Bike lamp: 4AA PR upgrade?

[Buck91]

Well I scored a 2.4w halogen lamp the other day and am considering upgrading to LED, but I'm just not sure what to use. I'd like the runtime of the arcmania smjled, but I don't think running it off 4 cells is a good idea, is it? Can anybody recommend an affordable led module to drop in place of the 2.4w halogen?

 

[Buck91]

Does anybody have any experience with these led drop-ins? Looks interesting, but if I can I'd rather just use an SMJLED for the runtime, but I'm afraid it'll get fried.

 

[LEDninja]

LED bulbs are polarity sensitive. The +ve from the batteries go to the base of the bulb. Check your lamp before buying.

See my comments
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/1996161&postcount=10
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/2014327&postcount=11
in this thread
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/141827

Sears is selling an LED drop in.
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/155671

If your lamp is negative polarity the only upgrade is this one
http://www.led-replacement.com/eve03011w-rev.html

 

[Buck91]

Hmm I didnt even think of trying a MagLED drop-in, I wonder if it would work? I'd probably have ot go with a 4-cell unit which I havent seen...if they even sell it seperate.

 

[AndyTiedye]

Added to Bike Light Thread Links
You may find more information there.
It is also sorted somewhat by topic in reply 5

 

[cratz2]

Most of the Lux III modules will get pretty darned warm and most bikelights are plastic. I have two generic Trek halogen lights that run off 2xC cells... I have an SMJLED in one and a Craftsman Variable Power module in the other. Both modules get pretty warm, but not outrageously so. I've ridden WAY over an hour at a time with both and none of the reflectors have deformed at all. The beam patterns are pretty crappy though.

I have higher end bike lights but to be honest, the one I've had on my main bike for a few weeks now is the Bell 4xAAAA 0.5W light available at Walmart. At $20, I think it's a bit overpriced, but it is as bright as I need, has a good beam, and it has the flashy mode which I like to have as an option. I would rather it have a 2xAA form factor though.

 

[LEDninja]

Hmm I didnt even think of trying a MagLED drop-in, I wonder if it would work? I'd probably have ot go with a 4-cell unit which I havent seen...if they even sell it seperate.

The Mag drop-ins are wider than normal and do not fit other lights unless they have an extra wide bulb holder.

 

[z96Cobra]

I put a Mag 4cell drop-in into a cheap Bell 4AA bike light from WalMart. The original bulb had the little "V" cut into it and the reflector had a rib that the "V" slides over. I just used my knife to get rid of the rib on the reflector and did a little creative bending of the battery contacts. I haven't had it on for very long yet, so I'm not sure how hot it will get or how bad the reflector will fare after extended use. The Bell light that I bought is the one with the 2 5mm LEDs and multi level mainbeam.

Roger

 

[Buck91]

Well, I broke down and went redneck style with two hose clamps interlocking. Right now they just hold a 2AA minimag witht he ArcMania SMJLED, but I have a cheap Ultralight (or whatever the brand is) 3W cree coming from dealextreme.com, so we'll see how that does. Also got a couple of their el-cheapo light clamps out of sheer curiosity.