Would be a good test subject for Tido's programs. (Update 2: I guess now it is. ;-) )
Update 1: Pics are outdated too, because under the new SKU they don't come pre-wired.
Update 2: Apparently the NEW KaiDOMAIN now sells the AK-A1 version ($13.99 for 5 = 2.80 for 1)
For those of you who hate strobes like myself, there is also the Shiningbeam variant of this driver. ... A little more expensive, but a lot less annoying.
That's the 101, not the newer 101-AK. I think the cap at the lower right corner of the ATtiny would block the debugging clip from being attached. I just ordered a handfull of these http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=10996. If you order three or more, they cost less than $3 a piece. They only have 3x 7135, but I'm planning to upgrade them with the spare chips I'm going to harvest from this one http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=10995
Beyond the probable inability to externally flash program the 101, are there any other negatives to the 101 when compared to the 101-AK (diver efficiency, memory, heat buildup, etc?) I need 1400 mA but don't need the user programmable mode groups of the 101-AK.
It's just an earlier revision. They probably had some problems with the microcontroller because of the missing buffer cap. It has been added it here in a quick'n'dirty way, so it should work now.
Thanks, that'll save me having to mod a bunch of 101-AK's (adding the additional 7135). Is there a better multimode budget driver with good regulation that you might recommend for for the XPG? Id like to see between 1.4 - 1.6A on 1 x 18650. 7135's work alright but I'm not to fond of the current drop as the battery becomes depleted. I'm also not looking to spend "the sandwich shop" prices for drivers. Thanks for all your expertise. When I have more time, I plan on gearing up to program my own drivers – thanks to your excellent tutorial in your other thread.
All of these are 7135 boards. It's a linear regulator which means anything above the voltage it needs is just wasting power (ie it doesn't get any brighter). Waste too much power and it gets really hot. It supposedly cuts about 0.2-0.3v itself, so output may drop as the battery does.
Thank you, and exactly why I asked for something without 7135's and good regulation in post #5. Any ideas? I want good flat regulation @ 1.4 - 1.6A without dimming on 1 x 18650.
If you want to still use 1 cell, you're essentially looking for a buck/boost which don't exist AFAIK in this price range.
If >=2 cells, you can get something like this http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26110. It's a bit over 1A default, but change the sense resistor (variable possible) and it can be anything up to 2A
BTW, why is lack of dimming that important? Even up to 50% dimming is not that big of a deal.
You can make it without strobe by soldering the two pins from the bottom right corner of the Atmel chip. If you look closely that's what Shningbeam did too.
You can also buy this driver from Intl-Outdoor.com, the updated version 101-AK-A1
The KD and SB now are the AK-A1 variant, too . I have 5 KD and 2 SB here and yes SB connected the 2 lower right pins of the MCU, but you have to be very careful if you do the procedure on the KDs or IODs yourself, otherwise you end up with one massive solder blob on all pins. Pros with the right equipments I would recommend the cheaper ones and beginners and people that only have a "Brateisen" soldering iron the more expensive one from SB. (wires come pre-soldered, too)
