This is going to be my first build. I’ve decided I want to try a Convoy S2+ triple. But there is still a lot more to figure out. I need your input.
Fixed parameters:
Host: |
Convoy S2+ (Powder coated by 3Tronics) |
Batteries: |
1x 18650 |
Pill: |
Hoop’s copper S2+ heatsink w/ driver retaining ring |
Driver: |
17mm |
MCPCB: |
20mm |
Note for other NOOBs like me: I was initially confused because some people talk about the S2+ taking a 16mm MCPCB, but others talk about using a 20mm MCPCB in their S2+ builds. Turns out both are correct – the pill from Convoy has an opening for the MCPCB that is 16.3mm but when using a different pill like Hoop's, or using the stock pill + spacer, you have a 20mm surface.
I now need to figure out -
- Emitters
- MCPCB
- Driver
- Direct vs. linear
- Driver software
- Driver configuration (for some drivers)
- Optics
- Anything else?
I have been doing my homework - some of the posts I've read include:
7/2014 - LSX – Convoy S2 Triple Nichia 219B Build - Complete!!
10/2015 - fatboy - Help me choose components for a convoy S2+ triple
3/2015 - keltex78 - Convenient budget spacer for Triple EDC found... @ Lowe's!
1/2017 - Jerommel - S2+ KD 219C triple build and questions
12/2016 - sp5it - S2+ host build question
Emitters
- Nichia 219B, 219C, or Cree XP-L HI
Driver
- Mtn: FET Driver - 17mm
- Mtn: FET Driver - 2S+ Momentary - 17mm
- Mtn: FET + 7135 Driver - 17mm - MTN-17DDm
- Bistro SW supported on attiny25
- Texas Avenger "TA-17" Driver - assembled by Lexel
Driver software
- Bistro
- Narsil
- Other
MCPCB
- Noctigon 3XP / 3UP Triple Copper MCPCB
- Diameter: 20mm, Thickness: 1.75mm,
- Copper MCPCB for XP series (XP-E2, XP-G2, XP-L), XT-E, 3535, Nichia 219B, Nichia 219C
- Direct thermal path
- User configurable LED connection, parallel or series
- KDLIGHT Triple 3TP-20
- Diameter: 20mm, Thickness: 1.0mm
- XP Series / Nichia 219 Series / 3535 LEDs
- Direct thermal path
Optics
- 10507 Carclo Lens - 3-UP Narrow Spot Optic
(Diameter: 20mm, Height: 6mm) - 10508 Carclo Lens - 3-UP Frosted Medium Spot Optic
- 10509 Carclo Lens - 3-UP Frosted Wide Spot Optic
- 10510 Carclo Lens - 3-UP Elliptical
- 10511 Carclo Lens - 3-UP Frosted Narrow Spot Optic
Anything else?
I am leaning towards Kaidomain’s “Triple Nichia 219C Neutral White 4000K CRI92 LED Emitter with 20mm x 1mm DTP Copper MCPCB (Parallel) w/ optics” because that ticks off the emitters, MCPCB, and Optics for a very nice price. But ignoring the price, I am also looking for arguments for other options instead of the KD Triple Nichia package.
One major question I have is which driver to use? Are there ones that are better for a Nichia triple? Why better? Because they drive more current? Because they shutdown and prevent accidents? Because the software they support? Because you like the color of the board?
This is a learning exercise for me. Any suggestions or comments are welcome. Thanks!