With these quad boards and each of the color temps of the E21 being equally useful in different circumstances I think it is time to revisit RGBW-type drivers. In terms of UI, the closest thing Iâve been able to find is this simple djozzâs hack. In case of quad boards each channel would go to individual E21. This is something I will certainly attempt to do when I have tested these boards with these LEDs.
What would be ideal to have though is a full featured programmable driver which would at least allow one to program current setting for each individual channel (the UI being the same, ie progressive switching to the next LED) but preferably the ability to also set specific switching for an arbitrary amount of modes. For example mode1 = LED1@10mamp, mode2=(LED1+LED2)@1amp.
So far Iâve been able to identify here only one RGBW driver more advanced that the djozzâs hack, which is this one, but the firmware went in a very different direction than what I am discussing here.
While I was considering various options I came across the dr Jones rgbw driver which seems to be nearly perfect fit. I wonder if they are still available? Dr Jones has not been active here for quite a while.
I just received package with mcpsb. Actually the test samples I like more . Edge have ledge (saunds weird, donât know how to say it in english:))so it should be polished before use.
Sorry about that AEDe, canât do nothing about it.
I described it earlier when the final product arrived (with pictures too). Of course the prototype finishes were much better since those were made using CNC router ONE by ONE. To cut down cost the final product incorporate V-score for easier/cheaper machining and faster cutting rate (hence the flared outer edges). And FYI, those prototypes actual cost was USD 38,5/pc, and I ordered 60pcs.
I guess for flashlight modding hobby, deburring and lapping the MCPCB can be considered as a routine. I do small batches of streetlights using those boards and still do the lapping too (for the MCPCBs, not me). Those flares can be fix fairly easily using #1000 sandpaper on flat surface.
Clemence, have you ever considered making an adapter for mounting e21s on standard 3535 boards? I mean a 3535 sized very thin two sided board with 2 contact plates on one side (just like one on your quad boards) and 3 standard contacts on the other side?
These would be useful for standard triple/quad light engines
That would be very inefficient in terms of performance, cost, and form factor. Easier to just cram three boards closer. The next plan would be triple board.
Btw, make sure you clean the flux residue. At higher current the residue will thin and wet the LEDs sides. When things gets hotter, it will cause phosphor burns.
Boiling IPA and nylon brush is all it takes
Isopropyl Alcohol. Usually available at the drug counter in 70% - 95. Higher concentration doesnât seems to work any better. IPA needs water to dissolve fats such as solder grease/flux residue. I bought 95 just to save money. I added 50% filtered distilled water taken from my air conditioner condensation (Itâs very humid here at 88-90%, I usually got ~20 liter distilled water per day).