As requested, 3 XM-L Driver/Emitter module DIY

Any recommendations for a host?

Glad to hear it. I always try to use ESD Safe stickers.

PPtk

Programming the PIC will require some sort of PIC Programmer - there are very reasonable ones available directly from Microchip (PICKIT 3) that retail for about 40 bucks. There are also some open-source serial programmers available on ebay or the like for 10ish bucks that are slow, but work fine.

A chip-clip will not be required as the programming pins are broken out to pads on the circuit board (you couldn't chip-clip the QFN anyway). Personally, I use a 5 pin female header with pogo-pins stuck in the holes to touch the programming pins, but there are lots of ways to do it.

Whether you'll have to disassemble the light depends on your enclosure/host. The optic doesn't have to be removed if you can get to the circuit board edge with pogo pins.

Additionally, I usually write code for PICs in HITECH C, but for this product, I'm going to write the code in MikroC Pro (www.mikroe.com) because it's very simple to use and the compiler is free for code under a certain compiled size. I own a full license of MikroC, so I can release compiled hex files commercially. I'm going to try and keep the firmware under that limit so that anyone can use a very friendly tool to change the code. I may also cross-write the code in MikroBASIC Pro for those who aren't comfortable with C programming. Basic is very natural language and pretty much anyone would then be able to make changes.

PPtk

I like 1A tint, would these be suitable for D & C mag's with flat heat sinks to mount the unit.

basic sounds good to me. no clue on programming,...

for housing, working on it:

1x 3up
2x 3up
going to be DIY KIT , including, cable, remote switch, and mount.
the 1x3up going to be round, for the 2x3up, thinking square .
preferable, the housing, should only need 1 screwdriver /hex to assemble.

excellent job, I especially like those "easy to access" programming pads, very convenient, this can easily be made in 5-pin connector

although over my pay grade (fully assembled module is about 1/3 of average monthly salary over here) I think that the prices are very fair, I look forward to see how will a professionally soldered module look like (clean and neat job) :d

I'm wondering the same. Normally I try to find a driver/emitter for a specific host, but this time I will find a host just so I can run one of these :)

Not yet, I've actually ordered a number of hosts that I think might be a good fit - Most of them, unfortunately, are shipping from china and as such won't be here for a month or so..

Once I have them, I'll test fit the module into them and let everyone know the results.

PPtk

Anyone know would this fit in a d maglite? Maybe if the head was drilled out.

Aloha and welcome to BLF rschultz101!

This module: 35mm

ID of Mag: 48mm

Oh, I must have missed that. Thanks. :slight_smile:

No prob. :)

At first I thought I should add some phrases concerning a good heatsink, maybe modding the upper part of the host and so on.. then I noticed that the posters name was scaru. :D

What is the height of the module with and without the optics?

If anyone wonders... inside diameter of the Mag D body, where the head screws on is 34mm, and outside diameter is 44mm.

Viktor

Not quite sure Iā€™m deserving of that compliment. :8)

It's good to have you here, rschultz101!

Maglite D flat heat sink top row second from the left

http://www.britelumens.com

Thats what i was thinking, just tap and die the center hole

The full mechanical specifications can be found in the original post, but the height is 15.4mm. I always assume a little slop due to manufacturing tolerances and leave 16mm of clearance.

PPtk

Edit: Without optics, the tallest thing on the circuit board is the Inductor. Without optic the total height is 0.4mm (circuit board) + 5mm (Inductor) = 5.4mm.

The XM-L emitters are 3.02mm tall, so the height of the emitters is 0.4mm + 3.02mm = 3.42mm

Those numbers are a LITTLE low since there is some solder between the inductor/emitters and the circuit board, but at most the solder accounts for an additional 0.127mm (5 mil solder stencil).

Almost There!

BareBoards

PPtk