BMW rechargeable torch project, driver, led and battery reccomendations

You can alter the 4056 board for lower current. The part is very small, though, and Im not very good at soldering. So I just try to limit current in. I suppose you might get heat, dropping 1A to 0.25A, anyway.

You seem to be getting the leds pretty well.

The smaller xp-g2 might give a more focused beam? I’m not an expert, but I don’t think it would make much difference, xml2 vs. Xpg2. Smaller leds often used in throwers, with a reflector, for a focused beam.

But you might not want a “thrower” under a car hood, and I’m not sure what difference it’d make on the light, Xpg2 vs. Xml2, if you dont have a reflector.

I think 3A should kill a 4056 fast. 1A is the listed max, and even then HKJ used a heatsink.

Remember that you have contacts on the back of the board, and don’t just put a metal heatsink on it, or you can get a short on the board.

Here’s a link to a 4056 thread, where HKJ tested it :

But, it’s a cheap Chinese charger. You have to test it. The microcontroller could have been programmed poorly, for instance. Is it cutting off properly?

I probably wouldn’t worry about a heatsink too much on a 16mm board at about an A. I’ve been told you can go to 6A on a hollow pill sk68. Although even those have some ability to wick heat out to the body. I guess the plastic body might need a heatsink for 30 min.?

I might start with a driver with modes, and use a less bright mode, if it is too hot.