C8 build (first build)

Gravedigger1 · 2018-07-20T21:51:53.000Z

I want to build a c8 for distance. Here is what I am considering

Cree XP-G3 S5 3A LED

17mm DrJones H17Fx Driver w/ lucidrv2 - 7135 + FET

42mm AR Coated Glass Lens

Let me know if there are better choices

DavidEF · 2018-07-20T22:02:27.000Z

CREE XP-G3 has been found to not actually be all that great for throw. I can’t remember who tested it, but it was a few different people. Something weird about the phosphor layer I think is what at least one of them said.

DrJones makes good drivers. That should be a great choice, although lots of people might try to convince you there’s a better one out there. We’re quite spoiled for choice of drivers right now, and everyone has their favorite.

AR coated glass will net you a little better output. Some AR coatings will mess with your tint, making it look a little green ( alot green, if the LED was already leaning that way :confounded: ) If you trust your source and/or you don’t mind a bit of tint shift, then don’t worry about it.

Asking for better choices? Well, the C8 has a long history around here for building throwers. Some of the members here are hunters and/or build C8’s for hunters a lot. Others just really like throw, and use the C8 because it can get good throw in a pocketable size (jacket pocket). So there will probably be plenty of opinions on what the perfect combo of LED/driver/reflector/lens is.

Have fun!

DavidEF · 2018-07-20T22:11:58.000Z

Here’s some reading material for you on the subject of LEDs:

Future development of the maximum luminance of LEDs Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

During the last few years the maximum luminance which can be reached with an LED in a flashlight, without additional aiding measures, increased by about 25%. It's specified in Candela per square millimeter of die area, the actual glowing part part the LED (cd/mm2). Together with the front surface area of the reflector (or optic) it determines the throw of a light (just multiply the values). The current leader of the white LEDs manages at least 300cd/mm^2. Phosphor-converted green LEDs can reach …

LED test / review - SC5 based Cree LEDs (XP-L HD/HI, XP-G2 / -E2, XM-L2) - WIP! Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

LED test / review EN Cree XLamp XP-L HD, XP-L HI, XP-G2, XP-E2, XM-L2 XPLAWT-00-0000-0000V5051 XPLAWT-H0-0000-0000V3051 XPGBWT-L1-0000-00L51 XPEBWT-L1-0000-00G51 XMLBWT-00-0000-0000U4051 [image] In this thread I will present the widely used Cree SC5 based LED emitter line-up (3 V class currently), presented to the public in 2012 to 2014. My goal is to establish a single-post resource for raw data and other important values and measurements of these older LEDs,…

Luminus CFT-90 Testing - The Mother of all LEDs Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

sma in the German TLF forum has tested the Luminus CFT-90, the new high-power LED from Luminus. This LED has a 9mm^2 Die, no dome and is rated for up to 27A. It’s factory mounted on a large copper pcb. sma tested it up to 45A (I had guessed beforehand that it goes up to at least 40A). See here. As I predicted it has a suprisingly high luminance for such a large die. It managed up to 230cd/mm^2 which is better than any XP-G2 and almost as high as the Osram Black Flat at maximum current, but with…

LED test / review Osram SYNIOS P2720 DMLQ31.SG white - Small chip, but big in luminance - at low current! Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

LED test / review EN Osram SYNIOS P2720 DMLQ31.SG white KW DMLQ31.SG-7K6LF-EBVF46FCBB46 UPDATE --- 06/23/18 --- raw data added (link) [image] A few months ago in the german TLF I wrote about an interesting LED series, manufactured by Osram: the SYNIOS P2720. There are some types available, all in same footprint but different die sizes and colors. In August 2017 I already tested the SYNIOS P2720 DMLN31.SG. This test is outdated, in addition the luminance values …

And, here’s a nifty thread from member Enderman, where he shares some Advanced Calculators of his own.

Advanced calculators for theoretical lumens, lux, beam divergence, and more, of custom LED flashlights Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

These are some advanced calculators I have made to help me estimate the final performance of the custom flashlights I build, and I decided to share it with you guys so you can do the same Some example screenshots: Aspheric Lens: [image] Standard Reflector: [image] Recoil Reflector: [image] . . Using these equations, it is possible to find: -candela (lux @ 1m) -throw (ANSI to .25 lux) -lumens in spot -lumens in spill (for standard reflectors only) -total lumens OTF …

Oh, and by the way, welcome to BLF!

Gravedigger1 · 2018-07-20T23:29:41.000Z

DavidEF:

Some of the members here are hunters and/or build C8’s for hunters a lot. Others just really like throw, and use the C8 because it can get good throw in a pocketable size (jacket pocket). So there will probably be plenty of opinions on what the perfect combo of LED/driver/reflector/lens is.

I’m going to use it for hunting.

Is there a better choice for a led for throwing?

Gravedigger1 · 2018-07-21T00:41:15.000Z

What about using Luminus SST-40 N4 6500K LED ?

Possibly dedomed,

ControlTheController · 2018-07-21T00:47:44.000Z

Would XP-L HI be a better choice, since it does not have a dome from the factory, and would be less troublesome than dedoming a LED?

RotorHead64 · 2018-07-21T00:56:54.000Z

MTN FET+1, and XPL-HI for about 120Kcd and 1400+ lumens or MTN FET+1 and dedomed XP-G2 for 160-180Kcd and 800+ lumens. Either one is awesome for the size.

Swib · 2018-07-21T00:58:53.000Z

I second the XPL-HI. The newer V3 bins are very good with a FET driver. You will need a good battery like Samsung 30Q and spring bypass to pull the most amps. Mountain Electronics has everything you need to make this work.

Gravedigger1 · 2018-07-21T01:09:43.000Z

I will be adding spring bypasses! That is not even a second thought, cost nothing.

I will only be investing in good batteries. Have LG MJ1. Will order Samsung or Sony’s

eas · 2018-07-21T01:30:14.000Z

Luminus Devices SST-20 for the LED. It’s already pretty intense and has a low Vf, but if you want to have a go at shaving the dome, you can get 10, unmounted for ~$10, which gives you plenty to practice on.