New EDC 18650, the first flashlight using the new CREE XP-G2 LED @ Intl-outdoor.com

PWM = Pulse width modulation

Everything I have heard about them is on the UP and UP!! Just placed my first order with them 2 days ago.

ok what does Pulse Width Modulation mean? does it mean how fast the light flashes?

PWM
Pulse Width Modulation. A technique of varying the brightness of a LED by flashing it on and off very quickly, making it appear to the eye that the LED is dimmer. Good PWM is at such a high rate that you can’t notice it. But if you wave your hand in front of the light and get a strobe effect, the PWM is getting too low. Some use current regulation which makes the light dimmer without PWM and is also more efficient.

Here is a link that you might find useful that has some of the words and stuff related to flashlight stuff

Impulsively ordered one. Will report back. I will be happy if can get one work day off mid mode and 3100 18650, and throw is good.

So what will be the real-world difference in performance with the new XP-G2 LED?

Hopefully I can let you know shortly after my cutter order arrives. I have a few lights picked out for the swap...

Nice looking light! I so wish there would be XM-L’s U2 bin in 2B tint available

Pretty sure it’s just more efficient. http://www.cree.com/news-and-events/cree-news/press-releases/2012/july/xpg2-intro

20% that is…

Here’s an excerpt:

Built on the revolutionary SC³ Technology Platform, the XP-G2 LEDs combine high light output, reliability and efficacy to deliver up to 151 lumens per watt at 350 mA, 85°C or 165 lumens per watt at 350mA, 25°C in cool white (both at 6000K). In warm white (3000K), the XP-G2 LED delivers up to 133 lumens per watt at 350 mA, 85°C or 145 lumens per watt at 350mA, 25°C. The SC³ Technology Platform leverages Cree’s advanced silicon carbide technology, features advancements in LED chip architecture and phosphor and showcases a new package design to deliver the most advanced lighting- class LED components in the industry.

So it’s just as efficient as an Xml basically

The problem with PWM is that it drives to led to HI then Off. On High, the led is less efficient than at a lower current level. Just because it is off for a small period of time does not mean the average brightness, as seen by user, is not lowered. I believe the bottom line in the CPF forum was that PWM is NOT the most efficient approach, because of this principle. I am wondering why this technology persists in drivers?

it’s cheaper than current control…

And you wont have varying tint with varying current.

I like the looks of this flashlight.. I'm thinking of getting the host from CNQG for a mod.

Thats a good idea! Thought I had seen that design before, I suffer FROM CRS! :quest:

Wonder how the XP-G2 works with the XML reflector?

2.8A is already high enough for a small 18650 flashlight and just a bit higher will not have any visible difference.
The PWM frequency is high so there is no visible PWM.

We have the just added the DIY host to the store website.
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/edc-18650-flashlight-host-p-535.html

Sweet! Thanks for the information! Nice price also.

How much current can the switch take?^^

Hank, if you are replying to my question about the V2 Nanjg driver, I wouldn’t want the 3A version. I’d want the XP-G2 with the 1.52A or 2.2A V2 driver. The V2 is nicer, not just because of the slightly higher output, but mostly for the better modes offered since it has the moon mode available as the low.

Any news yet? Does anybody receive it yet and post first impressions?

Waiting to pull the trigger...

I ordered it a few days ago, with XM-L T6 3C. I took the golden one.

I personally don’t like the KD V2 driver, because I can’t reprogram it (and I’ve not heard of anyone being able to) :frowning:

As soon as the light arrives, I’ll put my custom firmware into the driver and have all the modes I want :bigsmile:

I ordered and received the bare host. It looks exactly like on the pics, the reflector is very very light OP and about 11.7mm high, pill is screw in with a retaining ring for the driver. Looks good. Specs on the site are correct.