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VK3FBD > TECH 25.06.04 07:21l 36 Lines 1386 Bytes #999 (0) @ WW
BID : 800071VK3FBD
Read: GUEST OE7FMI
Subj: Hub dynamos
Path: DB0FHN<DB0RGB<OK0PPL<DB0RES<ON0AR<VK6HGR<VK3AVE<VK3FRS
Sent: 040625/0512Z @:VK3FRS.#MEL.VIC.AUS.OC #:29668 [Kilsyth] $:800071VK3FBD
From: VK3FBD@VK3FRS.#MEL.VIC.AUS.OC
To : TECH@WW
Hi All,
Notes the comments on hub dynamos floating around because I still have one
and use it regularly. (I'm 65 years old and still ride 100+ km a week).
My approach to the problems of flickering light at low speed was to ignore
it. However more importantly was not to lose the taillight even when
stopped because I do most of my night time riding in suburban traffic.
To keep the taillights operating I used a full wave rectifier on the
dynamo connected all the time to trickle charge a nicad battery under the
seat. This small charge current made no discernible difference to the
effort needed to pedal.
When it gets dark I simply switch on the headlights and feed power to a
pair of BC109's connected as a multivibrator which flashes a pair of
taillights alternately.
Plans are in hand to upgrade to a nice bright white 5W led for the
headlight.
The main problem I have is that over the 30 odd years I have had the hub
dynamo, the output has dropped and I suspect that it is due to the
magnetism dropping in the poles.
Each time I have upgraded to a new bike I have had the dynamo rebuilt into
the front wheel, but after all this time I suppose I will have to bite the
bullet and try to find another one or a modern equivalent with stronger
rare earth magnets or something.
73's Tony VK3FBD
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