I want to actually put a decent dynamo front light on the Do All Things bike - but I have refined my needs: can I hook any light I buy up in such a way that I can charge a battery pack either (1) at the same time as having (some) light, or, almost as acceptable, (2) hook up a battery pack instead of the light as needed (via my wee usb-output box thingy) without having to faff about prising one set of contacts off the dynamo output and connecting another? Or do I need to buy a Particular Light to do this? Need the light for Ride to the Sun, but want a set up that will also work to keep my electronics charged if/when I head off with the tent for extended periods.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Dynamo light plus charging other stuff?
(12 posts)- Started 8 years ago by unhurt
- Latest reply from LaidBack
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Posted 8 years ago #
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There are a couple of options available which don't require a particular light.
These battery packs are usually wired in parallel with the light, so no need to swap between the lights and battery.
If you have a SON hub, I've a battery pack with the required connectors to be plugged in alongside a light, and your welcome to borrow it...
Robert
Posted 8 years ago # -
I heard this earlier in the week when flirting with getting a dynamo. The sp brand which is similar to son? Could take a USB so running dim Dynamo whilst charging spare light or maybe your phone?
The shimano one I was after as it was cheaper could not do this? Also it was cheaper as it came assembled to the wheel. So my further query is - if rim wears out (very likely on my commute) can all dynamos be taken off the old rim and a new rim built round them
Neither brand appears to be great for running repairs according to the other thread?
I am back to being pre-contemplative about dynamos. Lot of ins, lot of outs, lot of money
Posted 8 years ago # -
I think any hub dynamo could accommodate an external battery pack, not just SON, it's just I've got the physical plugs for a SON on my battery pack.
That said, I've a Biologic hub which provides 2.4W instead of 3W and it struggles to power both a front and rear light simultaneously (it was meant for front only) - that probably wouldn't be ideal for light and recharging concurrently!
Robert
Posted 8 years ago # -
As for replacing the rim, that's as easy as replacing the rim on any hub, so no issue there.
Indeed on some ordinary hubs, the rebuild cost is high compared to replacing the whole wheel, but if you have a dynamo hub, replacing the rim alone is more likely to be cost effective.
Robert
Posted 8 years ago # -
Thanks - I have a SON dynamo, and it works grand to charge a battery pack on its own. Sounds like I maybe just need to wire things up as suggested above and accept that battery pack charging will be a bit slower; assume when I unplug the battery pack the light will then function at full brightness...
Cheers for the loan offer but I have a battery pack (not a dynamo specific bit of kit, but that suits me as I also want to be able to charge it from the mains on non-bike trips) so ideally I can rig something up that works with the stuff I have.
(I was sure I posted this as a question topic but apparently not, oops.)
Posted 8 years ago # -
(Thanks o chdot - I assume you are responsible for making my question a question!)
- and to have some actual content: it occurs to me I could go for a dynamo light that plugs into a USB port, and just swap the light for whatever else I want to power! Or a light that has a USB port outlet on it, another thing I have a feeling exists.
Wait. Have I answered my own question?
Posted 8 years ago # -
"I assume you are responsible"
Now there's a question.
Posted 8 years ago # -
Surely as the shadowy* figure behind the CCE curtain you must be exceptionally responsible?
*all forum powers are "shadowy". It is known.
Posted 8 years ago # -
"all forum powers are "shadowy"."
Really?
How do you work that out?
Posted 8 years ago # -
Limits of their powers untested, all-seeing & all-knowing (within forum bounds), etc?
(May be partly wishful thinking - I was once a forum power, a long time ago in an internet far, far away.)
Posted 8 years ago # -
A Light that has a USB port outlet on it, another thing I have a feeling exists.
Luxos from B+M. Think though you had bad experience with their charger unit?
We use one on the tandem. Has USB. However it can't light the road and charge a battery / Garmin at same time. Although Darkersider did - for a while.
Now on version 3 at least as B+M improve.
No bike component is fail free. e.g. - We have had a quality dynamo hub fail.Welcome to see item at shop fitted. Have one in stock.
Posted 8 years ago #
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