Side emitting vs lambertian LED's

[Zero_Enigma]

Just curious if I was to make a turning signal which is better a side emitting LED or a lambertian or both? I'm thinking of both given the pricing for the LEd's ahs dropped at www.luxeoncanada.com tho they don't sell clear 20mm L2 3W/5W holders.

I'm thinking of making a AchesAlot light and cutting some of the sides then plexiglassing it to give a sice visibility for the turn signal when placed tot he rear of the bike.

Oh yes... how could I make this a quick release system as well? Any ideas or adaptors you can suggest? Thanks.

 

[chris_m]

Don't think you want a side emitter for a turn signal - that will send just as much light upwards and downwards (and indeed in the opposite sideways direction) as it does in the direction you want. If you just want good all round visibility, then a normal lambertian pointed sideways would work better (though you're still wasting lumens vertically).

Were you planning on using an optic in your light? If so, it doesn't really make much difference plexiglassing the side, as the optic will take almost all of the LED output and send it in the required direction - you get very little spill out of the side.