actuator its brilliant, shall be hooking a light too it also. Recieved one from ES member Carvin Marvin its freakin HUUUUGE halogen job wouldnt look out of place
on a Fat Boy Harley hahaa, will light up the night like day, shall make it qucikly removable as dont do alot of night riding but whenz i do i need to see loooong way ahead to feel safe

KiM

 

[auraslip]

Dogman - Keep the receipt for your light. (I guess that goes with out saying for anything bought at wal-mart) I bought my girlfriend the same one and it only lasted about a month.

 

[dogman dan]

Oh crap. I thought it was pretty nice compared to my other, and pretty bright led flashlights. I bet I tossed the recipt already. Usually I don't save em for cheap stuff.

But on a long enough ride, the drain on my battery from running the halogen was noticeable, adding a half hour to my recharging time. So with a smaller battery it could affect range.

After that freaking guy in black, I'm all done riding fast at night.

 

[auraslip]

BEWARE THE GUY IN BLACK; BUY BRIGHT LIGHTS

- dogman

 

[dogman dan]

After that one, all I want is enough light to be seen by cars in the twilight. I'm pretty much all done with any riding in pich dark now. I won't take the roketta scooter out in the dark either, it's headlights are junk.