Dynamo bike light build

[Edocaster]

Hi all,

A few years back I did a dynamo bike light build, which I documented here (https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/5x-cree-xm-l-dynamo-light-in-progress.385350/). I'm planning another one now. But I might get stuck if it gets too complicated.

Seems like DIY dynamo topics have died down. Does anyone still work on these?

 

[letschat7]

Doesn't Exposure have some dynamo lights?

 

[Edocaster]

Sure, they do. This is primarily just a project for the sake of trying a few things out. I already have a Busch & Mueller Cyo Premium which is a pretty decent pre-built dynamo light.

My progress on this current light can be seen at: https://forum.cyclinguk.org/viewtopic.php?t=157643

 

[samsavvas]

Hi all,

A few years back I did a dynamo bike light build, which I documented here (https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/5x-cree-xm-l-dynamo-light-in-progress.385350/). I'm planning another one now. But I might get stuck if it gets too complicated.

Seems like DIY dynamo topics have died down. Does anyone still work on these?

I'm still working on them Edo in my own limited way...

 

[samsavvas]

I'm still working on them Edo in my own limited way. I even have a little 'test rig'...

 

[Edocaster]

Good job! I did consider retiring an old dynamo wheel for a test rig, but figured I would keep it as a spare.

 

[yellow]

I think primarily the lackof dynamo lights comes from 2 "thoughts" :

1st ppl are lazy, dont think a second what their cheapo lights batteries produce littering + those led lights (even the small ones) at least give the impression of bright light

2nd: e-bikes - most bikes for being used in urban setting in western World - bring their own battery, no need for a power source.

What ya think?
? ? ?

 

[captianworkbench]

I don't know if I missed it or not, but I was wondering what you were using for the dynamo?

 

[Edocaster]

I use Shimano dynamos - DH-3N72, DH-T665 and DH-T660. They all seem to behave the same.

Yellow - yes, I think e-bikes make dynamos very rare for general transportation cyclists. A shame.

 

[captianworkbench]

So with those Shimano dynamos, am I correct in looking at the specifications in that you only have 3W of power to work with?

 

[Edocaster]

So with those Shimano dynamos, am I correct in looking at the specifications in that you only have 3W of power to work with?

3W is just the design specification for operating at 6V at a certain speed (15km/h, I believe). Power can get two to three times as high at achievable cycling speeds, if the circuit allows.