2D Maglite Tri XM-L U2 1C **PIC HEAVY**

@dthrckt: Wait, I think I'm lost.. Yes, I was measuring output to LEDs with 2 cells. Measuring input wattage to the driver? Hmm, that would be batteries voltage (under load) x tailcap current = 7.78 x 3.75 = 29-30 Watts?

Calculating for efficiency using Vbatt x Ibatt x Efficiency = Vf x If

Efficiency = (Vf x If) / (Vbatt x Ibatt)

Efficiency= (9.2 x 2.4) / (7.78 x 3.75) x 100 = 75.68% efficient

Not calculating other losses such as internal resistance on the switch and tail cap.

@atbglenn: Thank you!

that's what I meant (output, input, efficiency)

but i thought you were getting 22 watts to emitters with ONE cell :) which is why i was pretty excited lol

anyway, 75% beats the pants off the last driver I tested efficiency on

Ahah, sorry about that. The driver could be around 80% efficient if you factor out the resistance from the tail cap, switch, wires.

if you don't mind I'll fwd a link for this thread to ian mander. he maintains this driver db http://www.videofoundry.co.nz/ianman/laboratory/research/driverlist.php

so, would you say (at least visually) you get decent output w/ the single cell?

I don't mind! I say there is a bit of decreased output with only 1 cell, but it does work. It draws about 2A on a single cell.

ok, i'll email him.

thanks, for the info.

@dthrckt: Apparently you can just ask Kaidomain and they'll send you one without the low voltage protection - http://kaidomain.com/product/browsediscussions/111

@jufran88: Great build, thanx for sharing! Is it possible you can perhaps test the light with 2 x 18650's and let us know if they can supply the same level of amps than the 2 x 26650's. Also, which Ledil Boom reflector did you use (S/M/W) and where did you get them from?

I will probably try that! thanks for letting me know.

and yes, thanks again jufran for sharing.

if you want a tighter spot, the Ledil Reginas work well with XM-Ls, you just have to hand ream out the hole to 7-7.5mm first. I've never actually used a Boom SS (although I have one in my bits box) but I've used Reginas a lot. I personally don't much like the bright spot/dimmer spill of reflectors, so I've moved over almost entirely to TIR optics for my bike lights (different requirements though), but the Regina is one of the best throwing 20mm reflectors for XM-L.

oh, great build too BTW :)

Nice clean build, thanks for posting this.

Wow, really nice buid!

A question, though, can you edit your original post and include the links for reflectors and lens (and any other parts sourced from the net)?

More pics of the pill and the assembly would be nice too. ;)

Thanks for the post!

Viktor

Sorry guys for the late responses. I been away and just got home from work. I have gotten some outdoor shots when me and my girlfriend went up Mt. Hamilton for a drive. I also got some outdoor shots of my DRY. I'll post a comparison later.

Here they are!!

High (Sorry this was the first shot I took and didn't notice it was blurry)

Med

Low



@Lothar: I'll try it! I'll post up some info when I get the chance to do it! I used the Boom MC-E spot reflectors. The OP has been updated with the link! :beer:

@mattthemuppet: Ooh, I might try that. It seems its a bit longer than the Boom reflectors, so maybe I need to trim the inside so the heat sink can sit lower. I noticed with these boom reflectors that there is some light escaping the bottom so I'm losing a little bit of output there.

@Old-Lumens: Thank you!

@viktori: I will update it!

Wow! Very nice!

@fishinfool: thanks!!

I forgot to add this picture

It just started sprinkling when I started taking these pictures.

This is an awesome build.

jealousFoy

thanks foy! :)

I thought the squiggles in the pics were the other, littler, photons getting scared away by the big boys. Great build, and thanks for sharing all the details. This is the sort of thing I'd love to do. Just gotta claw through a few other pending projects...

Lol, thanks! I'm planning on doing a few more builds, just gotta find some more time to get to do them. :beer:

Hmm, Ledil Boom reflectors with the XM-L... How far does the beam throw?

It can throw pretty far, but it floods better. I haven't actually tried to measure how far it can throw so I'm guessing at least 150-200 ft? It's kind of blurry in the first picture which the light was on high, but you can tell you can see up the hills a bit.