Beacon 2 taillight compatibility

The Beacon is compatible with most dynamo taillights, with the requirement that they do not ground to the bicycle frame.  Compatible taillights include:

  • Schmidt SON
  • B&M Secula
  • B&M Micro
  • B&M Toplight (see below regarding 'Brake' version)
  • Supernova E3
    • The E3 does not contain a standlight capacitor.  Therefore the Beacon, but not the E3 taillight, will remain on when stopped.
  • Exposure RedEye (with series resistor, see below)
    • The RedEye does not contain a standlight capacitor.  Therefore the Beacon, but not the RedEye taillight, will remain on when stopped.

Many other taillights are compatible.  Please contact us if you have any questions about a particular taillight.

Supernova E3 taillight

Beacon 2 is compatible with the Supernova E3 Taillight and does NOT require the extra 60Ω resistor that was recommended for Beacon 1.

Also note that the E3 does not contain its own standlight so it will not remain illuminated when the bike is stopped.

Exposure RedEye taillight

The Exposure RedEye can be used with the Beacon, although a 150Ω resistor is required to be wired in series between the Beacon and the RedEye.  Unlike the Supernova E3, where the resistor is a strong recommendation, it is a requirement for the RedEye - without it, the RedEye will short out the Beacon and put far too much power into the taillight.  A resistor rated for at least 1W is recommended.  

B&M BrakeTec taillights

We have heard of some issues with the B&M Toplight Line Brake Plus.  This taillight monitors the AC signal from the dynamo and blinks when it detects the bike slowing down quickly.  Due to the Beacon's DC taillight output the expectation is that the Brake feature will not work but the rest of the light will operate normally.  However, it appears that the taillight 'times out' after some period without seeing an AC signal and turns the taillight off.  If using a Toplight Line taillight, we recommend avoiding the Brake version, if possible.