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Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Davidd321
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Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:42 am

Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by Davidd321 »

I’m going to be doing a long cross-country trip this summer on a recently rebuilt 1959 R50 with a 1962 R60/2 engine, with a 6V electrical system. As part of the rebuild, I’m going with all-LED fixtures. I’d like to do at least one of two things: to be able to charge at least some devices en route, perhaps from a USB port or a “cigarette” socket outlet, and I’d also like to be able to power an auxiliary headlight or two. My understanding is that by using LED’s in all the old incandescent fixtures I will have created some additional capacity for powering other devices. One solution that was suggested to me was to use a 6V to 12v step-up converter, and then to run any chargers/lights on that 12V. Would this be feasible? The other solution I have heard about is to find an inverter that will step down from 6V to the 5v used by many USB chargers. Sorry for the long question, but what advice anybody can give? Thanks.

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wa1nca
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Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by wa1nca »

A “cigarette” socket outlet for a car will work fine for a cell phone or other USB devices
Power for auxiliary LED headlights maybe to much load for the original 6 volt system
Tommy Byrnes
54 R51/3, 55 R50/Velorex 560 sidecar, 64 R27, 68 R69US, 75 R75/6
Ashfield, Ma
USA

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skychs
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Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by skychs »

If you have a hot sidecar electrical socket you may be able to plug in there. I cant help you with how to manage the voltage.
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1966 R60/2, 1967 R69S, 1975 R90S, 2020 R1250GSA

Davidd321
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Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:42 am

Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by Davidd321 »

Thanks, I do have a sidecar receptacle under the seat, so that’s a good idea. Are the plugs that go into the sidecar receptacles still available? Were there ever handlebar mounted switches to control power to sidecar-mounted lights?
As for the wattage numbers, I guess I’ll have to sharpen my pencil and add up the total wattage of the entire old incandescent set-up and compare it to the total wattage of the entire new LED setup to find the amount of wattage that is made available for other uses by such a switch… and also compare it to the rated output of the generator of course. The 6V to 12v step-up converters do use some power to do their “stepping up” but hopefully there’ll be enough remaining to provide a meaningful power source for a USB charger or two.

jimkav
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Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by jimkav »

Not period correct but I use high powered bicycle lights front and rear when riding at night.
Rear all the time.

Davidd321
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Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by Davidd321 »

The factory manual lists all the wattages of the original incandescent bulbs. The maximum usage would presumably be when the bike is being used at night with the high beam on, the brake light illuminated, and a turn-signal illuminated. (I haven’t forgotten the horn, but I just didn’t see a wattage on it!) Adding together all the light bulbs in this situation results in a consumption of 118.2 watts. The Bosch generator (LJ/CGE 60/6/1700 R 5) produces from 60-90 watts, the latter at 2100 rpm or above (according to the factory manual). So, interestingly, it appears the generator can’t even keep up to regular maximum draw (assuming incandescent bulbs) and would have to draw from the battery to keep everything illuminated.

Does anyone know the comparable maximum (i.e. night-time, high beam, brake) wattage of the LED kits?

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wa1nca
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Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by wa1nca »

Maybe 20%
120 X 20% = 24 watts

brake light and blinkers are not always on
Tommy Byrnes
54 R51/3, 55 R50/Velorex 560 sidecar, 64 R27, 68 R69US, 75 R75/6
Ashfield, Ma
USA

Davidd321
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Joined: Wed Jul 20, 2022 12:42 am

Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by Davidd321 »

Thanks, Tommy. It seems like that would give the generator plenty of capacity to handle a 6V-12V step-up converter for device charging. For long-distance, multi-day touring that will be welcome. Thanks again for the advice.
David

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Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by bigdave »

Interesting question for everyone who uses their cellphone as a gps etc. I found this device that looks as if it would work and could be wired to the sidecar plug or elsewhere to a cigarette plug. https://www.amazon.com/Converter-DROK-V ... erter&th=1 Don't know if it would always be HOT and drain the battery.
On another note; the plugs for the sidecar plug are used on John Deere tractors and can be found at Tractor Supply or other BMW sources.
1987 R80RT
1965 R50/2 (now sold)
1958 R60 (project) Now running well
1973 R75/5 (recently sold)
1956 R26 (basket case project)

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wa1nca
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Re: Charging devices on a 6V R60/2 system

Post by wa1nca »

The
Hella Aux socket only has power when the ignition switch is turned to tail light or headlight positions, key up or down

Didnt know John Deer used a Hella plug

Male Hella plugs

https://vintagebeemerparts.com/hella-ma ... ories-new/

https://www.google.com/search?client=fi ... &oshop=apv

Looks like you can get 2 plugs and the same converter from Amazon
Free shipping order over $25.00

https://www.amazon.com/Meetou-Powerlet- ... 2599288611
Tommy Byrnes
54 R51/3, 55 R50/Velorex 560 sidecar, 64 R27, 68 R69US, 75 R75/6
Ashfield, Ma
USA

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