bike light bulbs

"stu" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

ok l made my MKI bike lights a couple of months back. $50 all up(including $12 for the rear
light), they work great, lasts better than 3 hours on a charge with one 20W light on. So thanks
again to hippy and friends for

there

Quoted message said:

great pages.

I have been looking around to solve some problems for these silly people that do things like 24
hour races. Have a couple of ideas in the works for some really cheap battery packs. but to my
questions. I was looking at

down

Quoted message said:

lights in brunnings and there are now 3 sizes 50mm 34mm and a new even smaller one (about 20mm I
guess). They are 10w, but dont have front glass. has anyone tried these yet??? or has anyone seen
these with front glass??

if

Quoted message said:

so could you tell me where. thanks stu

Stu,

If you go to a lighting store, you should be able to get the smaller bulbs (34mm) in 20W with the
front glass for less than $10.....These are MR11 bulbs as opposed to the 'standard' size MR16. I
used one in my latest lights members.ozemail.com.aulights 5.htmOpen ↗ and I am going to
use them on the next ones too.

I saw some of the small ones in the garden lights section of Bunnings the other day too....I think
that they are MR8 lights and the ones that I saw were also 10W and came in blue, green, yellow, and
red I think. I was thinking that they might be good for a laugh mounted on the side of a helmet but
they would prob not be too good for actual serious use as they were wide beamed (38 degree i think)
and have a small (inefficient) reflector. You would also need to have some sort of cover to protect
from elements.

How did you mount your lights?? photos?? When I was in Bunnings the other day I also picked up
some of the black platic hose clamps for the irrigation piping that are a simple sqeeze together
to join (sorta zig-zag bits that interlock). I got a couple of 25mm and a couple of 19mm (i think
they were the sizes) and I am going to look at using them in place of metal hose clamps with the
large one around the bars and the small one around the globe (with a couple of layers of rubber to
help it grip and provide cushioning....I now use three little rings of inner-tube from road tubes
700c x 23).

Anyway, welcome to the homebrew light club....I still reckon you can't beat the experience of fast
singletrack on a pitch black night.

Gags

Quoted message said:

If you go to a lighting store, you should be able to get the smaller bulbs (34mm) in 20W with the
front glass for less than $10.....These are MR11 bulbs as opposed to the 'standard' size MR16. I
used one in my latest lights members.ozemail.com.aulights 5.htmOpen ↗ and I am going
to use them on the next ones too.

I picked up one of the 10W 34mm bulbs today. Tried it out tonight looks pretty good. Should
have just coughed up the extra $10odd for the smallest one so I could compear them. oh well
maybe tomorrow.

Quoted message said:

saw some of the small ones in the garden lights section of Bunnings the other day too....I think
that they are MR8 lights and the ones that I saw were also 10W and came in blue, green, yellow,
and red I think. I was thinking that they might be good for a laugh mounted on the side of a

helmet

Quoted message said:

but they would prob not be too good for actual serious use as they were

wide

Quoted message said:

beamed (38 degree i think) and have a small (inefficient) reflector. You would also need to have
some sort of cover to protect from elements.

The ones I saw were white(which makes sence coz they didnt have front glass). I was thinking about
using one for a helment light. I am a little worried just how hot they will run once I put a glass
front on them.

Quoted message said:

How did you mount your lights?? photos?? When I was in Bunnings the

other

Quoted message said:

day I also picked up some of the black platic hose clamps for the

irrigation

Quoted message said:

piping that are a simple sqeeze together to join (sorta zig-zag bits that interlock). I got a
couple of 25mm and a couple of 19mm (i think they

were

Quoted message said:

the sizes) and I am going to look at using them in place of metal hose clamps with the large one
around the bars and the small one around the

globe

Quoted message said:

(with a couple of layers of rubber to help it grip and provide cushioning....I now use three
little rings of inner-tube from road tubes 700c x 23).

no pics as yet sorry. weight weenies stop reading now I have a 7Ah SLA($21 and 2.5kgs) battery fixed
with hose clamps to the top tube.(l have a nice heavy cromo frame) the swtichies are on the side of
the battery which isnt the best place for them(but it sure was the easiest). I dont need to switch
beams very often. Two 20W 50mm (about $7.50 each, a 38degree and a 9 degree) bulbs mounted to the
bars with the same clips as you just found(these are great coz you can get the light on in about
30secs and off in less), and just normal hose clamps around the bulb with inner tube. Add two fuse
holders at $.45 each, the rest I had. This gives me more then 3 hours with 20W all the time, 40W
some of the time. You couldn't beat this for less $500 if then. will try and get some pics

Quoted message said:

Anyway, welcome to the homebrew light club....I still reckon you can't

beat

Quoted message said:

the experience of fast singletrack on a pitch black night.

yer great fun, and so much cooler at night. No need for sunblock either, unless you happen to be
riding in front of me 😉

Quoted message said:

Gags

"stu" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

If you go to a lighting store, you should be able to get the smaller bulbs (34mm) in 20W with
the front glass for less than $10.....These are MR11 bulbs as opposed to the 'standard' size
MR16. I used one in my latest lights members.ozemail.com.aulights 5.htmOpen ↗ and I
am going to use them on the next ones too.

I picked up one of the 10W 34mm bulbs today. Tried it out tonight looks pretty good. Should have
just coughed up the extra $10odd for the smallest one so I could compear them. oh well maybe
tomorrow.

Quoted message said:

saw some of the small ones in the garden lights section of Bunnings the other day too....I think
that they are MR8 lights and the ones that I saw were also 10W and came in blue, green, yellow,
and red I think. I was thinking that they might be good for a laugh mounted on the side of a

helmet

Quoted message said:

but they would prob not be too good for actual serious use as they were

wide

Quoted message said:

beamed (38 degree i think) and have a small (inefficient) reflector. You would also need to have
some sort of cover to protect from elements.

The ones I saw were white(which makes sence coz they didnt have front glass). I was thinking about
using one for a helment light. I am a little worried just how hot they will run once I put a glass
front on them.

Quoted message said:

How did you mount your lights?? photos?? When I was in Bunnings the

other

Quoted message said:

day I also picked up some of the black platic hose clamps for the

irrigation

Quoted message said:

piping that are a simple sqeeze together to join (sorta zig-zag bits that interlock). I got a
couple of 25mm and a couple of 19mm (i think they

were

Quoted message said:

the sizes) and I am going to look at using them in place of metal hose clamps with the large one
around the bars and the small one around the

globe

Quoted message said:

(with a couple of layers of rubber to help it grip and provide cushioning....I now use three
little rings of inner-tube from road tubes 700c x 23).

no pics as yet sorry. weight weenies stop reading now I have a 7Ah SLA($21 and 2.5kgs) battery
fixed with hose clamps to the top tube.(l have a nice heavy cromo frame) the swtichies are on the
side of the battery which isnt the best place for them(but it sure was the easiest). I dont need
to switch beams very often. Two 20W 50mm (about $7.50 each, a 38degree and a 9 degree) bulbs
mounted to the bars with the same clips as you just found(these are great coz you can get the
light on in about 30secs and off in less), and just normal hose clamps around the bulb with inner
tube. Add two fuse holders at $.45 each, the rest I had. This gives me more then 3 hours with 20W
all the time, 40W some of the time. You couldn't beat this for less $500 if then. will try and get
some pics

Quoted message said:

Anyway, welcome to the homebrew light club....I still reckon you can't

beat

Quoted message said:

the experience of fast singletrack on a pitch black night.

yer great fun, and so much cooler at night. No need for sunblock either, unless you happen to be
riding in front of me 😉

Quoted message said:

Gags

Have a look at my lights. hyperactive.oz.nfmartys lights.htmOpen ↗

Marty

"Marty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"stu" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

If you go to a lighting store, you should be able to get the smaller

bulbs

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

(34mm) in 20W with the front glass for less than $10.....These are

MR11

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

bulbs as opposed to the 'standard' size MR16. I used one in my latest lights
members.ozemail.com.aulights 5.htmOpen ↗ and I am

going

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

to use them on the next ones too.

I picked up one of the 10W 34mm bulbs today. Tried it out tonight looks pretty good. Should have
just coughed up the extra $10odd for the

smallest

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

one so I could compear them. oh well maybe tomorrow.

Quoted message said:

saw some of the small ones in the garden lights section of Bunnings

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

other day too....I think that they are MR8 lights and the ones that I

saw

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

were also 10W and came in blue, green, yellow, and red I think. I was thinking that they might
be good for a laugh mounted on the side of a

helmet

Quoted message said:

but they would prob not be too good for actual serious use as they

were

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

wide

Quoted message said:

beamed (38 degree i think) and have a small (inefficient) reflector.

You

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

would also need to have some sort of cover to protect from elements.

The ones I saw were white(which makes sence coz they didnt have front glass). I was thinking
about using one for a helment light. I am a

little

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

worried just how hot they will run once I put a glass front on them.

Quoted message said:

How did you mount your lights?? photos?? When I was in Bunnings the

other

Quoted message said:

day I also picked up some of the black platic hose clamps for the

irrigation

Quoted message said:

piping that are a simple sqeeze together to join (sorta zig-zag bits

that

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

interlock). I got a couple of 25mm and a couple of 19mm (i think they

were

Quoted message said:

the sizes) and I am going to look at using them in place of metal hose clamps with the large
one around the bars and the small one around the

globe

Quoted message said:

(with a couple of layers of rubber to help it grip and provide cushioning....I now use three
little rings of inner-tube from road

tubes

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

700c x 23).

no pics as yet sorry. weight weenies stop reading now I have a 7Ah SLA($21 and 2.5kgs) battery
fixed with hose clamps to the

top

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

tube.(l have a nice heavy cromo frame) the swtichies are on the side of

the

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

battery which isnt the best place for them(but it sure was the easiest).

I

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

dont need to switch beams very often. Two 20W 50mm (about $7.50 each, a 38degree and a 9 degree)
bulbs mounted to the bars with the same clips

as

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

you just found(these are great coz you can get the light on in about

30secs

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

and off in less), and just normal hose clamps around the bulb with inner tube. Add two fuse
holders at $.45 each, the rest I had. This gives me more then 3 hours with 20W all the time, 40W
some of the

time.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

You couldn't beat this for less $500 if then. will try and get some pics

Quoted message said:

Anyway, welcome to the homebrew light club....I still reckon you can't

beat

Quoted message said:

the experience of fast singletrack on a pitch black night.

yer great fun, and so much cooler at night. No need for sunblock either, unless you happen to be
riding in front of me 😉

Quoted message said:

Gags

Have a look at my lights. hyperactive.oz.nfmartys lights.htmOpen ↗

Marty

Pretty neat marty.......I am currently mucking around with some PVC couplers, PVC end caps, and
quick release Vistalite mounts for a set of lights for a guy in Townsville.......I will prob post
some pictures when they are finished.

Gags

Quoted message said:

I have a 7Ah SLA($21 and 2.5kgs) battery fixed with hose clamps to the top tube.

I found a galvanized square u-bolt ("2.5 x 6.0"😉, bought from a local car-parts market, makes a very
good fit around the 7Ah SLA battery I bought from Jaycar.

--
Chris

Quoted message said:

I found a galvanized square u-bolt ("2.5 x 6.0"😉, bought from a local car-parts market, makes a
very good fit around the 7Ah SLA battery I bought from Jaycar.

I finally found the motivation to take a photograph that some friends were asking for:

hunter.apana.org.aubattery ubolt.jpgOpen ↗

Something I should have noted in the picture was the use of sturdy spring washers, to improve the
grip to the frame without needing to crush onto the metal. Although it mightn't look it, the
mounting hasn't slipped on me yet.

(And if you're wondering, this is the now-motorised bike I was researching information for about a
year ago..)

--
Chris

"stu" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

ok l made my MKI bike lights a couple of months back. $50 all up(including $12 for the rear
light), they work great, lasts better than 3 hours on a charge with one 20W light on. So thanks
again to hippy and friends for

there

Quoted message said:

great pages.

No worries. ;^)

Quoted message said:

I have been looking around to solve some problems for these silly people that do things like 24
hour races. Have a couple of ideas in the works for some really cheap battery packs. but to my
questions. I was looking at

down

Quoted message said:

lights in brunnings and there are now 3 sizes 50mm 34mm and a new even smaller one (about 20mm I
guess). They are 10w, but dont have front glass. has anyone tried these yet??? or has anyone seen
these with front glass??

if

Quoted message said:

so could you tell me where.

I bought 35mm globes (with glass cover) from Farnells, but they should be readily available via
other electrical wholesalers or lighting warehouses (probably have to order them in). I bought 20W
10 degree globes, but they should have a range of wattages and beams available. The brand I had was
Osram. Jaycar sell them in a 38 degree beam, but I find that too wide. I liked the smaller globes -
look much neater and take up less space, but I had trouble getting past thoughts of "they're
smaller, they can't work as well". I was never convinced they were as bright, and a big stack
brought the experiment to a close - I had a spare 51mm, so back on it went. In all honesty, I think
my problem was just psychological... err...

I definitely will try again, it's just a matter of getting round to it.

Regards

Tony F

www.thefathippy.com