"Mike" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:
[email protected]...
> Tom Nicholson wrote:
> > Nice lights.
> >
> > Check out the Moz version.
> >
> > http://www.moz.net.nz/bike/equipment/whiteled/index.html
> >
> > nice led lights from J car with built in reflectors.
> >
> > Tom
>
> The data sheet isn't very clear. Is that jaycar part just
> 4 chains of 3 LEDs with a series resistor? No regulator?
> Total power is only 1W at 12V. i wonder how it compares
> to the Luxon 1W.
>
> The Jaycar site is rather misleading. It should say its only
> 1W and nowhere near as bright as a MR-11.
>
> These white LEDs are no more efficient than a good halogen, and need
> more electronics. (or a wasteful series resistor)
> Of course, you can't get an efficient halogen at low power levels,
> but at 5W+, I dont see the point of using LEDs.
The problem with the MR designs is that the connection is difficult to the
lamp is problematic and the lamp itself is awkwardly shaped as far as
housings go. That's why most experimenting is based around the lamp holder
itself. Most sockets for the MR connections aren't very secure and you can't
solder the terminals because they're stainless steel. MR bulbs less than 10
watts are extremely rare. Have a look at the cost of replacement bulbs at
Phantom cycles.
The 5 Watt Luxeon LED is comparable in my opinion to a 10 watt MR bulb. It
may be slightly less brighter but it's enough to ride on the road. Because
of it's lower power draw I use a 2 amp hour battery which saves weight and
makes it easier to mount on the frame. I still get three or four hours of
riding time.
The LED lamp is lighter, more aero, and has less risk of failure due to a
filament burning out.
The experimentation is still in its early days yet and I'm sure there are
people out there that will come up with much better designs than me.
Marty
