Bicycle lighting

Bicycle lighting has two main purposes: seeing and being seen. There are several types of bicycle lights available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, and each with its own enthusiastic advocates! Different technologies address these two purposes in different ways. There is no one "best" solution for any rider, and many riders mix and match different technologies to provide the balance that works for them. Bicycle lighting - History. The earliest bicycle and car lights were generally powered by ...

Including:

• Bicycle lighting - History
• Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System
• Bicycle lighting - Legal requirements
• Bicycle lighting - Safety
• Bicycle lighting - Front lighting
• Bicycle lighting - LEDs
• Bicycle lighting - Low-cost battery lights
• Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Flashlights
• Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Halogen Systems
• Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable H.I.D. Systems
• Bicycle lighting - Dynamo Systems
• Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting
• Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps
• Bicycle lighting - LEDs
• Bicycle lighting - Xenon strobes
• Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity
• Bicycle lighting - Headtorches
• Bicycle lighting - Reflective and high-visibility materials
• Bicycle lighting - Repairs in the Dark
• Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output
• Bicycle lighting - Watts
• Bicycle lighting - Candela
• Bicycle lighting - Lumens
• Bicycle lighting - Conclusion

Read more here: » Bicycle lighting: Encyclopedia - Bicycle lighting

Bicycle lighting - LEDs. Cyclists that ride at night only occasionally might opt for an inexpensive LED front light and rear LED flasher. Red or yellow LEDs suitable for use as rear lights have been available for many years. Recently, white LEDs which satisfy the requirements for a front light have come on the market, and some jurisdictions have or are considering making these legally acceptable. Very high-power LEDs are sensitive to overheating (e.g. 5W Luxeon Vs), and over-driving, if the enclosure, and driving ...

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Bicycle lighting, Bicycle lighting - History, Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System, Bicycle lighting - Legal requirements, Bicycle lighting - Safety, Bicycle lighting - Front lighting, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Low-cost battery lights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Flashlights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Halogen Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable H.I.D. Systems, Bicycle lighting - Dynamo Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting, Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Xenon strobes, Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity, Bicycle lighting - Headtorches, Bicycle lighting - Reflective and high-visibility materials, Bicycle lighting - Repairs in the Dark, Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output, Bicycle lighting - Watts, Bicycle lighting - Candela, Bicycle lighting - Lumens, Bicycle lighting - Conclusion

Read more here: » Bicycle lighting: Encyclopedia II - Bicycle lighting - Front lighting

Before the connection between magnetism and electricity was discovered, generators used electrostatic principles. The Wimshurst machine used electrostatic induction or "influence". The Van de Graaff generator uses either of two mechanisms: Charge transferred from a high-voltage electrode Charge created by the triboelectric effect using the separation of two insulators (the belt leaving the lower pulley) Electrostatic generators are inefficient and are useful only for scientific experiments requiring high voltages ...

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Electrical generator, Electrical generator - Historic Developments, Electrical generator - Faraday, Electrical generator - Dynamo, Electrical generator - Gramme dynamo, Electrical generator - Concepts, Electrical generator - Equivalent circuit, Electrical generator - Maximum power, Electrical generator - Low-power, Electrical generator - Engine-generator, Electrical generator - Mid-size stationary engine-generator, Electrical generator - Patents

Read more here: » Electrical generator: Encyclopedia II - Electrical generator - Historic Developments

The equivalent circuit of a generator and load is shown in the diagram to the right. To determine the generator's VG and RG parameters, follow this procedure: - Before starting the generator, measure the resistance across its terminals using an ohmmeter. This is its DC internal resistance RGDC. Start the generator. Before connecting the load See also:

Electrical generator, Electrical generator - Historic Developments, Electrical generator - Faraday, Electrical generator - Dynamo, Electrical generator - Gramme dynamo, Electrical generator - Concepts, Electrical generator - Equivalent circuit, Electrical generator - Maximum power, Electrical generator - Low-power, Electrical generator - Engine-generator, Electrical generator - Mid-size stationary engine-generator, Electrical generator - Patents

Read more here: » Electrical generator: Encyclopedia II - Electrical generator - Equivalent circuit

Early motor vehicles tended to use DC generators with regulators. These were not particularly reliable or efficient and have now been replaced by alternators with inbuilt rectifier circuits. These power the electrical systems on the vehicle and recharge the battery after starting. Rated output will typically be in the range 50-100 A at 12 V, depending on the forecast electrical load within the vehicle - some cars now have electrically powered superchargers and airconditioning, which places a high load on the electrical system. Commercial veh ...

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Electrical generator, Electrical generator - Historic Developments, Electrical generator - Faraday, Electrical generator - Dynamo, Electrical generator - Gramme dynamo, Electrical generator - Concepts, Electrical generator - Equivalent circuit, Electrical generator - Maximum power, Electrical generator - Low-power, Electrical generator - Engine-generator, Electrical generator - Mid-size stationary engine-generator, Electrical generator - Patents

Read more here: » Electrical generator: Encyclopedia II - Electrical generator - Low-power

It is important to understand that the generator creates an electric current, but does not create electric charge, which is already present in the conductive wire of its windings. It is somewhat analogous to a water pump, which creates a flow of water but does not create the water itself. Other types of electrical generator exist, based on other electrical phenomena such as piezoelectricity, and magnetohydrodynamics. The construction of a dynamo is similar to that of an electric motor, and all common types of dynamos could work as motors. Also, all common t ...

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Electrical generator, Electrical generator - Historic Developments, Electrical generator - Faraday, Electrical generator - Dynamo, Electrical generator - Gramme dynamo, Electrical generator - Concepts, Electrical generator - Equivalent circuit, Electrical generator - Maximum power, Electrical generator - Low-power, Electrical generator - Engine-generator, Electrical generator - Mid-size stationary engine-generator, Electrical generator - Patents

Read more here: » Electrical generator: Encyclopedia II - Electrical generator - Concepts

An engine-generator is the combination of an electrical generator and an engine mounted together to form a single piece of equipment. This combination is also called an engine-generator set or a genset. In many contexts, the engine is taken for granted and the combined unit is simply called a generator. In addition to the engine and generator, engine-generators generally include a fuel tank, an engine speed regulator and a generator voltage regulator. Many units are equipped with a battery and electric star ...

See also:

Electrical generator, Electrical generator - Historic Developments, Electrical generator - Faraday, Electrical generator - Dynamo, Electrical generator - Gramme dynamo, Electrical generator - Concepts, Electrical generator - Equivalent circuit, Electrical generator - Maximum power, Electrical generator - Low-power, Electrical generator - Engine-generator, Electrical generator - Mid-size stationary engine-generator, Electrical generator - Patents

Read more here: » Electrical generator: Encyclopedia II - Electrical generator - Engine-generator

The generator creates an electric current, but does not create electric charge, which is already present in the conductive wire of its windings. It is somewhat analogous to a water pump, which creates a flow of water but does not create the water itself. Other types of electrical generator exist, based on other electrical phenomena such as piezoelectricity, and magnetohydrodynamics. The construction of a dynamo is similar to that of an electric motor, and all common types of dynamos could work as motors. Also, all common t ...

See also:

Electrical generator, Electrical generator - Historic Developments, Electrical generator - Faraday, Electrical generator - Dynamo, Electrical generator - Gramme dynamo, Electrical generator - Concepts, Electrical generator - Equivalent circuit, Electrical generator - Maximum power, Electrical generator - Low-power, Electrical generator - Engine-generator, Electrical generator - Mid-size stationary engine-generator, Electrical generator - Patents

Read more here: » Electrical generator: Encyclopedia II - Electrical generator - Concepts

Bicycle lighting - Headtorches. Headtorches, such as those made by Petzl are a useful adjunct to bicycle lights. They can be pointed without steering the bike, giving useful "fill-in" lighting especially on poor or very dark roads. They also allow the wearer to read road and directional signs placed on high signposts. Some rechargeable systems offer a headtorch option powered from the main battery pack, but if judiciously used you can also get good life out of alkaline batteries or rechargeable cells. See also:

Bicycle lighting, Bicycle lighting - History, Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System, Bicycle lighting - Legal requirements, Bicycle lighting - Safety, Bicycle lighting - Front lighting, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Low-cost battery lights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Flashlights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Halogen Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable H.I.D. Systems, Bicycle lighting - Dynamo Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting, Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Xenon strobes, Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity, Bicycle lighting - Headtorches, Bicycle lighting - Reflective and high-visibility materials, Bicycle lighting - Repairs in the Dark, Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output, Bicycle lighting - Watts, Bicycle lighting - Candela, Bicycle lighting - Lumens, Bicycle lighting - Conclusion

Read more here: » Bicycle lighting: Encyclopedia II - Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity

There are three main units used in the measuring of light output. Manufacturers are in the business of selling product, so do not always quote the most appropriate figure - for example, Watts is commonly used, but wattage alone is a poor measure since the light optics will have a significant impact on the proportion of that power which is delivered where you want it. Bicycle lighting - Watts. The Watt (W) is the unit of (in this case electrical) power, the product of voltage and current (Watts = Volts x Am ...

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Bicycle lighting, Bicycle lighting - History, Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System, Bicycle lighting - Legal requirements, Bicycle lighting - Safety, Bicycle lighting - Front lighting, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Low-cost battery lights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Flashlights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Halogen Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable H.I.D. Systems, Bicycle lighting - Dynamo Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting, Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Xenon strobes, Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity, Bicycle lighting - Headtorches, Bicycle lighting - Reflective and high-visibility materials, Bicycle lighting - Repairs in the Dark, Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output, Bicycle lighting - Watts, Bicycle lighting - Candela, Bicycle lighting - Lumens, Bicycle lighting - Conclusion

Read more here: » Bicycle lighting: Encyclopedia II - Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output

The earliest bicycle and car lights were generally powered by acetylene (carbide) lamps, now almost unused except by cavers. They were dim and temperamental, and the arrival of battery lamps was warmly welcomed. Early battery lamps generally used lead-acid batteries, but these were replaced by self-contained cells; lamps became smaller and more reliable. At the same time dynamos were developed which generated energy from the bicycle's own movement. These were much more practical, as storage den ...

See also:

Bicycle lighting, Bicycle lighting - History, Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System, Bicycle lighting - Legal requirements, Bicycle lighting - Safety, Bicycle lighting - Front lighting, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Low-cost battery lights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Flashlights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Halogen Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable H.I.D. Systems, Bicycle lighting - Dynamo Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting, Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Xenon strobes, Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity, Bicycle lighting - Headtorches, Bicycle lighting - Reflective and high-visibility materials, Bicycle lighting - Repairs in the Dark, Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output, Bicycle lighting - Watts, Bicycle lighting - Candela, Bicycle lighting - Lumens, Bicycle lighting - Conclusion

Read more here: » Bicycle lighting: Encyclopedia II - Bicycle lighting - History

If you want to cycle at low speeds, in familiar areas, with street lights, other ambient lighting, or when there's a full moon on a cloudless night, a low power LED headlight, and a rear LED flasher may be sufficient. If you actually want to see obstacles in darker areas, stand out in heavy traffic, or travel at higher speeds (>10 mph) you probably need a more powerful, quartz-halogen front light. Added power comes with penalties of greater weight, greater expense, and/or shorter run time. If you are doing bicycle touring, or if you don ...

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Bicycle lighting, Bicycle lighting - History, Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System, Bicycle lighting - Legal requirements, Bicycle lighting - Safety, Bicycle lighting - Front lighting, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Low-cost battery lights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Flashlights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Halogen Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable H.I.D. Systems, Bicycle lighting - Dynamo Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting, Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Xenon strobes, Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity, Bicycle lighting - Headtorches, Bicycle lighting - Reflective and high-visibility materials, Bicycle lighting - Repairs in the Dark, Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output, Bicycle lighting - Watts, Bicycle lighting - Candela, Bicycle lighting - Lumens, Bicycle lighting - Conclusion

Read more here: » Bicycle lighting: Encyclopedia II - Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System

Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps. The only real advantage to these is that they are often omnidirectional, being visible through a very wide arc. Newer LED lights have this feature, making lights based on filament lamps pretty much obsolete. Bicycle lighting - LEDs. In many countries LED flashers are the norm for rear lights. In others such as Germany flashing lights are forbidden by law. In the UK flashing LEDs (front and rear) are legal from October 2005. It has been found t ...

See also:

Bicycle lighting, Bicycle lighting - History, Bicycle lighting - Choosing an Appropriate Lighting System, Bicycle lighting - Legal requirements, Bicycle lighting - Safety, Bicycle lighting - Front lighting, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Low-cost battery lights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Flashlights, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable Halogen Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rechargeable H.I.D. Systems, Bicycle lighting - Dynamo Systems, Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting, Bicycle lighting - Filament lamps, Bicycle lighting - LEDs, Bicycle lighting - Xenon strobes, Bicycle lighting - Supplementary lighting and conspicuity, Bicycle lighting - Headtorches, Bicycle lighting - Reflective and high-visibility materials, Bicycle lighting - Repairs in the Dark, Bicycle lighting - Measures of light output, Bicycle lighting - Watts, Bicycle lighting - Candela, Bicycle lighting - Lumens, Bicycle lighting - Conclusion

Read more here: » Bicycle lighting: Encyclopedia II - Bicycle lighting - Rear lighting