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Fri, 17 Feb 2006
This is a review of some waterproof connectors from Batteryspace.com. In it I describe the connectors and how I used them to repair my bicycle light.
The connectors are 2-conductor 18 gauge connectors (part # CN-2Pin-Connect).
I began searching for replacement connectors after the battery connector on
my Nitehawk Raptor bicycle light became loose. The loose connection meant
that every time I hit a bump the light would go out, and I would have to
press the power button to turn the light back on. I can't tell you how
annoying it is to be riding down a bumpy road, wondering which bump is
going to be the one that will turn off my light once again.
I ordered two pairs of connectors, at $3.29 each. Each pair consists of two
connectors. The connectors somewhat resemble trailer light connectors. They
connect and disconnect easily. I had to get two sets so that I could change
the connector on my battery charger as well as the connector on the bicycle
light cable. The connectors are not male and female;
instead they are identical connectors that connect to each other. They do
have distinct red and black wires, which makes the connections easy.
Ordering from the Batteryspace website was easy. I used PayPal, although
there was also an option to use a credit card. I received an email
confirmation of my order, as well as an email notification when the order
actually shipped. The shipping notification included the UPS tracking number,
so I could watch the package's progress as it came ever closer.
The installation was simple. I cut off the connectors on the battery charger
cable and the bicycle light cable. I soldered on the new connectors and sealed
them with heat shrink tubing. Then I opened the battery case, removed the
connector, replaced it with the new connector, and sealed it with a hot glue
gun. When I was done I had used three of the four connectors, so I saved the
spare for for future use.
I made sure the battery charger worked properly. Since the battery provides
DC voltage it was important to get the polarity of the connections right.
The little red light on the charger came on, indicating that it was in fact
charging properly. Once the battery was recharged I unplugged the charger
and plugged in the light. Now for the moment of truth. I pressed the power
button and the light came on! I quickly reinstalled the light on my bike,
and went for a ride over the roughest streets in town. The light stayed on
the entire time, not flickering even once. When I got back I sprayed the
connectors with a hose, to check if they were really waterproof. They were,
and the light stayed on.
I can whole-heartedly recommend these connectors. They are simple to install
and use, they really are waterproof, and they have returned my bicycle light
to being something that I can just connect and use. Find them at
www.batteryspace.com. posted at: 10:16 | permalink |
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