Hi guys i want to build a tripple xml but i don't want to use lithium cells. Can this be achieved in a 2d mag ? Would the shining beam 3a driver be any good if i piggy back some extra chips on it ?
Or would i be better off using some AA eneloops ?
I was thinking of using 3c nimh cells and 3 3a drivers one per led !! but not sure if this would work or not !!
You want to look at Lambda's Hydra thread on FNF - actually he said the other day that he'd be putting the Hydra prototype up for sale. Kevin does very, very good work but we aren't talking budget stuff here,
http://flashlightnews.net/forum/index.php?topic=2442.0
He also is about to sell some more prototype lights and if you're interested you'd be well advised to take a look at his forum on FNF. He's a friendly guy and will be happy to answer questions on this stuff. He'd forgotten more than I'll probably ever know. He'll also sell you parts if you ask him.
Cool thanks Don i'll take a gander at that
I can attest to the amazing quality of Lambda lights as I was the luck guy to buy the only Hydra prototype made (thanks to Don immediately alerting me to the sale). I also agree with Lambda that using multiple large LICO batteries in series is risking a serious explosion sooner or later while they are being heated by the host and consistently driven hard. Its simply not worth the risk when NIMH technology has progressed to the point where it is now. Its also a PITA to constantly monitor lithium cells, both in capacity, matching cells for discharge performance and worrying about these continuously changing characteristics due to cell degredation over time.
I just sold my hydra here, only because I had no need for such a large heavy flood light. My situations usually call for compact 1 x 18650 XML lights so the Hydra got very little use.
I understand that 3 x C NIMH cells in direct drive will deliver 3A to an XML for about 1.5 hours in a 2D Mag without a driver or overheating, but you might want to read lambda's test results to confirm. This is an easy conversion for a 2D mag, and I would suggest using the newer Rebel mag host for its superior reflector. My advice: avoid these huge expensive lithium cells (including IMR) when connected in series and drawing continuous heavy current. 3 x C cells deliver 5000 mah capacity so there is little or no advantage with using expensive rechargeable lithium cells. Also 3 x D cells can deliver 10,000 - 12,000 mAh (depending on the brand), but then you would need a driver for D cells, which cuts into the overall efficiency of the power conversion. Of course, lithium also requires a driver which takes away from efficiency and run time.