You could buy some from illumination supply, i was just looking at them yesterday

Any new updates to for automotive application high powered drivers? Im thinking about building a monster XM-L2 multi array light bar.

It looks like DIWdiver has a successful Automotive linear 13.5A LED driver – adjustable” that can handle the voltage spikes without blowing out.

Of course we seem to think alike. :bigsmile: Ive got a pair of nice rectangular 17 lb. deep finned aluminum heat sinks Im thinking about putting to good use. They would be a perfect platform for 18 up XML on each sink. I wonder what 36 XM-L2’s all running at 3A would look like on the front of my pickup? Might give my dual 100W HID flood beam setup (18k lumens) a run for the money. If nothing else, it would certainly compliment it!

Have you figured out which lexan type lens material gives the best A/R benefits? Have you chosen your optics/reflectors yet? Im seriously considering bare TIR’s wrapped in an oring, with each optic poking through a hole in a poly or aluminum mounting plate, and with no additional lens over the front to maintain the highest possible lux. It would certainly be water tight enough for my type of off-roading and the exposed TIR’s would have an optical efficiency closer to that of a decent reflector behind lexan. Im in no hurry and just trying to find a direction before I start buying parts.

BTW, I just installed a pair of Baja Designs Squadron 3”×3” LED Pods in my friends experimental aircraft. The results were extremely impressive considering their tiny size and only 8 x XM-L2, but then it is an overpriced thoroughly engineered system with the emitters driven to around 3.2A each.

Again… the fun begins.

I forgot that the mag rebel reflector loves the XM-L (and can be found for around $6ea, if I remember correctly). But wasnt there some sort of issue with ordering more than 1 or 2; because they want the s/n off the battery tube to prevent people form ordering several?

Because of the extremes in different mounting depths between TIR and reflectors, I just may go with the idea of all 10 or 15 degree TIR’s for some midrange with flood. I figure that with around 40,000 lumens OTF, it should be fairly impressive. I’ve considered a bridgelux array or similar, but then there would be no throw.

Im looking forward to your build. You’ve got some great ideas and I like the mini light bar you linked. My only concern is in its small size and possible inability to properly transfer that much heat, especially at speeds less than around 15 mph. The fins do appear to be deep. Hopefully the thermal path is a solid Al to emitter MCPCB interface. 3 of those housings with a single DIWdiver would be sweet… if all else works as anticipated.

Looking again at the specs on that housing, its super small. I think Id probably look for something else. Size: 145mm*48mm*78mm.

FlashPilot wrote:

I forgot that the mag rebel reflector loves the XM-L (and can be found for around $6ea, if I remember correctly). But wasnt there some sort of issue with ordering more than 1 or 2; because they want the s/n off the battery tube to prevent people form ordering several.

http://www.pirate4×4.com/forum/general-4×4-discussion/1073515-diy-high...

only thing is some of the supplies arent available on the sites he has listed but can find them else where if you search the product names

After a huge amount of discussion with several others and a great deal of research, Ive decided to go with 40 x high quality C8 XM-L reflectors that have already proven to focus well. TIR optics simply dont provide the range necessary for my application and a tight spot would be all but useless on the trails. My only concern now is the very likely need to replace my alternator with something that will put out several more amps to power the LED array and HID’s.

Build thread here:
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/28113

FlashPilot wrote:

After a huge amount of discussion with several others and a great deal of research, Ive decided to go with 40 x high quality C8 XM-L reflectors that have already proven to focus well. TIR optics simply dont provide the range necessary for my application and a tight spot would be all but useless on the trails. My only concern now is the very likely need to replace my alternator with something that will put out several more amps to power the LED array and HID’s.

Build thread here:
http://budgetlightforum.com/node/28113

Bort wrote:

perhaps you should just turn off your headlights and use the energy saved for your LEDs when they are running

Im already doing that now with an illuminated switch tied to a relay controlling the headlights and HID’s. I calculate around 53 amps continuous with headlights off to power the LED’s, HID’s, running lights and vehicle.

FlashPilot wrote:

Bort wrote:

perhaps you should just turn off your headlights and use the energy saved for your LEDs when they are running

Im already doing that now with an illuminated switch tied to a relay controlling the headlights and HID’s. I calculate around 53 amps continuous with headlights off to power the LED’s, HID’s, running lights and vehicle.

Bort wrote:

FlashPilot wrote:

Bort wrote:

perhaps you should just turn off your headlights and use the energy saved for your LEDs when they are running

Im already doing that now with an illuminated switch tied to a relay controlling the headlights and HID’s. I calculate around 53 amps continuous with headlights off to power the LED’s, HID’s, running lights and vehicle.

yeah, you need an upgraded alternator, how much do the HIDs take up?

20A for the HID’s. Once I cobble it all together, I’ll turn everything on and test voltage at around 2000 rpm to see if it maintains. If it holds, I’ll probably have to go with something different after the diodes overheat and blow.