I purchased both a Romisen RC-G2 with Q5 from SB, as well as the R5 model. I decided the Q5 needed an upgrade so I took 10 quick easy minutes to throw a xm-l T6 on 16 mm star into it. A fare difference indeed, but I am still not happy. The xm-l is centered, but the photo makes it look a bit off. Here are comparison shots from the xm-l to the R5 version G2:
First the R5:
Now the XML:
I am confused about the readings on my MM. Both are run on fresh alkalines. Both are pulling between 1A to 1.5A reading on my MM which doesnt make sense to me. They are nowhere near as bright as they should be at those currents. I am a newb so if there is something I am missing please tell me (i am used to running li-ions in all of my lights, not alkies). However, my main question is, what drivers would you recommend to swap out with both of these romisens that will allow me to use a 14500 cell? And is anyone familiar with what driver is used in the RC-G2's from shining beam (the Q5 model and the R5 model).
That's a pretty good draw from an alkaline. They don't usually deliver that much. But the driver is also having to at least double the voltage, which cuts that amperage to the LED in half (at least, boost circuits are pretty lossy too). So AA lights on AA batteries are usually pretty weak. The XP-G might give you 70 lumens, a little more than that with the XM-L. Don't know about that light, but if you can use a 14500, it will be way brighter. Alkalines drop off pretty quickly too, so you could get a decent amount of light at first and it will just get dimmer and dimmer. A NiMH will hold the brightness better. KaiDomain has 1.4A and 2.8A drivers that you can get that work great with li-ion batteries. 2.8A is a big draw from a 14500 though (if a 14500 is 900mAh, then that's a 3C draw).
Awesome! Thankyou very much for the input and help brted! Much appreciated :D I wouldn't mind dropping a 14500 into the xml cell and have a little pocket rocket of a romisen :). I think I'll order those 1.4A drivers you suggested!
Only thing with that is you have to order 5 of them. If you want you get the 2.8A driver and then just remove some of the 7135's until you get the current down to a level you're comfortable with (up to 4). I've never done that though. It's probably not as easy as it sounds since there are 3 solder points.
