how to mount a battery pack for lights?

Mccraque

I bought one of these last month after the recommendation of MBR magazine. I wanted a light...but a cheapy as will use infrequently.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B006RHB41Y/ref=oh_o01_s00_i00_details

However - the mount for the battery pack is pretty average at best. Just a single velcro strap that rocks around and will drop from the bar if there's an encounter with bumpy terrain.

Does anyone have any solutions as to how to mount the battery packs a little more efficiently than using half a roll of gaffer tape before every ride?

Thanks

sniper68

I have the same light but have a wide neoprene/Velcro strap that I fix the battery to the top-tube with.It doesn't budge at all 8)

Mccraque

I don't seem to have that....I have a battery case with a flimsy strap. And a head torch mount...

sniper68

I had the Velcro strap lying around,can't remember where from but it's about18" long and wraps tightly around the battery and frame 8)

diy

You should be able to find some silicon o-rings to mount the light to the bar (btw there are better versions of this light for less for anyone else considering buying one ) To mount the pack I would use some bungee cord around the frame or get some velcro and make up some straps.

The SSC P7 is max 900 Lumen btw and more like 750 Lumen after a minute of running. Still a good LED and a nice cheap light.

sniper68

Just checked and the strap is from my Ay-up lights to mount the battery :roll: As the battery is now permanently cable-tied to my helmet the strap is now used for the Magicshine Battery 8)
This is the one(but folded up only £3-odd
http://www.ayup-lights.com/products/45/
I reckon you'd get summat similar from a diving shop etc 8)

diy

If it doesn't come with a waterproof bag - it really needs to be in one, since batteries short if they get too wet.

sniper68

I've had my battery submerged in a pan of water and have ridden in some really wet conditions and it doesn't need a waterproof bag as it's...waterproof

diy

The problem is there are about a 50 different variants of this magicshine/lupine type light and they are not all the same. Quite a few people have complained of shorts due to water ingress.

It might be a quality pack, or it might be a bunch of old recycled cells with a cheap protection circuit shrink wrapped in polythene.

tarbot18

As i swap my magicshine lights and battery between bikes i just shove my battery in a wide neck water bottle feed the cable through and then pop the battery in its water bottle in the bottle carrier on each bike.
No messing with velcro straps etc in the rain and keeps the battery dryer and warmer.

flatpat

I got a small pouch from here for my magicshine battery pack:

http://mtbbatteries.co.uk/mountain-bike ... and-leads/

Doesn't make it a whole lot more waterproof, but I no longer end up pissing around with zip ties before a ride.

sniper68

I have this set.
http://www.dealextreme.com/p/mj-808-ha- ... -set-44459
As you can see my battery is different and encased in a plastic outer.
Magicshine UK do a pouch for the battery
http://www.magicshineuk.co.uk/products/ ... MJ-808BBAG
Although the straps still look flimsy :?

Markmjh

I've got a couple of sets of Magic Shine and have never had an issue with the battery pack. I either strap it onto my toptube just in fron of the rear shock(marin attack trail 2006) or under the stem. Either way i have never dropped a battery yet, or even noticed that its loose.
But if you are worried then helmet mount it and keep the battery pack in a pocket :-)

neil_sheehan2000

+1 for the 'putting it in a water bottle' solution- at least if you're mounting the light on your bars. I padded mine with sponges too, to stop it rattling about too much (no problems with overheating yet).

Mccraque

Thanks guys...some great solutions there. Will probably invest in one of the pouches.