For sale : LD-2 and LD-M2 driver (Updated)

Can someone explain to me why is this driver ‘good’ and why is it so expensive? I don’t get it at all.

Best way is to read the original thread, linked at the top of this thread. That thread also has links in the OP to the review threads by djozz and HKJ, as well as a link to the LD-1 thread, which this driver replaces. Once you successfully read all of those, you’ll know why this driver is so special, and worth the money.

For a quick fix, here are the stats that I find significant:

Current controlled (no PWM) This makes the lower modes more efficient. If you look at the Cree PCT, or any datasheet, you’ll find that LED emitters are more efficient at lower drive current. A driver using PWM is giving the emitter the full current rating of the driver, and just turning it on/off really fast to imitate lower current modes. The human eye is tricked by this, but the emitter is not. By truly lowering the current for the lower modes, this driver taps into the increased efficiency of the emitter.

High power capable This is desirable to just about everyone here on BLF, and should need no explanation. :wink:

Low circuit resistance This goes along with the high power capability. With lower resistance in the circuit, the LED gets more of the available power from the cell(s) so you get more light output and greater efficiency overall compared to other drivers.

Disclosure: These are my observations, based on my understanding. If I’m wrong, someone please correct me.

I’ve never done a GB before, but if nobody else steps up, I’d be willing to do one for the US. Better would be for RMM or IOS to grab some of these and resell them, as cajampa suggested. If a GB is performed, remember that total time from order to receipt will be long, because one person would have to take orders, collect funds, order the drivers, wait for led4power to ship, re-package, and re-ship them. Price would have to be a little higher as well, to cover shipping costs for the extra ship step. Would it be better to add a fixed cost increase to all the US orders, or charge actual shipping to each?

Edit: Oh yeah, the shipping will most likely be pretty cheap for anywhere in the US, and with the price breaks given by led4power for larger quantity orders, it would probably wash out at worst, or at best, still be cheaper than buying smaller quantities from him. :bigsmile:

That’s the reason for the HUGE 50 piece minimum? Wow.

I was looking forward to this release. What a disappointment.

You’d be surprised how much your free time is worth, when you start to run out of it. I understand and agree with led4power’s position. Instead of trying to shame him into reducing the MOQ, how about getting in touch with Hank at IOS, and see if he will become a reseller? By the way, 50 pcs is no where near a HUGE minimum, when you are talking about international sales. :wink:

Not shaming anyone that’s your assumption.

I understand the value of ‘free’ time and am very familiar with MOQ when quoted in an appropriate context so no need to get condescending.

I doubt he’s selling these at a loss so it’s not exactly fitting the definition of free time is it?

If he’s not interested in international sales no problem I’ll keep my money for something else.

That’s fine.

There some other aspects that I would like to point out, but aren't they actually explained by Led4Power already? Like working with old-school clickies and also with tactile switches (aka digital switches), moonlight level select, thermistor....

Also the circuit was designed and created by Led4Power.

If we in the US could put together a group buy, I will commit to at least five (maybe more if kept close to 50 pc. price) with additional shipping once in US. I’m not sure I could handle the group buy side as I don’t have experience with that sort of thing. Please let me know if there is any way of working something out with those of us in the states.

Thank you for taking a constructive approach to the MOQ issue. It looks like, with a little luck, a GB will indeed be forthcoming. If so, I too will place an order.

If someone is looking to do a US group buy I could do 2 or 3. I guess we’ll see who else speaks up.

I have yet to come across someone who sells a own design dedicated flashlight part at these low quantities who has become rich of that.

Led4power has been an active BLF-member for a few years, I think his motivation has not solely been making money. No doubt he has spend numerous hours developing and testing these drivers, and I would be a bit surprised if the total sales will result in any form of descent wages for all those hours.

Ok,I give up,min. order for non EU countries is 10pcs,best I can do currently.

I don’t see why some people get upset over the MOQ, you have to understand this is not a mass produced item sold by an retail online shop, but a very custom driver designed to please a very specific group of users.

led4power thank you for lowering the minimun qty, 10pcs is very accessible and I would gladly organize the GB if I lived in the US.

Well to be fair, 10 is a lot easier than 50, its US$149 v US$645

US$645 is like a years wages in NZ :bigsmile:

Sometimes the tone is more in the readers mind than the writers. Some people, myself included, type or write more abruptly than they would speak too…its still just statements of fact and not necessarily the intent to attack.

If anyone in Perth, Western Australia wants to split 10 of them I am happy to take 5.

pinkpanda3310 I’m looking at you. Haha


Somebody let me know if Intl-out. or GB/BG/FT start selling this. I’ll be hanging with my buddy OshPark if you need me.

I'll take a couple but I'm not in Perth, I hope djozz doesn't mind.

Im in for two if we do an Aus wide GB… I can add them to the 4 LD1s I havent used yet.

I never stated he was ‘becoming rich’ off this so please stop putting words in my ‘mouth’.

I correctly stated that he is clearly NOT selling these at a loss when I was called out for ‘shaming’ someone who was supposedly doing us all a favour.

Obviously I understand time and effort went into developing this driver but perhaps you need to acknowledge it wasn’t done out of charity either.

Fifty pieces was an excessive MOQ for such a niche item. If your opinion differs so be it I’ve nothing more to add.

Funny, that’s the main reason I returned to NZ from AU …. more profitable here.