48v rear lights, what are our options?

[handbaked]

Hi guys

So im struggling to find much info on the subject heading. What are the options for us that want to have a permanent wired tail light that runs off our 48v bike battery? Anyone have any knowledge?

Can't seem to find many options at all.

Cheers.

 

[atheo]

Hi guys

So im struggling to find much info on the subject heading. What are the options for us that want to have a permanent wired tail light that runs off our 48v bike battery? Anyone have any knowledge?

Can't seem to find many options at all.

Cheers.

I have four Bangood red 12v Led`s wired in series fitted into a small project box.

 

[Nealh]

I use a Banggood front light with a red filter which works excellent and gives a good vibrant colour.

 

[SpezElec]

like this idea of a red filter on a white light, I think rear lights is as important as front, what kind of filter did you use ,thanks

 

[Nealh]

I experimented with various pieces of red coloured plastics and at work they have red plastic folder sleeves A4. In the end I settled for red enamel paint , the 4 leds surface of the light is flat so I painted it and in front of that behind the screw on bezzle their is a clear plastic lens.

 

[SpezElec]

clever,might try that as well.

 

[handbaked]

So are there not off the shelf 48v options?

 

[handbaked]

I have four Bangood red 12v Led`s wired in series fitted into a small project box.

Nice. Good thinking. I could just recycle the housing of an old cateye rear light and for new leds. I presume you only have stationary lights not flashing?

 

[atheo]

Nice. Good thinking. I could just recycle the housing of an old cateye rear light and for new leds. I presume you only have stationary lights not flashing?

Correct,not flashing!

 

[handbaked]

Correct,not flashing!

I have just found some 'super bright' 12v flashing leds cheap on ebay so have bought them. Intend on wiring 4 in series like suggested in an old cateye rear light.

Thanks!

 

[Gringo]

Humm not to sure about flashing led's in series ?
I may be wrong but the way I see it is in order to flash dosent the LED effectively switch its voltage on & off, in series none of the led's get a constant current so none will work.
I'm sure wiser minds will corect me if I'm wrong

 

[Gringo]

I think I'd use a DC to DC step down converter.
one of these, between 15 to 50 volts in and 12 volts out @ 3 amps
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-DC-DC-15-50V-24V-36V-Step-down-to-12V-3A-Car-Power-HRD12003-Converter-Module-/361139776899?hash=item54159bad83
Or you could get one with a lower output to power standard cycle lights
Here's one with 5 volts out
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141760266333?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[handbaked]

Humm not to sure about flashing led's in series ?
I may be wrong but the way I see it is in order to flash dosent the LED effectively switch its voltage on & off, in series none of the led's get a constant current so none will work.
I'm sure wiser minds will corect me if I'm wrong

Ah damn. I didn't even consider this being a problem. That dc converter would do the trick but i can be waiting that ling for it as currently cycling in the dark with no lights in London and is not very fun. I think i will just contact the seller and ask for non-flashing so i cam stick to the plan of wiring in series.

How is it best to tap into the 48v source? Make a y-cable to split off the battery connector? Or is there a more elegant option?

Cheers

 

[Alan Quay]

If you do buy a DC-DC converter be sure to get one that can handle the 56v of a fully charged 48v battery.

The one linked a above looks like it has 50v caps on it. It will blow.

 

[handbaked]

If you do buy a DC-DC converter be sure to get one that can handle the 56v of a fully charged 48v battery.

The one linked a above looks like it has 50v caps on it. It will blow.

Wise words. I have gone for the non flashing 12v. Will post up some pics of the lights im modifying when done.