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Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 10:15 am
by DoctorRad
johnnystorm wrote:Battery packs back in at B&M. Will do simultaneous charge/discharge.
Is that a B&M Home store or Bargains store?
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 2:43 pm
by johnnystorm
I didn't know there were different types! I've just looked online. It's a home store!
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Thu Sep 04, 2014 9:47 pm
by DoctorRad
Was in the local B&M Bargain store too, on charge now, will report back. They've probably got a single 18650 cell in them, but if it'll hold a good charge, a fiver is a great price.
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Sat Sep 06, 2014 10:56 pm
by JohnClimber
What capacity is the B&M battery and will it give out charge while recieving power from a dynamo?
Cheers
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 7:39 am
by johnnystorm
johnnystorm wrote:Battery packs back in at B&M. Will do simultaneous charge/discharge.
20140903_173630.jpg
From earlier in the thread! ; )
I'll check on capacity in a bit.
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 7:47 am
by johnnystorm
Here you go:

- 20140907_074314.jpg (29.22 KiB) Viewed 3991 times
Enough for a full, albeit slow, standalone charge of a typical smartphone. It's ok for a buffer charge as you go but takes it's time if what you want to do is charge a flat device.
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 9:48 am
by jameso
Just bought a B+M cell to go with my (different/german) B+M USB-Werk charger, one with a small cache built in to keep GPS from signalling 'lost charge' (£55 from Rose Bikes clinched it). Gave up on my home-made one for now .. got the battery packs charging with a charge level indicator but the switch to discharge to a device needed a few parts alongside the regulator and I realised it wasn't going to package well or be reliable, yet.
The USB-Werk puts out 500mah. This battery puts out 800mah. So If I charge up the battery at home then plug it into the USB-Werk and the GPS as I ride, I guess I'll get a faster charge to the GPS but a gradual drain on the cell? Just thinking of using the cell as a 'sht need topping up!' back up.
800mah, that's halfway between the charge speed of a PC USB and a wall-mount Garmin charger I think. So it'll speed it up a bit, but not dramatically.
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 10:58 am
by JohnClimber
evilgoat wrote:John climber, that usb xml light won't work as output from an sp hub is limited to 500ma. You need 1500ma to get 300 lumen from that light.
Xml leds are rated to run at high drive currents. Not suitable for dyno applications.
Thanks for this info, it looks like a rethink is in order unless there is a bright dynamo light on the market.
johnnystorm wrote:
From earlier in the thread!
Sorry, missed that one
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2014 11:44 am
by johnnystorm
:)
Just get a Revo it's worth it.

Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 1:52 pm
by DoctorRad
johnnystorm wrote:Just get a Revo it's worth it.
Not as well heatsinked as the kLites, but flatfishy seemed pretty pleased with his last time I saw him.
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:51 pm
by johnnystorm
DoctorRad wrote:johnnystorm wrote:Just get a Revo it's worth it.
Not as well heatsinked as the kLites, but flatfishy seemed pretty pleased with his last time I saw him.
I saw that on KLites Web page but is it really an issue? 800 lumens from 4 LEDs isn't pushing them hard. Since I've had mine I've run the lights all the time. I got it in November 2013 but it's done 2000 miles since January.
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 11:19 am
by Mandicky
I've built a dynamo to USB converter using an LM2575HV regulator. It has an input voltage rating of 60V with some automatic shut-down features too. I'll be testing it over the coming months (including BB200) to see how it holds up. I'm using it with a 5600mA Power Bank from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L ... lectronics
The model I have (bought a year ago so it may have changed) allows you to charge whilst taking power from it. It is 43x22x93mm and weighs 125g
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 1:56 pm
by Mart
johnnystorm wrote::) Just get a Revo it's worth it.

Yup - Love mine too. Combined mine with a Plug 3 and its ace system

Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2014 8:20 pm
by slarge
Mart, what made you choose a Plug3 over a kemo or sinewave rectifier?
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 9:58 am
by DoctorRad
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 10:17 am
by composite
I wouldn't agree with the On button comment. I have an on button on mine and never had a problem. In fact it's sometimes good to not have it on if you are trying to build up the stored charge near the end of the day to charge another device while not on the bike.
It's one thing to remember with the GPS unit you don't always need to be charging it, as it does have a battery of its own. Although the GPS is always my priority, there's no point ending a trip with a full GPS battery but your phone being dead.
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 11:50 am
by Mart
slarge wrote:Mart, what made you choose a Plug3 over a kemo or sinewave rectifier?
Steve, several factors swayed my choice
- Waterproofness of Plug over Kemo
- Didnt want wires all over the place (plug wires more hidden in the headube)
- Availability at the time
- Simplicity of install
- Simplicity of operation
- Lack of time & skill to make my own
Just wanted the best solution really, spoke to a few folks about different set ups and considered quite a few options
Also considered a B&M eWerk but didnt know about the Sinewave at the time
The Sinewave will get serious consideration for the new bike
Re: Cheap(er) dynamo to USB power option
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2014 4:00 pm
by DoctorRad
composite wrote:I wouldn't agree with the On button comment.
Stick your arguments on the Facebook page would you, I think kLite would appreciate the feedback!