At the request of more than a few forum members, I've finished up a 3-XML Module that includes the emitters, a constant current driver, and a micro-controller and is designed to mate with the LEDIL CUTE-3 Optics.
I built one up, and it works perfectly - quite awesome, in fact. I've got the production circuit boards on order, and I'll be offering it as a kit for modders and DIYers.
Specs as follows:
35mm Diameter (Same as the CUTE-3 Optics)
Max output: 3.2Amps (up to 5Amps with one resistor change)
Input Voltage: 9-25 Volts
High-Frequency PWM Dimming (NO flicker/beat)
Microcontroller for completely customizable modes (Mode memory available)
- Source code will be freely available once I finish it up
Driver efficiency measured at 96% (at full output) using Calibrated Benchtop Multimeter
All parts rated at minimum 125C Operation, Many rated at 150C
All ceramic X7R Capacitors - No Electrolytic and No Tantalum to fail
0.4MM Thick FR-4 Circuit board with hundreds of thermal via's - Better performance than even the best MCPCBs
Center clearance hole for 6-32 Mounting screw
- Screw this down to your pill and get much better thermal performance than any type of thermal epoxy or tape
3 pass-through holes for wiring
Modes can be changed by removing and then re-applying power (standard tail switch operation) (with or without mode-memory) OR
- Modes can also be changed by a secondary momentary contact input (Power switch and Mode switch combo) OR
- Modes can also be changed by a variable resistance - slider switch, potentiometer, etc OR
- A variable resistance can control the brightness directly in 1024 increments - Essentially infinite adjustment
Extremely Low settings are possible - 3mA (.003A) is the lowest possible drive
Mounting holes for the CUTE-3 Series of TIR Optics
Thermal protection on board - the micro-controller monitors the temperature and can be programmed to shut-down or back-off current
Reverse Voltage Protection.
2D Print and 3D Model of the entire assembly available to help with custom enclosures or torch tubes
- http://www.brightlightmodules.com/3XML_Module_Mechanical.ZIP
At first, I'll be offering these strictly as a kit - you do the soldering yourself. If there's a demand, I will consider selling completed modules built on a production machine line ( FAR better quality than hand soldering ).
** Due to obvious demand for fully assembled modules, and a obvious lack of demand for DIY kits, These will now be available professionally assembled. DIY kits will be available upon request. **
any low voltage and overtemp protection? Rough ball park on price?
This would be well worth posting on the mtbr DIY lights forum as triple XM-L lights are becoming quite popular there. Plus, there's a guy prototyping a housing that would suit this down to the ground - I'd expect demand to take off a fair bit once that's ready as it'll be the simplest and brightest build around.
doh! you know, I completely didn't make the connection between this and that mahoosive 4x4 light some crazy guy was building from scratch :) That makes it even more interesting..
Matt, can you ask several questions on that forum? 1) what is the LED/heatsink temp on full power ? 2) minimum order quantity for a machine assembled module ?"
I'm curious about the machine assembly as well, considering I'm better at soldering, but don't trust myself to do all of that tiny stuff (especially doing the LED).
PIC. Microchip offers the PIC Controllers in higher temp ratings than AVR offers the TINY Series. For instance, the TINY13A in the DFN package is only rated to a max of 85C. The PIC Part I've selected is rated to 150C. Additionally, the PIC is physically smaller. For what they have to do in this application, it's 6 of one to half a dozen of the other anyway.
He'll be plesantly surprised by the performance of an XM-L on FR-4. I promise.
1) Completely 100% dependent on the heat-sink. MCPCB, FR-4, Platinum - doesn't matter what the emitters are mounted on - it's the heat sink that has to dissipate 30 watts.. I can't answer the question, unfortunately.
2) Unsure just yet - I haven't even got the kits shipping yet. Details will be provided if/when I'm prepared to offer a fully assembled module.
How low is the low voltage protection? Would this light engine be able to run on 2 x 18650's?
I've had a look at both your drawings and the CUTE-3 datasheet, but nowhere can I see how far the leds are from the center or the board. Will the DRY reflector fit this light engine?
