12V System question

xdomhnallx · 08-31-2008, 08:48 PM

OK, I have been reading on here about 12V systems to try to put lights on mini's. And it would seem that the proper way would be to get the right coil behind the flywheel and such. For my purposes, thinking... I am not really going to be doing alot of night riding, but more of lets say, you are out and about. It starts to get a little dark and you have a 10-15 minute ride to get home. Has anyone tried to use a 12v rechargable battery from a cordless drill to power a headlamp? I have some spare batteries from a couple Black'n Decker drills. My thinking is that you could gut a spare charger base and use it for the "plug in" on the bike and just do a simple wire and switch. I have a battery charging right now in my shed with plans of hooking it up to some 12 volt trailer lights that I have and do a time test to see how long it will burn. You could also hook up turn signals and such and just have to repeatedly press the button to flash them. I am sure there is a much more slick way to do this with relay and stuff but I am by no means an electrical guy when it comes to that kind of stuff. You could keep an extra battery with you if you needed to or would it be possible to get a bigger 18v or even a 24v tool battery and reduce the output with a voltage regutaor some how? Just curious what you guys with more know-how think?

deezildennis · 08-31-2008, 09:28 PM

I'd just get a Bicycle Led Light. They last a long time and are really bright.

xdomhnallx · 09-01-2008, 09:39 AM

Yeah, I have seen those online but I didn't think they would be bright enough. Maybe thats worth a shot then. Thanks!

Barticusmax · 09-01-2008, 10:01 AM

Howdy!,
There are lots of REALLY bright LED lamps available. A blinker circuit would be simple, want help, Lemme know! And, such a system would run literally HOURS on a 12v drill battery!
Bart

Barticusmax · 09-01-2008, 10:02 AM

BTW, one of those super cheapo Walmart LED lights would make an ok headlight.. voltage mods would be needed, again, Happy to help out if you need
Bart

**cjtmini** · 09-01-2008, 11:22 AM

I hooked up 3 LED flashlights from Harbor Freight. I rotate between lights when they start to get weak. It's amazing how much light they give on a dark street. $1.99 ea on sale.............they come with batteries

deezildennis · 09-01-2008, 01:31 PM

This is the one my buddy at work uses on his bike to commute to work everyday..

Its super bright and projects pretty far.

eBay Motors: 53 LED Bright Bicycle Bike Light Torch Flashlight Lampe (item 120298859922 end time Sep-02-08 15:27:19 PDT)

xdomhnallx · 09-01-2008, 10:59 PM

My first thought was to buy an off-road light and mount it between the handlebars. but then I was worried about the effects of vibration through the bike and screwing up the bulbs. So LED's do seem to be the way to go! I was just woried that the LED's would not be bright enough or how to run them with a 12v or 18v battery. Unless of coarse they sell LED driving lights at auto-zone??? I see I have a little more surfing to do now. Haha! CJTMini, do you have any problems with vibration? I might take you up on your offer Bart, when I get around to doing this. I have to get my jackshaft in the mail and install it first. My chain keep comming off when ever I get on the brakes to quick. everything looks like it is in line but....thats another project. It would seem that with such a demand for an electrical fix like this, that someone would offer a stand-alone product that would just bolt on with a sprocket drive or somthing. Just a simple alternator unit to be used like a chain tensioner, right off the shelf. Thanks for all the ideas guy's! I will keep ya posted with pic's as it comes along.
Don