Ride safely at night with this easy to make Mini Bike Light. Get the PDF for this project here: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/10/weekend_project_mini_bike_light.html. More great projects at http://www.makezine.com
From the Shed: New Arrivals
Ride safely at night with this easy to make Mini Bike Light.
Thanks go to Trevor Shannon for the original article in MAKE, Volume 14.
To download The Mini Bike Light video click here and subscribe in iTunes.
Check out the complete Mini Bike Light article in MAKE, Volume 14
and you can see that in our Digital Edition.
Here is the modified schematic using the LM3909 chip
13 thoughts on “Weekend Project: Mini Bike Light”
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Hello,
Maybe I’m wrong but on the datasheet the diodes are connected on the other way.
Please confirm.
Nelson
Be aware that in some places the cops don’t take a shine to having flashing blue lights on your bike, as they feel that is strictly THEIR gig.
In the podcast feed over at http://blog.makezine.com/archive/make_podcast/index.xml You link to the PDF for this project but forgot to include the video in the feed.
@ joecr – The video link is right above the PDF post.
Flashing lights make it harder to judge your distance and speed. It is illegal in most of Europe.
@mzi – It’s really so others can see you not so you can see where you are going.
Dear Kip,
If you want to cross a street, it’s handy to know when you can cross the street. Knowing how far and how fast other traffic is going is helpful then.
Florida might not be much of a biking area, but where i live there’s more bikes than cars, and have seen many problems regarding the flashy lights. It’s illegal for a reason.
But this is still way cool!
But this is still way cool!
Try http://www.picokit.com for a cheap DIY bike light – the front has flicker mode and back is just awesome visibility. Both come with Pre-programmed microchips. Just solder and construct them! Mine work great on AA rechargeables and both last for hours – even the front one which has heaps of power!
The front one all fits in a 40mm PVC pipe (including the 3xAA batteries) with 19 UltraBright LEDs it blows this thing away.
The back one is oval shaped with a funky pattern happening for high visibility.
Try http://www.picokit.com for a cheap DIY bike light – the front has flicker mode and back is just awesome visibility. Both come with Pre-programmed microchips. Just solder and construct them! Mine work great on AA rechargeables and both last for hours – even the front one which has heaps of power!
The front one all fits in a 40mm PVC pipe (including the 3xAA batteries) with 19 UltraBright LEDs it blows this thing away.
The back one is oval shaped with a funky pattern happening for high visibility.
hi
Just wondering… Can you use “High Brightness LED’s” for this project?