For the 2*AA / 2*AAA lights, you'd be way better off using three 2/3AA's and three 2/3AAA's respectively. They are only around 700mAh for 2/3AA's and 400mAh for 2/3AAA's, but 2x alkalines / 2x NiMH's would barely light the LED up at all, while those 2/3 types would shine in direct-drive.
You can get both types at batteriesinaflash.com, for something like $2 - $2.5/piece.
(or two 14500's (Li-Ion or LiFePO4) and a buck driver, but I doubt that'd fit + I heard you like direct-drive)
I looked at that stuff, but I didn’t want to mess with custom spacers, since the stack ups would be 20+mm shorter for the 2/3AA and 10+ for the 2/3AAA, but it’s an idea. No way to charge them either. It’s not that I like direct drive, I just cannot solder tiny wires on tiny drivers. I always ruin them or short them out.
I just figured Alkalines would give them 3V for a little while at least, but maybe it's a waste. Guess I will have to test one with 2 Alkalines.
Of course, another way is to just leave them as Incans. After all, these are all just shelf queens anyhow. That way I wouldn't have to screw with all this crap. Just dress 'em up and leave it at that. I hesitated to mess with the AA/AAA, because basically, they are a real pain, but I just thought the trio would look good on a shelf. Make the 2D into a 3AA XM-L and leave the others as is, except for dressing them up. Not a bad idea really...
Ya, that would work. I don’t have any Li batts or chargers. I could always make the dummies and then sell them and let whoever got them worry about getting the Li batts. It’s an idea.
I happen to have One of them. Does anyone in the US happen to have one of these? I hate to order from KD and let this all sit for three weeks, but if no one has one, I will have to...
Is that driver new? I've been searching 2AA drivers a long time now and the only one that seemed good to me was the DX one. This one seems pretty nice, tho its only 13mm..
Lots still too large for the AAA. Also, keep in mind that even NiMH AAA cells would struggle to put out the amount of current needed to keep this thing pushing out that much output. I'd use the 700mA driver on the AA and the AAA driver from Illumination Supply in the AAA cut down to 1XAAA. If you don't want to cut it down then I can make a spacer and drop it off with Craig to send to you along with that driver.
Not too large with the AAA. It will be done just like the AA that Match modded (I have too). 13mm will go right in the head, after boring it out.
I have used AAA Eneloops in P7 lights for 3-4 years. In fact I still have one. They work well and they last for about 10-15 minutes DD on a P7 C bin. I don't think it will be an issue with a 1000ma driver. They take much more than they are rated at, just like the Eneloop AA batts. It won't be a long lasting light, but it should still do 1/2 hour with a 1000ma driver (depending on how efficient the driver is and the resistance in the setup).
I certainly appreciate your offer and I am constantly amazed at the knowledge here. It really is very nice to recieve these ideas and it makes me think. If there's any problem with the driver setup, I will let you know and will try the one you suggested.
I don’t think it’s new, I’ve seen it for a long time on the KD site. I got it for an AAA Copper light I was going to make and never did, since it’s the smallest I have seen that gives at least 1000ma, which is probably really 800ma at best.