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Thread: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

  1. #11
    Anodized. Again. Konrad's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Examine ratings of existing headlight bulb ... calculate (bulb Wattage) / 6V = (battery Amps) ... I'd think it's given that modern high LED assemblies will always not-less-bright (likely far brighter) than old bulbs when consuming the same power, so basically just concentrate on finding something that physically fits nicely within the original headlight fixture and doesn't yet doesn't exceed the rated Wattage or Amps.

    Resistor/capacitor/regulator components will take up a little space, and may require an externally-exposed heatsink, but probably not much. Possibly integrated within the unit itself.

    I'm used to working with 5V LEDs ... I have no idea whether 6V and 12V versions are available for automotive use.

    Can't you just purchase a screw-in LED version of this particular incandescent bulb? Or possibly mod a standalone LED version into the screw-in receptacle of a dead bulb? Perhaps a better option if you intend to keep the original collectible value intact.
    My mind says Technic, but my body says Duplo.

  2. #12
    Moderator TLHarrell's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Problem he's having is that a typical screw in LED replacement would be rated for 6v operation. The nature of the charging system is that it will overvolt (to 7-9 volts range) and blow up the LED when going faster. A voltage regulator is by far the best way to go for this. You get rock solid 6v out of it regardless of the input voltage. It's basically a DC-DC converter. Anything above your selected rating it'll convert to heat (resistance). Anything below, it'll bring the voltage up by sacrificing current in trade. As long as you have more voltage/current supplying the regulator than the load is using, it'll work perfectly.
    I have a hammer! I can put things together! I can knock things apart! I can alter my environment at will and make an incredible din all the while! -Calvin

  3. #13
    100% Recycled Pixels. Twigsoffury's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Quote Originally Posted by TLHarrell View Post
    Problem he's having is that a typical screw in LED replacement would be rated for 6v operation. The nature of the charging system is that it will overvolt (to 7-9 volts range) and blow up the LED when going faster. A voltage regulator is by far the best way to go for this. You get rock solid 6v out of it regardless of the input voltage. It's basically a DC-DC converter. Anything above your selected rating it'll convert to heat (resistance). Anything below, it'll bring the voltage up by sacrificing current in trade. As long as you have more voltage/current supplying the regulator than the load is using, it'll work perfectly.
    hmmmmm......

    You gave me an idea, and yeah i need a 6v specific LED array or bulb, and most everything is 12v or more.

    The bulb also doesnt screw into the glass housing, its a sealed deal that it'll have to smash the socket and bulb out of, So really if i just mod the bulb itself i shouldn't tarnish the value of it.



    Mines in way better shape, but that's the jist of what i'm working with.

  4. #14
    Anodized. Again. Konrad's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Another approach, perhaps ...

    A product like this 500-lumen bicycle light (also available in 750-lumen and 1000-lumen versions), about 70% of it's size is an impressive lithium rechargeable which can be removed in your application, it recharges via 5V USB connect and can function on 5V power without the battery (battery runtime at full intensity is only about 30-40 minutes, takes about 2 hours to fully recharge). LED assembly is basically a low-powered laser with Maglite-styled glass lens, all housed within a solid chunky metal heatsink armature thing; I happen to have the 500-lumen version and like it a lot, cost me about $65 but it's lasted almost 3 years so far and still going strong.

    I betcha can find specs for a 6V-to-5V USB power supply anywhere online. You can probably just wire it up right through a standard 5V/1A 7805 part, I can provide circuit schematic if you need. Total part cost = bike light + about $2. Cheaper than replacing obsolete bulbs multiple times, at the very least you get to keep a cool bike light out of it.

    Incidentaly - I really have no idea how many lumens a car or motorcycle headlight casts out. Anecdotal experience is that my 500-lumen lamp is about half as bright as a motorcycle headlight, I can see perfectly for about 100m on clear nights, see bright or reflective objects several miles away.
    My mind says Technic, but my body says Duplo.

  5. #15
    100% Recycled Pixels. Twigsoffury's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Quote Originally Posted by Konrad View Post
    Another approach, perhaps ...

    A product like this 500-lumen bicycle light (also available in 750-lumen and 1000-lumen versions), about 70% of it's size is an impressive lithium rechargeable which can be removed in your application, it recharges via 5V USB connect and can function on 5V power without the battery (battery runtime at full intensity is only about 30-40 minutes, takes about 2 hours to fully recharge). LED assembly is basically a low-powered laser with Maglite-styled glass lens, all housed within a solid chunky metal heatsink armature thing; I happen to have the 500-lumen version and like it a lot, cost me about $65 but it's lasted almost 3 years so far and still going strong.

    I betcha can find specs for a 6V-to-5V USB power supply anywhere online. You can probably just wire it up right through a standard 5V/1A 7805 part, I can provide circuit schematic if you need. Total part cost = bike light + about $2. Cheaper than replacing obsolete bulbs multiple times, at the very least you get to keep a cool bike light out of it.

    Incidentaly - I really have no idea how many lumens a car or motorcycle headlight casts out. Anecdotal experience is that my 500-lumen lamp is about half as bright as a motorcycle headlight, I can see perfectly for about 100m on clear nights, see bright or reflective objects several miles away.

    I've thought about that, and the local bicycle guy even busted out his best light for me in the back of the shop but its still no where what i think i'll need for a motorcycle.

    100m is fine at 8~10mph, but its certainly not okay at 45+ on something with 70's drum brakes, Typical lumin ratings for automotive/motorcycle lamps are between 2,200~2,500, but that's for a pair, I also talked to a guy at Atomic Scooters here in the city, and he said Honda 600's also fit that style of honda housing, and they're around 8$ a pop.. He also sold me the OEM 6V battery for 18$ lol.

    Lemme say, the battery size is extremely disappointing too LOL.

    https://images.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=...8800005007&f=1


    I'm Thinking I might go with some sort of hybrid set up, with high amperage RC battery packs (i've collected quite a few) and a set of high intensity LED lamps on the forks near the front wheel, then repairing the headlamp as it should be with an OEM bulb, then just putting in a simple switch to make sure its not running all the time so it isn't as susceptible to premature burnout.. if you get what i'm saying?

    [edit]

    This thing is also a super BLAST to ride around LOL

  6. #16
    Anodized. Again. Konrad's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Well, a lot of people claim that size doesn't matter. I say they suck and they're plain wrong. You need a much manlier battery, lol.

    Ah, I guess 1000-lumen won't cut it. But then ... who says you only need one lamp?
    My mind says Technic, but my body says Duplo.

  7. #17
    100% Recycled Pixels. Twigsoffury's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Quote Originally Posted by Konrad View Post
    Ah, I guess 1000-lumen won't cut it. But then ... who says you only need one lamp?

    That's what made me think about using two wholly separate lighting system for average driving, and my actual third headlamp whenever i really need a lot of light.


    Somebody also said I was doing 46mph today, in a 35mph zone, So i guess it is quite a bit faster then the original LOL

  8. #18
    Moderator TLHarrell's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Quote Originally Posted by Twigsoffury View Post
    Somebody also said I was doing 46mph today, in a 35mph zone, So i guess it is quite a bit faster then the original LOL
    This would be going downhill with a tailwind? And this somebody happen to drive a black and white car with fancy disco lighting on the top?
    I have a hammer! I can put things together! I can knock things apart! I can alter my environment at will and make an incredible din all the while! -Calvin

  9. #19
    100% Recycled Pixels. Twigsoffury's Avatar
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    Default Re: 6v Motorcycle Headlamp conversion to LED

    Quote Originally Posted by TLHarrell View Post
    This would be going downhill with a tailwind? And this somebody happen to drive a black and white car with fancy disco lighting on the top?
    Driving next to me on a two lane road.

    I also weigh 115lbs, (I'm my own stage II weight reduction)

    It also has this https://www.treatland.tv/honda-hobbi...t-119.0030.htm


    ( n__n )

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