FAQs Ladelux

The Ladelux electronics always draw the optimal power from the dynamo – depending on the dynamo type and riding speed up to approx. 14 W. The energy is stored in the headlight’s buffer battery and distributed to the different applications (low beam, high beam and USB charging).

The buffer battery operates in a range that ensures the low beam or standlight at any time. If the charge level is low the Ladelux automatically switches off the additional functions high beam and USB charging.

The low beam always remains active – so you are never left in the dark.

If you try to switch on the high beam when the charge level is low, the LED on the handlebar switch flashes three times. While riding, the battery recharges. After a few minutes (depending whether the low beam is used or not) at around 20 km/h, the Ladelux quickly regains a sufficient charge level.

General recommendation: charge your devices during the day – use low beam and high beam at night.

When the buffer battery is sufficiently charged the Ladelux provides stable 5 W / 1 A – independent of riding speed. The buffer battery compensates for speed fluctuations and can temporarily handle charging on its own.

For continuous operation (SON 28) the following applies:

• USB charging without low beam: from approx. 15 km/h
• USB charging with low beam: from approx. 20 km/h

If the dynamo delivers more power than is being used, the buffer battery is charged additionally. If no light is switched on, a long press on the handlebar switch indicates the charge level (1–4 white LED flashes). A single flash means a low charge level and that USB charging is currently not available.

If the buffer battery is sufficiently charged, the high beam can be switched on at any speed even when stationary. The buffer battery compensates for fluctuations.

If more power is available than required the battery continues to charge.

Continuous high beam operation with the SON 28 is possible from approx. 23 km/h – provided USB charging is not active at the same time.

Yes, this is possible. With a SON 28, USB charging can be maintained continuously at speeds of around 20 km/h with the low beam switched on without discharging the buffer battery.

The high beam can be switched on additionally. However, permanent operation of USB charging and high beam at the same time is not realistic at typical riding speeds, as the buffer battery will be drained fast.

In general: charge during the day, use the light at night.

No, the Ladelux can only be operated with a hub dynamo; the buffer battery cannot be charged externally.

Yes, the switch responds to light pressure on the housing surface – regardless of whether you are wearing gloves. This allows the high beam to be switched reliably at any time.

The Ladelux is approved according to German StVZO legal regulations.

The Ladelux is sensitive to electrical interference, so correct and fault-free wiring is essential.

All connections must be fully completed before initial operation.

We also recommend to slighty grease all plug connections with a small amount of bearing grease, because this will help to protect the system during wet conditions.

The dynamo connector must never be manipulated while the wheel is turning – neither during riding nor during installation.

After the Ladelux is activated, the internal buffer battery supplies power for about 4 minutes (standlight). Any work on the wiring or the connectors during this time can easily lead to short circuits and cause faults.

Soldering a SON Coaxial Connector is demanding and should only be done by experienced persons. Incorrect soldering can interfere with or damage the Ladelux.

Recommendation: use pre-assembled Coaxial Connectors or a pre-assembled Coaxial Cable (one side assembled, the other side open).

Rear lights are connected to the Ladelux via a SON Coaxial Connector plugged into the Ladelux Coaxial Socket. Soldering should only be carried out by experienced persons.

DC rear lights can be used. The Ladelux also provides a standlight function for the rear light.

Important: the rear light must not have any connection to the frame ground – especially with SL hub dynamos, older Shimano dynamos and Idworx bicycles.

Yes, this is possible. With self-grounding SON SL dynamos and older Shimano dynamos, the rear light must not have any connection to the frame ground.

On Idworx bicycles, the rear light cable connection must be removed from the wiring harness.

Inside the fork crown there is a distribution board. The Ladelux can be connected there however the rear light cable must be completely disconnected from the board (both poles) and connected exclusively to the rear light output of the Ladelux.
There must be no electrical connection to the frame.

Yes, with all 6 V / 3 W hub dynamos.
Not suitable: 6 V / 1.5 W hub dynamos.

With some older Shimano dynamos, one pole is connected to the frame ground. In this case, the rear light must not have an additional ground connection.

Yes, the Ladelux also works with the SONdelux. However, due to its low-drag design, it only delivers the same usable power as a SON 28 at higher speeds.

Guideline values:

• USB charging without light: from approx. 20 km/h
• USB charging with low beam: from approx. 25 km/h
• High beam: continuous operation only possible at higher speeds

Less ideal for slower riders; fully suitable for fast riders.

The SON 29 S is the most powerful SON dynamo: it reaches the output of a SON 28 earlier and delivers more energy at higher speeds.

It is well suited for users who need a lot of electrical power at lower speeds (continuous lighting and/or USB charging).

During very fast riding without electrical loads the overvoltage protection may activate, which can be felt as a slight vibration. This depends on the bicycle setup
(frame, fork, rim).

Riders who prefer maximum smoothness may go for the SON 28.

The connection cable on the Ladelux is 10cm long. For the handlebar switch the standard cable lengths are 20 cm or 40 cm. This is sufficient for handlebar mounting, aerobars, or the fork crown.

Extension cables in various lengths are available for special bicycles.

Important: extension cables must not be connected in series.

In most cases, there is an interruption or a short circuit. Even a brief fault is enough for the Ladelux to switch off the rear light supply.

Work on the rear light should only be carried out when the Ladelux is switched off.

The reset occurs automatically when the dynamo has supplied no power for 4 minutes.

A common cause is poorly soldered Coaxial Connectors.

The B&M Braketec Line brake light rear light is not compatible with the Ladelux. If a brake light is desired we recommend rear lights e.g. from the B&M brex series.

Please check the plug connection at the smartphone and the magnetic connector at the handlebar switch for dirt and clean them if necessary.

For stable charging, the buffer battery must be sufficiently charged. If USB charging repeatedly switches on and off, disconnect USB and continue riding for a few minutes, during the day without the light. After about 10 minutes at around 20 km/h, stable charging should work again.

Backup tip: carry a second charging cable for longer tours.

The electronics can draw several times the nominal 3 W output from the dynamo depending on the situation. On very light or stiff bicycles this can lead to noticeable vibrations.

An axle that is not tightened sufficiently can intensify this effect. If in doubt remove the axle, apply grease and tighten it firmly.

With a fully charged buffer battery and at high speeds, the voltage limiter may also become active – especially with the SON 29 S. This is normal and harmless.

If the electrical connection to the hub dynamo has an intermittent contact or a brief short circuit the Ladelux will run only on its buffer battery, switch to standlight mode, and turn itself off after 4 minutes.

Check whether the cables and connector to the hub dynamo are in proper condition. The low beam should become noticeably brighter when you spin the front wheel quickly.

Warning: never connect or disconnect the Ladelux connector while the wheel is turning.

Performance problems may sometimes be caused during or after ongoing wet conditions.
Disconnect the plug connection between the headlight and the switch, dry and clean both sides with compressed air, spray/rinse with penetrating oil, blow dry again, carefully apply a small amount of bearing grease to both sides, then reconnect. This will also help to prevent corrosion caused by (salty) water entering the connection over time.

Below freezing temperatures a temperature sensor prevents the buffer battery from charging.

USB charging and high beam are then disabled; the low beam continues to work.

As soon as the inside of the Ladelux is warm enough again, all functions are available as normal. Operation in sub-zero temperatures is possible, but the headlight requires a short warm-up period.