The H1-A driver in question uses a PIC 12F683 microcontroller, so it should be programmable unless they locked it. We just need to reverse engineer the control scheme. I have been doing some testing on the new KD boost drivers, and they do live up to their claims.
Will be throwing one of these in a Convoy C8 I have modified soon.
Can’t comment on the KD C8 with the XHP50.2, but I finally finished my Convoy C8 with XHP50.2 today. Running an H2 3000K 80+ CRI with a KD H1-A driver using R020 resistor mod for about 3.5A to the emitter. Beam is wonderful! I’m not a big throw guy, and the XHP50.2 makes the C8 a more general purpose light than a thrower.
It is the latest version with integrated shelf. I had to modify the driver hole and the driver to get it in there.
For the driver I filed down the edges right up to the via holes in the ground ring, this allows it to just barely fit where the stock retaining ring sits.
From there I machined out the 17mm driver spot to the same size as the retaining ring threads, leaving just a small 1-2mm shelf for the driver to sit on. Then it just assembles as normal and everything fit perfect.
Convoy could easily modify the driver pocket in production to fit a 20mm driver, very minimal changes. Retaining ring I did not modify at all, so the center opening is already large enough.
The mod could be done with hand tools, or a dremel if you have a steady hand, but I have access to a lathe, so it was much faster and easier using that.
I have a very similar light with the same host (UltraFire C8 on gearbest), and the host is not bad (not as good as a Convoy C8) but for $4, I would say let’s go!
Nah, chances are it’s a POS. Thin-wall tube, LatticeBrite LED, plastic reflector, thin crappy undersized Al pill, probably a generic cheap switch.
I got a bunch of C8 clones to use as hosts… not worth the ag. By the time you get done swapping out the crap, you could just buy a real genuine Convoy host and get quality.
If you’re not gonna overstress them, like pushing 1A-2A or so through UV, deep-red, etc. LEDs, no prob. But if you intend on pushing them harder and cranking out more heat, nope.
Hello, below some pictures of KDlitker C8.2, compared to Convoy C8 clear - I would describe it as C8 XML on steroids - not that much throw, but very wide hotspot.
XHP 35 with single 18650 is not good idea. Boost driver from 3,6V to 12V is expensive, low efficient, bulky, low runtime etc.
That is why at the moment best achievement with good battery is around 1600 - 1400 lumens and that for short period of time.
This KDLITKER C8.2 Cree XHP50.2 White 6000 – 3000K depending on LED, 2600 Lumens
sounds very interesting.
Any info about step down timer in high (2600 lumens) mode?