Doubts about dynamo hub, plug3....

[Unai]

Hi!
I´m new with this types of gadgets, but this year i want to start in ultraracing, so i´m thinking to buy the dynamo hub+revo MK1 light with the USB boost cable. Now, the doubt is: why you use plug III or e-werks to charge your electronics? Why don´t you use to charge directly the USB boost cable (I know that some apple gadgets can´t charge)?
Thank you!!

[bakerjw]

Following along as I plan on the same type of rig.

[megand]

I'm no expert, but I think people don't use the boost cable because right now it only allows trickle charging while the light is also being powered. So it's not a very efficient way to get anything charged.

With the Revo light plus an E-Werk/Plug/etc, you can also install a switch in the set up, so you're either powering a light (and maybe something on the boost cable at the same time) OR you're charging/powering a device, with the light off.

[bmike-vt]

I wasn't aware that the boost cable worked with the Revo. Thought that I had an email from exposure on that question. But I see mike hall used one on his TD rig.


 I use a Redeye tailight in that port, but it seems to me the boost cable would want a steady stream of current to power or charge something.

I'm using the revo and usbwerk. I have a switch case modeled and I'll likely 3d print it to house the switch and incoming wore joints.

[bpeschka]

You might find useful information in the Gear Review section of the forum:

http://www.bikepacking.net/category/reviews/lighting/

[kiwidave]

This web site has great info on lighting systems and it has been referred to in a number of other posts in the TD threads of the Ultra Racing forum.

http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/lightingsystems.htm

[joeydurango]

The Revo has no power switch - just a removable plug - so if you are using the Boost cable to charge items, you're competing with the headlight for power, as someone noted above.

I've been running the Revo with the PedalPower+ Super-i-Cable as a cache battery/charging device and I'm pretty stoked on the setup.  AZT 300, next week, will be the first big trip on this particular system.

If you're thinking about jumping into the dynamo world, this little primer I wrote up might help:  http://www.velorutioncycles.com/dynamo-systems-a-primer

Shameless plug/full disclosure:  We sell all this cool stuff at VC.  Been riding dynamo systems since 2008.  Dig it!

[bmike-vt]

Here's what I'm building for a switch:

Dyno Switch Housing v1 (minuteman sent me the wrong switch so I'm hoping they ship out new ones ASAP) by mbeganyi, on Flickr

dynoswitchschematic by mbeganyi, on Flickr

Untitled by mbeganyi, on Flickr

[joeydurango]

That printed switch looks pretty sweet.  I just wired the light and PP+ in parallel, installed a simple barrel plug in my PP+ cache/charger's feed, and the Revo comes stock with a plug, so I simply unplug the one I'm not using at the time.  I used heat-shrink tubing to create little hoods for all the connections to make them more waterproof.  Everything is hidden away in a Gas Tank - I'll have to post up a photo.  But yep, Mike, I think that switch idea is cool!  How weatherproof will the switch recess be?

[bmike-vt]

The weak point will be the rubber gasket around the switch... but the housing will be filled with epoxy to cover the connections and the switch innards... will hopefully wire this up in the next couple of weeks and get a test in. Had this kicking around since last fall, but my Revo had to go back to the UK for warranty and I've been lazy since...

[Yogi the Barry]

Re: Tailight port on Revo - it's 5V and probably not designed to use as a USB charge port, but it does work awesome to use with a resistor and LED as a dashlight for your GPS to avoid having to use the GPS backlight. My cockpit at the link below...
http://www.bikepacking.net/forum/question-and-answer/hub-dynamo-and-electronics-thread/msg61115/#msg61115
Joey, After AZT, please report back on your SiC setup. I checked Pedal Power's web site. Interesting products. They combine a AC to DC converter with a battery pack. Since their products seems to be designed for bike dynamo setups, I assume they work better cope with the fluctuation of the dynamo output [like when going back and forth between HAB and pedaling] than other battery packs.
EDIT: Joey, Your dynamo primer link is most excellent. Probably the best single article I've read on the subject. Well done!

The Revo has no power switch - just a removable plug - ...http://www.velorutioncycles.com/dynamo-systems-a-primer

Shameless plug/full disclosure:  We sell all this cool stuff at VC.  Been riding dynamo systems since 2008.  Dig it!

[Couloirman]

Klite has a pretty slick setup coming out soon that is integrated with the Sinewave Reactor.

http://www.klite.com.au/#!New-Proto-now-testing/c1xn2/5504b4c70cf2458597c43b2e

[JReeves]

I should have my setup together next weekend, once the spokes and everything come in.  Ended up with the SP PD-8 hub, Stans Arch EX Rim(to match my wheelset), Sinewave Plug III, Sinewave Airstream 2, and then a small Anker 3200mah usb battery.
I know the headlight doesn't have the best reviews, but the idea of an internal battery appealed to me, and I think this will be a great setup for night time dirt road ventures.
I'll post some info when I get everything together!