2 years ago (I think), I built a homemade light. It was cheap and awesome so I thought I'd share it all with you.
First off I needed a battery and charger. 12V Lead Acid used for security and fire alarms in commercial buildings. I bought mine for $20 Canadian at an electronics store. I bought an automatic battery charger with trickle charge from Canadian Tire for $40. It's just a plain old 12V lead acid car battery charger.
I used 12V MR16 light bulbs. Its the small ones used for track lighting. You need the 12V not 120V ones. $1-$5 each. I carry a spare with me in case I bust one...hasn't happened yet!!!
Now you can buy these rubber coupling things for plumbing. $5 or so. Also a plastic cap for the back. The coupling has a groove in it and the light bulb slips right in and holds.
I cut out the back of the plastic cap and mounted a switch from radio shack. I wired it up and left 5 ft or so off the end. I put to circles of velcro around the light and mount it to my helmet. A strip of velcro on the helmet hold it in place, then a circle of velcro through the helmet vents and around the light secures it tight. I run the wire down my back and into a hydro pack where I carry the battery.
The light will last around 4-5 hours. I never want to drain the battery more than 50% so it lasts, therefore that gives me 2.5hrs of riding time no prob. That's great to leave my house, go for a ride, and come home.
The light is so bright I can shine road signs from way far. Cars flash me on the highway to turn my brights off It lights up the trails no prob.
In total the light costs $10 or so, $20 for the battery, and $40 for a nice charger. $70 total Canadian. Batteries are easily replacable, as well as the charger. NO specialty equipment or connections required. YOu could mount it handlebar, or helmet. Also get a second battery if you wanna carry the weight and place a second light on the handlebars. Or buy more expensive lithium batteries and charger.
For a little over $50 and the performance I get I love the light. Took me about 30min to assemble very easily. HIghly recommended project for those looking for a cheaper light without spending $300 on a name brand system that has expensive replacement parts like bulbs and battery.
First off I needed a battery and charger. 12V Lead Acid used for security and fire alarms in commercial buildings. I bought mine for $20 Canadian at an electronics store. I bought an automatic battery charger with trickle charge from Canadian Tire for $40. It's just a plain old 12V lead acid car battery charger.
I used 12V MR16 light bulbs. Its the small ones used for track lighting. You need the 12V not 120V ones. $1-$5 each. I carry a spare with me in case I bust one...hasn't happened yet!!!
Now you can buy these rubber coupling things for plumbing. $5 or so. Also a plastic cap for the back. The coupling has a groove in it and the light bulb slips right in and holds.
I cut out the back of the plastic cap and mounted a switch from radio shack. I wired it up and left 5 ft or so off the end. I put to circles of velcro around the light and mount it to my helmet. A strip of velcro on the helmet hold it in place, then a circle of velcro through the helmet vents and around the light secures it tight. I run the wire down my back and into a hydro pack where I carry the battery.
The light will last around 4-5 hours. I never want to drain the battery more than 50% so it lasts, therefore that gives me 2.5hrs of riding time no prob. That's great to leave my house, go for a ride, and come home.
The light is so bright I can shine road signs from way far. Cars flash me on the highway to turn my brights off It lights up the trails no prob.
In total the light costs $10 or so, $20 for the battery, and $40 for a nice charger. $70 total Canadian. Batteries are easily replacable, as well as the charger. NO specialty equipment or connections required. YOu could mount it handlebar, or helmet. Also get a second battery if you wanna carry the weight and place a second light on the handlebars. Or buy more expensive lithium batteries and charger.
For a little over $50 and the performance I get I love the light. Took me about 30min to assemble very easily. HIghly recommended project for those looking for a cheaper light without spending $300 on a name brand system that has expensive replacement parts like bulbs and battery.