Lights that light while being plugged in to pwr source

[Luwabra]

Did the search.. if I missed it please link. Looking for options for a light that will shine while hooked up to an external portable power source. Ive got a 330 mile race to do that will go through the night. Hub based dynamo is not an option.

[jtakeda]

A self contained battery is not enough?

I have an older light and motion that uses an external battery. Is that what you're talking about?

I don't understand

[Mark McM]

For such a long event, it's probably a good idea to have some redundancy.

Use two lights - one provides light while the second one charges (from the external power source). When the 1st light reaches the end of its charge, unplug the charger from the 2nd light, turn on the 2nd light, turn off the 1st light, and plug the charger into the 1st light.

In case one light fails, you've still got the 2nd light (and whatever charge it still contains).

[Idris Icabod]

I've got a couple of Niteriders for mountain biking. I have an 8 cell battery pack (that came with my 3600 Lumen lamp) that will run my 1600 Lumen lamp at 400 Lumen setting for around 12 hours.

[Luwabra]

Plugging light in while riding to a portable power source via USB out of the power bank and microsb into the light. The power source is charged by the computer then capable of charging electronics on the go. May have to get another light.. own the niterider 500 just want to keep the weight and extra parts to a min.

[ripvanrando]

Pretty sure the Fenix BC21R does what you want

It takes an 18650 battery AND can be charged with it in the light via USB connector. Putting another battery in is easy but in a race...maybe not.

I have not actually tested I'm 95% certain connecting another battery via the USB port would work although this would not be my choice.

[seric]

I have a pair of Cygolite Expilion 850's. They appear to work just fine while plugged into external power, both with and without the battery being installed.

[Luwabra]

Fantastic!!^ thank you!

[mvrider]

Exposure lights are designed to accommodate external power via their SmartPort+ (http://www.exposurelights.com/cycle-lights/front-lights/exposure-diablo-mk8) and Support Cells (http://www.exposurelights.com/cycle-lights/batteries-and-chargers/support-cells).

Older Lezyne models had interchangeable batteries. Their current models have abandoned this capability.

[ripvanrando]

My solution or the one I like is a Fenix BT20 headlamp with two of the external battery carriers that each hold two batteries. I attach both carriers to the underside of the top tube near the headset using velcro and duct tape. Thee light goes onto the bottom of the head tube using a "Nob". With 3400 mAh Panasonic 18650 batteries, I have 17 hours of 300 lumens and 10.5 hours of 450 lumens or 50 hours of 100 lumens. I like the throw and close range coverage. The light is not too harsh to the eye like many (this is an important consider for me...too many lights cause me to have fatigue). Some do not light the mounting but I do. The connectors and switch are top notch. I have used this setup on innumerable overnight rides and also on a cross country race.

The BC21R uses one 18650 battery and is very light and small. It does not have the throw or beam width of the BT20 but it is a good light. I'd use it on good roads if there is not a lot of background light for a TT type event like Sebring or something. These are the Mfg burn times using relatively modest 2300 mAh batteries. I have not tested my BC21R but with 3400 mAh Panasonic batteries, a 50% increase in burntime should be achievable.

High: 380 Lumens for 4 hrs. 30 min.>>>6.75 hours
Mid: 200 Lumens for 8 hrs. 30 min>>>>12.75 hours

[weisan]

Rando pal, thanks for sharing so generously your knowledge and experience, I am glad you are here.

[Luwabra]

Yes thank you! Great things to consider