<
I’m somewhat speechless about this product. Even with the layperson explanations and technical supplements, I can’t make sense of how it works. Regardless, this lighting system is no joke and although simple flashers work just fine this system kicks it up a notch. The lighting power seems to rival larger battery operated devices one would use for 24 hour mountain bike events, but without the excess weight or cables. That increased illumination as part of the rear braking process is pretty brilliant too. Production and resources don’t look to be too intensive, so this is probably a “greener” option than regular battery powered lights in the long run. They are asking a lot via Kickstarter, but with half the funding already in place it looks like people are taking this seriously. I’m certainly intrigued and willing to kick in to make this happen.
so it only shines on one side. IMHO: not so cool
It sounds like it uses this.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resonant_inductive_coupling
Which means it has enough power for a “be seen” light, but not enough for a “see the road” light (for which you need a dynamo or batteries).
Amazing, give this man a cigar. With this technology the possibilities are endless. The technology could be integrated directly into the frame in the future. For now I will back him up on this.
Can you please ad a link to their website. Thanks, Mike
Brilliant.
@antbikemike: Here is the Kickstarter page: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/dynamodirk/magnic-light-get-new-energy
@Mur: According to their video above and other literature of theirs, they are actually making using of eddy currents induced in the metal rims by strong magnets rather than resonant inductive coupling which implies the use of magnetic coils as in transformers, etc.
I’m no electrical engineer, but as I understand it the strong magnets are capable of inducing a a current in the rims which in turn has its own magnetic field associated with it. This induced magnetic field then interacts with the magnets inside the light to turn a small, low-friction dynamo that converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy, providing current to operate the LEDs.
Again, this explanation is based almost entirely on some cursory research and topics covered in my high school physics course.
Cheers
Sorry Mike, I overlooked that. Website and direct link to Kickstarter now added.
I love this idea, wish I had some spare cash to kick in.
I love the concept, but for two bills I can get a pair of Magicshine 808CE lights from my guy and just use my Superflash taillights.
Yes, you can definitely get a cheaper light via MagicShine (or one of its cheaper knockoffs), but this is such a cool idea that I couldn’t resist. No clunky battery packs, no recharging, no redoing my wheels with a dynamo hub. No muss, no fuss… always on.
Raiyn, as “The People’s Nag”, batteries are frequently too much to ask our poor to buy and maintain. However, if this light turns out to work, can get the production volumes high enough, and move enough product to keep the margin low, perhaps the poor can be seen now too….
@Luke, I imagine you are correct except that I doubt there is a spinning dynamo in the unit based off of that. I imagine it is the exact same principle of a guitar pickup. The magnets in the light induce eddy currents. Eddy currents generate a magnetic field and then it works like a transformer. Of course, I am guessing as well. The one thing that doesn’t sit well with me is that the eddy currents will be DC not AC so we have no changing mag field. Transformers and even generators require a changing field.
@Justin, the only reason I guessed that they were using a dynamo was due to the point around 3:30 in their video in which they say that they need to produce injected molded generator cores. Of course, I’m not particularly certain what that looks like when completed.
Overall, I can’t help but be impressed by the concept and wish all the best for the project.
Cheers
I think Reelights was one of the first non-contact induction LED type lights. They work well as flashers, but the use of induced eddy currents is much more elegant. I’ve got a set of Reelights on one bike but look forward to trying these out!
@ Sam
As far as I’m concerned the light’s output really isn’t that impressive for the price, spanky crabon fibber veneer or not.
@ Bergerandfries
Since you seem to want to go there: I can equip at least 5 proletarian bikes with lights front and rear that have equivalent or better output than the Magnic. These lights for the exploited poor use commonly available, easily recyclable NiMH AA or AAA batteries (including the batteries and charger) for the price asked for the bourgeois Magnic light.
If you’d like, I can also mock your comment based on Keynesian economics.
@Raiyn
With all due respect to Bergerandfries, I’d like you to mock their comment based on Keynesian economics. Always ready to learn!