I've been reading a lot of your comments on flashlight suggestions, and I appreciate your input so far. Right now, I am considering the merits of the current Blaster II, which uses a resistor to limit power, to a two D cell version (Blaster VI size), that uses a regulator. I'm so impressed with two D cells and a regulator, I'm wondering if it is a logical choice that most people would prefer over the larger size of the 3 D cell flashlight. I'm thinking of a maximum brightness constant brightness type regulator. The other option it the micropuck, which I've seen get 24 hours of decent brightness. The micropuck does gradually go less bright. A circuit like Wayne Yamaguchi's BB500 would give constant brightness, but would yield shorter battery life.
I like the idea of a two D cell maximum brightness voltage regulated Blaster. But I also like the maxium battery life. Any further comments?
Wayne j
paulr
05-04-2003, 02:18 PM
I think people obsess a little too much about constant brightness, especally given the constant color of LED's. I don't mind some loss in brightness over the runtime. So I'm fine with a Madmax or Micropuck.
Three D's seem a little marginal for a resistored light. To get the most useful energy from an alkaline you have to discharge down to 1 volt per cell or lower. With three cells that's well below the Vf of a typical Luxeon. I'm guessing that's why typical resistored mass produced LED lights (PT Attitude) use four cells instead of three. There are some three cell lights but they may either use selected low-Vf LED's, sacrifice brightness, or take a hit in battery runtime. Keep in mind also that some people will want to use rechargeables, which are just 1.2 volts per cell.
Finally, if you're concerned about the runtime/brightness tradeoff, the obvious answer is adjustable brightness. This is seen in many commercial lights from the Photon III to the Surefire L1. But no modders seem to be doing it yet. Maybe you can be the first.
lemlux
05-04-2003, 02:25 PM
Wayne:
You appear to build a 2.2 Ohm resistor into your Blaster VI as your standard configuration. I've also seen someone indicate that they persuaded to sell them one with a 1.1 Ohm resistor.
I intend to purchase some 3AA to D adapters from you to run in Mr. Bulk 2D with a DD 5 watter. I wonder if you would be willing / able to modify one @ of the 3AA to D adapters I will buy from you to include a 2.2 Ohm resistor and the another with a 1.0 Ohm resistor? Is there sufficient room?
Can you do the same with your 3 * 123 to 2D adapter? Here I'm interested in keeping a pair of 150 mm Li-Ions from burning out a 5Watter. 2 150mm long Li-Ions drive a 5 Watter much harder than 3 * 123.
woodbender
05-04-2003, 02:39 PM
Wayne...I would buy one. I love my Blaster. This is my favorite overall light, but it is bigger than others. My second favorite is a 2d mag that I put a 1w star, 30mm optic, and micropuck. I would't mind either configuration(micropuck or regulated). The great thing about a 2d version is that you could use d size batteries, or use your 3 to d holders and use rechargeables or even lithiums if desired. My only concern for a constant current regulator is the run time, but with rechargeables it wouldn't bother me too much.
If I had to choose, I would go constant brightness.
Bullzeyebill
05-04-2003, 02:40 PM
Wayne, what do you think the constant run time of a 2D cell lite, driven at Blaster II+ amperage would be delivering 3000-4000 lux.
Shark
05-04-2003, 08:27 PM
I like the idea of a 2D regulated 1 W either with the puck or the BB and would most likely buy one and I also would like a 3D regulated 5 W have you given any consideration to the latter.
Thanks Bill
ElektroLumens
05-04-2003, 11:08 PM
[ QUOTE ]
Bullzeyebill said:
Wayne, what do you think the constant run time of a 2D cell lite, driven at Blaster II+ amperage would be delivering 3000-4000 lux.
[/ QUOTE ]
I cannot say for sure. I do have a regulator that uses a MAX757, which I designed and built a long time ago. I used to get 2 hours on two AA's, at 350mA, about 6 hours from two C cells. I don't remember about D cells. I would assume about 12 hours. Now it also depends on the efficiency of the regulator, and the current run at. It would have to maintain at least 500mA for the 3,000 lux range. I do not know how long this is. However, I have some of Wayne Y's regulators coming, one being the variable regulator, so I can do some experimenting and battery life run tests.
Wayne
bucken
05-05-2003, 04:32 AM
I know you asked our opinion about a 2D-sized light, but I would still prefer a 1D-size. It would be powered by one of your 3-to-D holders, using 3AA's. I know the run time would be diminished, but still would probably be long enough for most automobile emergencies. I would have at least one of these in each car, and so probably would many others.
ElektroLumens
05-05-2003, 09:04 AM
[ QUOTE ]
bucken said:
I know you asked our opinion about a 2D-sized light, but I would still prefer a 1D-size. It would be powered by one of your 3-to-D holders, using 3AA's. I know the run time would be diminished, but still would probably be long enough for most automobile emergencies. I would have at least one of these in each car, and so probably would many others.
[/ QUOTE ]
I have a 1 D cell aluminum flashlight, which is a retrofit. If you are interested in it, send me an email. It uses 3 AA batteries, a 1 watt batwing, and a 30mm optics. It is exactly what you are asking for.
Here is a link to a web page I did on this mod:
1D 1W Mod (http://elektrolumens.com/Ledcorp/Ledcorp_LS_30mm_Mod.html)
Wayne
ElektroLumens
05-05-2003, 09:09 AM
I can produce a two D cell flashlight (Blaster VI), using a 1 watt lambertian Luxeon Star, and a micropuck, and sell it for about $56.99.
I want your 2D mod of Blaster III. Please see email. Bill
Darkcobra
05-05-2003, 10:50 AM
I'm going to hi-jack the post here for a sec please /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif
But I would be interested in a 1D cell flashlight with max brightness for me! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Thanks
mhejl
05-05-2003, 10:58 AM
Oh! Can I have the VI with the micropuck or, better yet, a bb500??? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif
bucken
05-05-2003, 11:05 AM
Wayne,
Thanks for the offer on the 1D retrofit, but the quality just can't be as good as your Blaster series. I'll pass on the offer, in hopes that you might someday build your own version.
IsaacHayes
05-05-2003, 03:48 PM
I'd like to see a comparison of the 2DR vs 3D blasters. Like brightness, and brightness over time. Wondering how much brighter the 3D would be over the 2DR using micropuck, and then if the micropuck would keep it brighter for longer than the 3D as it trails down.. what do you think?
The Yeti
05-05-2003, 06:16 PM
At this time I use 2 lights, a CMG ultra 1AA thing, and a 6 volt lantern battery in a big flashlight. The other flashlight I have is a inretech cyan but I have found that white or somewhat white is much more useful.
One of my main concerns with a flashlight is how I will carry it when I am out and about. I can carry the minim@g and the CMG in my pants pocket no problem, but the minim@g rarely puts out a very usable light, though it is good for showing off.
I am looking for a light which will fit in the pocket of my jacket, or in a fanny pack, and unless I replace my fanny pack, a 3D is just too long.
Ideal would be a single D or a pair of Ds. I am looking forward to finding out what you finally do.
robk
05-05-2003, 08:32 PM
Yeti,
drop a BB400 in that minimag and you will probably find it a whole lot more useful. I've got three of them now, (waiting on a Brinkmann to make 4) and I must say they are quite bright and reliable for the price.
Rob
Shark
05-06-2003, 12:05 AM
[ QUOTE ]
ElektroLumens said:
I can produce a two D cell flashlight (Blaster VI), using a 1 watt lambertian Luxeon Star, and a micropuck, and sell it for about $56.99.
ElektroLumens said:
I can produce a two D cell flashlight (Blaster VI), using a 1 watt lambertian Luxeon Star, and a micropuck, and sell it for about $56.99.
Wayne
[/ QUOTE ]
Any possibility of beamshots between the 1 watt LS 2D Blaster VI and 3 D Blaster II? Puleeez? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
across the pond
05-07-2003, 05:25 PM
Well, I can get 500mA in a bb'd minim@g (why does everyone do th@t? do m@g ind. do web trawls for references to their products?) so I'd be looking for more in a larger flashlight - like 700mA. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
I've been thinking about the 2cell regulated issue, and maybe too much current is needed to efficiently drain the batteries at their voltage drops...
So, I'd also back a step-down regulator (aren't they more efficient?) and 6 or 8 AA in a 2D-size body. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Bullzeyebill
05-07-2003, 08:52 PM
I know 500mA does not sound like much, however it is Wayne's collimator utilizing every lumen that does the trick. I too would like output to be 700mA to the led. What about regulator? Doesn't it use up some power. Would Blaster 2D have same mA to led?
ElektroLumens
05-08-2003, 12:04 AM
I received my shipment from Yamaguchi. I now have a BB750 (for a 5W), a BB500, and a variable Madmax.
I'll try to get a beamshot comparison of the micropuck, BB500, and a Blaster II.
Pushing 500mA constant to the 1W LS will really shorten the battery life quite a bit. The micropuck drives it about 350mA, and gradually drops off. This lets the batteries go on quite a while.
The 2Ds with a micropuck initially put out about 2,800 lux at 1 meter, which is pretty bright.
I'm also looking at another circuit, something quite different from anything else around. Actually a buck/boost circuit. Nothing definate now. But you could use 6 or 9 AAs, and power either the 1W or a 5W, just by changing a jumper on the board, or a remote switch.
Wayne
Entropy
05-08-2003, 01:16 PM
For those concerned with battery life - What about a 4D light with a step-down regulator such as the one georges80 uses for his Land Cruiser lighting mods? Such a light would last an eternity...
BrightLight
05-08-2003, 10:10 PM
Personally, I'd buy a 2-D (Blaster VI, like I already have) with a regulator so it held 2 actual D cells, and a 5-W luxeon. Given battery prices, the most power/$ is with D's.
ElektroLumens
05-08-2003, 10:24 PM
[ QUOTE ]
BrightLight said:
Personally, I'd buy a 2-D (Blaster VI, like I already have) with a regulator so it held 2 actual D cells, and a 5-W luxeon. Given battery prices, the most power/$ is with D's.
[/ QUOTE ]
To run a 5W with a step up regulator from two D cells is very difficult. The large voltage gap is the problem. Threee D cells will work, or even better is 4 cells.
Wayne
ElektroLumens
05-10-2003, 08:10 PM
Here's a run time brightness test for a 1 watt Luxeon Star with a micropuck, 2 Eveready alkalines:
Well, I'll need to do this again with brand new D cells. Only 3 hours and 15 minutes this test. This can't be right. I'll run it again.
Wayne
woodbender
05-10-2003, 08:35 PM
Wayne...Does the first run time test use 2D cells? I'm assuming it did, but you don't mention it. Look forward to the rest of the second run test.
Bullzeyebill
05-10-2003, 08:57 PM
Wayne, that micropuck is doing Ok with two D cells. I ran my Blaster III for 17 hours, starting out with batteries at 4.7 volts, and light was still very bright, about like your head lamp with new batteries. I bet a three C cell regulated lite would be about perfect. Would have almost same size as 2D, thinner grip, and same run time, or better than 2D. Bill
