Since this thread was started for the rc n3 xpg version. I am placing an order for the new rc n3 with xpg emitter. I'll prob get the Shining Beam version. He claims to have a better driver. Not that it matters as I am pulling the driver anyhow. Biggest diff is that I'll get my order in about 2 days instead of weeks and ummmm weeks. Not sure what beam profile I'll get but there's one way to find out. I would love to provide beamshots for the XR-E version I modded but I gave it away figuring I could always make another. I was so impressed by the old modded N3 I emailed Bryan asking if the "upgraded" N3 had a new reflector design to go along with the emitter. He claimed it had changed to accomodate the new emitter.
When XPG first started hitting the flashlight circuit I bought a Skyray sr5 which had a terrible beam profile. It seemed that the xpg was in xre optics though I hadn't tried to convert it to xr-e to confirm. XPG is usually floodier / brighter / more efficient but i prefer throw so XRE is for me.
I am also ordering an older rc n3 nuetral as well and to get the old reflector design and compare the two Out of box. I'll be comparing the old and new emitter and reflector designs complete with teardowns and electrical measurements. Nuetral emitters have less output but it is the optics and die characteristics in this light that I'm after. The Rc N3 has a nice deep aluminum reflector which has a nice focus mostly throwy with decent spill. I'll probably convert the XR-E to cool to get more output and to keep the comparisons semi-consistent.
I've never posted beamshots but I've been kickin around forums long enough to see how it's done so I think after all this I owe you folks some eyecandy. Stay tuned for another episode of how the torch burns ....maybe literally! :)
At a 2-amp draw on lithium-ion you're definitely cutting the XR-E's life expectancy short even if it doesn't go up in smoke right away. Though assuming continuous use 25 minutes should have gotten the light dangerously hot, so then maybe the tailcap is introducing enough resistance to bring that draw down to something more sane compared to the metered reading.
You can expect an XP-G to be floodier and less throwy than an XR-E in equal optics simply because the emitting surface is physically larger and it has to be driven much harder to reach similar average intensity. For example Romisen's "stock" RC-G2s are known for a surprising amount of throw for such low total power simply because they're using XR-Cs with tiny emitting surfaces.
You might want to consider XP-E emitters in your mods as well since their wider beam angle compared to an XR-E works better with a reflector. On the other hand you could also experiment with plano-convex lenses, in which case an XR-E would be very appropriate.
Thanks for the info Frills. I am aware of the other emitter packages and their characteristics in general but never considered XPE though it looks pretty good. I was under the impression that surface brightness in the XRE was higher in smaller package, better for smaller reflectors. At any rate lumens alone does not a pretty light, make. (obvious)
I haven't done a test at the top of the tube but i'd imagine there has GOT to be enough resistance built in the current path to keep this from going <POP>. I have run this light as modified above for better than hours total burntime since. Honestly I don't care if i lose an emitter in 20,000 hours or even 1,000 hours! I am SURE i will never run this light for that many hours. If I have to replace the emitter and/or star in even 100 hours I would still be happier than the 'old days' of replacing mini maglite incan bulbs. My main concern was mitigating the heat away from the BATTERY. I have run the light until the batteries have gone into "protected dark mode". Light gets warm but no signs of color shift or other detrimental effects. I should have the order referenced above tomorrow so I'm gettin ready for some FUN.
Got one of the rc-c6s too. Love the focusable ashperics but they are crummy beam colors nice n cheap n versatile but not pretty. Got it in my last SB order along with a bunch of other lights. The drive to sample so many other lights was based off the rc-n3 direct drive. I had to see if any lights untouched came close to what it does modified. NOPE :) I will do the beamshots untouched for both versions then direct drive the x-re compare to xp-g then direct drive the xp-g then compare again. Then teardowns with electrical measurements. Have some IMR and blue trusty flames so i'll be powering up with those to get some good info.. stay tuned.