Retro MC-E

[kkk1]

Just finished my retro MC-E bicycle light project. Project is based on classic Solifer frame with Hi and Lo beam switch on top of it. Hi beam is Cree MC-E with carclo medium optics and Lo beam is "Angel Eye" with 2pcs. of 5mm white Leds. Light is powered by Hub dynamo and boosted with Martins circuit 7 and tail Led light driver. Thanks Martin for your help. Some pics below.

And do not mind about the loose pedal on the floor..

Smile

Lo beam - Angel Eye

Hi beam

MC-E installed still waiting optics

Solifer with switch

Martins circut 7 with tail Led light driver

Circuitry installed

 

[Steve K]

that's a nice looking retro-fit. The classic looks are appropriate for that style bike.

one question though.. how do you heatsink the MC-E? That steel light housing isn't very good at conducting heat, and the chrome finish just makes it worse (only slightly, though).

regards,
Steve K.

 

[kkk1]

Good point Steve. Heatsink was indeed the main concern during the project.

I did not want to harm original lamp frame nor reflector. I end up using modified star led heatsink (mfg. Tyco) inside the metel frame. As you can see from the picture there are no prober heat conduct path between the heatsink and metal frame. This was concern at first but after testing I noticed that this does not actually heat up too much. Myth busted .

 

[syc]

Very nice! I think its great to update these old light. How well does the low beam work for lighting up the road? It looks like it would be a nice standlight as well.

Steve

 

[DocD]

would be great to see some beam shotsnice work :thumbsup: cheers DocD

 

[znomit]

Lo beam - Angel Eye

I like that, whats the details?

 

[kkk1]

The Angel Eye is parking light innovation by BMW.
I have made my version from clear acrylic plastic (plexiglass). I used round shape instead of hexagonal due this is somehow hard to find material.

DIY instructions:
http://www.crx.lt/honda_crx/content/content.php?content.16

Angel eye looks very cool in traffic and it is visible in daylight too (big thanks for Nitchia ultra blights 5mm).

I can try to take beam shots, but it is bit difficult with dynamo powered light. Any ideas for that?

 

[kkk1]

Very nice! I think its great to update these old light. How well does the low beam work for lighting up the road? It looks like it would be a nice standlight as well.

Steve

Lo beam are for "to be seen" purposes. It does not give decent beam for road lightning at all.

 

[znomit]

I can try to take beam shots, but it is bit difficult with dynamo powered light. Any ideas for that?

Never got a good stationary one, just some moving ones.

Angeleyes looks like a good be seen light or standlight. :twothumbs

 

[Solo Rider]

Thats a really nice idea and well executed, I'm really liking that total set-up.

Extremely well done.

I'd love to do something similar, for myself, any chance of a guide ?.

Solo.

 

[kkk1]

I'd love to do something similar, for myself, any chance of a guide ?.

Solo.

Yes of course - as much as you need. What you have in your mind?

 

[Solo Rider]

Hi, well, I've managed in the past with a parts list and a few step-by step pics to folow the builds of others, but ultimately it comes down to the depth of detail you're willing to post. Just looking over the entire post again, I reckon most of it is probably there to get me started.

I've googled for retro bike lights and found a variation in outlet and quality of retro light, any recommendations for the main light itself.

What current are you running the MCE at ?, I'm not familiar with this LED, some wire it as 2s2p, some in parallel ?. Also, what constant current driver are you using and have you hooked up a rear light to this set-up ?.
What is the Martins 7, from the pic, I see a small circuit board and what appears to be an 18650 cell. If this is the case, I am right assuming that the cell is charged from the hub dyno so that the lights give continous light, whether you're stopped or not.

Either way, its a way cool idea and a cool light you have there, enjoy ! :twothumbs

Solo.

 

[Calina]

What is the Martins 7, from the pic, I see a small circuit board and what appears to be an 18650 cell. If this is the case, I am right assuming that the cell is charged from the hub dyno so that the lights give continous light, whether you're stopped or not.

Either way, its a way cool idea and a cool light you have there, enjoy ! :twothumbs

Solo.

Martin's circuits!

There you go : http://www.pilom.com/BicycleElectronics/DynamoCircuits.htm

 

[Solo Rider]

Calina.

Thats an interesting thread, I've just quickly overviewed that page, looks good. I'm very intrigued now, could this be a new direction for some of my lighting ideas to head in.....


Thank you, very much appreciated :twothumbs


Solo.

 

[Calina]

If you are interested by Martin's site you will probably like to read these threads :

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=179805

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=210602

and to visit these sites :

http://www.myra-simon.com/bike/tips.html

http://yojimg.net/bike/equipment/lights/led_lights.php

http://www.nscl.msu.edu/~daniel/sreg.htm

That should keep you busy for a few months...