B
Borrall Wonnell
- Jan 1, 1970
- 0
Hi all,
I am in the process of revising a design for DIY bicycle lights, and I
am looking for ideas/information.
My current system consists of a single/dual 20W/40W halogen light
setup, connected to a 12V battery. Since P = VI, each light should
draw approx. 1.67 A. With two lights connected in parallel, the trunk
line is subject to twice that amount of current (3.33 A).
For functionality, I have been using automotive quick-connects to
connect the lights to trunk line and from trunk line to battery. This
makes life a bit easier when I adapt the system for use as a
flashlight/emergency light system.
However, the quick-connects are cumbersome, as I need one for each
positive/negative connection. In other words, the trunk line requires
4 male connectors to hook up two lights (each light, in turn, requires
2 female connectors). This makes for a lot of connectors and
increased risk for mechanical failure over time (not to mention some
frustration).
I am considering options for an 'integrated' quick connector that
allows both +ve and -ve connections (such as an RCA jack). However, I
am concerned about how much current such a jack can accommodate. Size
is important...the smaller the connector, the better.
If anyone knows how much current these connectors can safely take (or
any alternate suggestions), please feel free to respond. If I'm in
the wrong group, please direct me elsewhere. If anyone is actually
interested in DIY lights, I'd be happy to share my design (costs about
$30 (single), $50 (dual), compared to $100-$200 for a commercially
available setup of similar power).
Cheers,
Dave
I am in the process of revising a design for DIY bicycle lights, and I
am looking for ideas/information.
My current system consists of a single/dual 20W/40W halogen light
setup, connected to a 12V battery. Since P = VI, each light should
draw approx. 1.67 A. With two lights connected in parallel, the trunk
line is subject to twice that amount of current (3.33 A).
For functionality, I have been using automotive quick-connects to
connect the lights to trunk line and from trunk line to battery. This
makes life a bit easier when I adapt the system for use as a
flashlight/emergency light system.
However, the quick-connects are cumbersome, as I need one for each
positive/negative connection. In other words, the trunk line requires
4 male connectors to hook up two lights (each light, in turn, requires
2 female connectors). This makes for a lot of connectors and
increased risk for mechanical failure over time (not to mention some
frustration).
I am considering options for an 'integrated' quick connector that
allows both +ve and -ve connections (such as an RCA jack). However, I
am concerned about how much current such a jack can accommodate. Size
is important...the smaller the connector, the better.
If anyone knows how much current these connectors can safely take (or
any alternate suggestions), please feel free to respond. If I'm in
the wrong group, please direct me elsewhere. If anyone is actually
interested in DIY lights, I'd be happy to share my design (costs about
$30 (single), $50 (dual), compared to $100-$200 for a commercially
available setup of similar power).
Cheers,
Dave