Hi all,
what is the overall popularity of single cell and boost driver combination, for example for XHP35 series LEDs? Also what are its pros and cons? Does this have any serious advantages over other types of drivers? Im more and more interested in drivers that allow for constant output on most power levels and if my understanding is correct, boost drivers should allow for this. Also, are there any popular models, that could be used for example with C8 or S2+ hosts?
Boost drivers are not linear but constant current and are limited by the current handling of their boost controller, so generally a cheap one will quit at 10A input. That’s not hard to get with a high drain battery and high power led like a xhp50.2 or xhp70.2. They are pretty efficient around 90% when the battery voltage is low. They’re most efficient up to 96% when the input voltage is closest to the output. I think they’re a good option. The issue is size. The C8 and S2 take 17mm drivers and most boost drivers that are easily available and affordable are 20mm and up for around $10-13. They can also be modded. Mtn electronics does make 17mm boost drivers but they’re quite expensive over $20 and made to order. They also need better than average heatsinking and high drain batteries.