LEDs on bike!

[mixongw]

I added some (10) red LEDs to the rear of my GS and wired them in series. I used five in each series string. The result is even higher efficiency and no resistor needed, with the total current draw of .045 amperes (.0225 in each string).

[ToddB3]

I'm no electrical engineer so this will probably sound like a stupid question, what do you look for besides preference in color in LEDs? ie, brightness, size, draw? I have a Sigma cycle computer on my bike and need to wire a LED to light it, I'd like to use green for the color but I've seen some done in the past that werent bright enough to make it worthwhile.

Todd

[mixongw]

I'm no electrical engineer so this will probably sound like a stupid question, what do you look for besides preference in color in LEDs? ie, brightness, size, draw? I have a Sigma cycle computer on my bike and need to wire a LED to light it, I'd like to use green for the color but I've seen some done in the past that werent bright enough to make it worthwhile.

Todd

The only stupid question is the one that doesn't get asked. It sounds like fitment is the main issue with the Sigma. Does it have a place to put an LED? There are a lot of fairly bright LEDs on the market now. The most common LED is 5mm in diameter. They have different lenses for different applications. Some are diffused and have a wide viewing angle, some are clear until lit and have a narrow viewing angle, some are colored the same as the light they emit. LEDs are rated for brightness in MCD or millicandella. The higher the MCD number, the brighter the LED. Radio Shack has a pretty good selection for purchasing small quantities. The type chosen depends on the application; whether it is used in a backlighting, indirect or direct application. http://www.otherpower.com/otherpower_lighting_leds.html is a good LED primer.

[ToddB3]

Mix,

Thanks for the reply and the info link. I think the newer Sigmas are backlit but I put mine on almost 2 years ago, my stock speedo doesnt work and at night I cant read the Sigma so I was thinking of using the stock speedos backlight incoming voltage to power an led and position it facing the Sigma so I read it at night.

Todd

[bgmart450]

Mix,

Thanks for the reply and the info link. I think the newer Sigmas are backlit but I put mine on almost 2 years ago, my stock speedo doesnt work and at night I cant read the Sigma so I was thinking of using the stock speedos backlight incoming voltage to power an led and position it facing the Sigma so I read it at night.

Todd

Hmmm I have been considering doing something similar. I have (or had as I can't remember where I put the darn thing) a light special made for bike computers. Like this one:


But I would like to incorperate a(n) LED powered from the light switch when I turn the lights on. Let us know if you work something out. I will as post if I get something done as well.

[ToddB3]

BG,

I bought a green LED with a resistor built in yesterday from Radio Shack and made an arm with a clothes hanger and wrapped it with heat shrink. It turned out pretty good and is just bright enough to read the Sigma. I'll post some pictures tonight.

Todd