Test/Review of LD-33 Triple XM-L 2.6A 9-17V Circuit board

It's likely the clicky version and momentary version are using different firmware.

Very likely—it also seems there are two versions—one that takes a lower block of voltage that can power 1x LED @ 3A, and another that can power 3x LEDs in series @ 3A but requires 2-4 cells.

Very likely—it also seems there are two versions—one that takes a lower block of voltage that can power 1x LED at 3A, and another that can power 3x LEDs in series at 3A but requires 2-4 cells.

My reputation with electrical components is well and truly alive. I bought this led hoping to use it in the OL comp. Having learnt to test everything electrical at all stages to prevent assembling something that does not work testing was commenced.

Someone mentioned above that some batches of these drivers work on 1 to 3 leds I decided to hook up one led to start. It worked fine with 3 modes but had a maximum of 1.5 amps input at about 7.5 volts upwards when the led died. Being an led (yes it was on a heatsink) I put it down to previous abuse and old age so replaced it with another. Yep, it died instantly. Thinking that this driver may not be for 1 led I hooked up 3 in series. Damn. The whole lot blew instantly. Would anyone like to take a guess at where I screwed up. I dont know whether to get another or try something different as this is all rather expensive.

I did check the output voltage with the 3 leds in series after they blew and it was around 15 volts but there was no load from the leds.

What input voltage?

I started at about 7.5 volts and did not really get over about 12 volts.

How do you zap 3 series (XML? XML2?)'s with only 12 volts? And how did you get 15v out with the LEDs disconnected with a 12v input? It's not a boost driver...

I had one of these in the past. Not sure if I killed it, or of it wasnt working properly. Guessing it was me.. Same mistake.. Was just going to do a quick test on a single emitter.. Bad idea.. Afterwards the driver was pretty much direct drive and did not work properly at all. Never used one afterwards.. I have a feeling the driver will die if you use it on a single emitter and 2-3 cells. And so will the emitter as long as its basically direct drive with too high voltage..

Recieved two LD-33 drivers today... Might use one (or two?) for my contest build.. Ill do some testing beyond what they are really supposed to do.. Ill update if I ruin them. :p

Good point. I more than likely had the power supply up around that voltage at the time, 15V after I'd given up. This was a few nights ago and my memory is not the best when its good.

This sounds like it. If I damaged the driver on the single led and then hooked three leds up and the driver was direct driving 3 leds of the power supply it could well of killed them.

btw, sorry to hear about your loss Steve.

In case you want to buy more of these drivers:

Less than 7$ from Banggood with coupon code "BLF" :

Quantiy of 5 from Aliexpress. 5,7$ a piece (this seller can usually lower the quantity, atleast if you buy other items from him)

http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-LD33-flashlight-circuit-board-Can-connect-three-xml-LEDs-in-series/330416_1023485184.html

Thanks RaceR86. That's where this one came from.

How does the driver sense the number of batteries? I want to use it with 10*NiMh (AA) thus the settings for 3* LIPO would be perfect… 4*LIPO-Settings could eventually start “flashing” too early.

It looks at the voltage. As you can see I did my test for 3 batteries starting at 13 volt, this means that somewhere above 13 volt (And not much above) it will assume 4 batteries.

It’s a shame :frowning: My Pack starts at 13,5 :-\

Does this work with 1xMT-G2 and 3x18650 (3S)? http://cnqualitygoods.com/goods.php?id=1633

How does it know the difference between 3 cells at 4.0v each (12v) and 4 cells dead empty at 3.0v each (also 12v)? :~

Usual empty cells are more like 3.3 volt and that is just at the switching point.

This also means that if it once report cells empty, it is a bad idea to turn it off and then on again, because then you risk detecting the 4 cells as 3 cells.

Continuous short circuit increases current. Short-term short circuit reduces. It is also possible to disconnect absolutely.

Hi guys! My ld33 drowned, and apparently, one smd fell off and dissapeared , who can tell what was there?