wiring led lights on Gitane mixte
01-21-22, 06:18 PM
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wiring led lights on Gitane mixte
I have a vintage Gitane Mixte that came origionally with a generator powered front and rear light.I would like to keep the original light and change to led bulbs. The generators ( I have a few) all seem to be 3 watt, 6 volt. Has any one found an led bulb that can replace the original and work with the generator? If they won't work with the generator I am thinking of mounting a battery pack in place of the generator. The frame has a braze on bracket mounted on the left seat stay. Below is a picture of one restored. There are tiny braze on clips to hold the wires to the frame and they run inside the front and rear fenders to the head and tail light. I have the front light. Anyone know where I might find a rear light like in the picture?
01-21-22, 07:22 PM
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Something HERE might work. Scroll down to "Secula Plus"
01-21-22, 07:25 PM
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There is another forum here called "Electronics, Lighting and Gadgets". You might find useful help there.
01-22-22, 01:42 PM
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One issue you'll find is that the reflector is designed for an incandescent bulb and a LED projects its output much more directionally. This is fine for a "be seen" light but isn't optimal for a "see by" light.
You'd want something that radiates 360 to take advantage of the reflector.
https://www.amazon.com/Ruiandsion-E1...120783637&th=1
You'd want something that radiates 360 to take advantage of the reflector.
https://www.amazon.com/Ruiandsion-E1...120783637&th=1
Last edited by dedhed; 01-22-22 at 01:47 PM.
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01-22-22, 03:28 PM
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Rene Herse has a bulb that sounds like what you’re looking for.
01-23-22, 01:45 AM
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Assuming you want to retain the lamps, a conversion is well-worth doing: better light starting at lower speed. However, traditional dynamo installations depend on a balance between bulb and dynamo characteristics to control the dynamo's tendency to make more power as speed increases. Any bulb change is likely to upset that, explaining the "Pro Tip" on that Rene Herse page. The fix is to use an electronic regulator. This site is the only source that I know for parts for a simple conversion to LEDs (or halogen bulbs): https://reflectalite.com/regulatorpage.html They also have bulb replacements specifically for use with dynamos, but do not say what is special about them. I have not used their products, as I previously made my own conversion with standard electronics parts.
