Introduction: BIKE LIGHT "Commuter" Under 5 Bucks by Veggiecycle

By Regen Co Op Pomona

So this light really gets you respect. I call it the commuter cuz it really doesn't put light down on the ground like the other light. ..But the visibality is great. Perfect for in the city when you need to be seen. A car driver sees you coming and they can't figure out if your a motorcycle or scooter..or a car with a headlight out.. even a train (sez my friend)and it (the light) can be made for under 5 bucks at Home Cheapo. The battery pack is still gonna run you a bit 20 to 30 bucks(use the same battery pack as last light) 10 AA Ni-MH at 1.2 volts thats 12 volts 2500 mAh in the cute little plastic holder from Radio shack or some other electronic place.
This light is 11 watts so on this battery pack it should run just under 3 hours. I did a late night city ride last Friday night and it held strong for the 2 1/2 hours we rode.
Another of my bike lights https://www.instructables.com/ex/i/9129E65EFFBE102880EC001143E7E506/edit.jsp

Step 1: Get the Light "bulb"

First we get a Malibu ML11P2 sealed beam light at Home Depot. It comes in a 2 pack. so...you should make 2. NOTE: Chicks dig guys who make them bike lights.

Step 2: Next We Cut Off the Copper Tags

Next we cut off the copper tags so it will fit in the pvc cap. I just use side cutters..snip..snip
Then I put the screws in that come with the light. They will hold my wires to the bulb. Yeah.. no socket to buy, no soldering or nothn..

Step 3: Little Do Dads You Will Need

This is a pic of the little do dads you will need.
Conduit Hanger w/speed thread size #0 3/8-1/2 5pk $1.90 HD
Thumb Screw 1/4 " 3pk $1.29 HD
Wing nut #10-24 4pk $1.29 HD
Round head slotted bolt #10-24 x 3/4 4pk $1.29 HD
Lock washers #10 18pcs.
Male/Female RCA cable (cut one side short aprox 3" for the light and The other long for the battery pack)
and a little toggle switch ..you don't really need it but it is nice.

Step 4: Drill Holes in Cap

Take a 1" pvc pipe cap from the plumbing dept and drill some holes in it. Two in the back one for the switch and one for the power cord.
Next 3 holes on the side. Two to put 2 little screws though. They will bite into the back of the bulb to hold it all together. and one for the bolt to go though to hold the conduit hanger to the cap.

Step 5:

You hook one power leed to the switch then from the switch to the screw in the back of the bulb, and the other power leed to the other screw on the back of the bulb....
Did I go to fast????? Its really that EASY

Step 6: Battery ...now This Is Gonna Cost You a Little Bit (same As My Other Bike Light)

You need to find at Radio Shack or a specalty electronics supply for a 10 AA batteries holder. Solder the other end of the RCA cable to it and ....
The best battery to use is a Nickel-Metal Hydride or NiMH 2500 mAh I found the Energizer from HD the best price. You need 10 cuz they are 1.2 volts each 10x1.2 = 12 volts. Put the battery pack in your underseat bag or in a water bottle. The light should work for 3 hours with this 11 watt bulb and 10 2500 mAh batteries.
If you have any questions drop me a line....

10 AAbattery holder $1.00
Energizer 4-Pack AA NiMH Rechargeable $8.97HD
Energizer 4-Pack AA NiMH Rechargeable w/charger 17.95
I got this bike water bottle battery pack that is 5 mah with the quick charger from http://www.batteryspace.com They have tons of great batteries on that site.