IOS Boost 1/2*AA, CR123A Circuit board review

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I have used this driver (http://www.intl-outdoor.com/boost-12aa-cr123a-circuit-board-p-537.html?zenid=16c83db665ac2f2fd20f476b2446c278) in a kit flashlight that I have reviewed here. https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/11505

Match asked a question that I was dreading. Quote ''Also, on that driver...do you have a way of measuring actual emitter current along with tailcap current? I'm curious to see if it delivers the 600ma/1cell and 1000ma/2cell outputs it claims."

With the help of my son, sixty five thumbs and trusty DMM we arrived at the following list of numbers that may or may not make any sense. With different batteries the current reading will more than likely be different. Memory works without a hitch and the modes are well spaced. To sum up I'm happy with my first AA driver.

Mode

Tail cap amps

Led amps

LED voltage

Single Turnigy AA 2200 mAh LSD battery. Starting voltage 1.4v.

High

2.4

.4

2.96

Medium

.72

.15

2.34

Low

.06

.06

2.16

Two Turnigy AA 2200 mAh LSD batteries in series. Starting voltage 2.8v.

High

1.65

.71

3.07

Medium

.35

.2

2.33

Low

.17

.08

2.13

Just a quick update for this driver with Lifepo4 batteries. I have not taken any measurements with this battery at the LED. Just a couple of pictures comparing high with a AA NiMH Turnigy and a 14500 Lifepo4.

Firstly the NiMH measuring at the time 2.45 amps at the tailcap.

And secondly the Lifepo4 battery at .9 amps at the tailcap.

Mouse over anyone please. Thanks.

2

Slightly disappointing that it can't deliver a full amp but it still is fairly impressive off of 1*AA. Do you know it is ok to go up to 4.2 or should one only use lifepo4 14500 batteries? Thanks for the test. :)

3

scaru wrote, I'm looking forward to seeing the fixed table. From what I can tell it is only able to deliver 700 ma with 2*AA or 400 ma with 1*AA.

Yes it does under perform compared to the web site specs. I dont know whether it is my batteries or that is all that it is capable of doing. Light output wise though I'm a happy camper. Cheers.

4

I doubt it is your batteries, I have drawn 3 amps from those batteries just fine.

5

scaru, it appears we are playing tennis and you just aced me. When I checked with Hank his reply was that 3.7 volts was the maximum input voltage hence my other post on what aa batteries where available in this size. The shop you linked me to did not ship outside the US. I have a couple of NiZN on order.

6

:D I'll look around and see if I can find anywhere that sells lifepo4 batteries that does ship to Aus.

Edit: Here one seller is. They are in Hong Kong but they ship to Australia.

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-pcs-AA-2A-700mAh-3-2V-Volt-14500-LiFePO4-LFP-Rechargeable-Battery-Ultracell-/140809715697?pt=US_Rechargeable_Batteries&hash=item20c8e9bff1#ht_3195wt_1029

7

Thanks scaru. Ive been had by this store in the past but for $5.00 lve taken the gamble. We'll see what turns up in a month,

8

Good luck. :) I hope it arrives.

9

Lifepo and NiMH battery pictures added.