Convoy C8 - Triple Luminus SST-40

DB_Custom · 2018-11-24T22:59:13.000Z

Nice idea, should be getting WAY more out of it though.

I have single SST-40’s pulling over 9A. I would expect a triple SST-40 to make upwards and over 6000 lumens. As a point of reference, in a 3 18650 SupFire M6 (a triple) I get 8,000. It’s going to take 18ga leads and something in the Sony VTC5A class to do it though.

FAB505 · 2018-11-24T22:38:39.000Z

Smaller, more concentrated hotspot for the sliced emitters.

I guess it’s worth tearing it down and swapping to some 18 gauge wires. It is already bright as hell, wonder how much of a visible difference it will make.

Sirius9 · 2018-11-24T22:45:48.000Z

FAB505:

Smaller, more concentrated hotspot for the sliced emitters.

eas · 2018-11-26T02:15:41.000Z

FAB505:

When measuring the tail cap amperage, the reading never read over 9 amps. However, this may be due to the multimeter wire gauge or incorrectly measuring amperage.

If you are running the circuit through a standard multimeter than that’s likely the problem. The leads add some resistance, but the internal measurement shunt adds even more.

You really need to use a clamp meter, or make a very low resistance shunt and calibrate it.

FAB505 · 2018-11-26T06:02:52.000Z

eas:

FAB505:

When measuring the tail cap amperage, the reading never read over 9 amps. However, this may be due to the multimeter wire gauge or incorrectly measuring amperage.

If you are running the circuit through a standard multimeter than that’s likely the problem. The leads add some resistance, but the internal measurement shunt adds even more.

You really need to use a clamp meter, or make a very low resistance shunt and calibrate it.

Definitely measured the current with a low quality multimeter. Further investigation led me to realize that this would lead to an incorrect reading. I do not even own a clamp meter!

I will definitely look into using a different method to measure it. When I first got into building lights I never stopped to think about how to measure their output. Seems to be the more difficult part of the hobby!

voip · 2018-11-26T17:46:08.000Z

sick light and great mod! thanks for showing it.

EasyB · 2018-11-26T18:16:59.000Z

I agree, very cool light. The triple SST40 is a great combination for single cell lights.

I have a triple SST40 in a convoy L2 (single 26650). With an Aspire 4300mAh 26650 cell I measured 19A using a 10mOhm shunt in place of the tail cap. The shunt resistance is close to that of a tailswitch with bypassed spring so it should be close to the same circuit resistance of the assembled light.

FAB505 · 2018-11-26T19:30:12.000Z

voip:

sick light and great mod! thanks for showing it.

Thanks! I hated it at first. It felt awkward to hold and use on a regular basis. So much so that I listed it on ebay for a bit. Then I got the idea to put the grip ring on it. Completely changes the ergonomics and it fits in my hand really well now.

eas · 2018-11-29T03:32:41.000Z

You don’t need to go to great lengths to drive these emitters at close to their limit. I have a single SST-40 with a MTN FET+1 driver and basic spring bypasses that easily hits ~8A.

I’d guess you are doing at least 15-18A on turbo with an 30Q or similar, and so ~4500lm or more.

Got any beamshots?

FAB505 · 2018-11-29T18:50:02.000Z

I will see if I can get some beamshots up tonight!

FAB505 · 2018-12-01T06:10:19.000Z

Here’s the link for some beamshots. I can never get photos to post directly to the forum from a mobile device.

[Album] SST-40 beamshots

[Album] SST-40 beamshots continued

Unfortunately my phone camera does not accurately capture the intensity or brightness on high.

eas · 2018-12-01T18:22:29.000Z

Sweet! I think your phone camera is doing just fine, but cameras in general don’t capture things the way we perceive them. It’s clear that it makes a lot of light and gets it downrange. It lights the the fence at the far side of the lot well enough that the lit window in the distance isn’t blow out.

Where did you get the MCPCB and what optic did you use?

KawiBoy1428 · 2018-12-01T19:26:12.000Z

You can use the Sofirn Triple Reflector in the Convoy C8 with the T-Pad Triple board also…here is my Triple Reflector Convoy C8 SST40…

FAB505 · 2018-12-01T19:45:24.000Z

eas:

Sweet! I think your phone camera is doing just fine, but cameras in general don’t capture things the way we perceive them. It’s clear that it makes a lot of light and gets it downrange. It lights the the fence at the far side of the lot well enough that the lit window in the distance isn’t blow out.

Where did you get the MCPCB and what optic did you use?

I picked up the MCPCB from Cutter Electronics. Expensive shipping. The optic is a LEDiL Cute-3-SS that was wet sanded and polished with automotive headlight polish to produce the clear, smooth finish.

FAB505 · 2018-12-01T19:50:17.000Z

Sweet triple, good to know about the stock convoy host. I’m a big fan of TIR optics though. Love the beam characteristics.

Can you tell me about how you achieved that color combination on your light. It looks like it has been sanded and polished then maybe baked to change the color of the anodization??

KawiBoy1428 · 2018-12-01T20:51:36.000Z

FAB505:

Sweet triple, good to know about the stock convoy host. I’m a big fan of TIR optics though. Love the beam characteristics.

Can you tell me about how you achieved that color combination on your light. It looks like it has been sanded and polished then maybe baked to change the color of the anodization??

It started out black, I got bored at work and turned the ano off on the Lathe, got bored again and baked it on the BBQ grill. Then built it with the 3xSST40’s, T-Pad Triple/Sofirn reflector.
Did the Sofirn C8F too…

chadvone · 2018-12-01T20:54:38.000Z

Sweet light Kawiboy. What a way to make them your own.

KawiBoy1428 · 2018-12-01T21:41:45.000Z

Thanks Guys!

FAB505 · 2018-12-02T05:59:05.000Z

KawiBoy1428:

FAB505:

Sweet triple, good to know about the stock convoy host. I’m a big fan of TIR optics though. Love the beam characteristics.

Can you tell me about how you achieved that color combination on your light. It looks like it has been sanded and polished then maybe baked to change the color of the anodization??

It started out black, I got bored at work and turned the ano off on the Lathe, got bored again and baked it on the BBQ grill. Then built it with the 3xSST40’s, T-Pad Triple/Sofirn reflector.
Did the Sofirn C8F too…

Awesome lights! I wish I had access to a lathe. I really want to remove the tailstand shroud around the rear button. That way the button protrudes out and is easier to activate with one hand. Similar to the surefire tailcaps.

eas · 2018-12-02T06:10:23.000Z

Man, I wish I’d known about that XM Tpad. It doesn’t seem to be listed on Cutter now. How long ago did you get it?