You ever have a mod/build project you just want to give up on and throw in the towel? I'm in one of those right now with my Lawnmower LED light conversion! It's so frustrating. It's like two steps forward one step back, then another two steps forward only to go 3 or 4 steps back! Argh! This project has also taken me beyond my limit of electrical / electronics understanding so I've been completely dependent on help/input from other members. I've spent so long working on this that sometimes I feel like just dropping it and moving on. Then again, that "you're not going to get the best of me you stupid project" motivation kicks in and I feel like I MUST finish it so that I don't get defeated by it.
I was really trying not to get in over my head on this and really tried for simply "plug-n-play" options, but that didn't work out. Oh well, it's definitely a learning experience!
I feel your pain brother. My last one with the 3xMT-G2’s got the best of me. 3 fried drivers later and it’s still on hold. It will probably stay on hold until someone else finds a driver that can reliably run them. I have had other projects that took some time to work out the bugs and they were all worth it. So try not to give up hope. Just remember to put it down and step back when nothing seems to be working. It’s kinda like war, you can lose a battle or even have to retreat but that don’t mean it’s over.
Thanks BIGWOOD! It's encouraging to know that people are reading and following my work even though I don't see many posts. (And I think this happens a lot around here.)
I get the same feeling at times on some projects. Your project is tough because it isn't a cookie cutter job where you are just assembling something using parts that were designed for each other. I think you are getting less supporting posts because there are very few members with strong electronics knowledge. Especially, AC and DC knowledge.
I know you don't intend to give up. Please don't. You have a lot of silent supporters out here. Sorry for not letting you know in your build thread.
Of course I would still have had to convert AC-DC if I kept the wiring the same! Actually, when I first started looking into this project I looked at bulbs like these and I don't remember these higher output types available. It would also be harder to get neutral white tint.
I have small light project with a colour xm-l, the driver appeared faulty, so the build stopped. Eventually I bought a new driver but gradually I came to realise that this led will never have an acceptable beam in a small reflector. So then it stopped.. Actually I am very talented in giving up projects when something goes wrong .
But don't give up on your project please. It may go into history as the longest running project on blf, and you are a year ahead of anyone who wants to beat you now :-)
But seriously there are indeed more folks reading build threads than who actually respond...
I’ve had lots of projects like that but I’m far too stubborn to give up. TBH though, it takes me so long to actually start a project (last build - a headlamp - was gestating for ~9mths!) that I’ve already gone through several iterations before I even start cutting metal My biking helmet light is taking even longer - 12mths and I haven’t even finished making the tools to make it!
If you end up hitting a wall, do something else (ideally something simple and easy) that’s on your list, then you’ll come back to your original project with fresh eyes and more gumption.
Just about every mod I do hits that wall somewhere along the way. Usually after a failure of some sort. I say various impolite words and think about it for awhile then try a different approach if that is the problem or just try to do the same thing better. I do have a few projects that are unfinished. I haven’t quit mind you, just haven’t finished yet(1yr and counting).
EVERY project I start I wanna give up on I am the guy that generally gets stuff done, that other people never can. BUT the simplest SH#@ I screw up and make the project 10x harder. I have just accepted my life and get my crap in order lol
My two motives:
Shit gets tough? Take a break and come back when patience is available.
See something you want? Buy it now or forget it, it will be gone tomorrow.
I have been trying to fit a big/deep DX aluminum smooth reflector on a busted Fivemega throwmaster housing by using a file and dremel and the progress of turning it by hand is just too slow, gave up until I can figure it out how to do it.
There’s a saying “If there’s a will, there’s a way”. I don’t know who said it, but it sure is a lesson to those who wants to finish a work. So keep going.
I collect but havent modded one light yet let alone dream up ideas like this that start to take shape, so dont give up.
It gives people like me inspiration to finally give mods a go.
I know your pain. I spent the better part of 12 months working on a drop-in I was creating and ended up waiving the white flag a little over a month ago. I was so disappointed, but it had to be done. I learnt a lot though and am making a second go of it but with slightly more realistic goals lol.
That being said it's the first project I've given up on. More often than not I push through. That's half the fun - finding and then solving problems!
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My biking helmet light is taking even longer - 12mths and I haven’t even finished making the tools to make it!
I am the guy that generally gets stuff done, that other people never can. BUT the simplest SH#@ I screw up and make the project 10x harder. I have just accepted my life and get my crap in order lol
