I have a 2 x 18650 MC-E light on the way from FAST TECH and was wondering about the emitter. I know its a little outdated, but is it a bad emitter (too hot and/or too dim)? Should i go ahead and order a replacement XML right away?
here is the Light Link
Thanks
The MC-E has EDIT four dies on one emitter, they actually make an RGB (plus white) emitter. The emitter has 4 positive leads and 4 negative leads.
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/images/4colordriver_03.jpg
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/mce-color-multimode-342v-circuit-board-p-645.html
Or you can use a 2.8 amp driver and drive them in parallel, so 700ma each die (got it right, here), or drive each led separately. Driving them separately is of no use, unless you have an RGB emitter.
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/cree-mce-color-led-20mm-mcpcb-p-644.html
the classic mc-e can have a donut hole in the hotspot (darker spot in the center)
otherwise it isn’t that bad, only slightly lower output than xm-l
i’d replace it with xm-l2 t6 5000K
I thought you had a previous thread on this? Anyway, you probably can’t replace an MC-E with an XM-L directly as more than likely the MC-E will have a different input voltage which would fry an XM-L. It depends how the MC-E is connected up but normally they are 6v 2s2p.
Looks like a good deal. Actually looks like a clone of the olight m30. They are 350 to 600 lumens at most but have a donut hole. Still, I love mce tints better than any emitter.
I do have another thread but was trying to get as much information on the performance of an MC-E as possible not necessarily the flashlight. If it is s a decent emitter than I will keep it stock and not screw it up.
I only have one MC-E emitter and it's in a p60. The MC-E is more floody than an XM-L but they are known for taking a whole lot of abuse and can be pushed harder (beyond rated input specs) and driven directly compared to just about any other Cree emitter. Many old-timers still love them but I wasn't that into flashlights when they were the hot emitter so I have no nostalgic love affair with them like some do. I'll take an XM-L over an MC-E any day and except for wanting an RGB example I have no desire to own a second one.
I miss my old Fenix Tk40, it had an MCE and 630 lumens. There was an x in the beam for about a foot, then the beam was perfect. I still think the MCE is better than the SscP7 though I may be alone in that
Fixing an incorrect statement here, the MC-E has four die in one component or emitter.
EDIT POST.…
I have a couple MCE’s in UF502 & 502 hosts for the shop and boatyard. They are better at wide angle use than any of the UF XLM’s we have for employee usage. I also have one in a SolarForce Masterpiece Pro head upgrade and it often surprises me (2 cells) with the large/wide/even and hot beam - even compared to some of my newer lights.
Its an old hand but worth having around.
I think I’ll keep it stock and use it walking the dog , I like flood lights for that
Thanks to all!
Where do you guys usually get replacement XMLs? I’m planning to get some online but I’m a newbie at it so I’m not quite sure if I could trust having it shipped. Thanks!
FastTech has them for relatively cheap, though I’m not sure if they’re the cheapest. I just picked up a couple of 16mm XM-L T6’s with a 4C tint, and I’m liking them a lot so far.
It’s worth mentioning that their cooler tints, such as the 3C and 1A tint are a fair bit cheaper
Thanks a lot for the recommendation, checking the site now.
Fast tech is one of if not the fastest overseas shippers but illumination supply is located in Ca and has an even faster arrival time and the prices are reasonable if not cheap.
If you are ordering now, its the Chinese holidays (you would see that notice in a banner somewhere on their site) , but also look for places like Tmart.com that have extensive US shipping capabilities. And are shipping/will be shipping those identified US based items the entire time.
And of course there are numerous good US retail stores (too many to mention) that will give decent prices and great customer service - we all tend to forget about them a bit in our quest to be ‘budget’! Lighthound is one of my favorite, as is Brightguy.
Are you doing P60 drop ins or on the star?
Can you give me their website please…
I believe you’ve sent me the wrong URL…