Lights

having had my lights nicked I was going to go for the Smart Lunar 35 set again, but am leaning towards the Moon Mask 5 now given the good reviews. the thing is I don't work at a computer all the time, is there a way of charging from a power socket? and how long does a full charge last?

http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/13417253/Groov-e-USB-iPod-iPhone-UK-Mains-Power-Charger-Adapter/Product.html?_%24ja=tsid:11518|cat:13417253|prd:13417253

ha, thanks. I've actually never seen one of those before, feel a bit silly now...

Yeah go for the Mask it's so good. It charges in 2 hours via USB and lasts for 8.5 hours on flashing mode (according to the box). I have front and rear Moon lights now and they both charge via USB. I have something like this tucked away in a cupboard and just stick them both on charge when I get in (no computer required):

High Speed 7 Port USB 2.0 HUB+UK AC Power Adapter Cable: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics

(I also charge my Kindle and my phone this way)

Has anyone got the link for that good battery recharger? I'm sure I saw someone talking about it here a while ago, can't remember what it's called at all though.

@esbe - I'd avoid that particular one though, it sounds like complete crap from the reviews. Any device that allegedly goes +-20% out of specified range is not something I'd want to connect anything to. Buy a decent one, it's a lot less grief than frying your battery.

Has anyone got the link for that good battery recharger? I'm sure I saw someone talking about it here a while ago, can't remember what it's called at all though.

These guys do some nice ones:

http://www.vapextech.co.uk/

I've been using the basic digital charger they do for about 3 years. Works well for me.

Has anyone got the link for that good battery recharger? I'm sure I saw someone talking about it here a while ago, can't remember what it's called at all though.

http://www.lfgss.com/post2578261-1862.html

http://www.batterylogic.co.uk/technoline/technoline-BL700.asp

Cheers freezing77, looks good.

http://road.cc/content/news/50411-exposure-launch-dynamo-system

@esbe - I'd avoid that particular one though, it sounds like complete crap from the reviews. Any device that allegedly goes +-20% out of specified range is not something I'd want to connect anything to. Buy a decent one, it's a lot less grief than frying your battery.

Ah, thanks for the advice! I'm actually using a nice Belkin one but that was the first I found on Amazon. I'll be sure to keep that in mind though.

Belkin are normally OK quality wise. You're more likely to get issues charging lots of devices at the same time due to the current draw beyond the capability of the PSU. USB was never intended to be a charger standard and most of the dedicated phone chargers can put out more current than the specification asks for. You can see this in faster charging times when using the supplied adaptors rather than a normal USB port on a PC. USB3 specifies a higher current delivery as part of the standard to cope with things like this and is a nod to the fact that the port is now used for more than just data transfer.

I find the Amazon ones to be very well made- and very affordable, plus available in Dixons.

Ah, now I'm thinking twice about charging via a hub. Maybe I'll stick to charging things up one at a time via the iPhone adapter.

What about the following product though as it's designed to charge USB devices? I'd really like to be able to charge up both lights at the same time.

[ame="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Masterplug-SRGDU42PB-MP-Protected-Extension-Sockets/dp/B006HFME4C"]Masterplug SRGDU42PB-MP Surge Protected Extension Lead Power Block with 4 Sockets: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools[/ame]

Ah, now I'm thinking twice about charging via a hub.

I charge my Blackburn Fleas, Moon Gem 2, phone, Kindle & Garmin (not all at once!) via a 7 port hub unconnected with my computer. Small devices are unlikely to have battery capacities of more than 1Ah, so they will charge in 2-3h off the normal USB output. If you're going to charge multiple devices simultaneously, check the PSU rating for the hub. Mine is 2A, so realistically can probably provide the full 500mA each to up to 3 devices at a time.

I've just ordered my self a smart lunar r1 rear light.....does anybody know if/where I can get a bracket to let me fit this light to a 34.9mm seat post?

I would like to be able to run this light on my Scott free ride bike if I can :) and at the minute the only light I've got that will fit is a decathlon knog type light as thatll stretch round it :) I can't even find reflectors on eBay and stuff that I can rob that part of the bracket off :(

Flea straps seem to be pretty poorly made. Two separate bits of velcro glued together. Just snapped one. Not a big deal really but it would be nice if Blackburn could design a better one.

^^ having just received the light, (that comes with 18mm and 31mm brackets) I think a few elastic bands and tape might just work :)

Blackburn Mars 4.0 seem like great rear lights;

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29543

I've been using a Smart Lunar for about 3 years but not sure whether It's the age of them or what but I swear they're not as bright as when I first got them. May just buy another smart lunar - the top one 35 (black I think it is) which is brighter than the white one I've got now supposedly.

Any experiences of the Smart 35? I need the lights to see not just to be seen.

Finally got a Hope Vision One. So, so, bright. Looking forward to some nightrides.

Blackburn Mars 4.0 seem like great rear lights;

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29543

I've been using a Smart Lunar for about 3 years but not sure whether It's the age of them or what but I swear they're not as bright as when I first got them. May just buy another smart lunar - the top one 35 (black I think it is) which is brighter than the white one I've got now supposedly.

Any experiences of the Smart 35? I need the lights to see not just to be seen.

I use one and it's not in the same league as the top end lights (they're only £20 on planet-x) but it's plenty bright for around town (flash mode reflects off signs 100m up the road). On last years winter bridges ride there's an off-road section with no lighting where it's pitch black and I picked up a few draftees as I was one of the only people around me who could see where they were going. I'd say it is ok for that use but not the best by any means.

they tend to explode into a load of pieces when you fall off but mines been crashed/flown off the mount a few times and it still works with the aid of some electrical tape. When I have the money I'll replace it with another one.

Flea straps seem to be pretty poorly made. Two separate bits of velcro glued together. Just snapped one. Not a big deal really but it would be nice if Blackburn could design a better one.

I have had one flea that stopped taking a charge - email chain reaction and they just sent me a new one no questions.

The old flea did take a charge with the new USB bit so now I have two fleas.

Then the strap went on one, was so frayed and brucked that it didn't secure the light to the bars. Again, emailed chain reaction and they sent me a new one.

They are not the best product in the world but I seems to be getting my monies worth from the Lifetime Guarantee.

They are not the best product in the world but I seems to be getting my monies worth from the Lifetime Guarantee.

An OK product with the best warranty in the world might be better in the long run than a great product with nothing beyond the statutory warranty.

[URL="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=29543"][/URL]
Any experiences of the Smart 35? I need the lights to see not just to be seen.

I bought one for late night NVS rides :)

It lights up roads well when the batteries are fresh and as Hatbeard says it's pretty good on flash. I can bring it into work if you want a look?

my Moon Mask 5 arrived - it's so tiny!

I might still get the Smart Lunar 35 set again anyway, I like to have two sets of lights with me, especially as the Moon can't be bought batteries for while out and about. Also interested in comparing their "see" qualities, rather than the "be seen" which seems to be pretty win with the Moon.