Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => The Knowledge => Topic started by: AndyK on 22 May, 2012, 09:15:45 am
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My finger is hovering over the buy button, but thought I'd ask the forum for any experiences of them first. Not a bad price I thought:
On Eboy (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Light-HeadLight-HeadLamp-1200LM-9W-/300645609770?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item45ffdff12a#ht_2960wt_1144).
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I've bought a very similar one, it is very bright and lightweight. Quality seems pretty good. Haven't had it long enough yet to comment on longevity but so far so good. At that price it's worth a punt (I paid £37) :'(
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I trust you are not thinking of using that on the road?
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Of course. I see no reason not to.
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You can't tell from the pictures or the description, whether it's suitable for road use or not. Even the beam shot doesn't really help. At the price it must be worth a punt.
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If the head is the same size as the Magicshine units then a Fresnel type lens is available to spread the beam.
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You can't tell from the pictures or the description, whether it's suitable for road use or not.
Of course it's suitable for road use. The question is whether there is anyone else using the road.
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s'alright - comes in "Strong Brightness, Normal Brightness, Weak Brightness and Strobe" apparently - anyone like to predict battery life?
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4 hours on max.
the battery weighs a pound.
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Is it this one? (http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/inton-xm-l-t6-head-lamp.html)
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Is it this one? (http://www.torchythebatteryboy.com/p/inton-xm-l-t6-head-lamp.html)
No, it's the one linked in the OP. ;)
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Similar style/emitter but from a reputable UK vendor:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1000-Lm-CREE-XM-L-T6-led-light-brighter-than-900-Lumen-bar-and-helmet-mounts-/290712138971
I've used an XML-T6 torch from that vendor. Good for 30 mph+ descents on unlit windy country roads.
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Similar style/emitter but from a reputable UK vendor:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1000-Lm-CREE-XM-L-T6-led-light-brighter-than-900-Lumen-bar-and-helmet-mounts-/290712138971
I've used an XML-T6 torch from that vendor. Good for 30 mph+ descents on unlit windy country roads.
And over twice the price. Reputable perhaps,overpriced undoubtedly. I've had no trouble ordering from China.
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That's a LOT of light for sub £20.
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I wish someone would make a road version of these type of lights, ie with a shaped cut off beam that puts the light down onto the road.
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For that money some stiff alloy foil and a dose of Araldite would see you right.
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Similar style/emitter but from a reputable UK vendor:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1000-Lm-CREE-XM-L-T6-led-light-brighter-than-900-Lumen-bar-and-helmet-mounts-/290712138971
I've used an XML-T6 torch from that vendor. Good for 30 mph+ descents on unlit windy country roads.
And over twice the price. Reputable perhaps,overpriced undoubtedly. I've had no trouble ordering from China.
To me at least, it doesn't look like the cheap model comes with either battery or charger. Perhaps not a bad thing after all, since cheap and unsafely designed battery packs for such lights (eg. Magicshine) have been known to catch fire (especially Li-Ion batteries).
Two other problems have plauged lights like this; the connections often weren't waterproof (nor the battery) making them unrealiable when raining. The attachments often sucked. It has often been the US/EU distributer of such lights who corrected such faults and eg. replaced the battery packs with something safer. Some Magicshine clones have improved over time, others haven't.
The price is very good indeed, but be prepared to expend extra for battery and charger, and be prepared that some fettling may be necessary to waterproof connections etc.
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It's a 2-cell light with a standard connector. Any old battery delivering approx 7-8V will do. eg a 6-pack of NiMHs. You might have to check polarity.
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From the linked listing:
Item Includes:
1 * CREE XML T6 Headlight
1 * Headlight Band
1 * 4400mA Battery
1 * Power Charger
2 * Plastic Rings
1 * User manual
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From the linked listing:
Item Includes:
1 * CREE XML T6 Headlight
1 * Headlight Band
1 * 4400mA Battery
1 * Power Charger
2 * Plastic Rings
1 * User manual
Ups, sorry. That info didn't show up in my browser (the rather obscure Konqueror browser). Works fine when using Firefox though.
Amazing price then. Still, it is worth noting, that only the housing is claimed to be waterproof. It probably wouldn't take much to secure the rest if you want to use it in heavy rain.
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I'm in 8)
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The 1000 Chinese lumens torches with handlebar mounts seem to be getting popular round here. £20 or so, with two 3.7v li-ion cells & a charger. Heavier on the bars, of course.
The Magicshine clones should work perfectly well with a 6 volt battery (e.g. a standard Nimh pack, of which I have a few old but still sound ones), BTW. Real Magicshine lights do. A little dimmer than at 7.4V, & it confuses the battery low indicator, but the light is happy to go on shining. The light head has a much lower voltage cut-off than the Li-ion battery, & the battery low indicator shows what it thinks the state of a Li-ion battery is, from the voltage.
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Chief of this parish has one of these, pm him, as he doesn't scour the boards. He spoke well of it when I saw him using it.
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It's here. Took it for a ride last night. I'm impressed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NA9_58JVHC0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZepYDnuWcRE
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"This video is private"
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oops! Try it now.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZepYDnuWcRE
The Blair Witch Lighting Project.
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I've been waiting a couple of weeks for mine >:(...
...it will be delivered to work - and they're closed until Wednesday. :facepalm:
It will probably be raining until then, anyway. ::-)
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Bright lights do not need to blind, I use a 2000 Lumen Magicshine and a 900 Lumen Diablo.
Here is an independent assessment:
I noted today that someone on a recumbent trike I see from time to time has a truly impressive lighting array. A f**k off big front light, and a helmet lamp of not inconsiderable power, too.
I'm thinking it was possibly Cunobelin of this parish, as it was turning right off the A32 travelling Northbound at around 0720 ish today.
Chapeau, Mr C, you are a very well lit person indeed (and no dazzle, either)! It quite put the high output headlight bulbs of my Ford Ka to shame...
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I've bought a very similar one, it is very bright and lightweight. Quality seems pretty good. Haven't had it long enough yet to comment on longevity but so far so good. At that price it's worth a punt (I paid £37) :'(
I paid £30 for mine and it was still a bargain! At £17 I might buy another.
I'm very pleased with mine so far, much of the time half power is sufficient. The flash mode is a bit strobe-like for my liking, but it's a huge amount of illumination for little dosh.
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I've bought a very similar one, it is very bright and lightweight. Quality seems pretty good. Haven't had it long enough yet to comment on longevity but so far so good. At that price it's worth a punt (I paid £37) :'(
I paid £30 for mine and it was still a bargain! At £17 I might buy another.
I'm very pleased with mine so far, much of the time half power is sufficient. The flash mode is a bit strobe-like for my liking, but it's a huge amount of illumination for little dosh.
I bought one of these last winter on FabFoodies recommendation and have to say it is well worth the money, the full beam lasts approx. 3 hours !
EDIT : Recently bought a CREE Q5 240 Lumen on Ebay for under £6 !
Not as powerful, but a good light for city riding, takes 3 AAA's.
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Please note the £17 version comes without a UK plug for the charger and only one battery, which may explain the price. I got round this using a travel adapter plug.
Also the battery looks a bit 'cheap' (at least to my eyes). The top and bottom of the battery pack are capped with card inside the plastic casing so I have duct-taped the ends as a safeguard against water ingress (I'm hoping the card wasn't for 'breathing or cooling purposes) I used it in pouring rain yesterday and all stayed dry.
As I have only had it a couple of days I cannot report on battery longevity.
The light unit itself is very well made from aluminium with a glass 'lens' (it's flat and non-focusing so not really a lens).
It came without instructions but is easy to operate: press once for full power, twice for lower, again for lower still. Press and hold for flashing.
On the flashing setting it is far too strobe like so I won't be using that.
When connected the on/off button glows green all the time, this cannot be switched off, so I leave the battery disconnected when not required.
Other than that, yes, it is a hell of a LOT of light for £17.
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Still waiting for mine. Probably because we're in a month of Sundays
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Colleague of mine has just bought something very similar (3 mode with international adapter and rear light) for £27 from Kong Hong Ebay and it is bright! However if switched on within 10ft of a DAB radio it stops the radio working. The signal drops in strength from 80 to 16. It probably would cause problems with other electrical equipment - GPS or wireless computers for instance - so buyer beware.
R
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Mine arrived this morning, after 3 weeks waiting.
I intended doing a late evening ride with collegues from work today, with GPS so will see how they get on.
It's bound to interfere with my wireless Lidl speedo - even the cat flap makes it think it's going 30mph! >:(
Mind you, it's useful to clock up a few more miles, when I get home, before the bike gets put back in the shed. ::-)
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Still waiting for mine :(
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Gawd they're bright. I see the arguement for not using them on the road!
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Got mine today - the cables are compatible with Magicshine, so you get a spare battery and a charger to leave at work. The bezels are also the same and I tried the Magicshine diffuser glass which works wonderfully with these, although this one has a tighter natural spot. I'll probably pair this one and a diffused magicshine and a two-into-one lead next winter, charging the battery when I get to work so I can have full spam both ways without worrying.
For 17 quid this is a no brainer!
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That seller is incredibly high volume but manages to piss off over 60 buyers per month which is a bit of a worry!
I'm tempted to get one for my son who seems to be going out much more often in the evenings now his A levels are nearly done and dusted. He's been riding down the A38 with a 'be seen' USB chargeable front light only :-\
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That seller is incredibly high volume but manages to piss off over 60 buyers per month which is a bit of a worry!
I read his negatives before ordering. Nearly all came from people who negged him before trying to resolve any problems, and he has offered refunds in every case.
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That seller is incredibly high volume but manages to piss off over 60 buyers per month which is a bit of a worry!
I read his negatives before ordering. Nearly all came from people who negged him before trying to resolve any problems, and he has offered refunds in every case.
He copies and pastes the same response to anyone who negs him with a complaint saying he would have sorted it out if he had known and will refund. However,you don't know what he really does about them do you ;)
There are a lot of negs from buyers who never got the goods and got no satisfactory response from him.
He doesn't need to worry about getting negs so long as his feedback stays at 99%+ positive so has little incentive to sort out all the things that go wrong. Most ebayers look at 99% and never check the actual comments so high volume sellers can ignore a certain amount of unhappy customers. If I was going to buy from him I would use a credit card via Paypal and be ready to initiate a charge-back for non-delivery well within the 6 week cut off period.
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I copy and paste the same feedback comment to all my sellers. There's nothing unusual in doing that. It is even less unusual among non-English speakers.
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I copy and paste the same feedback comment to all my sellers. There's nothing unusual in doing that. It is even less unusual among non-English speakers.
We are talking about a seller here not a buyer, and he's responding to negative feedback. This is a slightly different kettle of kippers.
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I copy and paste the same feedback comment to all my sellers. There's nothing unusual in doing that. It is even less unusual among non-English speakers.
We are talking about a seller here not a buyer, and he's responding to negative feedback. This is a slightly different kettle of kippers.
Not if he doesn't speak English. There's only so much can be said with 80 characters. Besides, if they were lying about the refunds they'd have been shut down by now.
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He doesn't need to worry about getting negs so long as his feedback stays at 99%+ positive so has little incentive to sort out all the things that go wrong. Most ebayers look at 99% and never check the actual comments so high volume sellers can ignore a certain amount of unhappy customers.
There is incentive for sellers avoid all Negative Feedback and low Detailed Seller Ratings because these affect their positions in default search results. Their account is even suspended once a certain number of DSR 1 and 2 scores are received within a certain period. Also I think many buyers notice the number after the decimal point in the feedback.
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I'm still, still, Waiting
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Jules - any news?
I just ordered one for Mrs B, after she decided on the all night ride last night that her current lights (frigged by me from assorted bits) are bright enough for normal roads but not on muddy roads in woods with drifts of gravel & scattered flints, & she wants something brighter. It should also do for her MTB - if it arrives.
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Just looked up the Cateye lights I saw someone using on simon_b's Friday night ride to the Hayling Island ferry, & which looked rather bright: one on the bars & one each side of the forks. They lit up the road very well.
It turns out that the light output is actually pretty feeble compared to some of the other lights out there. They're Cateye EL-610RCs, now unavailable. Two 1 watt LEDs per lamp. Lumens not stated, but probably well under 200. A nice demonstration of how a well designed lamp can shed much more useful light than an ultra-bright flood, in proportion to its total output.
But the price/light on the road ratio still favours the cheap Chinese ultra-bright unfocused light.
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Jules - any news?
I just ordered one for Mrs B, after she decided on the all night ride last night that her current lights (frigged by me from assorted bits) are bright enough for normal roads but not on muddy roads in woods with drifts of gravel & scattered flints, & she wants something brighter. It should also do for her MTB - if it arrives.
Apologies - must do less work and more reading YACF. Arrived about 10 days ago. Seem very bright but I've not had a charge to get out anywhere that does proper dark yet to try them out.
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Ta. So, delivery time is erratic but they do turn up eventually, at least as far as our limited sample size can tell us.
MineMrs B's was supposedly despatched yesterday.
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My colleague now has two lights from different suppliers and the lights are different.
One has a red bezel with 3 settings and a dimpled relector and the other has a silver bezel with 4 settings and a plain reflector. The machined housings are a similar design but not the same. The red's power button flashes intermittently when off whereas the silver's glows constantly. We have measured the current draw which does relate directly to overall brightness.
Current in mA
Red 3 Silver 4
1 924 1080
2 203 660
3 - 350
flash 455 590
off 1 38
So the silver which has a tighter beam is brighter and has more even steps but consumes a considerable amount of power when off.
Hope this of use to someone.
R
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Changed the lens on mine for this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280752532003?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649). Incredible difference!
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Changed the lens on mine for this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280752532003?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649). Incredible difference!
I've got one of those too (I mentioned it on p.1 of this thread). Cost was about a fiver including postage from a UK supplier.
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What's the beam shape like with that lens?
I've noticed that one of the weaknesses of many of the cheap LED lights (& some expensive ones!), especially from new entrants to the market, is that the designers have gone for raw power, & not worried about beam shape. Some lower-powered lights from firms which were making them in the days of filament bulbs, when every lumen had to be made to count, can look brighter, because they're putting the light where it's useful, instead of illuminating the sky, trees, your front tyre, and so on.
I have a 400 Chinese lumen Magicshine, which is probably no more than 300 real lumens. It's plenty for road riding, & I often use it in low (120 CL) mode. Big flood of light. My Light & Motion Stella 120 is a lot better at lighting up the road than the Magicshine on low, & even on high the Magicshine wins out only because of the sheer quantity of light But there are lights out there which beat the Stella despite putting out no more, & perhaps less, light.
A modestly priced lens which gives a cheap Chinese light a good beam shape is an excellent idea.
Any contact details for the UK supplier? I want two.
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The lens does this to the beam:
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v223/Minitar1/Phone%20Stuff/IMG_1605.jpg)
Also found this on youtube which shows the effect quite well:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5J9zIGTfgGw
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The postman brought Mrs B's new light this morning. Damn, it's bright! She's happy. Maybe she'll start going out on evening rides again, to show it off.
The low setting is about as bright as the high setting on my 400 Chinese lumen Magicshine.
Otherwise, as AndyK described. The central spot is tighter, as as been said. I can see how that diffuser lens could be useful. I'll put some weatherproofing on the battery before it's used. We already have suitable adapters for the charger, & a Magicshine charger, so the lack of UK plug is no problem, & the "on full, cycle through lower settings to off with each press of the button" control is obvious.
One can see that it's used some cheaper parts (e.g. the connectors) than Magicshine, & the battery bag is very basic, but it all works, & it's amazing for the price. Two weeks from order to delivery.
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Any contact details for the UK supplier? I want two.
http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/magiclightuk
Nothing for sale at the mo' but you could ask them.
edit: might be the same as these people, but the website is dormant (http://www.magiclight.co.uk/) ???
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Ta. But Mrs B now says she likes the tight central spot, so no new lens for her. Ah well.
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Took me a while to get around to doing this, but here's how it is in use:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSvRJ2HwONU
The fresnel lens combined with a homemade kitchen-foil-and-duct-tape lens hood gets quite a good spread.
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Fresnel lenses! Cars stopped using them about 15 years ago, not that there was really anything wrong with them except that they now look a bit old-skool.
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Has anyone used these lights in heavy prolonged rain yet?
I've ordered a couple to save my mj-872 for the other bike to save the swapping over. I've ordered the smooth reflector version so may get the replacement lens if it needs a better spread. How spotty is the light with the smooth reflector, any side spread? and does the replacement lens fit well with no rattling etc?
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Mrs B's has not ben subject to heavy or prolonged rain yet, but last Wednesday evening I saw one being rained on for an hour, while in use. The rain was intermittently heavy. The light was fine.
I've seen Mrs B's in use several times now, & the beam looks to be a pretty uniform circular flood, with a well-defined circular central spot.
The Fresnel lens is plastic, & thinner than the standard clear glass sheet (not really a lens). The person I know who has one reckons that the best way to fit the Fresnel lens is on top of the clear glass: the screw-on front which holds the glass in place has enough thread. I can not vouch for this personally. This arrangement does not seem to leak (it's the light mentioned above, that was rained on last Wednesday evening), but I've not checked if he's done anything to improve waterproofing.
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Thanks for that.
If I'm not happy with the clear lens I'll get the plastic lens and try to bodge an o ring to help the seal, if not silicone works wonders!
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Thanks for that.
If I'm not happy with the clear lens I'll get the plastic lens and try to bodge an o ring to help the seal, if not silicone works wonders!
There's no need. The fresnel fits perfectly well.
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That's sounds even better!
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Has anybody fitted one to hope bracket like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23533 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23533)
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Has anybody fitted one to hope bracket like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23533 (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=23533)
Great minds think alike, I've just been looking at St Johns Street Cycles for bar mounts, I'm not too happy with those rubber ring fixings
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The hope bracket fits my magic shine but I've had to use a 3mm longer bolt.
I'm guessing that with these being magic shine clones the rubber bar clamp will unscrew and allow these to fit.
Hopefully they will :D
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The O ring fitting seems OK, with pretty solid hooks & a substantial ring. Mrs B's doesn't move around. But I can see the attraction of a more solid & rigid bracket.
The bracket on the light with hooks for the O ring has a rubber pad stuck under it, so I can't confirm it unscrews like the Magicshine one. I don't feel like pulling it off & having to stick it or another one back on just to find out. But it's obviously a separate piece. It can be swivelled slightly on Mrs B's example. I'd bet on it being screwed on, & her screw being a touch loose. Peel that pad off, & there should be a screw head underneath.
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Thanks for looking.
I'm still waiting for mine to arrive but I'll dismantle one and see if the hope bracket fits when they turn up. I'd prefer to fit the hope bar clamp, it's rock solid on my other light.
If nobody else tries it I'll let you know if it fits. It may be a couple of weeks though :(
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I bought two of these last week, one for my Ridley and one for Mrs T's Carlton.
They are much smaller than I expected, and I think the fresnel will be the way to go, as the output seems very round, especially compared to my Cyo.
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I ordered two lenses and new brackets from Magiclightuk (http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/magiclightuk/?_trksid=p4340.l2559), they arrived today, great service and the lenses are £4 each (the brackets are £15).
Thursday will see a test of at least one of them.
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I've just ordered one of these for my Pompetamine winter bike (my only bike without dyno hub at present).
I will have a look at the lens thingies too now.
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Just ordered one for the hell of it! probrably over the top for an audax but I have been toying with a local night mountain bike trailquest. mountain biking at night in winter in the Peak District sounds a suitably stupid thing to try, right up my street! http://www.darkandwhite.co.uk/trailquest-mountain-biking.asp
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Feline/DTCMAN, where did you order yours from? I found mine on eBay from a supplier in Manchester, £32.19 each (I bought two) with a cheap and nasty rear light and free postage, thus: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SSC-P7-1200Lm-LED-Bicycle-bike-HeadLight-headLamp-Light-UK-STOCK-/260864143965?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item3cbcb6f25d
They also do a 1600 (chinese) lumen one, for £3 more.
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tiermat
The one mentioned in the OP. £17.34 including postage from China. I'm in no rush and never had any real problems with eBay stuff from china.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Light-HeadLight-HeadLamp-1200LM-9W-/300645609770?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item45ffdff12a
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Feline/DTCMAN, where did you order yours from? I found mine on eBay from a supplier in Manchester, £32.19 each (I bought two) with a cheap and nasty rear light and free postage, thus: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SSC-P7-1200Lm-LED-Bicycle-bike-HeadLight-headLamp-Light-UK-STOCK-/260864143965?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item3cbcb6f25d
They also do a 1600 (chinese) lumen one, for £3 more.
Check the link in the OP. Could have saved yourself £30 odd.
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Me neither, only had duty imposed on one item, which was a chainset.
Looks identical to the two I got, which were in packages marked chinese labels.
In this case though the timing was more important that cost, as we had done a ride to the pub and Mrs T felt nervous riding with the poor light output of her lights.
Don't think that will be an issue now :)
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Feline/DTCMAN, where did you order yours from? I found mine on eBay from a supplier in Manchester, £32.19 each (I bought two) with a cheap and nasty rear light and free postage, thus: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SSC-P7-1200Lm-LED-Bicycle-bike-HeadLight-headLamp-Light-UK-STOCK-/260864143965?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item3cbcb6f25d
They also do a 1600 (chinese) lumen one, for £3 more.
I ordered mine from the seller in the OP too. If it takes a while to arrive I'm not too bothered, it won't be dark on my commute for ages because I work 6pm to 9am. In fact, it's never dark on my commute home in the morning :D
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Well my one that bought last year has lasted until now. The original battery was rubbish lasted one winter, replaced with one from torchyboy. All was good until this morning where it then turned itself off. I have now discovered that the wires on the driver board have detached themselves thus LED no lighty. Have just resoldered but still not working :'( Would seem that for the money they are ok but don't expect them to last, build quality is all in the price. Anyway dunno if to buy another or go for something else??
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For those wanting a different mounting, Torchy sells one for Magicshine, etc. for £8.99
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swivelmount-for-Magicshine-Inton-Fluxient-Starlight-etc-bike-lights-/290777142614?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item43b3ab1556#ht_2169wt_1002 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swivelmount-for-Magicshine-Inton-Fluxient-Starlight-etc-bike-lights-/290777142614?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item43b3ab1556#ht_2169wt_1002)
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My lens arrived this morning. Now awaiting the actual light!
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I ordered two lenses and new brackets from Magiclightuk (http://myworld.ebay.co.uk/magiclightuk/?_trksid=p4340.l2559), they arrived today, great service and the lenses are £4 each (the brackets are £15).
Thursday will see a test of at least one of them.
£15 for the bracket is crazy pricing, it's almost half the cost of the light from the UK seller or almost the price from the seller in China.
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Indeed - and almost twice the price of a bracket from another UK seller.
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Well my one that bought last year has lasted until now. The original battery was rubbish lasted one winter, replaced with one from torchyboy.
I need a new battery for my Magicshine clone. Do you have a link?
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See my link above for brackets, & look for other items by the same seller. That's the bloke MrGrumpy refers to. He's currently flogging 4.4 Ah Li-ion battery packs compatible with Magicshine etc. for £20. That's significantly cheaper than Magicshine's own.
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See my link above for brackets, & look for other items by the same seller. That's the bloke MrGrumpy refers to. He's currently flogging 4.4 Ah Li-ion battery packs compatible with Magicshine etc. for £20. That's significantly cheaper than Magicshine's own.
Cheers. I had clicked on the link but hadn't realised it was the same seller. I've added it to my watch list to deal with later.
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My Hong Kong cree light arrived today :D
On first inspection it looks pretty good or the money. The head unit is very well constructed. I've tested the beam pattern in a dark room and there is a hotspot compared to my magicshine units. I've added a film to the glass to see if it spreads the light a little but can't test it yet because the battery is on charge.
The battery charger is the two pin plug type and the supplied adapter is the cheap non fused type. Luckily I have a safe adapter so I'm using that one. The battery is the problem for me. It states that its waterproof but the battery is covered in the plastic membrane but card on the top and bottom?!? The magicshine ones are totally sealed in rubber or an aluminium casing for the digital variety.
So, has anybody sealed the battery pack to protect it from rain? Will totally sealing it stop any charging heat/gas from escaping creating a fire hazard? I don't Andy trying to plug it into a charger with moisture inside, after lat nights wet ride it needs to be able to keep out rain.
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My Hong Kong cree light arrived today :D
On first inspection it looks pretty good or the money. The head unit is very well constructed. I've tested the beam pattern in a dark room and there is a hotspot compared to my magicshine units. I've added a film to the glass to see if it spreads the light a little but can't test it yet because the battery is on charge.
The battery charger is the two pin plug type and the supplied adapter is the cheap non fused type. Luckily I have a safe adapter so I'm using that one. The battery is the problem for me. It states that its waterproof but the battery is covered in the plastic membrane but card on the top and bottom?!? The magicshine ones are totally sealed in rubber or an aluminium casing for the digital variety.
So, has anybody sealed the battery pack to protect it from rain? Will totally sealing it stop any charging heat/gas from escaping creating a fire hazard? I don't Andy trying to plug it into a charger with moisture inside, after lat nights wet ride it needs to be able to keep out rain.
I sealed mine with duct tape. No water ingress yet.
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I took one look at Mrs B's & decided I didn't trust that in the rain, so stuck gaffa tape over the ends.
It now lives under her saddle when in use, giving additional protection from rain, but was out in heavy rain strapped to the top tube before that.
It's been well-used over the summer & charged several times. So far so good. I charge it in a fireplace, just in case.
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I charge it in a fireplace, just in case.
I think plugging into a DC supply of the correct rating would be safer ;D.
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We all must be the same!
I've just got a roll of tape out for sealing it when its charged lol!
Thanks folks :)
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How long do your lights take to charge?
These have been on charge for 4 hours and the charger light is still red.
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As I recall the first charge on mine took an afternoon. Since then usually an hour or so.
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Great thanks!
I'm used to less than a couple of hours with the magic shines. I don't want to be one of the 'house on fire' horror stories :D
I'll give it a little while longer.
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It's just turned to green!
Plugged it it, how the hell does it turn off without unplugging the battery?
I have 4 light modes, if I hold the button it strobes. I can't get the bugger to turn off no matter how I press or hold the button. I can guarantee if 5000 left HK for England 4999 will be fine but I'll have the shit one that doesn't work correctly. To put the top hat on it, my wife is sitting here giving me the 'I told you' look!
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No, there's nothing wrong with it. The green button stays lit as long as it's connected to the battery. You have to unplug it to switch that off.
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Not the green light Andy, the main led light. It won't turn off unless I unplug the connection to the battery.
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I've contacted the supplier and they've responded already!
It should have strong, normal, weak and off. Strobe with a press hold.
I have strong, normal, weak, weak. I have no off setting :(
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On the plus side my etch vinyl film has diffused the light. It's given it a more even spread and killed the centre hotspot.
I'll test it tonight and if anybody wants any they can have some until I run out.
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I've just tested the etch film, it works great.
If anybody wants any to try it it out pm me for my address and send me a SAE and ill send you some to try.
Just unscrew the lens section take out the glass, clean it, press a section of the film onto it, trim with a sharp blade around the edge of the lens and screw back on.
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My light is definitely faulty :(
The seller must work in an I.T. Department. I was told to turn it off?!? unplug it for a few minutes and turn it on again and it would be fixed!
It wasn't.
After a few emails back and forth I've been told to return it and go through the return process which could take up to 6 weeks for me to get a new light or take £8 and keep the light. I always unplug the magicshines I have but it's nice to have the ability to turn off without unplugging them.
Think I'll take the £8 and bite the bullet!
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I reckon when you buy lights this cheap you should accept that there's a risk, & be prepared to write 'em off if they fail. With an £8 refund, if you buy a new one & it works, you've still got a blindingly bright light AND spare battery & charger for just over £30, which is pretty good.
If you have Magicshines, you can use the charger that came with them.
I have a Magicshine (bottom end 200 claimed lumens one) which I futzed by connecting up to a battery wired the other way round. The LED is fine, but the switch doesn't work. Once plugged in, it's always on full. So . . . I cut the cable & wired in a switch*.
*Combination of an old Smart BL201H switch case, the multi-way switch in which had failed, & the simple on-off switch from a Smart BL201H battery, of which some other internal wiring had failed. The NiCad D cells from that battery now power my old Roberts digital radio when it's not plugged in to the mains. Repair, re-use, recycle. ;)
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With the refund its not a bad deal. It just gets on my tits that the broken one has landed on my doorstep as usual. It's actually a good light, apart from the fit inducing strobe mode :D
I don't think my magicshine charger will work ( or I daren't try it ). It's got a different mah rating on it and don't want to risk a fire. The MS charger I have is for the bigger digital battery.
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With the refund its not a bad deal. It just gets on my tits that the broken one has landed on my doorstep as usual. It's actually a good light, apart from the fit inducing strobe mode :D
I feel your pain.
When I worked as a machine assembler, I had an informal job of parts inspector.
The process went like this.
We'd get some machine parts from our machine shop.
My supervisor would tell me to pick out a good one.
Sure as shit, I'd pick up the only one that was a duff. It was uncanny.
It was always me who found the one M6 nut out of a huge boxfull, which never had any thread. This was usualy when I had my hand up a machine and had to try to screw the nut on without being able to see it, working only by feel. (I always put the offending nut in my supervisors nut tray so he'd get the same problem :demon:)
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With the refund its not a bad deal. It just gets on my tits that the broken one has landed on my doorstep as usual. It's actually a good light, apart from the fit inducing strobe mode :D
I feel your pain.
When I worked as a machine assembler, I had an informal job of parts inspector.
The process went like this.
We'd get some machine parts from our machine shop.
My supervisor would tell me to pick out a good one.
Sure as shit, I'd pick up the only one that was a duff. It was uncanny.
It was always me who found the one M6 nut out of a huge boxfull, which never had any thread. This was usualy when I had my hand up a machine and had to try to screw the nut on without being able to see it, working only by feel. (I always put the offending nut in my supervisors nut tray so he'd get the same problem :demon:)
I think the technical term is 'shit-magnet' ;D
My Chinese light has yet to arrive, fingers crossed it isn't a duff one!
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I think the technical term is 'shit-magnet' ;D
Well, I don't have any problems with metal attaching itself to my body, so I guess that I am. :P
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Have no fear, the shit magnet is here!
You can all order the lights you want now, the next few hundred will all be working ok. I've seen to that for you ;)
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OK, going for another one for the lad's bike...
Where should I buy from for the best deal, I don't have Paypal if that's required. The Dealextreme one seems pricey at $34
Cheers
K.
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I don't have Paypal if that's required.
Briefly, as off topic, you don't need a paypal account to pay by paypal. You do need a credit/debit card of course.
Back on topic, there is a UK ebay supplier that sells them for £30. Whether it's worth the extra to you depends on the value that you place on avoiding the wait for shipping from China and on having a UK 3 pin plug on the charger.
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Saturn, the charger that comes from the UK supplier is the same as comes from china, i.e. a 2 pin one with an adaptor.
I know, I bought two :) For me the need for speedy delivery outweighed the cost saving (£15 more or have them the next day).
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Now with a double capacity battery -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4601c5b6ce#ht_3705wt_1000 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4601c5b6ce#ht_3705wt_1000)
And here's a link to a seller with a warehouse in West Drayton (convenient for Heathrow, which I'm sure is no coincidence) flogging a nominally even brighter light for £30. I think I'd only ever run that one on low.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800-LM-LED-Cycling-Bike-Bicycle-Head-Light-HeadLamp-HeadLight-/140744146377?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item20c5013dc9#ht_2816wt_801 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800-LM-LED-Cycling-Bike-Bicycle-Head-Light-HeadLamp-HeadLight-/140744146377?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item20c5013dc9#ht_2816wt_801)
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This is turning into an arms race !! 1800 lumens !! I want one.
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I've just received one of the lower power ones mentioned up-thread. I'll be trying it out tonight to supplement the E3 dyno light.
A quick trial in the bathroom this pm suggests that the new light isn't short of power and I'm not sure that I'd want any more.
The double capacity battery that Bledlow links to is attractive though.
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Indeed it is. At that price, it's worth buying just for the battery, as long as it doesn't explode.
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just to note that the max these lights will do is a 1000 lumens, however for optimal efficiency you are looking more like 800-900 lumens. So sorry to burst anyones bubble :P Chinese lumens appear to be on logarithmic scale ;D
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First proper run out with it tonight. Half an hour into the ride on lowest setting the green light turned red and the light output dropped. Luckily I put the magicshine on too because I had a feeling this would happen.
Looks like I've got a right shitter!
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I tried it on tonight's ride which was largely in the dark.
Prior to setting off, I'd charged it until the charger indicator turned from red to green.
The light is very impressive; it's probably the brightest bike light that I own although it's not necessarily the most effective.
The beam is fairly well focussed and it doesn't appear to waste too much light shining up into the trees.
I used it mostly on the lowest (of three) settings and it blitzed the beam from my Supernova E3 symmetrical.
The mounting was very stable over bumps but it was easy to move it downwards when cars or bikes came the other way and the large switch on the back of the light makes it easy to cycle through the various settings. The strobe is seriously noticeable :o
For less than £18 it's an amazing piece of kit based on my experience so far. The other riders out with me tonight have asked for links to the seller.
Let's see how reliable/durable it is.
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just to note that the max these lights will do is a 1000 lumens, however for optimal efficiency you are looking more like 800-900 lumens. So sorry to burst anyones bubble :P Chinese lumens appear to be on logarithmic scale ;D
Errr . . . . I think we all realise the difference between real lumens & cheap Chinese light lumens. I've been working on the assumption that the Dealextreme estimates (usually ca 70-80% of manufacturer's claims, i.e. 900 +/- lumens vs 1200 claimed) for cheap unbranded Chinese lights are the most that can be expected.
But still, that's a damn bright light & remarkably cheap.
There were some out on the ride I led on Wednesday evening. A Brazilian bloke with a feeble light was using them to ride by, & asking where he could get one. When told the price, he was astonished. He now has the links to both Chinese & UK sellers. He'll be here through the winter (just bought a load of winter cycling kit that he doesn't need in Sao Paulo :thumbsup:), so wants something bright. He now has the links I posted above.
The claimed figures may not be pure invention, but based on what you can squeeze out of the best emitters of that type in extreme circumstances. In real life, with real power supplies, losses in reflectors & glass, etc., they won't deliver anything like that, of course.
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How do you deal with the USA style plug top adaptor?
(http://www.tomtop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/ced77cb19565515451b3578a3bc0ea5e/h/8/h8030-4-adc3.jpg)
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They come with a 3 pin to 2 pin adaptor, like you would use on holiday, but the other way around, obviously :)
Like this (the cream coloured bit next to the charger):
(http://imgs.inkfrog.com/pix/e_Zone/h.jpg)
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Does anyone know if its safe to use my magicshine charger on these lights?
The output of the current charger is 4.2v
My magicshines are
8.4v / 1.0a
&
8.4v / 1.8a
Will using either of these chargers explode or damage the clone battery pack?
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I should add that my light didn't interfere with the speed or HR function on my Polar HRM but it blitzed the DAB radio when I tried it indoors.
At some stage I'll lean the bike against my car while the radio (non-DAB) is switched on to see what effect it has on that.
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just to note that the max these lights will do is a 1000 lumens, however for optimal efficiency you are looking more like 800-900 lumens. So sorry to burst anyones bubble :P Chinese lumens appear to be on logarithmic scale ;D
Errr . . . . I think we all realise the difference between real lumens & cheap Chinese light lumens. I've been working on the assumption that the Dealextreme estimates (usually ca 70-80% of manufacturer's claims, i.e. 900 +/- lumens vs 1200 claimed) for cheap unbranded Chinese lights are the most that can be expected.
But still, that's a damn bright light & remarkably cheap.
There were some out on the ride I led on Wednesday evening. A Brazilian bloke with a feeble light was using them to ride by, & asking where he could get one. When told the price, he was astonished. He now has the links to both Chinese & UK sellers. He'll be here through the winter (just bought a load of winter cycling kit that he doesn't need in Sao Paulo :thumbsup:), so wants something bright. He now has the links I posted above.
The claimed figures may not be pure invention, but based on what you can squeeze out of the best emitters of that type in extreme circumstances. In real life, with real power supplies, losses in reflectors & glass, etc., they won't deliver anything like that, of course.
No problem just making sure :thumbsup:I have ordered one myself from the bay got it for £23.95 delivered from the UK, price has since gone up since. Also the battery capacity is a load of twaddle as well, these are standard 4400 mAh so where 6400mAh or 8000 mAh, it would appear that chinese battery capacities are just like the lumens ;D
Like you say its a hell of alot of light, my old one was superb however I plant to try and do something to spread the light out a bit, as these are too spotty.
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Does anyone know if its safe to use my magicshine charger on these lights?
The output of the current charger is 4.2v
My magicshines are
8.4v / 1.0a
&
8.4v / 1.8a
Will using either of these chargers explode or damage the clone battery pack?
I've been using a Magicshine charger with the light from the original link. So far, so good. The charger should be right for doubled-up 3.7V Li-ion cells, which is what these batteries seem to be made from - just like Magicshine batteries, multiples of 18650 Li-ion cells.
Mrs B's battery pack is claimed 4.4 Ah, & looks like 4 x 18650, which is what you'd expect for that capacity.
Adapters for the chargers can be bought all over the place. I have a couple sitting around for use with Japanese appliances, but shaver adapters also work.
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My magicshine chargers won't work with my clone :(
One just flashes red/green and the other wont even light up. The clone charger starts off red as though its charging but it changes to green from 10-30 minutes into the charge. The charger smells strange too!
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Saturn, the charger that comes from the UK supplier is the same as comes from china, i.e. a 2 pin one with an adaptor.
That's not how it's pictured at http://tinyurl.com/8n852up [edit - or possibly the adapter's in the picture?]
(http://www.lifekingdom.co.uk/LAT/LAT248/KGAC/LAT248BK_KGAC_10.jpg)
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Mine came with a US plug. I went a bought a shaver adaptor from Poundland.
Have used mine for about 3 hours over the past three months (doesn't get dark in London) without recharging and it's still showing green
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My magicshine chargers won't work with my clone :(
One just flashes red/green and the other wont even light up. The clone charger starts off red as though its charging but it changes to green from 10-30 minutes into the charge. The charger smells strange too!
I've just noticed that you say the charger with your clone is labelled 4.2V. that puzzles me.
When you got your clone, was it stated to be 3.6-4.2V or 7.2-8.4v? Those I've seen are mostly 7.2-8.4V, & powered by two Li-ion cells in series (or multiples thereof), but there are some lights (e.g. a lot of torch-type) which are powered by single Li-ion cells, & larger battery packs would have to be wired in parallel.
A 4.2V charger wouldn't normally be sold with a battery made up of Li-ion cells in pairs in series. An 8.4V charger would not be good for a 3.6-4.2V battery. Might you have got some weird light, or the wrong, charger, or wrong battery? What do the battery & charger look like? They should be like those pictured in Russell's post. Mrs B's charger is labelled
"Li-ion charger
Model: MTLC=0840-1000
Input:100-240v AC
50/60 Hz
Output: 8.4v DC 1000mA"
That's exactly the same output as my Magicshine charger, which came with one of their bottom-end lights with a 2.2 AH battery.
The cells in the battery should be 18mm diameter by 65mm long (hence the code 18650).
Mrs B's light looks identical to the one pictured in tiermat's post. Is yours the same?
[Doh! Should be in the "Electrical help" thread]
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BTW, I've tried Mrs B's light with a 6V Nimh battery pack. Perfectly happy. Doesn't even do the Magicshine trick of working perfectly for hours but with the power light going red almost immediately. Looks as if the voltage-based low power indicator is set a bit low.
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My Chinese cheapie arrived this morning :thumbsup:
It's now on charge ready for testing this evening.
There were absolutely no instructions with it so I guess this saves me having to read them!
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My recent purchase arrived today as well so charging it up. However interesting I have a second battery that I bought from torchyboy of the bay, however decided to charge(existing charger) that as well. Does not look like my charger is working? LED is staying green, not changed to red so unsure if it is charging or not?? Might have a look for a better charger as even this new one seems tad dodgy if you ask me :( Was reading the output on the base and I cannot see anything about what it is capable off?
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Mrs B's battery arrived charged, IIRC.
Have you tried the battery & light together to see what charge state the light thinks it has?
Feline:
Push the button for on full. Keep pushing & it cycles through its settings back to off.
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plugged both batteries into the light and looked bright at first however both eventually went dim? Clicks through the different modes ok though. Charging up the new battery with the new charger so will see hwo that turns out, however output voltage and current says 4.2v and 500mA ?? Doesnae seem right?
Ok just tried the Torchyboy battery and it is not changing to red on the new charger, think the battery must be goosed? Shall have to see about getting a replacement or refund?
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I'm beginning to think its pot luck with these lights.
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I'm beginning to think its pot luck with these lights.
not far wrong I reckon, I think there actually might be an issue with my set. The new battery is now showing charged however not convinced I am seeing max output from it. I have had it plugged and switched on all night and it is still lit!! Brightness looks the same as it was before I went to bed now its either one hell of an uber battery or as suspected the driver boards knackered or...... its a fake clone ;D and not really an xml t6.
So will do a wee bit experimenting today and test it outside tonight and see how bright it is, gut feeling is its broken! At least I bought from UK so hopefully get this resolved easily ::-)
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its a fake clone ;D
You shouldn't laugh, it could be! May be a q5 they're knocking out because they've got a factory full :D
At least yours was UK and not Hong Kong :(
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I honestly do think it might be, has the 3 modes but not very bright in fact I am going to bring my cateye triple shot in which is about 400 lumens (modded) to compare.
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Have you got another battery you can try on the lamp?
Just seen the above so I guess you tried that!
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yep my original torchyboy one has been hooked upto it all night and it is still lit!!!! Just stuck the new one on and no change in brightness. Another clue is that the head unit does not get very hot, my last one was very warm too touch! something else I have noticed is that my last one had fins cut out for heat dissipation I assume this one doesn`t ?
Just going to start a returns process on this, thing is with this if you had never had anything this bright before you would never know!
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After messing with mine and not being able to do anything of any help, I think you're best returning it.
I've just purchased a new battery (19.95 in the end from Magicshine) so I can use this light. It's getting expensive for such a cheap light! Luckily I have the chargers and the battery fits my othe lights if the clone is kaput!
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Just looking on my ebay just now for returning it. Thinking I would of been better going with two torches up front rather than another headlight??
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Look for the 838b, it's 400 lumens and plenty for road use. I use it on the low setting unless descending fast.
They do an 838 that is good for pooling too but 200 lumens. Both are less than £40 and easily returnable if faulty. These clone become expensive when you're buying 2 or 3 to get a good one !
I've never had a problem with magicshines and they charge every time and the warning light colour system is great.
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My modded cateye triple shot is about same just got heavy nicad batteries, very reliable even after I stuck Seoul P4's in.
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I've charged up and tested mine now and it is working fine.
I nearly got caught out because when I plugged it in to charge the charger's green light came on and stayed on, and I thought it was not working. After a couple of hours I sussed that I hadn't turned the socket on, I had assumed that the green light meant it was on, whereas it actually was not! I've never had a charger that lights up when it isn't plugged in before!
Once I turned the socket on it charged fine and works on all the settings (including off). The glowing green light through the switch is a bit weird though. I mean, if it was so dark I needed a light to help me find the 'on' switch I would like to think I would already have turned it on and could thus see where it was on my bars ;D
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my button used to glow green doesnae now :P thought I`d at least get a winter out of this new set but they are just plain rubbish. These lights are normally blindingly bright so if they are not then suspect a dodgy light head!
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light has just arrived! seems to work ok straight out of the box and is now on charge! no markings at all on the battery pack but it has 4 cells in it, total size 65mm x 35mm x 35mm. The charger is 8.4v 1000ma. I await with interest.
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One tip I have found, is that the glowing light switch does drain the battery, rather rapidly, like if you leave the battery attached for a week you will get ~5 mins out of the light, at low setting, before it goes kaput.
If you remember not to connect it after charging, only connecting it back up when you are going out on the bike, you can easily get a good 3 hours out of it at full!
But then you all knew that, didn't you, you all being much more sensible than me?
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So . . .. what do we now know about these lights & suppliers?
Delivery time is variable, but they do turn up eventually. If they're faulty, there is some kind of after-sales service, though not as good as it might be. Sometimes, what turns up doesn't quite seem to match what's advertised.
When they work, the lights are very bright, though probably a lot less bright than advertised.
Most do work, but the proportion that don't would be utterly unacceptable in a light from an established manufacturer.
None of the above surprises me. I was briefly surprised by the fact that there is any after sales service at all, until I looked at the sellers sales volume, & realised that these are people who intend to stay around. As for the rest, well . . . . it's what I expect for the money.
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The problem with these lights and Magicshine lights is that the build quality of the light casing looks astoundingly good, but what is inside is horrendous. The poor design of some of these lights means they are bound to fail (the Magicshine rear is a great example) It strikes me that the only time you'd need lights this bright is for fast movement on unlit rural roads, precisely the sort of occasion where I would not be wanting a light to fail. The high rate of new faulty lights is hardly inspiring, nor are the potentially dangerous batteries and chargers.
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I'm really tempted to get one of these, although what I'm really interested in is the Philips LED bike light but it's priced just too high for me. They are very different lights though.
The seller in the OP used to be £13.xx + £4 P&P, but now it's £7.35 + £10 P&P. Which is not good if you have get a duff light and want a refund, as I presume they're only going to refund the cost of the light not including postage.
The cheapest UK seller has it for £25 inc P&P:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?LH_BIN=1&_sacat=0&_nkw=CREE%20XML%20%20T6%20cycle%20light&LH_PrefLoc=1&_sop=2
It includes a UK adapter, so you could say it'll cost £24.
If you want a high powered light with this LED but with a shaped beam:
http://forums.mtbr.com/lights-diy-do-yourself/mission-impossible-xml-conversion-philips-saferide-parts-1-through-5-a-800662.html
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My led head unit is now working brilliantly on a magicshine battery and charger. I've binned the old battery and charger to remove any temptation to tinker and cause a fire!
I still prefer my magicshines, they work when they're needed and give a good output. Love my 872, it's like riding in sunshine!
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hubner
I have the Philips Sasferide dynamo version. the design of the optics and light output/spread are fantastic but the overall quality is utter crap! I'm on my third and my mate is on his second, all replaced under waranty with failed electrics and broken brackets. Mine is on a homemade bracket after the second one failed! Serch the forum for some long threads on this light.
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My light arrived from China today. Looks exactly the same as the one I got a while ago for £37 (which I thought was a bargain). The light, charger, battery all appear identical. The only difference is the light doesn't have a strobe setting, which is fine as the strobe on the other is too bright and fast. Anyway I wanted a light to see by, not be seen.
Light all works fine and is a fantastic bargain in my opinion.
I've already got a fresnel lens, which spreads the beam more usefully.
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I posted mine back as it was nowhere near as bright as it should of been. However comms thus far has been good with the seller. The battery pack looks better wrapped than the one I bought last year, no bits of cardboard at the ends. I do however have a spare pack if required. As pointed out by OP above the build quality inside is utter crap. Had to try and repair my last Cree head unit as the wire broke off, once inside you can see where costs are cut. Currently trying to work out how to stop all that working its way loose with vibration. Was thinking some expanding foam ;D
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Currently trying to work out how to stop all that working its way loose with vibration. Was thinking some expanding foam ;D
Would some sort of araldite glued over the top of the solder work? The soldering inside my clone looks like its been done by a blind spider!
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that might actually do the trick :thumbsup:
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ok been offered a refund on the lights thinking best cutting my losses and going for two torches?
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Currently trying to work out how to stop all that working its way loose with vibration. Was thinking some expanding foam ;D
Would some sort of araldite glued over the top of the solder work? The soldering inside my clone looks like its been done by a blind spider!
I'd use something flexible like silicone sealer. This has the advantage of also being more easily removable if another repair (or mod) is needed.
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Just blobbed a bit of aquarium silicone on them :thumbsup:
It's a tight squeeze but I got a bit to stick, smells lovely when the light is warm!
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I properly test-rode my Chinese cheapie with it's diffracting lens thingie fitted this evening in the dark off road (with the dogs).
I am very impressed with it's brightness. Of it's 3 settings the dimmest was more than adequate to see very well. The beam shape I can't see much difference from my dyno IQ cyo on the other bikes (although I didn't test it without the special lens). I found the green glowing switch less annoying that I thought I would. It is a bit of a nuisance to need to remember to disconnect the wire when not in use, although at this price I'm not complaining. I plan to leave this permanently fitted to the dog walking bike which I am also now using for trips to the gym via an off road path. I won't be too worried about leaving this on the bike outside the gym. I have cable tied the cable in a couple of places which would make it harder to nick without a sharp knife. For a utility bike this is ideal :thumbsup:
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I've bought a torch with the same LED instead of the cycle light. £13 inc postage, comes with 2 batteries and a charger.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1600-Lm-Zoomable-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-Flashlight-Torch-18650-Car-Charger-/190697384384?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Camping_LightsLanternsTorches&hash=item2c667329c0
I hope it's going to be just as bright. Running time is shorter as it only takes one battery. But it has a zoomable beam and can work with AAA batteries as well. I prefer a all-in-one light anyway, rather than a light with a separate battery.
I might get the cycle light as well, as they're so ridiculously cheap. The Magicshine lights were around £100 and people thought they were a bargain.
One light with 3 of these LEDs:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3x-Cree-XM-L-XML-T6-LED-3800-Lumens-Bicycle-Light-Bike-Lamp-HeadLight-HeadLamp-/271070158707?pt=AU_Sport_Cycling_Accessories&hash=item3f1d0a5f73
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I've been contemplating what a bargain these (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D2836041173524906200%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D300677445326%26) represent having seen some whilst up in York a couple of weeks back. However, I put my mind to considering how to 'tame' the beam a bit given that it just throws light in all directions.
I was wondering if I might cut up a pair of car headlamp beam converters (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Headlight-Deflectors-Beam-Convertors-driving-Europe-FREE-GB-STICKER-/110886869087?_trksid=p3284.m263&_trkparms=algo%3DSIC%26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D21%26pmod%3D260927959411%26ps%3D54) to get a more user-friendly light both in terms of spread and reducing / eliminating dazzle.
What does the panel think?
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I bought lenses for mine for£4.25 on eBay, they make the beam go where it should do and fit the Cree XML perfectly!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261093953515?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
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As an ignoramus about these things, I don't understand how to compare one thing with another here. I have a rudimentary understanding of the difference between "lux" and "lumens" (which isn't really relevant in this particular context) but I'm seeing the CREE XM-L T6 emitter variously described as "1200 lumens" (the TomTop lamp (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D2836041173524906200%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D300677445326%26)) or "1800 lumens" (from KGM-accessory (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800-LM-LED-Cycling-Bike-Bicycle-Head-Light-HeadLamp-HeadLight-/140744146377?_trksid=p2047675.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29%26meid%3D2869862216121556066%26pid%3D100009%26prg%3D1013%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D180995993319%26))
In the photos these two lamps look identical and they're both described as "XM-L T6" emitters, so why the difference in claimed lumens? Is this down to the way the builder has "tuned" the electronics? (Is that possible? I did say I don't understand these things!) Or is it perhaps down to vagaries in the way in which "lumens" is measured?
I've been a long time satisfied user of the Lumicycle lamps system but there's no doubt they are relatively expensive compared to the above, and even their latest model doesn't claim the same high lumens values. I'm OK with paying for proper build quality and I have absolute faith in the Lumicycles, but as the LEDs get more efficient and seem to offer greater light for the same run time I'd be happy to move on.
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See the other thread about these lights. They are absolutely super and well worth a punt for the money. They are Magicshine copies and I suppose they can make so cheap as they didn't have any development costs. I echo what Feline says, the fresnel lenses are worth it (I paid £4 from Ebay) and also got two mounts for £8.99 each, which are also worthwhile.
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As an ignoramus about these things, I don't understand how to compare one thing with another here. I have a rudimentary understanding of the difference between "lux" and "lumens" ...
... not to mention 'candela' - and even 'watts' is still very common as a measure of brightness :facepalm:
People who market bike lights have a complete playground of confusing and ambiguous (or just plain mis-applied) terms at their disposal, not really much point in supposing anything is actually measured.
I've been a long time satisfied user of the Lumicycle lamps system but there's no doubt they are relatively expensive compared to the above, and even their latest model doesn't claim the same high lumens values. I'm OK with paying for proper build quality and I have absolute faith in the Lumicycles, but as the LEDs get more efficient and seem to offer greater light for the same run time I'd be happy to move on.
I like the Lumicycle too, but it seems to me that one clear advantage these Magicshine and most other lights have, is they are 6V systems (OK, -ish or 7-8) not the 12-13-14V of the Lumicycle. This simply means that for many purposes you can use a smaller lighter cheaper battery, while still retaining the option of carrying more battery for Lumicycle-like performance and runtime if it's really needed.
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I bought 4 of these and think they're great for the money. 4 of these combined cost less than a quarter what I paid for my now non working Six Pack, which lasted about 18 months and now needs to be sent off for repair. These are bright enough for road use and I can always use two or more at a time if I want extra. Plus the batteries are small and easily swapped. Even if they aren't great in the wet and don;t last very long, I have 4 of them, so I can always carry 1 or 2 spares.
Those lenses really make a difference too. Definitely worth having as a cheap add on.
I'll probably run one of these alongside my dynamo powered Cyo for fast laney descents and have a spare one in the rack-bag this winter as well as having one as my default light for my hybrid.
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As an ignoramus about these things, I don't understand how to compare one thing with another here. I have a rudimentary understanding of the difference between "lux" and "lumens" (which isn't really relevant in this particular context) but I'm seeing the CREE XM-L T6 emitter variously described as "1200 lumens" (the TomTop lamp (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1200-Lumen-CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Outdoor-Sports-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/300677445326?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D2836041173524906200%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D300677445326%26)) or "1800 lumens" (from KGM-accessory (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800-LM-LED-Cycling-Bike-Bicycle-Head-Light-HeadLamp-HeadLight-/140744146377?_trksid=p2047675.m1982&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D29%26meid%3D2869862216121556066%26pid%3D100009%26prg%3D1013%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D180995993319%26))
What the manufacturers sometimes do is use multiple emitters in the same unit, and just multiply the figure for one emitter. For instance, 3 x 400 lumen emitters side by side will be quoted as 1200 lumens, in reality it may be considerably less. Also the figure quoted is likely to be under optimum drive conditions and this may not be done in practice due to tradeoffs with battery life, emitter lifetime, heat transfer etc. Quoting a number for lumens is practically meaningless without specifying all the conditions that effect the amount of light emitted.
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I like the Lumicycle too, but it seems to me that one clear advantage these Magicshine and most other lights have, is they are 6V systems (OK, -ish or 7-8) not the 12-13-14V of the Lumicycle.
This means that plenty of batteries are available, & as well as running off dedicated packs, you can run them off collections of NiMH or even NiCad cells. I've found that both the TomTop crazily cheap lights & Magicshines run happily off my four old but still sound 6V NiMH packs. The only drawback is that their battery status indicators can get confused, so the LED in the switch may glow red even with a nearly full battery. The LEDs don't care, though. They'll keep running, eventually visibly dimming. I think they rely on the protection circuits in the Li-ion cells to cut the batteries out, rather than having their own, but obviously a bunch of NiMH cells won't have or need 'em. You'll notice the light dimming long before you kill the cells.
Stick 6 NiMH cells in series in a battery box & you'll get round that annoying red glow. Hmm. I wonder. I also have six spare (four others power my early digital radio when it's not plugged into the mains) old but still sound 4.5AH Nicad D cells. Do I feel a battery box in the rack bag coming on? Or would I wilt under the weight?
What the manufacturers sometimes do is use multiple emitters in the same unit, and just multiply the figure for one emitter. For instance, 3 x 400 lumen emitters side by side will be quoted as 1200 lumens, in reality it may be considerably less. Also the figure quoted is likely to be under optimum drive conditions and this may not be done in practice due to tradeoffs with battery life, emitter lifetime, heat transfer etc. Quoting a number for lumens is practically meaningless without specifying all the conditions that effect the amount of light emitted.
I think this is probably what is done for the TomTop & similar lights. They probably also ignore any losses in the reflector & lens. Not exactly lying, but being selective with their information.
I work on the assumption that they're probably throwing out about two-thirds, or at best three-quarters, of the claimed 1200 lumens. Whatever, it's plenty, though for road use, it'd be even better if more of it was on the road. I'd be happy with half that in a light that lit up more road & fewer trees.
I intend to bodge little shields with reflective undersides for the top of my Magicshine (a mere MJ-838b) & Mrs B's '1200 lumen' TomTop, to try to save the eyes of oncoming motorists, They might also put slightly more light where it's useful.
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Maybe this thread should be merged with the other thread on these lights
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=59808.0
I've finally bought one, from the seller in the OP, Tomtop, who has various ebay seller names and they now seem to have stock in the UK:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360497972639?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Light-HeadLight-HeadLamp-1200LM-Consumption-UK-/360497981004?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item53ef5aa64c
I've gone for the one at £19.20 posted, the other one is £14 plus £5 P&P. A UK adapter is supposed to be included.
My CREE XML T6 torch has arrived, it only took 7 days to come from China, ordered on a Fri and arrived the following Fri. I haven't use it out on the road properly yet. The torch seller also has the bike light with a what looks like qr handlebar mount, although it's a bit more at £21.30 (but you also get a rear light as well):
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-XM-L-T6-1800LM-LED-Bicycle-bike-Head-Light-Lamp-Bicycle-Light-SET-/180973708788?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item2a22dfa5f4
Or in $US, different mount, no rear LED, 2-cell battery not 4
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XML-T6-LED-Bike-Bicycle-Light-HeadLight-headLamp-/170691177255?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bdfcab27
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Maybe this thread should be merged with the other thread on these lights
Done!
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Thanks but my question was about taming the beam, not whether these lights are good value or how they charge.
I'm not appreciative of being hijacked thanks. :(
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The older thread had some posts about the fresnel lens and also using an etched film.
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That may be the case but politeness should have dictated that somebody kindly pointed me to what I had missed rather than just merging my thread thanks.
[modify]
And whilst we're on the topic: Effectively I've had my thread deleted. I am disappointed that I was not even consulted about this.
[/modify]
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There's discussion of the Fresnel lenses scattered throughout, with a concentration in the early pages - maybe up to about p4 or p5.
I'm not sure if Feline's link on October 19th points to the same seller for the lenses as the first one that was posted, but the price is about the same: ca £5 including P&P. I've seen 'em in action, & they work (well, what a surprise! ;D ).
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OK, red mist settling. Sorry guys.
Having now waded through the thread I can see some useful stuff. Thanks to all those who posted this info, esp to Feline for that link.
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I bought lenses for mine for£4.25 on eBay, they make the beam go where it should do and fit the Cree XML perfectly!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261093953515?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
That's the one I got (as mentioned much earlier in this thread). Here's a current listing:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wide-Angle-Lens-for-Magicshine-Lupine-and-Gemini-Bike-Lights-/261112231859?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item3ccb8077b3
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I've found that both the TomTop crazily cheap lights & Magicshines run happily off my four old but still sound 6V NiMH packs. ... the switch may glow red ... You'll notice the light dimming long before you kill the cells.
...
Stick 6 NiMH cells in series in a battery box & you'll get round that annoying red glow. Hmm. I wonder.
With a 6-cell pack you are in more danger of damaging a cell, if you rely on dimming. Because the greater the number of cells in series, the lower the individual cell voltages will be, when dimming occurs. Best and simplest to just know your runtime limit and work well within that.
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According to an email I've received today they are also available from the seven day shop for £28 for anyone who doesn't want to import theirs from China and requires a slightly more defined returns policy.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product/view/id/2962/s/7dayshop-ssc-p7-super-bright-rechargeable-led-bike-bicycle-head-light-handlebar-mounted-lamp/category/348/
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According to an email I've received today they are also available from the seven day shop for £28 for anyone who doesn't want to import theirs from China and requires a slightly more defined returns policy.
http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product/view/id/2962/s/7dayshop-ssc-p7-super-bright-rechargeable-led-bike-bicycle-head-light-handlebar-mounted-lamp/category/348/
Is there any practical difference between a SSC P7 LED and a CREE T6 LED?
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I noticed that - although the rest of the package (I have an imported from China T6) is identical.
7DS are quoting fewer lumens (but might be closer to the truth)
I suspect (messages passim) that nobody really knows when you factor in power supplies, reflector design and so on, and that even if the P7 is less luminous it will still be stupidly bright.
We need another forum light test.
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the P7... will still be stupidly bright.
Agreed. It doesn't really matter ;).
We need another forum light test.
I accept that a full test to the same standards as before is a lot of work. However, it would be useful to see how these relatively cheap LED lights compare (in brightness) with the "winners" from the original test.
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I ordered my light on Sunday evening and it has arrived already. It is impressively bright. I'll be ordering the fresnel lens now. :thumbsup:
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I thought for a moment you wrote 'excessively bright'. :o
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I ordered my light on Sunday evening and it has arrived already. It is impressively bright. I'll be ordering the fresnel lens now. :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
I am currently torn between ordering an eye-wateringly expensive centre lock disc SON dyno hub to rebuild the front wheel of my Pompetamine, or just ordering another of these lights to go on it. Since I probably won't be riding that bike for more than 4 hours in the dark the CREE T6 would probably do a perfectly good job and leave me £200 or so richer!
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Or alternatively order a top of the range Shimano dynohub from Rose for about £60. I love mine and can't see why you'd need a SON. I'm buggered if I can detect any drag.
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Agreed. It's not a 20" wheel or anything, so a DH3N80 should be fine.
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I'm completely won over by SON hubs. Interzen has a 700c SON-equipped wheel in For Sale you know...
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Agreed. It's not a 20" wheel or anything, so a DH3N80 should be fine.
Indeed - I bought a wheel from Germany about 2.5 years ago laced up around a Shimano DH-3D71 along with a B&M IQ Cyo. Nothing like as bright as the T6 but bright enough even for moonless audax night stages, utterly reliable and probably the best bargain I've ever had in cycling.
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On balance I have decided I don't have the funds right now so I've ordered a 2nd Chinese Cree T6 for the time being (and a lens to go with it). When I feel like rebuilding the wheel I will think about another dyno hub. This is the bike I am most likely to leave locked up outside things so it probably doesn't make sense to add lots of expensive stuff to it.
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Or alternatively order a top of the range Shimano dynohub from Rose for about £60. I love mine and can't see why you'd need a SON. I'm buggered if I can detect any drag.
Agreed. I've got both, and cannot honestly say I can see any difference in "net" output. I can't comment on the longevity of the Shimano unit and I gather they are not serviceable like the SON, but it would cost little more to buy a new one than have the SON serviced.
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I ordered my light on Sunday evening and it has arrived already. It is impressively bright. I'll be ordering the fresnel lens now. :thumbsup:
I ordered one on the same day as you. Only it's still not bloody arrived. They took the money pronto... Arseholes...
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Things from HK and China usually take between 2.5 and 4 weeks to reach me. I suspect the parcels sit in a warehouse for a couple of weeks where Customs make random checks or whatever.
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Pehaps I was a little hasty in calling them arseholes :P
I'm just annoyed PB has got his and mine is nowhere to be seen...
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I ordered mine on 19th October and it hasn't arrived yet. The eBay order confirmation said 5th November was the earliest I could expect it.
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Oh yeah - just checked mine and it says the 5th too. Ho hum...
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It seems there are quite a few on their way to the UK - I also ordered a couple to try out on my and my son's MTBs for those times we get back a little later than planned.
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The stitching between the velcro strap and the battery bag came apart on mine (as in OP) at the weekend, sending the battery skidding down a dark, Fen road. :-\
Luckily it was a moonlit night and I had dymano ligths as well so it was easily found.
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Ordered mine on 19th October as well and still waiting. :)
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I got one from a UK seller, it took 3 days to arrive. And another one is on the way from China, I would expect that would take 2 - 3 weeks. The one I've got now has a smooth reflector.
The big drawback is the beam, it's not much use for lighting up the road surface in front of you. You get a tiny very bright circular hotspot (25cm across at 2m) and a much dimmer in comparison but still bright big surrounding circle of light. Both the high and medium modes with the beam pointing down would probably dazzle other road users, although probably no more than a lot of the cars which seem to aim their dipped lights too high. It produces a lot of light but it puts it out in a nearly useless way. Even for off road use it's less than ideal, I would have thought. Yes I know about the widening lens but I'm not paying £5 for a bit of plastic when the whole light costs only £18! What's needed is a lens or reflector that would produce a shaped beam with a cut-off like a dynamo light.
If you take off the lens and the reflector and turn it on, you get a very wide and even circle of light, without any hotspot at all. So it's the reflector that produces the small hotspot.
The cable is long enough for me to put the battery in my saddle bag, although that makes it slower to put the light on the bike and to take it off.
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hubner, I just think of it as a £23 light (still amazingly good value) because I wouldn't want to use it without the modified lens! I'm very pleased with the beam shape I get now :D
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That's a good way to look at it, but I think I'll try to bodge up something first. Or maybe the ebay sellers of this light might eventually also sell the wide lens. No doubt the UK seller is making a massive mark up on the price. It's like you can get the mounts for a torch from Ebay for £1 from China when UK sellers are charging £5 and more.
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You want the spot pointed much further ahead than 2m if you're going faster than 10 mph. #thinkingtime
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Mine arrived from China today. First impressions are positive.
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Bloody hell! They're doing them with 3 T6 CREE's in them now - 4000 Lumen: 3 x CREE XM-L T6 LED 4000LM (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HOT-3-x-CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-4000LM-Bicycle-bike-HeadLight-Lamp-Light-Headlamp-/160908958983?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item2576ebdd07) :o :o :o
Don't use it long time in high power mode
:facepalm:
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Even allowing the usual exaggeration factor, that's insane. I see that they advise against prolonged usage at high power in big red letters. Wise. If it doesn't flatten the battery first, it'll probably explode.
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I have a Torch with 3 xm-l LEDs. Would be overkill on the road.
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I've read some reviews of the 3 x LEDs light, or at least some versions as it seems there are various sources of these lights, apparently the modes are:
high, 3 LEDs on
med, 2 LEDs on
low, 1 LED on
and there isn't much difference in brightness between med and high.
http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20005&t=12807034&sid=1bd5df9f634b98e4aa0cd8f344945e5a&start=1180
http://forums.mtbr.com/lights-night-riding/new-clone-3-x-xml-t-6-49-88-shipped-814616.html
How about 5 in one light?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FREE-shipping-Skyray-5x-T6-5x-CREE-XM-L-XML-T6-Flashlight-Torch-6000LM-/280853472680?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item41642be5a8
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/6000LM-5-x-T6-XM-L-XML-CREE-LED-5-Modes-Flashlight-Torch-Light-Lamp-Searchlight-/271096710450?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item3f1e9f8532
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Well I bought two off these http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280778960297 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280778960297) Very bright and thats not on fully charged batteries, quite happy with them.
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Anybody know where to get spare battery packs for the T6 lamps please?
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Anybody know where to get spare battery packs for the T6 lamps please?
Ebay? (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-6400mAh-8-4v-Battery-Pack-for-CREE-XML-T6-LED-or-SSC-P7-Head-Lamp-Bike-Lamp-/320966544346?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4abb18cbda)
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Or Magicshine batteries will fit. More expensive, but they're properly waterproofed.
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I'd take the opportunity to find the best lithium-based battery of that voltage I could afford, then fit an appropriate connector. Nevermind what connector it does or doesn't come with, or what it's described as being for.
A different charger may be needed too if the battery chemistry is different.
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Cheap is good just now. I cannot afford to be flashy as I have rather a lot of bikes to repair, replace or re-frame. :(
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Anybody know where to get spare battery packs for the T6 lamps please?
Ebay? (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-6400mAh-8-4v-Battery-Pack-for-CREE-XML-T6-LED-or-SSC-P7-Head-Lamp-Bike-Lamp-/320966544346?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4abb18cbda)
Thanks WJ. Good spot. :thumbsup:
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Has anybody who ordered their lights on eBay back in October received theirs yet???
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Chinese leadership jamboree innit.
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Anybody know where to get spare battery packs for the T6 lamps please?
Ebay? (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-6400mAh-8-4v-Battery-Pack-for-CREE-XML-T6-LED-or-SSC-P7-Head-Lamp-Bike-Lamp-/320966544346?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Cycling_Bike_Lights&hash=item4abb18cbda)
Thanks WJ. Good spot. :thumbsup:
The capacity is probably exaggerated, but even if it's really a bog-standard 4.4 AH, that's still very cheap.
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It doesn't say what it is. NiCad, NiMH, Li-Ion, lead acid?
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we would assume li-ion and it could well be 6.4ah, although hardly likely prob 4.4ah.
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Has anybody who ordered their lights on eBay back in October received theirs yet???
Nope. Ordered mine on 19th Oct. Still waiting.....
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Has anybody who ordered their lights on eBay back in October received theirs yet???
Nope. Ordered mine on 19th Oct. Still waiting.....
Me too. My order confirmation quoted delivery as being between 5th and 21st November.
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I ordered mine in October and it came in days. Price has doubled now on the same link.
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I ordered mine in October and it came in days. Price has doubled now on the same link.
Did you get my pm Mike?
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Yes, I do have pm from you. Sorry for not replying yet. Will sort soon. Many thanks. :)
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It doesn't say what it is. NiCad, NiMH, Li-Ion, lead acid?
From the stated dimensions, appearance & claimed voltage & capacity, it has to be four 18650 Li-ion cells.
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Yes, I do have pm from you. Sorry for not replying yet. Will sort soon. Many thanks. :)
No problem now I know you received it.
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Has anybody who ordered their lights on eBay back in October received theirs yet???
Nope. Ordered mine on 19th Oct. Still waiting.....
Me too. My order confirmation quoted delivery as being between 5th and 21st November.
I'm still waiting also - ordered October 19th
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Ordered mine on 1-Nov, arrived 12-Nov !
Cost £20.59 (p&p free), fresnel lens ordered as well which should arrive this weekend. Light output is very good.
No way of attaching the battery to the frame, I've tie wrapped it for now but am looking for some velcro straps so I can take it off to charge.
Cheers
Froggie
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Froggie, YHPM
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Not sure this has been noted up thread but one needs to be aware of the lamps behaviour when running out of juice.
The green indicator in the on off button glows red for the last couple of minutes and then the battery pack shuts down. The lamp stays at full brightness until the cliff is reached then blackness! My colleague experienced this while out for a night ride - he is thankful that he was not potholing at the time!
The only way to get light is to recharge the battery.
I have my lens and am now waiting for my lamp - late Nov early Dec is promised.
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Has anybody who ordered their lights on eBay back in October received theirs yet???
Nope. Ordered mine on 19th Oct. Still waiting.....
Me too. My order confirmation quoted delivery as being between 5th and 21st November.
I'm still waiting also - ordered October 19th
abought the same here...
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I'd demand a replacement/refund if still no goods by Wednesday. HK/Chinese sellers in my experience always oblige, though sometimes after mild delaying tactics like "please enquire at your post office".
45 days after payment is ebay's limit for claims, by the way.
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Yes, I do have pm from you. Sorry for not replying yet. Will sort soon. Many thanks. :)
No problem now I know you received it.
And today I received an envelope with lots of the diffusing film in it. Did an unscientific sample test on my Hope Vision 1 - seems to diffuse the hot spot but also reduce the 'brightness' a little. Definitely looks good though - thanks very much indeed :thumbsup:
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This may fall into the "silly question" category, but in the absence of any instructions with these Chinese lamps, how careful do I need to be about charging the battery pack? Is it OK to just leave it charging overnight, or should I time it. The batteries appear to have some charge "as supplied", so have not yet done any charging of them (not yet having wanted to use them beyond checking they work).
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On the current TopTom eBay page for the Cree XML lights is the following :)
(http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8199/8190031117_5f31d30e01_b.jpg)
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This may fall into the "silly question" category, but in the absence of any instructions with these Chinese lamps, how careful do I need to be about charging the battery pack? Is it OK to just leave it charging overnight, or should I time it. The batteries appear to have some charge "as supplied", so have not yet done any charging of them (not yet having wanted to use them beyond checking they work).
On my charger the led changes colour from red to green when charged
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Mine arrived yesterday. Quite pleased with it.
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All proper lithium-ion batteries and/or lithium-ion chargers cut off when the battery is fully charged, or go into trickle mode, so you don't have to worry about overcharging; they can safely be left plugged in indefinitely. (Some batteries have this protection built in, in others it's just down to the charger).
Otherwise it's not just spoiling battery that could be a problem, but fire and explosion too. If in doubt about its properness, place the battery on a fire-proof thing while charging (eg dinner plate), and away from flammable materials.
Store the battery in a cool place to maximise life.
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Mine arrived yesterday. Quite pleased with it.
Good news. When did you order it and which postage option did you go for?
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Yes, I do have pm from you. Sorry for not replying yet. Will sort soon. Many thanks. :)
No problem now I know you received it.
And today I received an envelope with lots of the diffusing film in it. Did an unscientific sample test on my Hope Vision 1 - seems to diffuse the hot spot but also reduce the 'brightness' a little. Definitely looks good though - thanks very much indeed :thumbsup:
Glad it got there okay. It's a cheap alternative to a new lens but does a decent job at spreading the beam a bit more. Hope you fitted it easily!
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This may fall into the "silly question" category, but in the absence of any instructions with these Chinese lamps, how careful do I need to be about charging the battery pack? Is it OK to just leave it charging overnight, or should I time it. The batteries appear to have some charge "as supplied", so have not yet done any charging of them (not yet having wanted to use them beyond checking they work).
I've read that it's best not to leave it charging unattended. Li-ion batteries have a small risk that they might catch fire when charging. I think laptop batteries are safe enough but these cheap 18650 chargers and 18650 batteries would need a bit more care.
Eg I'm not sure it stops charging when the green light comes on or if the green light just means the battery is full. So I check it every half an hour or so and disconnect the battery from the charger when the light goes green.
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This may fall into the "silly question" category, but in the absence of any instructions with these Chinese lamps, how careful do I need to be about charging the battery pack? Is it OK to just leave it charging overnight, or should I time it. The batteries appear to have some charge "as supplied", so have not yet done any charging of them (not yet having wanted to use them beyond checking they work).
Do you have a cat-flap and a biscuit tin?
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The cat will stay to enjoy the heat of the fire.
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Eg I'm not sure it stops charging when the green light comes on or if the green light just means the battery is full. So I check it every half an hour or so and disconnect the battery from the charger when the light goes green.
It will not carry on charging at full power unless it's an unusually shoddy product or the wrong type of charger. All manufacturers know that Li-ion batteries must be protected (probably by law in some countries?). You could test with a multimeter to put your mind at ease (though an adapter would be needed to test in parallel while the battery was connected).
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Mine arrived yesterday. Quite pleased with it.
Good news. When did you order it and which postage option did you go for?
(CREE XML XM-L T6 LED Bike Light Headlight, Headlamp 1200LM9W (300645609770)
I ordered mine on 26 October. It has 3 modes; bright, brighter and brighter still. I don’t thinks its 3 levels
are brighter than the ones the Exposure Maxx D that I own. However, it’s a nice back-up to have.
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This may fall into the "silly question" category, but in the absence of any instructions with these Chinese lamps, how careful do I need to be about charging the battery pack? Is it OK to just leave it charging overnight, or should I time it. The batteries appear to have some charge "as supplied", so have not yet done any charging of them (not yet having wanted to use them beyond checking they work).
I've read that it's best not to leave it charging unattended. Li-ion batteries have a small risk that they might catch fire when charging. I think laptop batteries are safe enough but these cheap 18650 chargers and 18650 batteries would need a bit more care.
Eg I'm not sure it stops charging when the green light comes on or if the green light just means the battery is full. So I check it every half an hour or so and disconnect the battery from the charger when the light goes green.
the problem I believe is that they do not get properly balanced when charged these cheapo 4 pack batteries. What another forum reader has done is bought a 4 cell holder and 4 seperate 18650 batteries plus charger, thus he will always have a balanced battery pack. BTW these 4 pack batteries are unprotected cheapo cells. Funnily enough when laptop batteries give up you will find that it will only be 1 pair that have given up the ghost the remaining cells will be fine, well it would appear to be my experience.
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All proper lithium-ion batteries and/or lithium-ion chargers cut off when the battery is fully charged, or go into trickle mode, so you don't have to worry about overcharging; they can safely be left plugged in indefinitely. (Some batteries have this protection built in, in others it's just down to the charger).
Otherwise it's not just spoiling battery that could be a problem, but fire and explosion too. If in doubt about its properness, place the battery on a fire-proof thing while charging (eg dinner plate), and away from flammable materials.
Store the battery in a cool place to maximise life.
I charge mine in a fireplace.
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There is a circuit board packed in with the batteries which as I noted acts to protect the cells from deep discharge so it is reasonable to suppose that the reverse is true and that the cells are protected from overcharging.
Yours
the invisible man.
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I charge mine in a fireplace.
I use a pudding bowl.
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This may fall into the "silly question" category, but in the absence of any instructions with these Chinese lamps, how careful do I need to be about charging the battery pack? Is it OK to just leave it charging overnight, or should I time it. The batteries appear to have some charge "as supplied", so have not yet done any charging of them (not yet having wanted to use them beyond checking they work).
Do you have a cat-flap and a biscuit tin?
No but I have a flat-cap. Will that do?
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Depends on whether you mind setting your garden on fire or not.
PS my fenix has arrived :)
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You are hereby ordered to go out tonight & test it somewhere very dark.
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My light should have been here on Wednesday so I have just contacted the seller to see what the situation is. I've seen their notification about the delays caused by customs inspections but I'd still like some more specific detail. I will let you all know if I find anything out.
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It's been so long, I'd forgotten I even ordered one!
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My light should have been here on Wednesday so I have just contacted the seller to see what the situation is. I've seen their notification about the delays caused by customs inspections but I'd still like some more specific detail. I will let you all know if I find anything out.
Same here - received funny apologetic message via ebay - agreed to wait until 28th November
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I ordered my second one on 30/10, dispatched on 1/11, not arrived yet but I'm not in a hurry as long as it does get here in the end.
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My 2nd light from TomTop arrived this morning. It took a while but worth waiting for IMO. This one is going on my Pompetamine until I can afford a centre-lock disc compatible SON for that bike :)
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Bumper of this Parish kindly sent me some diffusing film. I have been experimenting without actually sticking film to the glass of my light. It seems that the shape of the reflector causes the bright spot from around the edge of the beam. I'm now looking at cutting a central hole in a bit of the film and seeing how that works.
Although the film cuts out some light the sheer power of output makes this marginal.
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My light should have been here on Wednesday so I have just contacted the seller to see what the situation is. I've seen their notification about the delays caused by customs inspections but I'd still like some more specific detail. I will let you all know if I find anything out.
They won't have any details of what's happened at all. It's time to just simply demand a replacement or refund (whichever you want) straight away. Bush about the beat too long and you'll reach the eBay/PayPal 45-day claim limit.
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If you've got a minute please can you explain a bit more about the 45 day rule? Thanks.
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45 days from payment is the limit for eBay's and PayPal's dispute processes, which you can use to get what you want if the seller doesn't otherwise satisfy. It's largely automatic. In a simple case like this, eBay will find in your favour if the seller has no proof of delivery. You're expected to try to resolve the matter with the seller directly first, of course - one eBay message to the seller from you with your demands (then waiting a reasonable time for a reply) will do for this.
http://ocs.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?CustomerSupport&entrysrc=GlobalHeader
My message to the seller would be: "Hi, I still haven't received the item. I have allowed enough time for delivery. Please today send me a replacement item or full refund. Thanks."
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Good news!!! It has arrived. Now on charge!
Thanks for the info Biggsy!
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Woooo! Mine just arrived too!
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I have charged mine up and I am seeing how long it lasts on full power. Initial inspection reveals a well made product. The battery might need some additional waterproofing as the ends appear to be cardboard. Shouldn't be a difficult problem to fix.
Edit: I note that after 20 minutes at full power the head unit is now too hot to hold!
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How long does it take to charge up?
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How long does it take to charge up?
Took about an hour for the light on the charger to go from red to green.
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Blimey, that's quick!
I'll get mine on charge.... Need to go out and test it one night...
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Boo hoo :'( Still waiting for mine
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I have charged mine up and I am seeing how long it lasts on full power. Initial inspection reveals a well made product. The battery might need some additional waterproofing as the ends appear to be cardboard. Shouldn't be a difficult problem to fix.
Edit: I note that after 20 minutes at full power the head unit is now too hot to hold!
I think that it relies on a cooling breeze generated by you pedalling. ;D It may cut out from overheating if you're running it indoors, giving a false impression of battery life.
I gaffer-taped the ends of Mrs B's, & it's stood up to rain since. We found the lead is long enough that the battery bag can be strapped behind the seat post, thus giving it a little additional weather protection.
I think they're probably partly charged on delivery.
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I'm guessing there was some charge in the battery already. I'll run mine down and charge it up from flat, that might take longer.
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I'm guessing there was some charge in the battery already. I'll run mine down and charge it up from flat, that might take longer.
Do this, as I found with one of mine that you get ~20 mins out of it before it will pack up, run it down first then charge again and they are good for 2hrs+
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I have charged mine up and I am seeing how long it lasts on full power. Initial inspection reveals a well made product. The battery might need some additional waterproofing as the ends appear to be cardboard. Shouldn't be a difficult problem to fix.
Edit: I note that after 20 minutes at full power the head unit is now too hot to hold!
I think that it relies on a cooling breeze generated by you pedalling ...
I take your point. But remember, they come with all the kit you need to use the light as a head torch so less of a cooling breeze would be generated. At least you wouldn't need a hat!!!
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After 2 hours 3 minutes on full power my new Chinese lantern shows no sign of going out. I have just switched it down to it's lowest setting to see how much longer the battery lasts and see if it cools down. I have also shut myself in the garage with the lights off and shone the Cree and my Hope 1 against the inside of the garage door. With both on full power the Cree seems brighter. I haven't played with the replacement lens yet apart from establishing it fits (*). Given the light cost me £17.39 I have to say I'm impressed so far. I'm looking forward to getting it on the road.
(*) When I took the original glass lens out I noticed there was a rubbery o-ring seal. Like a twat I didn't notice how it all went back together. Does the seal go between the lens and the bezel or the lens and the lamp body. I'm guessing the former.
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Lens and bezel. My seal glows in the dark :thumbsup:
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Lens and bezel. My seal glows in the dark :thumbsup:
Swot I thought.
On the lowest power setting I can now hold the lamp body without the need to wear oven gloves.
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Mine runs remarkably cool and totally murders my Hope Vision 1 even on the low setting.
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All charged up. Holy fuck it's bright! :)
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I have turned mine off after 2 hours on max power and 2 hours on the lowest setting - it was still going strong. I will continue trials presently.
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Edit: I note that after 20 minutes at full power the head unit is now too hot to hold!
Getting hot is good.
It means the heat isn't getting trapped inside.
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I've been using mine for commuting for some weeks now and have been monitoring just how long the battery lasts before it cuts out.
Running the battery for half hour periods (the length of my commute)at full power ,I've been getting between three and a quarter and three and a half hours run time.
Well pleased with the brightness and have even used it for night-time mountain biking :thumbsup:
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Just be aware that the time from the LED turning red to the light switching off is very short, about 10 minutes in my experience.
I've just sold my first light to a riding friend. She was very impressed with the performance and the price of the light so she offered to buy it for what I'd paid so that I could get the version with the larger capacity battery. I'd sent her the details of the "newer" light but she was happy to get a second-hand one provided that it'd had one careful owner ;D
I ordered the replacement today.
Since I always run two front lights, I plan to use the Magicshinealike with one of my IQ Speeds on the Dirty Disco and I'll use the other IQ Speed with the dyno light on the tourer.
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I have also shut myself in the garage with the lights off and shone the Cree and my Hope 1 against the inside of the garage door. With both on full power the Cree seems brighter.
I should hope so, after 19 pages of hype!!
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I have also shut myself in the garage with the lights off and shone the Cree and my Hope 1 against the inside of the garage door. With both on full power the Cree seems brighter.
I should hope so, after 19 pages of hype!!
My Chinese lantern has finally gone out. So, after giving it a full charge straight out of the box I have got 2 hours on full power and 5.75 hours on low power - all from one charge. I think that's pretty impressive for a £17 light so perhaps the 19 pages of hype are justified :D
I'm looking forward to testing it on the road. This might have to wait until the Christmas Do (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=63129.0) on the 8th.
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Mine has been running well for 2 weeks, not had to recharge yet, (so I guess that is about 5hrs so far, at low power).
At low power it appears to stop my wireless computer working, while at full power the thing works fine.
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Mrs Andyf just called me to say mine has arrived :smug:.....I feel like a child on Christmass eve who can't wait to open his prezzies
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I have mounted the battery pack under the saddle. This makes it both unobtrusive and drier. I've made it harder to pinch by zip tying the cables to the bike. I can recharge it in situ because the bikes are parked next to an extension socket :thumbsup:
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I have also shut myself in the garage with the lights off and shone the Cree and my Hope 1 against the inside of the garage door. With both on full power the Cree seems brighter.
I should hope so, after 19 pages of hype!!
My Chinese lantern has finally gone out. So, after giving it a full charge straight out of the box I have got 2 hours on full power and 5.75 hours on low power - all from one charge. I think that's pretty impressive for a £17 light so perhaps the 19 pages of hype are justified :D
I'm looking forward to testing it on the road. This might have to wait until the Christmas Do (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=63129.0) on the 8th.
Mine's charging tonight and is going out on my commute into work tomorrow morning, where I plan to use it as a lazer gun on RJL'ers and Adison lee taxis 8)
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Mine's just arrived, finally. Customs Declaration says it's a gift with a value of £2.50 :o
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Regarding the rubber o-rings used to mount the head unit on one's bike. Any idea where spares can be bought? I can see them getting lost easily or eventually breaking.
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EBay, Amazon, Halfords to name but three
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=+O+rings&_sacat=0&_from=R40
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Magicshine ones work perfectly well, & can be bought from any seller of Magicshine lights. I bought a couple of sets for spares.
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Of course they will, but £4 for a couple of O rings is steep. Measure the internal diameter and have a search on eBay
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Regarding the rubber o-rings used to mount the head unit on one's bike. Any idea where spares can be bought? I can see them getting lost easily or eventually breaking.
That saddlery place on Newland Street sells all sorts of goodies like that. Just ask at the counter in the right hand side of the shop. I used to go in there every lunch time when I worked in Witham (before diving into the pub :P )
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Regarding the rubber o-rings used to mount the head unit on one's bike. Any idea where spares can be bought? I can see them getting lost easily or eventually breaking.
That saddlery place on Newland Street sells all sorts of goodies like that. Just ask at the counter in the right hand side of the shop. I used to go in there every lunch time when I worked in Witham (before diving into the pub :P )
Good thinking. In the meantime I have come up with a cunning plan for attaching the o-ring to the light. Amazing what you can do with whipping twine.
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Still haven't received mine :(
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That saddlery place on Newland Street sells all sorts of goodies like that. Just ask at the counter in the right hand side of the shop. I used to go in there every lunch time when I worked in Witham (before diving into the pub :P )
*Trying to work out what you used all the 'O' rings for and how it's linked to the crafty lunchtime drink?*
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There seems to be a zoomable model too. http://www.tomtop.com/zoomable-cree-t6-led-bike-light-bicycle-front-lamp-headlight-headlamp.html
saw it going for 33 quid on ebay, not sure if it's from the same factory or how usable it is.
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That saddlery place on Newland Street sells all sorts of goodies like that. Just ask at the counter in the right hand side of the shop. I used to go in there every lunch time when I worked in Witham (before diving into the pub :P )
*Trying to work out what you used all the 'O' rings for and how it's linked to the crafty lunchtime drink?*
CBT and a swift half? SORRY, wrong forum ::-)
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My Tank007 Zoomable XM-L arrived today. About £18 for 450 lumens off a single 18650 cell.
My new backup light. First impressions are good.
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Mine finally arrived today : )
Ordered 20th October, so just over a month which is longer than many items I have ordered from China but at the price I am not complaining! All seems great and had already ordered a spare battery and the fresnel lens so looking forward to using it on my next Audax
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There seems to be a zoomable model too. http://www.tomtop.com/zoomable-cree-t6-led-bike-light-bicycle-front-lamp-headlight-headlamp.html
saw it going for 33 quid on ebay, not sure if it's from the same factory or how usable it is.
Tomtop is the one I got Mrs B's light from.
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i also jumped bandwagon and got myself one of these, not that i needed it, really.. here's a test (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=65833.0) i've just done against busch&muller ixon iq.
i will be making few bodges/upgrades to it, so watch the gallery space.
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Today mine lasted 3 hours 40 minutes on full power indoors. I imagine outdoors in cold weather
it wouldn't last as long.
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talking about the quality of light, you get what you pay for. mine had one cold soldered wire (the red positive one). i've noticed that the light turns itself off if i twist the cable. so i had to disassemble it only to find that positive wire turns in it's hole! all other soldered points looked neat and shiny. it was a quick and easy fix for one who's familiar with soldering, but for majority of users this type of intermittent fault would turn into major hassle.
now - to make the whole assembly highly water resistant or even waterproof. i've got the ideas already, just need to get few bits and pieces.
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Shoddy soldering does seem to be remarkably common with cheap Chinese goods. I'm surprised they're that bad at it, tbh.
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Using my Cree on my commute going down London wall, the reflective steet signs were reflecting my light.......800m away !!!!
So why the F***K have a car and a van tried to T-bone me at Junctions, they saw me!!!!! just had no respect for other road users
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No sign of the lights and past due the extra time allotted to the vendor, so I opened an eBay dispute. The vendor made a full refund the next day, which is fair enough.
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Not much use to you but mine arrive yesterday - ordered on the 14th Nov.
R
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I ordered on 30 Oct and it's now 2 days past the estimated arrival date and still no show. I'll give it a couple more days before contacting the seller. I know I've got 10 more days to open a dispute. Do I ask for a refund? And what happens if I got a refund and then it arrives?
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It's up to you to decide between a refund or replacement, except if the seller only does refunds. It's probably untracked post, so the seller won't know if the original arrives later. You could pay again (direct through PayPal) or return it.
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How long do yours take to recharge?
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The strobe mode is ridiculous - it's as annoying in daylight as most are at night.
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How long do yours take to recharge?
just over four hours (http://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=65833.msg1367499#msg1367499)
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I ordered on 30 Oct and it's now 2 days past the estimated arrival date and still no show. I'll give it a couple more days before contacting the seller. I know I've got 10 more days to open a dispute. Do I ask for a refund? And what happens if I got a refund and then it arrives?
I ordered mine on 19th October (the TomTop one - eBay seller: "Homegarden 2012"). I chased via "Contact seller" on 26th November but it was delivered the next day. I contacted the seller to confirm arrival and received an email acknowledgement.
There was a Customs looking sticker on the packaging but no indication of any Tracking reference (that I could read at least!)
Haven't had a chance to try it out yet.
By coincidence, I heard an item on the radio where a Trading Standards Officer was lambasting unscrupulous Far East retailers for providing unsafe electrical goods. Reference was made especially to delivering stuff fitted with the flat two prong US style plugs together with a travel style adaptor for UK three pin sockets (as my TomTop charger has). It didn't expand on exactly why this is unsafe but I guess at these prices, there has to be a large element of "caveat emptor" involved!
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Sometimes I get parcels from abroad (and even UK occasionally) marked "Tracked" or "Signed for" when actually it was just shoved through the letter box without my signature being collected. It can be either the sender using the wrong stickers or RM not bothering.
Ebayers trading in low-value goods rely on the fact that not too many buyers make fraudulent claims, so they tend to use the cheapest airmail service available.
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I wouldn't be surprised if a large proportion of cheap important goods that plug into the mains don't really conform to British Standards.
I haven't yet had anything catch fire or blow up, though.
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I ordered something else but from HK rather than China and it was delivered with a 'signature required' sticker but the post man said it was pointless as the system could not accept signatures for overseas parcels.
No tracking on the Tomtop package, just a postage type sticker.
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Ordered mine 25th October & arrived yesterday. Normally Hong Kong parcels arrive in 3-4 weeks but never had anything from Hong Kong not turn up to be fair.
Tried the light out this morning and I can safely say it's flipping bright! Certainly worth the 16 quid I paid :)
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Anybody thinking on ordering one of these for Xmas - PM for a TomTop 10% off code...
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Ordered mine on 19th October, still not with me so have asked for a refund.
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Had my first experience with the new light on the weekend - WOW!! :o
A few hours use in the dark lanes on the last leg of an Audax, what an amazing light for the money! I had also ordered the fresnel lens which I fitted and the whole package is awesome. Build quality seems great, nice simple mount and perfect amount of cable to leave the battery in the saddle bag pocket and run along the top tube.
I had ordered a spare battery too for £12 from another seller. Chatting to teethgrinder in the morning he had just bought 4 lights as they are so cheap! Great idea, think I will order another one at least now so will have plenty of spare batteries and if ever needed some spare head units.
Thanks for all those who contributed in this post with links and info about these lights and lenses, cant wait to get out in the dark again!
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FairPlay to TomTop they refunded me within 24 hours.
So just bought another one.
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I had ordered a spare battery too for £12 from another seller.
Cylclofabrica, do you have a link for the spare batteries ?
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I've had the first one I got almost a year now and it's been used many, many times. It's still working superbly.
Even better, when I went out to get some duct tape to waterproof the battery, there was some Union Jack tape (presumably for the jubilee) which looks great and makes me smile every time I look at it.
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I had ordered a spare battery too for £12 from another seller.
Cylclofabrica, do you have a link for the spare batteries ?
I bought mine from :
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280927552532&ssPageName=STRK:MERFB:IID (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280927552532&ssPageName=STRK:MERFB:IID)
Was very quick delivery (UK Seller), and the battery has a longer lead than normal which may be handy for some users.
But really if your not in a hurry you may as well pay another fiver and get a whole new light and charger!
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I had ordered a spare battery too for £12 from another seller.
Cylclofabrica, do you have a link for the spare batteries ?
Post no. 211, this thread.
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Well how about that? Just received my light nearly 2 months to the day I ordered it. I just ordered another one the other day, oh well.
Brightness seems good in daylight, can't wait to see it tonight!
Just bought 2 fresnel lenses, how difficult are they to fit? I'm not very technically minded!
A smidgen paranoid about my battery/charger exploding as well.
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The front unscrews. Insert lens, screw front back on. Make sure the sealing ring is the same side as when you took it apart. Easy.
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No sign of the lights and past due the extra time allotted to the vendor, so I opened an eBay dispute. The vendor made a full refund the next day, which is fair enough.
and just as well as the lights haven't turned up.
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I also got a refund, after 6 weeks and not arriving, from the seller in the OP.
If you paid using a credit card as a Paypal guest user (ie you don't have a Paypal account), you have to contact the seller directly to ask for a refund, they will put the refund into your credit card account. You won't be able to open a case or dispute on Ebay Buyer Protection.
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I briefly tried out strobe mode on my new commute through central Leeds. In what passes for daylight at this end of the country, it resulted in some choice yorkshire language and lots of flashing of headlights. I think it's pretty much unusable outside of an emergency situation.
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I briefly tried out strobe mode on my new commute through central Leeds. In what passes for daylight at this end of the country, it resulted in some choice yorkshire language and lots of flashing of headlights. I think it's pretty much unusable outside of an emergency situation.
yeah, the strobe mode is mental. could only/possibly be used against another cyclist coming opposite with blinding lights :demon:
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Finally got to try mine out properly last night. Went for a quick 15 mile spin out around Easter Compton and Aust through some very dark lanes. I have fitted the fresnel lens and it has created a very useable light.
Low mode is really only useful for urban areas. It is passable through lanes if you really had to conserve power, but is noticeably lacking. Full power mode is excellent, but really I found myself more than happy with the medium power output. With the new lens there is a good spread of light and actually quite a substantial amount was thrown onto the nearside kerb which is very useful.
I was able to anticipate potholes/flooding and I averaged 17mph very easily with this light.
For £17 it is an absolute steal. So far the current charge of battery is going strong after 2 and a half hours. With probably about an hour on medium, 10 minutes on full and the rest on low. I have also received my second set, but I will keep the actual light as a spare and just utilise the freedom of having a second battery.
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Over Christmas I mounted my light on an old semi QR light bracket (origins unknown) which incorporates a swivel. The lamp is now rock steady. I have (accidentely) fitted the Fresnel lens a few degrees off vertical (down at RHS)and with a bit of swivel to the left it now illuminates the LH kerb and reduces glare for oncoming traffic.
Very happy with it.
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Mine received a dunking in flood water on Tuesday, and it still works with no signs of water ingress.
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I've had no problems with the light itself in heavy rain. But the battery is going to need additional measures to keep dry, I put mine in the saddle bag.
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I should maybe point out that EVERYTHING went underwater, not just the light head.
It did, of course, include my spare gloves, wallet, phone etc etc...
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I used mine in the last few weeks, riding a 600k and 3 700k rides, mostly in pissing rain. Battery attached to handlebar stem, though I did use several batteries.
No problems at all with anything. It still works.
I left it attached to the handlenars in the daytime too.
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Oh, I'd just assume the battery bag isn't water resistant/proof from reading various comments.
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I store the battery in a waterproof top-peak tri bag on the top tube next to the stem.
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Hi, new here but been rising for far to many years.
I bought one of these from the bay a few months back and was stunned by the output compered to my old Lumicycle kit (pre led!)
However I wanted a spare battery as I use it on the helmet so not sure when it'll die on me.
Bought a 4 cell pack, plugged my charger in to top off the new battery and pop! Charger dead. Have ordered a couple more from China again but wondered if anyone else has had a similar problem. With hindsight I could have bought another setup almost.
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There is a setup from Amazon which is another chinese lantern - my goodness me they are bright. Cost around £23 delivered.
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I've been using mine successfully for the last 4 months in all manner of weather and it's prefectly fine, until today.
Some thieving little scrote has has the battery pack off the bike while I was getting a coffee. Yes, I should probably have removed it, but this isn't the big city and the bike was propped up agaist the window of the coffee shop, beside my table except for the 2 minutes I was at the counter.
Can anyone suggest a suitable replacement battery pack for less that the c.£25 for a complete new light set?
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There's a link to one for £12 or so hidden somewhere in this thread. At that price, I'd buy a couple. I think it's been linked to more than once.
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Padbeat,
Try this place (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280927552532?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) for a spare battery.
About £12.
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The plastic casing round the cells on my battery pack (from the 'tiptop' lamp in the op), cracked open while it was on charge last night. :-\
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6.4 AH? May be optimistic, but even so, at that price it's hard to complain. I'd charge it with care, as with all cheap Li-ion batteries. Mrs B's, & my Magicshine battery, are charged in a fireplace, but so far they've behaved impeccably.
Hm. It says 2.5mm socket. If correct (& sometimes people get confused) it may not take the plug on your light. Mrs B's has a 2.1mm plug. The socket or plug can be replaced, of course.
Wobbly John,
If it's shrink wrap, like Mrs B's has, I'd stick gaffa tape round it & not worry.
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I have just been into the garage and saw that the battery charger was flashing green/orange, which I know is not a good sign.
I unplugged the battery and tried it with the light, no joy. I tried it with another light and again no joy.
As I felt I had nothing to lose I ripped the packaging apart and a load of water drained out, a rusty brown colour!
Looking at it, it appears that my laziness in not putting the battery in the airing cupboard as soon as I got home and leaving it 3 days before connecting it up to charge has fubar'd the charging circuit and let the magic smoke escape.
Need to buy a couple more now then :(
So the moral of the story would be that they will keep working, but make sure you dry them out if they get a soaking (or gaffa tape/place them in a plastic bag etc as others have suggested)
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Wobbly John,
If it's shrink wrap, like Mrs B's has, I'd stick gaffa tape round it & not worry.
'S ok, I think I have some big-enough shrink wrap at work. :thumbsup:
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'bout 4 weeks delivery, which ain't bad over Xmas.
Shame the mains adapter is fooked :facepalm:
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20130107-misc/adapter.jpg)
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Another one turned up today. Having gone from commuting through sleepy South Cambridgeshire villages to an A-road commute into central Leeds, I want weapons grade lighting. Now running a pair of these and an ixon, albeit I don't think I can tell the ixon is on.
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Slight problem. The mount on the head unit started to wobble so I gentle removed the foam padding to get at the allen bolt beneath. The mount is made of cheese like plastic so the allen bolt just screws through the hole. I have fixed the problem by using a screw with a larger head.
Are there handle bar mounts from other manufacturers that work with this head unit?
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'bout 4 weeks delivery, which ain't bad over Xmas.
Shame the mains adapter is fooked :facepalm:
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20130107-misc/adapter.jpg)
Go to your local hardware store and get a shaver adapter plug (http://www.google.co.uk/#q=two+pin+shaver+adaptor+plug&hl=en&safe=off&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ei=GdXrUM7VHYic0QWlnIDYCg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1357316858,d.d2k&fp=1b554e77e89a8dbd&biw=1440&bih=799).
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Slight problem. The mount on the head unit started to wobble so I gentle removed the foam padding to get at the allen bolt beneath. The mount is made of cheese like plastic so the allen bolt just screws through the hole. I have fixed the problem by using a screw with a larger head.
Are there handle bar mounts from other manufacturers that work with this head unit?
Have a look upthread. There are two on Ebay UK based - one at about £15 and at around £8, I have bought from each and both work very well, providing a rock steady mount. Only difference is that I had to fettle the cheaper one a little bit by countersinking the bolt (two minute job with a drill). I'd go for the cheaper one, it's a piece of cake to fit.
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Slight problem. The mount on the head unit started to wobble so I gentle removed the foam padding to get at the allen bolt beneath. The mount is made of cheese like plastic so the allen bolt just screws through the hole. I have fixed the problem by using a screw with a larger head.
Are there handle bar mounts from other manufacturers that work with this head unit?
Have a look upthread. There are two on Ebay UK based - one at about £15 and at around £8, I have bought from each and both work very well, providing a rock steady mount. Only difference is that I had to fettle the cheaper one a little bit by countersinking the bolt (two minute job with a drill). I'd go for the cheaper one, it's a piece of cake to fit.
Is this the cheaper mount (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swivelmount-Magicshine-Inton-Fluxient-Starlight-etc-bike-lights-/121040666968?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D4733572750805995030%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D3%26sd%3D290777142614%26) you refer to?
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Yes, that's the one. Rock steady.
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Go to your local hardware store and get a shaver adapter plug (http://www.google.co.uk/#q=two+pin+shaver+adaptor+plug&hl=en&safe=off&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=shop&sa=X&ei=GdXrUM7VHYic0QWlnIDYCg&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAA&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_qf.&bvm=bv.1357316858,d.d2k&fp=1b554e77e89a8dbd&biw=1440&bih=799).
Oh, local replacement's already in hand. Most odd tho - no obvious damage to packaging, and they say stuff is QA checked before dispatch. Whatever...
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'bout 4 weeks delivery, which ain't bad over Xmas.
Shame the mains adapter is fooked :facepalm:
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20130107-misc/adapter.jpg)
That appears to have an insulated earth pin :o
And it might be the angle, but the pins all appear to be the same length. ???
Combined with the damage (which is undoubtedly a symptom of further dubiosity), it's fair to say that you didn't really want it anywhere near a mains socket anyway...
A shining example of cargo-cult BS1363, though.
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Gives a whole new (old) meaning to "BS".
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'bout 4 weeks delivery, which ain't bad over Xmas.
Shame the mains adapter is fooked :facepalm:
(http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r200/iddu/20130107-misc/adapter.jpg)
That appears to have an insulated earth pin :o
And it might be the angle, but the pins all appear to be the same length. ???
Combined with the damage (which is undoubtedly a symptom of further dubiosity), it's fair to say that you didn't really want it anywhere near a mains socket anyway...
A shining example of cargo-cult BS1363, though.
It's better than that...
It's for a (two-pin flat US style) mains transformer -> UK, so they probably don't even connect Earth internally ;-)
The live/neutral are shorter - it's just the angle, but the r/h (in picture) pin, where the insulator looks ripped, is actually cracked all the way through the pin :o It's only the sheath of insulator that keeps it together.
Definite UK sourced replacement obtained, and this will be molished with a lump hammer.
Fair does to them tho' - they've done a £3 refund :thumbsup:
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I ordered 2 more of these on 11th Jan and they've just arived so it looks like they got their customs problem sorted.
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So, er, having ploughed through 25 pages on this, is there a currently recommended supplier? Is there likely to be a material difference between any of the ones on offer on ebay, or is it entirely a crapshoot backed up by Paypal refunds?
At the moment, it looks like an 1800lm (yeah right) head unit and 6400mAh (again, yeah right) battery pack can be had for about £18 complete with dodgy charger, but they've 'only' got high, low and strobe settings. Given I only want this as a high beam to supplement a Cyo, am I likely to be disappointed?
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You won't be disappointed. At £18 they are a steal. It is a bit of a crap shoot but the two I've got (one over a year old now with lots of use) have been good. You can get ones with three power levels and no strobe. The strobe is actually useless as it flashes far too fast.
Unfortunately I cannot remember which supplier I used.
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I ordered 2 more of these on 11th Jan and they've just arived so it looks like they got their customs problem sorted.
Where did you order them from please?
So, er, having ploughed through 25 pages on this...
...am I likely to be disappointed?
Unless you are particularly fussy, no.
Mine gives a very bright centre spot with the plain lens but clever use of diffusing film around the edge leaving a hole approx 1cm in the middle dissipates this somewhat and takes some of the brightness off at the same time - not necessarily a bad thing IMO. I am still experimenting before committing to a particular diffuser film application.
A freshnel style diffuser lens can also be bought and these are pretty good too.
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So, er, having ploughed through 25 pages on this, is there a currently recommended supplier? Is there likely to be a material difference between any of the ones on offer on ebay, or is it entirely a crapshoot backed up by Paypal refunds?
At the moment, it looks like an 1800lm (yeah right) head unit and 6400mAh (again, yeah right) battery pack can be had for about £18 complete with dodgy charger, but they've 'only' got high, low and strobe settings. Given I only want this as a high beam to supplement a Cyo, am I likely to be disappointed?
Sellers are much of a muchness, as far as I can tell, & as long as you don't expect it to really be 1800 lumens, you shouldn't be disappointed. Most of the people I know who have them usually leave them on low, except for fast downhills.
I've seen the Fresnel lenses in use, & I think they work well.
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This is the one I used both times (same as the OP I think).
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/300677445326?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649
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But but but - that one's only 1200lm. How do you cope?
(I take it you're happy enough with the product and the supplier? Should I assume that the only real difference between a 1200lm light and an 1800lm one is the numbers on the packet?)
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I got mine from Tom Top. I had to wait a while for it to arrive, they were having problems with Chinese Customs although I think someone reported theirs recently arrived very quickly. The supplier and product were fine. I was using mine last night, one of the chaps with me described it as "ridiculously bright" even though it was on the medium setting with the fresnal lens ;D
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Planet X 2 x 800 set:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/i/q/LICRET61600L/cree_1600_lumens_xm_l_t6_led_bike_light_kit
What I like about that is the bracket, the way the lights are placed in front of the stem. Tidy.
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Yeah, but crazy overkill for on-road riding, & five times the price of the really cheap Chinese lights. Unless I was into serious off-road riding at night (& for short times), I'd want a nice shaped beam for that price, not just a big flood.
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Last Wednesday evening I used my Tom Top cheapo Chinese lantern with the clear lens as opposed to the Fresnel lens. On full power it chucks light everywhere but I think provides a better beam and was excellent on fast down hills. I used my dyno-hub B&M Lumotec IQ Cyo T Senso Plus 60 lux most of the time and just switched it on as required. The big on/off button was quite easy to use even with gloves and of course it's illuminated. The good thing is full power is the first mode you get so useful for getting loads of light with one button push.
My only concern what is what on-coming drivers thought!
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Bum, bum and double bum.
My charger appears to be fooked as the LED isn't coming on. I suppose I could go back to Tom Top and ask for a replacement under warranty but that would take weeks to arrive. Assuming a new charger isn't loads of £££ I'm willing to just buy one. Any idea where from?
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Some people here have bought two, I think. Perhaps an ad in the 'wanted' section for for spare chargers?
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Some people here have bought two, I think. Perhaps an ad in the 'wanted' section for for spare chargers?
Good idea!
And if anyone is reading this and has a spare charger I can buy off you please let me know.
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Some people here have bought two, I think. Perhaps an ad in the 'wanted' section for for spare chargers?
Good idea!
And if anyone is reading this and has a spare charger I can buy off you please let me know.
I have 2, so if you want one pm me your address and I will chuck one in the post!
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Some people here have bought two, I think. Perhaps an ad in the 'wanted' section for for spare chargers?
Good idea!
And if anyone is reading this and has a spare charger I can buy off you please let me know.
I have 2, so if you want one pm me your address and I will chuck one in the post!
That's very kind but I'm getting sorted via a couple of means. I'd keep yours as a spare in case you suffer the same fate as me.
Given how cheap the lights are I'm not very upset by the failure and am prepared to invest a little more in what is a superb bit of kit.
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Some people here have bought two, I think. Perhaps an ad in the 'wanted' section for for spare chargers?
Good idea!
And if anyone is reading this and has a spare charger I can buy off you please let me know.
I have 2, so if you want one pm me your address and I will chuck one in the post!
That's very kind but I'm getting sorted via a couple of means. I'd keep yours as a spare in case you suffer the same fate as me.
Given how cheap the lights are I'm not very upset by the failure and am prepared to invest a little more in what is a superb bit of kit.
No worries. I hope mine last a bit longer than yours did! At that price I won't be complaining though. I partly bought 2 lights so I have spare bits if one went wrong in the future. I am tempted to stick them both on the dog walking bike so the dogs can near-daylight conditions in front of the bike on their runs.
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The stitching between the velcro strap and the battery bag came apart on mine (as in OP) at the weekend, sending the battery skidding down a dark, Fen road. :-\
Luckily it was a moonlit night and I had dymano ligths as well so it was easily found.
That happened to me too last week in high road Leytonstone. Light still working fine.
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Now available from 7dayshop for £25.99 delivered. Claimed 1300 lumens/6 AH battery.
http://www.7dayshop.com/special/see-the-light/7dayshop-super-bright-bicycle-cree-t6-xm-l-led-rechargeable-head-light?j=87446&e=pauljirving@ntlworld.com&l=877_HTML&u=4811192&mid=7001643&jb=101&utm_source=ET&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=5726133&utm_campaign=2013-03-31-See-the-light&utm_content=DS-009 (http://www.7dayshop.com/special/see-the-light/7dayshop-super-bright-bicycle-cree-t6-xm-l-led-rechargeable-head-light?j=87446&e=pauljirving@ntlworld.com&l=877_HTML&u=4811192&mid=7001643&jb=101&utm_source=ET&utm_medium=Email&utm_term=5726133&utm_campaign=2013-03-31-See-the-light&utm_content=DS-009)
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The stitching between the velcro strap and the battery bag came apart on mine (as in OP) at the weekend, sending the battery skidding down a dark, Fen road. :-\
Luckily it was a moonlit night and I had dymano ligths as well so it was easily found.
That happened to me too last week in high road Leytonstone. Light still working fine.
Me too, Twice!
brilliant lights though, just bought another two as back-up's, ridden one for around 5 months now nearly every day in all weathers. Can't believe the value for money.
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I bought this CREE XM-L T6 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-Waterproof-Rechargable-Bicycle-Head-Light-1800LM-Bike-Light-/221219256473?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160) LED. Didn't have instructions though. What is the recommended charge time for the battery (8.4v 6400mAh)*, and any other advice to prolong battery life/efficiency?
* prhaps that red light turns green when charged...
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I bought this CREE XM-L T6 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CREE-XM-L-T6-LED-Waterproof-Rechargable-Bicycle-Head-Light-1800LM-Bike-Light-/221219256473?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:GB:3160) LED. Didn't have instructions though. What is the recommended charge time for the battery (8.4v 6400mAh)*, and any other advice to prolong battery life/efficiency?
* prhaps that red light turns green when charged...
If its anything like mine the LED on the charger goes from red to green when the battery is charged.
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<first test> Whoa 1800 lumens - that's bright. :o Safe to say I won't be using strobe though.
First use - very bright for 2.5hrs, still useable at 3hrs, getting dimmer at 3.5hrs, but still some light after about 7hrs. Good that it doesn't just suddenly fall off a light cliff. Button on light itself goes from green to red too.
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The bracket on Mrs B's has broken. I can bodge it up temporarily, & I have a lower power Magicshine she can use when I get it back from the bloke who borrowed it last week, but I need a longer-term solution which will let her use her light.
Anyone know of a source of modestly priced brackets which these lights will fit? I don't want to pay almost as much for a bracket as a new light. It'd make more sense to buy a new light & thus get spares.
[edit]
Doh! I'll put a request in the "Wanted" section. Maybe there's someone out there with a dead light, & therefore a spare bracket, who hasn't yet binned it.
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The bracket on Mrs B's has broken. I can bodge it up temporarily, & I have a lower power Magicshine she can use when I get it back from the bloke who borrowed it last week, but I need a longer-term solution which will let her use her light.
Anyone know of a source of modestly priced brackets which these lights will fit? I don't want to pay almost as much for a bracket as a new light. It'd make more sense to buy a new light & thus get spares.
[edit]
Doh! I'll put a request in the "Wanted" section. Maybe there's someone out there with a dead light, & therefore a spare bracket, who hasn't yet binned it.
Try one of these. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swivel-mount-for-Magicshine-Inton-Fluxient-Starlight-etc-bike-lights-/290965378772) I have one and they are excellent.
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Try one of these. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swivel-mount-for-Magicshine-Inton-Fluxient-Starlight-etc-bike-lights-/290965378772) I have one and they are excellent.
funny enough i ordered one of these yesterday! reassuring to hear they are excellent. my original bracket broke on severn across (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70092.msg1482111#msg1482111)..
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I decided that despite it costing a large fraction of the price of a new light, Mrs B is worth a decent bracket so have ordered one.
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I decided that despite it costing a large fraction of the price of a new light, Mrs B is worth a decent bracket............
And they say that romance is dead ;)
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Try one of these. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swivel-mount-for-Magicshine-Inton-Fluxient-Starlight-etc-bike-lights-/290965378772) I have one and they are excellent.
Mine hasn't broken yet but I had a look at this bracket. As it cost more than the light I think I'll just buy another light as a back up. ;D
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You got your light for less than nine quid? Where?
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I have one of these and it's been great. Can quite happily cycle around rural unlit roads in a moonless sky at a reasonable pace using it.
Only issue I have so far had is that the rubber o-ring to attach to the handlebars is starting to perish. I have just ordered some new o-rings for £3 in what I hope is the right size. When they arrive I will let you know if they work ok and post the link to them in case others want to do the same.
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You got your light for less than nine quid? Where?
Street market in Hong Kong for this one, Silk Market in Beijing for my torch style ones. ;D
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Try one of these. (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Swivel-mount-for-Magicshine-Inton-Fluxient-Starlight-etc-bike-lights-/290965378772) I have one and they are excellent.
funny enough i ordered one of these yesterday! reassuring to hear they are excellent. my original bracket broke on severn across (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=70092.msg1482111#msg1482111)..
I just got one, & I can't say it's excellent. The recess for the head of the screw that goes into the light head is too small. I'll either have to find a screw with a smaller head, or enlarge the recess. I've tried a Magicshine screw (the bracket is sold as fitting Magicshine lights), as well as the allen bolt that came with Mrs B's light, & neither fits.
Has anyone else had this problem? And if so, what did you do? Enlarge the recess?
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I never had a bike component yet that didn't need fettling.
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Hi all. I have bought a XML T6 3800 lumen version and read the items about diffusers/wide angle lenses. I bought a £5 version from c&bseen.
I've subsequently bought an 1800 lumen head torch version from ebay, basically to get an extra charger and battery pack. However, I'm now considering using it in tandem with the other light.
My questions are as follows:
1. If I use the 1200 as a spot on top of my helmet, should I still get a diffuser? (This is for road use)
2. Is it best to use the 1200 on bars or helmet?
3. Is it best to use 3800 on bars or helmet?
4. Should I put both on bars together?
5. If I get another diffuser, is:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wide-Angle-Lens-for-Magicshine-Lupine-and-Gemini-Bike-Lights-/251347465263?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item3a8579f42f (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wide-Angle-Lens-for-Magicshine-Lupine-and-Gemini-Bike-Lights-/251347465263?pt=UK_SportGoods_CyclAcces_RL&hash=item3a8579f42f)
any different to:
http://www.candb-seen.co.uk/accessories/cables-o-rings-and-helmet.html (http://www.candb-seen.co.uk/accessories/cables-o-rings-and-helmet.html)
6. I'm not sure I noticed much difference on the 3800 lumen version with the c&bseen filter. Its not advertised for this model (with the 3 led in it). Its not been dark enough on my commute yet to test it properly. Has anyone else used it with this model?
Phew! Good luck answering those!!
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I wouldn't put any light at all on your head if it is raining or even just a bit misty, all you will see is the water droplets in the air and nothing much else!
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The second link offers a choice of two sizes. The larger is the same size as the one in the first link & I'd bet it's identical.
The diameters are in the ads: 39 & 29mm.
I wouldn't put a wide angle diffuser lens on a head light. The angle won't be consistent enough.
One of those lights should be plenty unless you're riding through woods off road in the dark, & you say they're for road use. Maybe carry the second as a back up.
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The second link offers a choice of two sizes. The larger is the same size as the one in the first link & I'd bet it's identical.
The diameters are in the ads: 39 & 29mm.
I wouldn't put a wide angle diffuser lens on a head light. The angle won't be consistent enough.
One of those lights should be plenty unless you're riding through woods off road in the dark, & you say they're for road use. Maybe carry the second as a back up.
That was the initial plan, but it seems a bit of a waste.
On the diffusers, the picture of the one on Ebay seems to make it look as if it has a much deeper pattern than the c&bseen one. I haven't taken the c&bseen one off the 3800 lumen light and put it on the 1200 yet, but I didn't think it had much affect on the 3800. The 3800 lumen light has 3 leds sat in a triangle formation (rather than a single led in the middle) and I wondered whether this angle affected performance of the diffuser?
I guess I was being a bit tight. I didn't want to waste another £5 on a diffuser to put onto a spare light (or switch with the c&bseen one) if it wasn't going to do anything more than the one I had.
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I wouldn't put any light at all on your head if it is raining or even just a bit misty, all you will see is the water droplets in the air and nothing much else!
Thank you :thumbsup:
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Mine's just failed.
Skip fodder.
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How long have you had it?
People I know have reported a high failure rate, but also willingness by sellers to replace, e.g. light fails - pay the difference between the light alone & full kit & end up with a spare battery & charger, for less than a separately bought battery.
If you don't want to bother, & have no other use for the battery & charger, please remember that they might come in handy for someone else. E.g. I'd pay postage & packing for the bracket (it unscrews) & o-rings, & more for the battery.
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And I'd be happy to take the battery off your hands for a few quid. I've been toying with buying a second battery to give me a feeling of reassurance during winter use.
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One of mine started to only work when actually moving and then it flickered. I surmised a loose connection, so took it apart (pretty straightforward), found the dodgy wire and soldered it (this was tricky as it is quite small and I'm not that good at soldering). To make sure it didn't vibrate lose again I poured a load of fibreglass resin into it. Result - works perfectly again. :thumbsup:
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I bought one of these battery packs (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/280927552532?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649) recently. One minor niggle is that the "sleeve" around the socket attached to the battery's lead is too small a diameter to cover the plug on the light's lead. I am therefore concerned that it is not forming a waterproof connection. Should I a.) not worry about it or b.) molish another plug/socket combination with better weather protection?
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Bit of gaffer tape round the join?
It'd be easier to replace the plug on the light than the socket on the battery pack. No electrickery to worry about.
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Haven't sussed the problem yet. This is the second battery for this device.
Reluctant to replace. Gone back to a P7 lenser torch which uses 4 x AAA rechargeables.
Got 2 lamps, two chargers and probably two scrap batteries.
On full power, the lamp lasted about 1hr 20. That's a C0.7 discharge, which is not the kind of thing I'd do to a bunch of Li-Ion cells connected in series.
Due to their connected in Series, when one starts to get iffy, it brings down the others PDQ. A battery pack where the individual cells can be separated and charged seperately will last many times longer before failure.
This is my quicky analysis of that Battery pack. If it is ONE 8.4 V cell ?? I'll stand corrected.
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Naah. I'm pretty sure it's four 3.7-4.2V Li-ion cells connected in pairs in series.
So what you need is a new battery. Or a set of cells you can charge separately & a holder with a socket.
If you cut the packs open (easy enough), you might find you have some sound cells. If you can find or rig up a suitable holder (the Fenix BT20 holders for two cells might do, if you can buy them separately, but you'd have to replace the plug with a socket) & get a suitable charger you'd be sorted.
Or you could try building a good battery from two duff ones, or you could get a different light (maybe one that uses separate Li-ion cells) & sell the working bits. Given the ubiquity of these lights & their failure rates, there should be people with sound batteries & dead lights.
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Bledlow is right, the battery packs are 4*18650 cells arrangeed in 2 pairs in series connected in parrallel (or the other way around, depends on your viewpoint).
The bit that corrodes the easiest, should you happen to *ahem* drop the battery pack in water (or submerge the bike and rider in flood water), is the small board that sits on top of the cells. As the whole pack is shrink wrapped in plastic, water can get in (under pressure) but has no real way of getting out, so just rots the connections.
18650s are cheap and easily available from ebay (Torchythebatteryboy is one of the best sellers in the UK for these)
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I rode to work this morning with my trusty old P7 Lenser torch. 4 x AAA 1000mAhr NiMh cells from Maplins.
It has a decent light.
I thought the Chinese 1800cd lamps were a bargain, but as they say ‘I don’t mind paying for quality, but I don’t like paying good money for crap.” Which is what they are.
They don’t have to be tremendous quality cus with a purchase price of £18, who’s gonna ship it back to Hong Kong for a replacement?
I’m sticking with the P7.
One of you needs to send a postage address.
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You have PM.
Mrs B has had one of these lights for a year. So far, it's worked perfectly, & the battery is still OK, but the bracket broke recently. Replaced that, but I think keeping spares is prudent.
I have a Fenix, & a 5 year old Dinotte for backup.
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You have another PM :thumbsup:
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I've had an LED Lenser P7, P14 and two H17s. And used each of them as bike lights at some point or other.
The two problems I had were:
- I could never keep the light focussed as I wanted it to; vibration from the road/bike always sent the beam to its widest
- The switches all eventually played up
One H17 died completely, the other's gathering dust, the P17s now a torch for dog walking (but I take a spare torch in case the P17 refuses to turn on) and the P7 only works on its dim setting.
Apart from that I'm an LED Lenser fan...
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The switch on my lamp has now got to the point where it is a right PITA to use (and virtually impossible with gloves on) so I am considering my options. Bit of a bugger really as I bought a new battery just a few months ago.
Should I:
a. attempt repair?
b. buy a new lamp? (charger and battery are both fine)
c. buy a complete new assembly?
d. get something else entirely?
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Option C, which is what I did.
I'm fairly philosophical about these lamps. Given they are so cheap I expect them to fail more readily than a lamp I had paid proper money for. So therefore when my charger stopped working I just bought a whole new set up so now have a stock of spares. I also don't use my Chinese Lantern as a primary light, just a back up for when the night needs turning into day, as I don't expect the lights to be particularly reliably given their cheapness.
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I've lost the silcone band for attaching to large diameter handlebars - any cheap replacements?
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e. Wire an extra switch in series. It can be as nice as you like.
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I've lost the silcone band for attaching to large diameter handlebars - any cheap replacements?
7dayshop is selling packs of spares for less than anyone else I've seen.
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The switch on my lamp has now got to the point where it is a right PITA to use (and virtually impossible with gloves on) so I am considering my options. Bit of a bugger really as I bought a new battery just a few months ago.
Should I:
a. attempt repair?
b. buy a new lamp? (charger and battery are both fine)
c. buy a complete new assembly?
d. get something else entirely?
Option C, or ask if anyone here has a spare light.
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But you could have a NICER switch by adding your own - whatever kind of switch you like and put it wherever you like. The original switch can be left on all the time or bypassed. For example, toggle switches are luxurious, and you can get little waterproof boots for them. (Every fettler should have/get a soldering iron).
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Yebbut how would a new external switch work with cycling through all the modes?
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Yebbut how would a new external switch work with cycling through all the modes?
Sorry I was assuming it was just on/off - but it still might be doable if you can join the cable for the switch to the right place rather than just adding a switch in series. It might need to be a "momentary" type of switch rather than an ordinary toggle.