We know, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. But there are some questions you might not want to ask your local shop or riding buddies. AASQ is our weekly series where we get to the bottom of your questions – serious or otherwise. Hit the link at the bottom of the post to submit your own question!
It’s that time again. Only this time, we’re letting NiteRider answer this round of questions (and the next one). There’s a lot of intricacies when it comes to lights, batteries, and their accessories, so we thought for part one we’d focus mostly on battery tech.
Question: Let’s say I have a light with a 2200mAh 2-cell battery and another light with 2600mAh 1-cell battery and I want to recharge both of them at least once during a really long ride. What size battery/power bank will I need to successfully do this? Been having a hard to trying to figure this out. – Zach (not me)
NiteRider: We’ll start by assuming that the 2 cell battery is 7.4 volts and the 1 cell battery is 3.7 volts. Then add the capacity of both batteries, so 2200 + 2600 = 4800. Minimally, you’ll need to add one-third additionally for power loss in charger circuit and you will be able to charge both batteries one time. The 2 cell battery will require 12 volts and the 1 cell will require 5 volts. Both batteries will require the correct charge circuit for their battery chemistry to prevent battery damage.
Question: I have a Qi charging dock to wirelessly charge my iPhone X every day and I also use my lights every day, and would really prefer the ease of use of just dropping the light down on a charging pad and letting some charge trickle in. Why don’t any light manufacturers make a Qi or wireless charge compatible light for us commuters? – David
NiteRider: Qi charging or “induction charging” is for low power applications; such as cell phones, handheld devices, and similar devices which normally charge at low power levels. High performance riding lights like NiteRider Lighting Systems are considered high-powered devices. Because of that, it would take a really long time to charge using the induction charging method. On top of that, the inductors or winding in both the charger and bike light would be really big to produce enough current in a timely manner.
Question: Back in the summer of 2014, I was talking with Tommy that was manning the NR support van at an all night endurance XC race. He mentioned plans for a NR battery would also have a USB port in order to also supply power to a cell phone, something I was needing as my phone/tracking app died 6 hours into the race. Whatever happened to that idea? – Ryan
NiteRider: Yes, that battery is currently available by NiteRider; Known as the Pro 6 and 8 cell Enduro Battery. The 6 and 8 cell both have USB outports. However, the USB port can only be used when battery is not is in use (powering the lighting system).
Question: What sort of low-voltage protection do you use on your batteries in the Lumina lights? – Sam
NiteRider: Our batteries have a computer controlled shut off “low battery” mode plus a safety circuit in the battery pack in the event the light fails.
Question: Will NiteRider come out with a road bike light that can be used while charging (similar to Garmin Edge computers)? – Mike
NiteRider: Due to charging power requirements, it is difficult to charge and run the light at the same time.
Next week, we’ll dive in to LEDs, light patterns, mounts, and more!
Got a question of your own? Click here to use the AASQ form, or find the link under the Contact menu header up top anytime a question pops into your mind!
