Based on this thread I would like to build my own light.
I want to use this host for it. And I will be using it with a 14500. I would like to have a 2 or 3 mode version low/med/high. So far I only found 5-mode drivers.
I was thinking about using this driver. Only it goes up to 3,5A could that be a problem? From what an other member told the battery probably would not be able to deliver 3,5A (for long).
And found this XM-L T6 Cree. Only it says "Forward voltage: 2,9v - 3,5V" Could that be a problem because the battery could give 4,2V?
I probably also would need some thermal glue.
I'm completly new at this but it think it's fun to try so any info would be helpfull.
Look at this driver as it can be configured many ways including 3 mode. This driver is highly praised for single li-ion battery. Rated @ 2.8ma but can be modded. http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=10995
This build will really depend on what 14500 you plan on using. Most 14500s can only deliver around 2 amps max, so a driver with a higher rating than 2 amps will not be necessary.
The 14500 would be protected Ultrafire flames. So the driver that willie mentioned would be perfect for that. I did not know there was a driver that let you choose between modes.
You could always use the same components used in the light you referenced. The 8*7135 2.8A driver can be set to 3 modes. I've used the driver you referenced in my micromags mods and it's great but is 5 modes only. Like Erik said, you'll only get 2A from a 14500 anyway unless you use IMR cells.
IMR cells are new to me. Did see them mentioned at this forum only thought it was a brand. But now I see there totaly different LiMN. The first link I found them on was $9,- for 600mah. The seem expensive. There talking about 8C. So these should be able to deliver 4,8A. Wow. Are the also available in a bigger capicity and what would be the average price?
I would like to have a flood light. So XML is good.
Any ideas if this could be a problem with the cree: "Forward voltage: 2,9v - 3,5V"
AW IMR 14500s are $7.50 each and should deliver the 3 amps an XML needs on high, but the host you are using doesn't have enough thermal mass to dissipate that kind of heat so high would be a turbo mode for short bursts only. The Bestinone 14500 IMRs I have only deliver 2 amps which is the same as the TF Flames I have, but I think that is a good max number for the host you are using.
You could use the 2.8 amp driver as is if you wanted a brighter medium and low setting which is what some people do or remove a couple chips and set the max amp draw to the battery you are using to get a normal medium and low settings.
I would use a 1.4 amp 7135 3 mode driver like the ones from shiningbeam or illumination supply. I am sure KD and DX have them also but I have not sourced them from there. You would still have good output and not have to worry about heat so much. Also would be easier on the batteries.
2.8A sounds like fun (assuming you could even pull that from the cells you are using), but if you put it next to a 1.4A there isn't that much difference to the eye and you can stretch that 14500 a lot longer.
Conclusion: no IMR 14500. Better use 1.4mah driver. Could not find it on MF, KD, DX and ebay. But maybe I just do not know where to look. Only at shinningbeam but $6,75 for shipping.