Can I direct Drive a Cree Q3 with 2C alkalines

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I moded a mag 2c with an xm-l and it was direct drive easy and the guy just wanted some more light out the maglite. It did the job. But then noticed that hey I can fit 2x 3aaa carriers in here too.
well the xm-l did not like that. Its on a fairly good sized copper heat sink and ran okay, but it turned on in his back pocket and realized only when the whole lite body was hot. anyhow

I have an extra q3 lying around and was wondering if I could direct drive the unit off the 2C alkalines. or 3AAA’s and then use a cell spacer. wants to stay with alkalines.

Mike

2

There's not enough voltage in two alkalines to drive the q3 which i would presume it's a CREE XR-E led.

EDIT:

I just tried a Q3 with two AA alkalines and I measured a 0.09A current, cell voltage 2.98V (2*AA Duracell).

3

I would need a boost driver to make it work then. I might as well find another xm-l and driver then…

or would 3aaa be sufficient. I could run one carrier with batteries and another with it jumped out like a dummy cell ?

4

I recommend you a buck driver like this one: http://kaidomain.com/Product/Details.S009736

I bought 2 4AA holders from CNQG and I'm running 8 old Alkalines (1 to 1.2V) in it. Works great. Current is 350mA, so at 8V, thats pretty exactly 1A to the LED.

One of the best boost drivers for 2 AA imo is this: http://dx.com/p/1-5v-4-2v-3w-cree-circuit-board-for-flashlights-16-7mm-5-6mm-25505

5

Sweet NightCrawl I ordered two of these recently. What setup are you using them in?

6

So this is in a 2c mag and I cant really fit 2 4aa holders. Maybe a Dorcy 6aaa holder for $3.00 shipped and a driver. for it.

He might just give in and go with an 18650 and a spacer, and go xm-l and a driver.

Dunno

a couple of options

7

Running on 2 Eneloops with neutral-warm XPGs.