Short version: Can I make a Convoy C8 more floody by just changing the emitter?
Long version: I like the form factor of the C8 when I walk the dog at night, especially when wearing gloves since my hands dont accidentally slide over the lens (like on my S2+). However, it has an XP-G2 in it now and it is a bit too throwy for my liking. Would putting in a larger emitter like an XM-L2 or something similar make a significant difference? Currently it has a 7135 based driver from Mountain Electronics pushing 2.8 amps with guppydrv firmware.
An XM-L2 would be a good start and replace the reflector from smooth to an OP (orange peel) reflector from Mountain Electronics to disperse the beam a little more. But, a C8 is a thrower. That's just its' reflector geometry. The driver and firmware, IMHO, offer plenty of options and at 2.8A, the light won't get that hot.
Unless you want throw, you can slap on some diffusion film to “blur” the hotspot.
Lightly frosted will just “smear” the hotspot and brighten the spill, and heavily frosted will give a nice blanket of light with gradual fade (try it, bet you’ll grow to love it).
Then again, a triple-emitter C8F has shallow reflector-cups, like sticking 3 S2+es together in a bunch, so you may not need DF if you like that type of beam.
Oh yeah, don’t forget that XP and XM are different-size packages, so you’d have to bore out the hole in the reflector if you want to use an XM package. And reflector-height might need to be tweaked (spacer to raise, sand down to lower).
I've had this NW 6V XH-P50 on 20mm DTP emitter waiting for a host so I bought a C8+ and then modified a contact board to direct-drive the 50 with 2*18350 Vapcells in series. The switch spring was bypassed.
The 5.0x5.0mm XM(-L2) format will provide a beam like this but just not as bright as the XH-P50. I swapped out the SMO reflector for an OP.
This light is hitting about 8A+ so the batteries won't last long but what a hand warmer. If you want to go this route, buy a Zener modded, 17mm Mtn FET with Guppydrv... eventually what I'll do.
The main point for me sharing this is to show you the broader beam v's. the XP-G2.
Almost 2,000 lumens must do the job. For pain, a simple driver without unnecessary frills such as strobe or sauce. Ideal for ordinary users must have collectors. I would recommend! The Pc Report
Sounds like it would be worth trying an XM-L2 and an OP reflector, especially considering the cost of those parts (cheap). Might pick up some diffusion film while I’m at it. I don’t mind the light being throwy, my walks are on long, straight country roads. I’m just looking for a somewhat wider beam and more spill. The XHP50 beamshots were helpful, too. Thanks!
For floody beam just get a Sofirn C8F triple. About the same size. Ramping, instant access to turbo and moonlight. Runs a long time at 2000+lmn. I’m running the 21700 version, but there is an 18650 version closer to the c8+. I use it daily now. They have high CRI versions now too with LH351D. All for around $30.
