What diode should I use for my motorcycle's dual headlight setup?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting an appropriate diode for a motorcycle's dual headlight setup, specifically for operating two xenon headlamps simultaneously—one for low beam and the other for high beam. The focus includes technical specifications and requirements for the diode in relation to the motorcycle's electrical system.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the best diode to use for a motorcycle with two xenon headlamps, specifying the battery output and headlight output.
  • Another participant requests a schematic and suggests that running both lamps with a single ballast may not be feasible.
  • A participant clarifies that they have two separate ballasts for each lamp but seeks a solution to light both bulbs simultaneously when the high beam is activated.
  • A later reply provides a suggestion regarding the diode's current rating, recommending a diode rated for about 6 amps and noting the need for proper heat sinking and insulation from ground.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the specific diode to use, and there are competing views regarding the feasibility of running both headlamps with the current setup.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about the electrical configuration and the specific requirements for the diode, as well as the potential need for additional components or modifications to the setup.

tintumat
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I need to know what diode to use for the following spec:

I need to use this for my motorcycle. I have 2 xenon headlamps working on my bike but 1 lamp lits up for low beam and the other for high beam, now I need to light up both which means I've got to use a diode. Need to know which is the best diode for this purpose?

Battery output: 12v, 4A
Headlight output: 12v, 35w
Xenon Ballast input voltage, 9-16v
 
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Post a schematic. If you have a single ballast and two arc lamps you can't run them both.
 
I have two ballast individually for both the lamps. But when i turn on the low beam one bulb lights up n for the high beam the other bulbs lights up. I need both the bulbs to light up when i turn on High beam. Th e output voltage for the bulb is 12v, 35w.
 

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[PLAIN]http://dl.dropbox.com/u/4222062/lamps.PNG

The diode would be carrying about 3 amps, but should be rated for about 6 amps. It would need to be the type you can mount on a heatsink. Insulate the heat sink from ground.
 
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