Turning lights and tail light using 48V engine battery

[bike567]

Searching the Web I did not find a good solution for turning & tail lights powered from the engine battery (48V).
As consequence I created a "homemade" solution.
I shared my work here if somebody is interested how to do this:
http://softhardware2004.blogspot.ca/

 

[dogman dan]

I didn't look at the blog, but 36v and 48v turn signal bulbs are common on scooters. So sourcing them from a scooter parts store is possible.

Now I did look, and it's excellent work. One thing about the cheap scooter light bulbs is that they will be watt hog incandescent lights.

Led's for the win for sure. Watthours are too precious.

I've been looking at the Led off road driving lights, in 12v. But just thinking to carry a secondary 12v pack to run them.

 

[SamRich]

Why not use a DC to 12V DC step down converter?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-to-DC-Voltage-Step-Down-Converter-Reducer-72V-60V-48V-36V-24V-12V-10A-120W-/151234388523?hash=item233645a22b&vxp=mtr

 

[rborger73]

Why not use a DC to 12V DC step down converter?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-to-DC-Voltage-Step-Down-Converter-Reducer-72V-60V-48V-36V-24V-12V-10A-120W-/151234388523?hash=item233645a22b&vxp=mtr

That is how I went and added usb power to the bike as well off of it to power my tablet.

 

[bike567]

Why not use a DC to 12V DC step down converter?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-to-DC-Voltage-Step-Down-Converter-Reducer-72V-60V-48V-36V-24V-12V-10A-120W-/151234388523?hash=item233645a22b&vxp=mtr

At design time I searched on Internet and I did not find it...
Unfortunately the item you pointed on above link does not ship to Canada, so for me it would not help.
Otherwise yes, it looks like a good choice.

Anyway, while I designed and built the whole thing I remembered the old times when I was doing electronics as a hobby, it was nice to turn on the oscilloscope again.
A "wiring box with all connectors" and a "flasher" are still needed even if the above converter is used, so by doing everything "home made" I could combine all of them in one single box.
The switch box near the handle bar would be extra anyway.

But very good point, if I would saw the above link at the design time (and with shipping allowed in Canada) then I'll be in a dilemma - use it or not ?

I think this post was missing for people interested in this.
Good to have all these links in one point.

 

[rborger73]

One I ordered.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CGURKUA/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[SamRich]

Why not use a DC to 12V DC step down converter?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DC-to-DC-Voltage-Step-Down-Converter-Reducer-72V-60V-48V-36V-24V-12V-10A-120W-/151234388523?hash=item233645a22b&vxp=mtr

At design time I searched on Internet and I did not find it...
Unfortunately the item you pointed on above link does not ship to Canada, so for me it would not help.
Otherwise yes, it looks like a good choice.

Anyway, while I designed and built the whole thing I remembered the old times when I was doing electronics as a hobby, it was nice to turn on the oscilloscope again.
A "wiring box with all connectors" and a "flasher" are still needed even if the above converter is used, so by doing everything "home made" I could combine all of them in one single box.
The switch box near the handle bar would be extra anyway.

But very good point, if I would saw the above link at the design time (and with shipping allowed in Canada) then I'll be in a dilemma - use it or not ?

I think this post was missing for people interested in this.
Good to have all these links in one point.

I agree - most of the challenge for your project is in getting the the flasher and controls wired up, but if all you want is to hardwire your head and taillight you can easily convert them with one of these Chinese converters. I used a 48V to 5V for my Cree LED headlamp retrofitted into an old school lamp.