Hi,
I got a Convoy C8+ with the blue KB CSLNM1.14 emitter installed with a smooth reflector.
The blue is cool, but I don’t find it very useful. I am considering replacing the LED with an XP-L HI (or maybe HD).
I like throw, but really would rather get as much flood out of the thing as I can get. I also will not obsess over beam quality.
Which would be better?
It has one of the 3/5 mode drivers in there from Convoy.
So what I would like to know before buying parts is what all will I need to do?
Is the stock driver OK? I haven’t been able to find anything specific on the current output. I am not concerned about maxing things out, but I also don’t want to kill my new XP-L either.
Reliability and less heat over max lumens for this one.
If not, what driver would be recommended for this build?
Will I need a new spacer under the reflector, or maybe modify the one for the OSRAM LED?
I haven’t done any modding since the days of the P60 So I am just trying to get info to save myself headaches.
The driver you have is OK. You can get more brightness and a better UI by grabbing a 5A 12 Group (17mm “for SST40”) driver from Convoy with your order. For lower heat generation you can always use a lower mode.
You will need a new centering gasket when going from an Osram NM1 to an XPL. Between XPL-HI and XPL-HD, XPL-HD will give you a little bit more brightness and a floodier beam compared to XPL-HI. It’ll definitely still be a thrower though.
You want white? Carve up a remote-phosphor LED lightbulb, cut one of the panels to shape, and while it’d stick out like an aspheric lens, you’d get a nice floody white out of it.
I’ve had a few C8’s over the years and a C8 with SMO reflector and XPL-HI driven at 6 amp or even with FET, due to xpl’s higher vf, is still a great and under rated light. Plenty of throw in the beam without it being pencil thin and loads of CCT’s and tints to go at, 4D being a fave. Also cheap, also great form factor.
If you do swap the emitter remember the all important spacer gasket, worth getting a few different types as xpl is 3535 size. Different spacers give slightly different beams, usually in the corona. Wrong spacer can put rings in beam.
Thanks for the replies
I ordered an orange peel reflector and XP-L adapter. From Mountain Electronics
I also got and CREE XP-L V6 3D LED on Noctigon 20mm MCPCB
and their FET Driver - 17mm
I wasn’t really sure about the driver, but I can get it more quickly than from the Convoy store. Will it be OK with the XP-L?
If not, I can order one of the Convoy drivers … 5A 12 Group.
Or I was thinking about the DrJones H17Fx Driver. How would that one be with the above?
Not sure about how well the finances work out. I could buy a New C8+ for not much more…
Thanks,
I am looking for something with a little more flood anyway. My lights are used more for close in work. I am in an urban setting.
For example, one of my favorites is my MT07vn with the XP-L2 leds in it on low modes for just navigating the house at night.
My back yard is only about 40X60 meters, for instance.
But as you said, I can make changes going forward if I don’t like what I have. I will still have the smooth reflector for a quick and easy change there.
I was just really trying to make sure I didn’t turn the thing on and kill the LED immediately.
Well, I swapped out the LED to the XP-l HD and changed to a LOP reflector. I figured out that it has the Convoy 12 mode driver (4800 mah). So I am getting 6 levels. But low is not as low as I would like.
I also think it could get brighter, so I will swap in the FET+1 driver soon.
But all in all it is not bad as it is. I know some think this light is better as a pure thrower, but for my use this setup works well. Just need a bit more on the low end and at the top, if I can get it.
I think the MTN17DDm driver with Guppydrv Rev.2 may get me that.
Or can someone recommend a better 17mm driver for the setup? Range of levels, top end brightness, and efficiency.
I know, I don’t ask for much…
@Mandrake50, if you really want flood, I would actually recommend the LH351D.
It’s a very efficient LED (even more than the XP-L HD actually), and has slightly lower VF, meaning you get better regulation out of it.
Here are the upgrades you can therefore do:
1. Change the XP-L HD to an LH351D 5000k 70CRI.
2. Change the springs for lower resistance ones/do spring bypasses.
3. Get a higher power/better regulated driver.
Easiest solution for flood is to plug a silicone diffuser to the head, that way you can easily switch and use the flashlight as a lantern, it also slightly lower the tint.
