[Noisebridge-discuss] Bike lights workshop! Shine out into the night! This Friday

[Alexandra Glowaski]

Awesome questions! Thanks!

• Does more voltage = shorter lifespan?
I'm assuming yes, but nonetheless, one 9V per color stays plenty bright for
at least a month.

• What about powering it with a hub generator?
That'd be awesome. I'm definitely working to keep the model simple, so
anybody can build a set in an hour or so. But I would love it if you or
anyone else would like to teach more advanced hacks - ideally, we could get
one per class.

• What kind of impact can they endure?
They generally don't get much direct impact, but the LEDs themselves are
coated in very tough (but flexible) epoxy, and the joints are
shielded/insulated/anchored with hot glue. They mainly get muddy, and
handle it well. The main issue I've seen is with weak solder joints near
the switches, so I'll be bringing heat-shrink this time.

• Did having the cockpit illuminated mess up your night vision?
Not noticeably; I tried to point them mostly down at the road, and while a
bit of light does leak up, I watched out for this kind of degradation and
didn't find much. However, those concerned might consider using just the
red channel all over and/or doing something else for the front light.

• How hard is it to get off? Is it possible to put it back on?
While I've never tried to take them off, I imagine it wouldn't be that bad.
The adhesive backing on the LEDs won't take off paint, and the batteries
are zip-tied on. The hot glue miiiiiight leave some spots - but you could
heat-gun them off.

• Does making an adjustment to your handlebars mean scrapping and replacing?
Depends on the adjustment! Mine are cabled loosely enough that when the
handlebars came loose (I think somebody tried to gank them), they could
rotate about 100º with no problem.
I should add that if you remove your seat or use a folding bike, this
project probably isn't for you. Wheel removal is (sob) fine.


On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 5:32 PM, revphil <revphil at gmail.com> wrote:

> YES! please have it again, as I will be in Davis showing BikeSmut at
> that time. [shameless plug] if you know someone in Davis let em know,
> its a really great show.
>
> So many questions
> Does more voltage = shorter lifespan?
> What about powering it with a hub generator?
> What kind of impact can they endure?
> Did having the cockpit illuminated mess up your night vision?
> How hard is it to get off? Is it possible to put it back on?
> Does making an adjustment to your handlebars mean scrapping and replacing?
>
> great write up and great plan! I will totally bring a friend and get
> lit at NB then riding around to test them at 6 discreet parks!
>
> Thanks Alexandra!
>
> rev
>
> https://twitter.com/#!/BikeSmut
> ------------------------------------------------------
> erotic elegance and ergonomic efficiency
> ------------------- Bike Smut --------------------
>
>
> On Mon, Apr 15, 2013 at 4:48 PM, Alexandra Glowaski
> <alex.glowaski at gmail.com> wrote:
> > I'm tired of seeing world-class hackers riding around with no lights, or
> > faint ones, or covered-up ones, like stupids. You guys are so
> magnificent,
> > and you deserve a set of totally obnoxious lights, and also not to die
> > because of such a silly little thing.
> >
> > Join me this Friday at the space! Bring your bike and build yourself a
> set
> > of integrated, water-resistant, low-profile, crazy bright, fully custom,
> > simple, durable, cheap bike lights
> > (www.alexglow.com/anti-love-bike-lights/). I give you my personal
> guarantee
> > that they won't be stolen: my wheels got jacked yesterday, and a set of
> > pedals before, and the lights were totally intact.
> > If you want them to blink, bring your own controller! I'mma try and work
> up
> > a fun reactive circuit in advance, but the standard-issue kit will
> include
> > only the materials for a static display. Which will look magnificent. I
> > promise.
> >
> > Friday, April 19 @ 7pm
> > Noisebridge Hackerspace
> > $10-15 suggested donation for materials
> >
> > As proposed by the inimitable Mr. Sean Kolk, we shall perform a test run
> > afterwards: a six-pack ride, wherein you bring a six-pack of whatever you
> > want and we stop at six different parks. Feel free to join only for the
> > beginning, or ride with us in solidarity if you already have lights you
> > love. Let's celebrate!
> >
> > - Merlin
> >
> > p.s.: I plan to make this a recurring event. More live hackers! More
> > hardware! More shiny!
> >
> > --
> > Make your world!
> > www.alexglow.com
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Noisebridge-discuss mailing list
> > Noisebridge-discuss at lists.noisebridge.net
> > https://www.noisebridge.net/mailman/listinfo/noisebridge-discuss
> >
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-- 
Make your world!
www.alexglow.com
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