Convoy L2 driver and LED options

TBone · 2018-03-05T20:13:38.000Z

Living in the UK you have two good choices:

1. Wait a few more days until the new still nameless Schoki/Lexel boost drivers are ready (somewhere in this thread).
2. Try a Luxeon V with a single cell 17 mm LD-4 driver from led4power. 2500 lm @ 11 A.

ecotack · 2018-03-23T14:29:19.000Z

The L2 host arrived yesterday and last night I got to building.

A couple of days ago I started to de-dome a XP-G2 in petrol. Then forgot about it. 29hrs in petrol and the solder resist had started to lift at the edges. This was for a C8 build, using an old UltraFire host. I tried to finish this before starting the L2. Two switched burnt out before I spotted the screws where shorting on the copper PCB. Those solder pads on the KD PCBs are too big (or is it the screws are too big?). I thought it was the reflector to start with. Couple of fibre washers should solve that.

After that disappointment I looked at the L2. The driver bay measured about 21.4mm, so I started filing down a H2-C from its 22mm. Eventually I got it to fit. Popped in an XHP35 HI and it worked. The L2 switch is a forward clicky, so I may need to replace that. I did a quick measure at the tail and with 2 fresh 26650 it was drawing 2.6A. My Convoy L6 (stock) on the same batteries drew 5.4A. Possibly some loss in my meter. The H2-C driver also worked with 1 cell. I’m happy the build went well. Just need to try it outside tonight and see if I’m happy with the result.

Satan · 2018-03-24T16:28:07.000Z

How about the the L2 with H2-C result ?

ecotack · 2018-03-25T22:10:00.000Z

Yes, very happy. I hadn’t had much time to check it out before. There is a bend in the road 300 meters from the gateway to our stables. The L2 hit this no problem, the L6 lights up all the way down. The C8 with de-domed XP-G2 not so much. The C8 measured 3.4A at the tail, so possibly some room for improvement (driver was lightly toasted also).

I’ll see how well my dash cam picks them out tomorrow. I have to be careful around here though. Its only semi-rural and the first time I used the LED lighting on my stables the police were called.

I’ve a couple of zoomies I’m looking to up-grade next. A Warsun X50 and X65. I’ll try another de-domed XP-G2, but from looking at my other C8 builds, I think the XP-L HI will be better.

d_t_a · 2018-03-26T02:08:22.000Z

ecotack:

I’ll see how well my dash cam picks them out tomorrow. I have to be careful around here though. Its only semi-rural and the first time I used the LED lighting on my stables the police were called.

(probably off-topic, but) Why would the police be called by using LED lighting on your stables?

Pok · 2018-03-26T02:56:17.000Z

Depending on Reflector.
I have 50+ pcs. of Convoy L2 stock (XML2 , XPL Hi ) and host.
There are 3 kinds of reflector.

bigger spot , less corona <<< this is the best for modding for all LEDs.
smaller spot , decent corona .
smallest spot , bigger corona <<< not suitable for small die LED dome or dedomed XPG2 , XPL Hi , XML2
.
I prefer XML2 U4 dedome + ATTiny25v + , 1500±LM , 230,000+cd.
.

d_t_a · 2018-03-27T16:21:52.000Z

Pok:

Depending on Reflector.
I have 50+ pcs. of Convoy L2 stock (XML2 , XPL Hi ) and host.
There are 3 kinds of reflector.

bigger spot , less corona <<< this is the best for modding for all LEDs.

smaller spot , decent corona .

smallest spot , bigger corona <<< not suitable for small die LED dome or dedomed XPG2 , XPL Hi , XML2
.
I prefer XML2 U4 dedome + ATTiny25v + , 1500±LM , 230,000+cd.
.

Thanks for the measurements.

But I’m curious about the stock versions of the Convoy L2, I can’t seem to find specs (beam throw distance or candela CD). Would like to find out the approximate values (throw, CD) for stock Convoy L2 with XM-L2 and also Convoy L2 with XP-L Hi.

Pok · 2018-03-27T16:28:59.000Z

In the picture , first row is stock XPL Hi with 2 x 26650.
but 1 x 26650 is lower.

KevinZA1988 · 2018-04-07T12:45:03.000Z

Hi =D

I am also looking at this particular driver for my L2. Just a few things I need to know. I’m planning on running it with a the following output levels:

Moonlight
Low = 80 mA
Medium = 900 mA
High = 3000 mA
Turbo = 5500 mA with a 180 seconds timer which falls back to 3000 mA.

2 cells will be used at all times.

Do you think this is a wise decision?

I am happy with the stock output of 3000 mA but I find myself looking for a bit more power now and then. Please advise.

fedcas · 2018-06-04T17:49:38.000Z

Pok:

Depending on Reflector.
I have 50+ pcs. of Convoy L2 stock (XML2 , XPL Hi ) and host.
There are 3 kinds of reflector.

bigger spot , less corona <<< this is the best for modding for all LEDs.

smaller spot , decent corona .

smallest spot , bigger corona <<< not suitable for small die LED dome or dedomed XPG2 , XPL Hi , XML2
.
I prefer XML2 U4 dedome + ATTiny25v + , 1500±LM , 230,000+cd.
.

sorry, what do you mean there are 3 reflectors? how do I know which one will I receive if I buy a L2?

nkresho · 2018-06-04T20:06:18.000Z

I’ve seen two different reflectors for the smooth variant. The lip at the business end (that spaces the reflector from the host) are different lengths. The smaller one allows the reflector to be pushed closer to the shelf and allows easier focusing. The longer one is more limited and might require spacers to fit, thus moving the led further back towards the batteries.

I am able to get a smaller hotspot with the short lipped version, using a thinner LED gasket. Can’t do the same on the taller one without a copper spacer under the LED, or a thicker MCPCB (neither of which I have).

I have seen that there’s an OP available too, but haven’t had my hands on one to check it out.

marsalla · 2018-06-16T15:40:31.000Z

Can I use a 17mm driver in the L2?

Chatika_vas_Paus · 2018-06-16T21:17:56.000Z

Driver hole is 20mm. You can use adapter 17mm to 20mm
http://www.kaidomain.com/p/S023828.KD-17mm-Inner-to-20mm-External-Brass-Ring-Driver-Adapter-for-17mm-Circuit-Board-5-pcs

or DIY

marsalla · 2018-06-17T13:44:19.000Z

Thank you for the link

BrySig228 · 2018-07-04T17:34:06.000Z

Convoy L2 driver size 20 or 22 mm? How bout the emitter side what size is it? I just got my L2 and I was thinking of moddIng it. New driver and emitter. I might replace the tail switch too. All the results I’ve seen are from the older version of the L2.

Thank you

marsalla · 2018-07-07T19:08:21.000Z

does any make a 17mm retaining ring for c8. I would like a brass replacement for the one that came from the factory for my driver.

nkresho · 2018-07-07T19:52:51.000Z

I asked Simon and he sent a couple in my subsequent order. The aluminum one I had stripped.

KawiBoy1428 · 2018-07-07T20:03:06.000Z

BrySig228:

Convoy L2 driver size 20 or 22 mm? How bout the emitter side what size is it? I just got my L2 and I was thinking of moddIng it. New driver and emitter. I might replace the tail switch too. All the results I’ve seen are from the older version of the L2.

Thank you

My 2 Newer Convoy L2 driver pockets measure 21.5-21.6mm you can run a 20mm FETDD driver which is sloppy or 22mm FETDD driver, if you just file/sand down the board a little for a tight fit, With 22mm Buck or Boost drivers the components (smd’s) might be too close to the ground seat edge. The depth of the pocket is approximately 3.5mm.

marsalla · 2018-07-10T14:59:35.000Z

New question. What would be the best driver/emitter combo to get the best throw using two cells in series please.

Thank you

Also: I need a good soldering iron. any suggestions.

KevinZA1988 · 2018-07-10T15:05:57.000Z

I went for a 20mm buck driver and XP-L HI combo from mountain electronics. Pushing 5.1 A on Turbo and the throw is good. However, my centering ring is rubbish so I’m definitely going to change that because when I fasten the bezel completely it moves slightly off centre. Super annoying!