Lupine

The durability of a rechargeable battery set depends on various facts, such as type of cell, strain (usage), as well as the maintenance regime. Basically the durability varies from 300 to 700 charge and discharge cycles before the capacity becomes ineffective (50% of its nominal value) - corresponding to a minimum period of 3 years when charging the battery twice a week. With good care, a life span of approx. 3-5 years seems realistic.

NiMH batteries are known to lose their charge the quickest. Within 2-3 days, they will lose approximately 10% of their power, continuing a loss rate of 1-2% per day depending on the surrounding ambient temperature. (Higher temperatures promote greater self-discharge). Li-Ion batteries are unbeatable, with a maximum self-discharge loss of 10% per month at a storage temperature of 20° C; even less if the temperature is lower.

Here are 3 possibilities: 1.) You can leave your rechargeable battery connected permanently to the charging unit. With this method the rechargeable battery is being charged with short current-impulses at 2-4 min. intervals. This keeps your battery fully charged and avoids deep discharging, to keep the battery fit, you need to use it from time to time. Constant charging levels, no matter if full or empty makes your battery unwilling to provide power or get charged. 2.) Should you not wish to keep the rechargeable battery connected, charge it fully before you store it in a cool place for no longer than 2 months. After approximately 2 months we recommend fully discharging and recharging the battery before continuing to store. Remember: low temperature = low self - discharge! Basically, storage does not harm the rechargeable battery - complete discharge is the problem and MUST be avoided. Total discharge will damage the rechargeable battery and reduce its life-span or completely destroy it. After a longer storage period, the rechargeable battery will need 2-3 charge-discharge cycles to bring it back to its original efficiency. 3.) Lupine’s Charger One (Metal Body 2007 onwards) has a unique storage setting for Li-Ion batteries only. This works by keeping the battery at 50% of its capacity, which is the optimal charge state for long periods of storage. Li-Ion batteries also prefer cool temperatures of around 4 degrees Celsius. If you do not have a Charger One, then it is recommended to store your battery fully charged. We would also recommend returning to the battery every 1 to 2 months to discharge and fully charge the battery before continuing to store. (The best way to care for your battery is not to store it at all, but to use it regularly 1 or more times a week).

The rechargeable battery is slow and tired and needs some training. It functions in a similar way to a muscle. Regular training brings back its capacity. Try to widen the zone between FULL and EMPTY. To begin, discharge your rechargeable battery by using the lamp at full power (Do NOT use the Charger One discharge function). Should your lamp have a reserve tank, switch on the PCS once again until the lamp expires. Then charge the rechargeable battery to its maximum (the rechargeable battery will get warm when full). You can repeat this procedure two to three times (without doing any damage) and the rechargeable battery may recover some capacity.

Halogen and LED: Lights are absolutely heatproof. Attention: the lamp will become very hot, so please take care not to burn your fingers! Otto series: Will dim down to LED mode once they overheat. Airflow recommended for usage of 25W bulb. Edison series: It is safe to use the light without airflow for 10 minutes. Longer than this there is a thermal protection, which dims down the light to avoid heat damage. However, the light will start to flicker extremely and still there is a risk of damage by heat. Therefore, light should not be used more than 10 minutes without airflow.

The average lifespan of a bulb is approx. 120 hours, independent of the dimming process or the efficiency of the headlight involved. With regular use the lifespan of a headlight amounts to 2-3 years. (The lifespan of a H4 car headlight is said to be approx. 150 hours). If used frequently, we recommend a spare bulb.

Certainly. All lights can be switched to the helmet or handlebar tool free without additional mount.

All Lupine batteries and lights are interchangeable. We keep things simple and are using only one voltage for all lights and batteries. You just have to make sure you are using the right type of battery. Only the Charger One can charge all types of Lupine battery.

The loss of capacity of Ni-Mh cells at a temperature of -20° can be almost 30%. Normally it is easy to keep the batteries at optimum efficiency. The following simple methods will be of help: After use, charge the rechargeable battery-set completely and keep it in the warmth. Take it outside shortly before use. Insulation of the bottles and bags will delay the cooling down process for about 2-3 hours. After this period the core of the cells go totally cold and the cells become tired - the capacity sinks. Wear batteries under your clothing if possible. Li-Ion batteries are less sensitive to cold temperatures, but we suggest treating them the same like Ni-Mh batteries at very cold temperatures.

Yes. All you need to do is make sure you have the correct charger. A Ni-MH charger will not charge a Li-Ion battery, so you may need to buy a replacement charger as well. The Charger One can charge all types of Lupine battery.

LED lights are now brighter than conventional bulb systems. They offer longer run times and are more durable for off road use.