Results: Testing XM-L, MC-E, SST-50, and XP-G emitters **Updated**

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
81

Great. Thanks Match.

82

This post has really become my reference post when deciding about current levels.

Thanks a lot M8 :-)

83

That's crazy I have been pushing XPGs to 2.2 amps (8 chip Nanjg driver with 2 removed) because that's were they looked the brightest by eye and it was right on the money.

84

Many thanks for this addition, Match!

(Standing by for the XR-E ... Smile )

85

I would really love to se an XP-E or XR-E q5 led in the mix. :) I still like them.

86

Thanks Match! Been waiting for this info to build my XP-G project. Question now is, is it worth the sacrifice of runtime to get a little more light. I'm looking at 600mA to gain about 50 lumens. I don't think it's worth it. Still seams like 1.4A is the sweet spot for runtime vs. output.

-Garry

87

88

2.2A xpg is exactly what the N-light B2s stainless steel lights are running on the 14500 ..

always got a ..."WOW that's bright".... from the crowd ...

ooooohh....aaaahh.

89

And what would be a similarily "bold" current for an XR-E?

90

oldbobk,
So are you saying the affect on runtime is negligible between running 1.4A vs. running 2.1A? That doesn't make any sense to me.

I also don't know if I'm up to the challenge of removing two of those chips! I'd probably look into the newer KD driver (and deal with a lousy low, or go 2 mode).

-Garry

91

The difference in run time with a 2400mah battery would be about 100 minutes for the 1.4 and 70 minutes for the 2.1 amp high, but I never use high when I am concerned about runtime.

Send me a PM when you are ready to remove the chips I can walk you through it or I can send you one premade if you want.

92

Thanks for the offer Erik! I am definitely keeping you in mind for a custom P60 drop-in or even just a custom programmed driver (think I'd like Medium a bit higher than the usual 30%, or even 4 brightness modes) for another mod.

100 minutes vs. 70 minutes sounds considerable (for my application), so therefore I don't see the gain of 50 lumens worth the 30 minute trade-off.

-Garry

93

Don't want to be a spoilsport but please remember that Match's curves are only valid for a heavily cooled emitter. The top points for the curves in real life lies at a much lower amperage because of the generated heat .

[EDIT]: Calculations using Cree's derating curves give me for a "normally" cooled flashligt a top on the curve at an LED output of:

370-400 lumen @ 1.8A for XP-G R5 and

730-780 lumen @ 3.5A for XM-L T6

but the top 30% of the current only add about 12-15% of light output.

OTL (out of the lens) output normally are about 80-85% of the LED output.

94

Yet another reason for me to stay back to 1.4A / 1.5A!

-Garry

95

Possibly the most informative post for us modders on this forum. I've actually photographed the charts to my phone for easy reference.

Thanks Match!

96

yeah XR-E q5 Wink one day when time permitts

97

Can't a few of us donate $1 or $2 to Match so that he can test a XR-E Q5 and R2? (I'd be willing )

98

I’m in if Match is willing to do it. I’d love to see what an XR-E can put out and what difference there is between an R2 and a Q5.

99

don't worry guys, it is in the works (well, at least the R2)

100

What about the newest Cree's, any plans, I realise they may not be power houses so maybe not much interested?