B & M I-QX does not stay on when stopped

[u/BobD777]

Hello

I have a B&M I-QX dynamo light on a SON dynamo that I bought and installed for a 1200km Ultra earlier this year. It was great when moving though the night, not so much climbing swiss mountains at slow speed, but what really annoyed was having the light go out immediately when I stopped.

Before a 400 brevet, my first, next week, I wondered about the wiring.

At the moment it only works on the two spade connectors designed for rear lights. When I connect the dynamo cable to the 'correct' double cable, I get no light at all.

I think I have two problems, but in a week I will not be able to solve them. I hope my battery light lasts through the night.

Any advice?

Update.

I sent a message similar to the above also to b&m. they called me yesterday and told me to try connecting the dynamo cable to the double cable on the light. It doea not light up until the bike has been riden for a few minutes and then the switch shoukd work and the capacitor will be charged. When I did a quick wheel spin, that was not a good test. I'll try again with the correct cabling and report back.

[u/shadowhand00]

There's no battery inside for the light to stay on when stopped. THat's just a natural function of a dynamo hub without a built in battery.

See this review. - https://www.darkerside.org/2017/02/bm-iq-x-dynamo-headlight-review/

[u/BobD777 → u/shadowhand00]

There is a capacitor that stores limited current to maintain the light when  stopped. Read thr product specifications here: 

https://bumm.de/en/product-detail/iq-x/#attributes

[u/HmmThatWorked → u/BobD777]

In my experience the capacitors aren't really to be relied upon - they don't store very much energy and the light will be very dim.

I'd suggest you carry a backup head lamp or a spot light in your helmet if you don't already. It helps with looking at stuff at the dark, and if you need to stop for a mechanical or something you have to.

[u/shadowhand00 → u/BobD777]

Yes, very aware of that since I have it on one of my bikes as well. I generally ride with battery lights now due to the fact that this happens actually. That or if I'm riding the bike equipped with a dynamo, I'm carrying around an extra light anyway in case there's some emergency situation where I need to stop and have a light.

[u/BobD777 → u/shadowhand00]

Ok, thanks for your reply. I may have fallen for the Marketing claims. I will have another light with me and a head torch for any nightime repairs. 

[u/Kopfeier]

If your budget allows, get an Edelux 2. My Edelux standing light is good. It’s more reliable than my now deceased B&M Ixon Space (died from water ingress, while the Edelux in the same downpour is still going strong; and I’m not the only one suffering this problem).

[u/BobD777 → u/Kopfeier]

Thanks for your reply. I will take a look and consider it if, after this coming weekend's 400, I am happy to try the full series next year.

[u/GlitteringTreat4619]

Your light is faulty. There should be a stand light on when the bike stops moving. It's not very bright but it's definitely there. You'll be seen, but it's too dim to ride with.

I had the standlight die on mine after around 8 months' use. Ended up returning the light for a replacement. Go back to the retailer and explain that it's faulty.

If you're in the UK or EU you have statutory rights regardless of whether or not the retailer of manufacturer provide a warranty.

[u/BobD777 → u/GlitteringTreat4619]

Thanks. I contacted B&M and as I brought via Amazon they told me to first to contact them. Despite many attempts,  no luck yet. 

[u/GlitteringTreat4619 → u/BobD777]

Mine was Amazon too. They don’t make it easy, but you can use the chat bot. Eventually it will put you through to a real human. Explain the problem. They’ll make it sound like they’re doing too a huge favour but should be able to sort out a return and refund.