I was thinking of posting this in the European forum, but that seems to be nothing but ads & spam, and it is an equipment question, so here goes nothing:
The dynamo on my daily beater bike isn't working.
Bulbs are ok, connections are as solid as they're going to get with the flimsy little wire that came with the system (bought at the only place that seemingly sells dynamos in the US - the toy store....), ground screws are driven as far into the frame as they'll go without breaking something.
So the prime suspect would be the little bottle thingie that rubs against the tire, which does not appear to be openable/serviceable.
Any experiences?
Europeans more than welcome to comment, I have been looking at various European websites where they have dynamos of all different types galore.
Cycling Equipment · Public discussion
Dynamo problem
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- Cycling Equipment
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- 27 February 2008
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- 28 February 2008
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- Nukuhiva
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Put the bike on a stand and test the voltage coming out of the bottle thingy (the dynamo). Just touch one lead, usually the positive, to end of the wire that comes out of the dynamo and the other to the casing of the dynamo. Have someone turn the pedals and see if you get any voltage out of the dynamo. If not, you will have to replace teh dynamo. You cannot get it open to service it.
A better solution for you would probably be a light with a rechargeable battery. Check with your LBS about one. They come in all price ranges and any variety of mounting options.
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How old is the dynamo?
If you've logged a lot of miles, then the BRUSHES are probably worn out.
Now, replacing them could be problematic ...
It should be possible to disassemble the unit (they put it together, after all).
Is there a screw head at the top of the friction "wheel" OR somewhere else (other than for the leads -- you know, you could replace the minimalist wire with a heavier, multi-strand wire)?
Work ABOVE a shoe box, or equivalent so any small parts don't go astray.
Finding replacement brushes, if that is the problem, may be problematic ... I would probably cannibalize some from a small DC motor & file them down to size (tedious!).
Be sure that when you reassemble the dynamo that whatever seal (0-ring) is used is properly fitted.
Good luck!
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Shouldn't it be possible to buy a new dynamo unit and replace it if it is faulty (test it the way kdelong said). I have seen dynamo units for sale in bike shops in Europe.
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