Cycling Experiences…

Fargo Setup ~ Rear Light Bar

with 2 comments

Yesterday, I posted brief information on both light bars and details on the front light bar. Now, for the details on the rear light bar. Like the front, I have 3 tiered lighting.

We start with two DiNotte 400L Tail  Lights, both outboard on the bar. Like the two DiNotte 400L Amber Headlights, both are likely to be on when I am riding, relative again to battery consumption. These will also get their power from the 12-volt SLA battery that is charged by the sun’s energy—Solar Lighting. Backup DiNotte Li-Ion batteries are carried just in case. These batteries will be charged with the sun’s energy.

My main headlight [center of the light bar] {tier 1 lighting], is a DiNotte 1200L Headlight. I have yet to test its drain on my 18aH SLA battery. I have a stand-alone Li-Ion battery for it also.

Tier 2 lighting will be powered by the SON Hub and will get its rotation from the drive train. The tail light for this power is my Seculite Plus [also purchased from Peter White Cycles], as was the SON Hub. My tier 2 headlight, Lumotec IQ Cyo (R) Plus will also be powered by this hub. As will, my iPhone 3GS. The Seculite Plus is positioned inboard on the left.

Tier 3 lighting [if needed—Tier 3 is my "emergency" lighting system] will be powered by my LiteSpin Wheel Dynamo. The taillight, Comus L.E.D. Standlicht [purchased from Yellow Jersey], is from the lighting I purchased for my RANS Stratus XP. 

For my upcoming tour, I’m not expecting a lot of night riding, but I am prepared if we do. Plus, I’m designing this quad for my riding anytime, anywhere.

Tier 1 and tier 2 lights all connect to my Power Box.

Related Links:

flickr photo set

quad tier lighting search string of this blog

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2 Responses

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1. Hey Jim,

   Those light bars are awesome. If you every get to Tier 3 lighting, you’ve had a really LONG day (night) on/in Fargo!

   David

   

   David

   March 8, 2010 at 11:19 pm

   Reply
2. Hi David,

   Thanks! I agree; but, I have to plan. I’ve been on my wheel dynamo twice. Had it failed, i would have been in the dark on country road with cars coming from behind. I love touring, especially at night, because of the unexpected. I’m glad I do not have to worry about mountain lions.

   Should, I have to use Tier 3, it is time to look for a place to call it a day. In the past, I may depart 1-3 a.m. and consume battery. I had no self-contained charging and then unexpectedly, I had to ride until 11:45 p.m. That was on a double-century to Richmond, Virginia from Fayetteville, N.C. The second was on a rain delayed part on my tour to Key West, where I had more after dark hours of riding than expected. I am more robust with my Tier 1 setup and I did not have the wheel dynamo in either case above.

   Lighting is not one of my concerns. I’d almost be happy to miss the day’s heat and ride with the solitude of the moon & stars and then greet Mr. Sun each morning . The awakening earth is simply beautiful. But, if i did that, I miss lot of the beauty along the way. Anyway…

   I’ll have a mounting article up in a bit.

   Thanks!

   Jim

   

   jalexartis

   March 8, 2010 at 11:37 pm

   Reply