"Extra runtime" :) The page says:
Runtime:
~ 18650 battery x 1, at approx. 200 lumens: 2.5 hrs
~ 18650 battery x 2, at approx. 275 lumens: 1.5 hrs
So the runtime with 2 batteries is less than with one, BUT it should be brighter. Has anyone tested how the throw is affected when adding more batteries?
That doesnt really make sense to me. Is it just me?
If you're looking for extra brightness then that will come from the extra voltage of two cells. Using 2*16340 (which you can still do in the free L2i tube) should have the same effect on output. As regards throw, even if it increased throw by as much as 10% (very unlikely) then that's a decent hotspot at 330 metres rather than 300 metres. Most people's eyesight is not good enough to make out a 30 metre difference at 300+ metres range anyway. Unless perhaps they are 25ft above the line of sight of the beam. How tall are you, BTW?...
....
and especially if size is a consideration, its still pretty tough to beat an R2 in a P60 host with an ashpheric, plano-convex lens.
I was actually talking about the runtimes listed for 1 and 2 cells. I dont see how it drops to 1.5 hours by adding a second cell.
All those runtime figures are nuts. Personally I think it is impossible to drive an R2 so hard that multiple cells will only last the various times that they listed. Think about it. Even an XM-L drawing over 2.2A will still take over an hour to discharge 1*18650. And there is no way SF are setting up the MPP1's XR-E R2 to draw anywhere over 1.5A even.
How couldn't I think of that.. Good idea. Thanks!
I'm planning to use it for landscape light painting, so it's not about eyesight but my camera's capabilities.. :)
Actually I have been quite happy with the pencil-like beam of my KD RQ & HS-802, but my inner perfectionist always wants something better (more throw, narrower beam).
I've looked at the work in your gallery. Very nice...
Yep, cameras can always see far better than we do. I just wish I could take photo's even half as good as yours, I'd be very happy with them.
Thanks for the compliment! :)
So should I try MPP1 or not? Is it so much better than HS-802 or KD RQ? (Hmm, asking a question like this with so many flashaholics around. What am I thinking?)
I have both the MPP-1 and Fandyfire STL-V6. At a distance of say 300m, the MPP-1 just illuminates a very very slightly brighter spot than the STL-V6, but the STL-V6 spot is quite a bit bigger (useful). The STL-V6 has 2 groups mode modes, and H-M-L. It is also current regulated so maintains constant brightness throughout its burn time, can do 2 x 18650, 2 x 18500 and 2 x 18350 (with C8/U80/Dereelight DBS tubes). I just measured 50k candelas at a measurement distance of 50m.
I'd say the STL-V6 XM-L is far more useful. Besides if you are not a Solarforce fan, the $43 + $2 shipping MPP-1 package with L2i will look fugly.
Haha.. I have the FF STL-V6 coming in.. (should have it already, but received V2 instead, remember?)
Still wondering if the pencil-like beam of MPP1 would be a nice addition to my toolbox. :)
Has anyone used an XM-L dropin in the MPP1? or is it possible? hows the throw?
I think both these statements are correct.
To obtain an equivalent focusing efficiency *) the reflector width should be proportional to the die size. When this is achieved, the hotsopt brightness will still be proportional to LED surface emissivity, i.e. from an XM-L it will be lower than from an XR-E.
*) hotspot diameter proportional to die size, same percent of light lost to spill
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.
With XML's, you essentially need 4 times the reflector size to focus the die down to same hotspot size. This is really apparent w/ the X9, whose huge head makes a hotspot still larger than a p60 drop in.
However, since the XML can be driver almost 4 times harder, it'll make that hotspot proportionately brighter through sheer power.
agenthex,
Have you received your X9, and if so, how does it compare to the STL-V6?
I was expecting my X9 today, but Customs seem to work slower than usual in this vacations period.
The question that _the_ asked still remains unanswered. That was, "So should I try MPP1 or not? Is it so much better than HS-802 or KD RQ?"
Given that he wants to use it as effectively a brush to paint landscrapes photographically, we are really talking here in terms of a fine tip brush. And the FF STL-V6, or any XM-L, is never going to be a fine tip brush; too big a horspot and too much spill.
So folks, how much better as a fine beam (i.e. pencil beam) thrower is the MPP1 that an HS-802 or KD RQ?
My V6 is still at the post office, and I'll go pick it up this saturday. Hopefully it's not a V2 as another user got from DX...
From what I've heard here, the X9 will have better exterior, and V6 better drive current. Will update when I have both in my hands.
You can approximate the answer w/ relative size ratios of the their reflectors. MPP has a pretty big head, but not THAT much bigger than the other two. 55mm vs 50mm vs 45mm or so (reflector size a bit smaller than heads)
at 50 yrds
Solarforce Skyline (1 x 18650)
Solarforce Masterpiece Pro-1 (2 x 18650)
