I am building up a commuter/tourer/general purpose bike with a hub dynamo.

From the hub dynamo I will want to run a front and rear light, and some sort of usb charging port for sat nav. I don’t expect to be running lights at the same time as charging other stuff, so power drain shouldn’t be a problem.

Anybody done this kind of setup? I would like to keep it as clean as possible. Is it possible to charge a Germin unit from the output of an exposure revo?

Are there any decent alternatives to the revo that are permanently wired and fixed?

I’ve got the SP PD-8 hub, wired up to an Exposure Revo. I run an Exposure Redeye from the Revo’s smartport thingy.
For charging, I’ve got a Kemo M172N which connects inline between the hub and Revo if I need it.

I’ve also got the previous model M172, but I snapped the USB plug on it and bought the replacement/upgrade rather than wiring ona new wire as I needed it in a hurry (for the LEL)

Happy to fix and sell the M172 if you’re interested…

How does that fit inline? Does it use the same connectors as the revo or do you have a whole separate wiring harness?

I’m building a similar setup at the moment. I have on pre-order the Shutter Precision PD-8X which is the 15mm axle version of the hub that exposure have re-branded and sell with the Revo.

http://www.sp-dynamo.com/8seriesdynamo%20hub.html

I was looking at getting a Revo and either the plug2 (http://www.en.tout-terrain.de/accessories/electric-power-supply/) or the Light charge (http://www.bike2power.com/lightcharge-bicycle-hub-usb-charger.html) However in the wiring department these don’t seem to be that neat a solution. They definitely work but I think there is more graceful ways of doing it.

I’m also looking at k-lite Australia for their lights and a USB switcher as a possible alternative.
http://www.klite.com.au/ (half finished site)
https://www.facebook.com/kLite.com.au

How does that fit inline?

I’ve wired in 2 pairs of these:

So I can run just the light, or fit the Kemo in to give me the option of the lights or charging.
I used the setup for riding the LEL the other month, using an phone as a GPS and had no problems.

Ooooh what connectors are those?

I wouldn’t mind seeing some pics of your setup if possible.

Waterproof LED connectors from ebay

I’ll link pics when Flickr is back online…

Downside of the Kemo is its a little bulky so lives in a top-tube bag on the bike.

Looking at the exposure website, it looks like it is possible to charge straight from output port.

http://use1.com/exposure-lights/accessories/smart-port-plus/boost-cable

That certainly would be a neater solution.

I have sent exposure a message to see if it will work.

If you want to keep it clean, how about a light with a built-in USB port, so you can choose whether charge or illumination?
Axa light – the nano version is cheaper, but less bright.

Here you go:

DSC_0135 by ir_bandito, on Flickr

Kemo is in the bag on top as mentioned.

Fork-crown mount is made from an old brake adaptor:

DSC_0697 by ir_bandito, on Flickr

I have the setup you are after on my MTB, I have used it racing, all day epics, multi-day bikebacking touring and day to day commuting.

I have tried a few different chargers, but fur ruggedness, mall size and value for money, I would recommend the Kemo 172, you need to cut and connect the wires into the Exposure cable, but well worth the fuss. The Exposure Boost cable will keep a Garmin charged, but would struggle with a smart phone, plus I recommend using the power port to connect to the long cable redeye rear light, so you have a dynamo powered, sper bright, rear light too.

There’s some more info here:

FORUM DISCUSSION WITH MY SETUP & AIDAN HARDING’S IN (both MTB setups, for racing, not the normal touring setup)

BLOG ENTRY SHOWING MY SETUP (with similar, but no longer available, Softhema charger)

My Revo light with standlight (after a few minutes to walk the bike across the beach)

Also, here is a pic of Phil Simcock’s setup for the Highland Trail 400, Exposure Revo + Kemo 172 to charge the Garmin in the day:

CLICK HERE

Hope that helps!