Technical Editor Margery Conner's PowerSource streams the latest developments in electronic power design and related technologies. Follow Margery on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/margeryc.
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Blog
Friday, September 28, 2007
$1,000 light packs 7 LEDs, puts out 1400 lumen – for a bike?
Sep 28 2007 10:26AM | Permalink |Comments (12) |
The Wall Street Journal had a short bit on the Betty – a 1400 lumen bike light from a German company, Lupine Lighting Systems, that retails for over $1,000. I don’t know which surprised me more: The kilobux price tag for a bike light or the 1400lm brightness.
The light uses 7 P4 LEDs from Seoul Semiconductor, which each emit 240lm at 1A. So, yeah, you’re going to need one big battery to supply this light – what does it use? According to one of the suppliers, it’s a “13.8AH bottle battery.” I read about a lot of different battery types and configurations, but I’d never come across a bottle battery before. Come to find out, that’s what you call a battery that fits in your bike’s water holder – other sites refer to it as a “water bottle battery.” And of course, it’s a lot bigger than the light itself.
Related entries in: Battery Power | Components, Hardware, Interconnect | LED | Power Sources/Controllers |
Reader Comments
at 10/4/2007 1:04:18 PM, marketier said:
At +$1k/ea I wish I had their purchaser list... It would tempt one to make some lovely seat covers.
at 10/4/2007 11:41:55 PM, Achim said:
Dear Margery,
i think it could be a standard cell-pack which is assembled in a cylindrical form. It seems that lupine makes no secret about the battery because as you could read in the user manual it is even recommended to open the bottle while charging it.
Despite this the light would be more useful for downhill races if those would be done at night.
At least I’m not wondering about those brokers who are always looking at superlatives no matter if they are reasonable or even economically priced.
Regards
Achim
at 10/7/2007 3:58:17 PM, rmschal said:
I own one of these light systems and it was worth every penny! I bike commute year round and do some 24-hour events so I need a high quality light. I have gotten many comments about its brightness level from pedestrians and motorists alike.
Despite its clean simple looks and ease of use, this unit offers the user many different modes of operation for just about any lighting application whether it be for cycling or any other night time activity.
at 10/8/2007 3:21:47 AM, Isaac said:
Considering one is born every day, there are probably enough suckers to make this product a success.
at 10/8/2007 3:05:07 PM, ATO said:
To Isaac:
At least the suckers are happy with their choices, wich is also associated with "success", a positive thing. Much, much worse is the bitterness of the jealous. Which, by the way, happen to born every day in an (also) unfavourable rate than suckers.
at 10/9/2007 1:21:15 PM, mtbiker said:
While, I don't have this unit I did build one with this much light output. But, I am sure mine was heavier as I used incandescent light bulbs and sealed lead acid batteries. I used to ride a night a lot and did a few ultra-marathon events where riding through the night was expected (google PBP). I would have killed for this unit back then. As for the battery, it is standard cells packed in the "bicycle water bottle form factor". Thus the battery can be easily and securely mounted to a standard water bottle cage. Great job Lupine, now just bring the cost and weight down.
at 10/10/2007 6:35:40 AM, fg4 said:
810 grams is pretty light for the battery and lighthead combo- considering it gets 6 hours of burn time at full 1400 lumens- if you kick back the light output it can last for almost 2 weeks straight. If the weight concerns you the option of a smaller battery is always available
at 10/18/2007 8:53:30 AM, demigod1 said:
ATO,
It seems to me that this, like cocaine, is nature's way of telling you that you're making WAY too much money. It's nice that there is always some friendly folks that will accommodate you
at 11/4/2007 3:23:19 PM, David said:
People posting negative comments are clearly are not serious night-time athletes. When I'm XC-skiing in the woods at night, going 15-20 mph, far from civilization, a light like this is a literal life line, worth every penny. Have a crash or get caught with a broken light in the dark and it's frostbite or worse.
at 11/23/2007 3:55:58 PM, ErichWHP said:
Typical HID and LED rigs now put out 500 lumens and cost $400 to $450. So per lumen, the Lupine unit is cheaper! As David said, getting caught on a dark trail with a dead light one night will make a believer out of you. I always go with two units, one on the handlebars and one on the helmet for redundancy and extra lumens. Keep in mind, some folks pay $3000 for a bike...
at 2/19/2008 1:22:37 PM, Bozo said:
The price is high, but if you bike commute after dark (I do) you realize the value of being able to see and being seen. It is life or death. I suspect some of the negative posters have $200 iPods, $2000 TVs, and seat warmers in their BeeMers. Those are toys.
at 7/30/2008 3:01:18 AM, aaa said:
fdfusdcksdf
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