6v to 12v Step-up convertor for headlamp?

[Greybeard]

I also don't really see the point of a 12V-converter and using a normal bulb, reason I did it was to be able to use a LED headlight bulb.
Draws only 20W and is equal to the light output of a 55W normal one...

You may be correct but I was deterred by reading Paul Goffs note: http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyWhyNotLEDs.htm

Anyway, I've ordered a 6v 40/45w bulb this morning. The penny dropped and I realised that bulb Wattage, (in an incandescent bulb) equates to its brightness.

I'll report back when I've tried the 40/45w bulb in my new headlamp reflector.

[sparx]

You may be correct but I was deterred by reading Paul Goffs note: http://www.norbsa02.freeuk.com/goffyWhyNotLEDs.htm

The technology behind LED headlamp bulbs has moved on in leaps and bounds over the last couple of years. It's a bit like computers were a few years ago, the one you could buy this week is nowhere near as good as the one you bought last week.
   I'm wondering here how long ago Paul Goff's opinion was tapped out on a keyboard. It was probably fair comment when it was written but time and technology march inexorably on.

[duTch]

 Sorry to make dark of a light situation, but. ..

The penny
dropped and I realised that bulb Wattage, (in an incandescent bulb) equates to its brightness.

Gravity must be a bit light over there. ...
....OK lightening up. ..
  Anyway as an example, these are probably the lights Mike has; obviously not what you need but the lady at the hardware has bike size ones but they still 
need 12v, but see how the 45/45's work out

 http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Intensity-7-LED-Driving-Lights-Flood-Beam-AR21F-P22844.aspx

 edit; are you using a BPF insert ?
 

[Angus]

I am not high jacking honest, but I keep seeing people say they are swapping to 12v to enable charging phones and satnavs. I got one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Double-USB-Output-DC-Converter-6V-12V-24V-35V-to-5V-3A-Step-Down-Module-iPad-/261421509248?hash=item3cddefaa80. I intend to install it over the winter, I have tested it on the battery only and it charges my phone fine.

[duTch]

 That looks like a handy item Angus, it doesn't list postage to Oz, but I just sent a message to see if....If I recall I think I started accumulating some bits to try and make one up, shouldn't be hard if one knows what one is doing- which isn't me - could end up with anything

 ...edit a hour or so later, just found this; only problem is voltage range >8+  , oh and the cost....
http://www.jaycar.com.au/Sight-%26-Sound-Car/Car-Audio-Hardware/Car-Hardware-Accessories/H4-Hi-Lo-Cree-LED-Powered-Headlamp-Kit-/p/SL3524

 ..but it is a set of two, so not bad for two bikes or a spare, but it also says this at the bottom;

Warning: State road and traffic authorities do not allow retrofitting of these products to car with ordinary headlights - even if it is really simple to do so.

[duTch]

 Hey Angus, I sent you a PM re: that doodad.   cheers, duTch

 ...and re; bright lights- I'm looking at making up a LED light array to run straight from 6v, just have to find the bits at a viable price

[Greybeard]

Well, I installed a new Lucas headlamp unit and a new Lucas 6v 40/45w bulb . Yesterday evening was dry so I took the old sickle out for a spin. Oh boy, so much better now! 
I actually needed to switch to dipped beam when vehicles were coming towards me! I didn't feel happy to be doing more than 50mph on a straight road but that's probably just me. 

[Angus]

Hi GreyBeard
Still trying to sort my similar problem on the A7, which has a newish reflector. The halogens did not work for me. they where a little better but not much, standard bulbs just seam to cast a glow on the road and disappear when someone appears behind you.  I have been swapping the A10 setup over which is better with the standard bulbs then with the halogens but still not good (old original reflector) .
So where did you source the 40/45 bulb, I assume its is a BPF bulb still. I can only find a single supplier on ebay, as your works would prefer to get from someone known.

[Greybeard]

The halogens did not work for me. they where a little better but not much...

...So where did you source the 40/45 bulb, I assume its is a BPF bulb still. I can only find a single supplier on ebay, as your works would prefer to get from someone known.

I also was not impressed with the 6v Halogen bulb I bought a while ago. I think it was only 35watts.
I bought a Lucas branded reflector/lens from Paul Goff and found http://jacksonautoparts.co.uk/product/lucas-6v-bpf-upgrade-bulb-llb1077 for the bulbs, (bought two). He's the bloke on Ebay I reckon.