Heres what Ive ordered for now:
FT
-two red XPE’s on 16mm, 3$
-two red XPE’s on 12mm, 3.58$
-two green XPE’s on 16mm, 3$
-one blue XPE2 on 16mm, 2.91$
-three green XPE2, bare ones, 5.19$
CNQ
-four neutral XPG2’s on 16mm, <5$
Ebay
Should be good for now to switch emitters on existing lights :bigsmile: ?
Several methods for reflowing, which do you plan to use?
Only checked OldLumens youtube video, seems kind of technically simple, but havent checked others(put soldering iron under the star, heat it with LED sitting on top of the star, let the LED get stuck to solder, thats it).
Any recommendations?
I haven’t had much luck with using the iron to reflow like that.
The best method I’ve found is an Embossing Heat Tool. They’re around $20 new, but much cheaper used (I found two at thrift stores). It’s like a handheld reflow oven.
I should probably get a new soldering iron.
My main iron is a 30w Radio Shack one that’s maybe 25 years old. No temp control, no on-off switch. Didn’t even come with a stand! I bought a cheap stand for it and that’s what I use. Desperately in need of a replacement tip, but I’ve ended up making do just by filing down the original tip.
It gets the job done though. And I have a fine-tipped battery powered 15w iron for jobs where fine control or low temps are needed.
I filed the tip on my iron and made do but a new iron is a game changer. For reflow I’ve used the stovetop and tuna can lid but I find it more comfortable to set the star on a strip of aluminum on the vise and heat that from below with a small butane torch. Less flame and more control. I can even watch through my magnifying lamp to see the moment of liquifying. Solder paste and stencils are nice as well. I still need to get a 20 mm triple stencil.
Be patient, Don’t lose sleep over it 
. Very interesting and usefully suggestion by Rufusbduck.
Start new lighting project just by yourself could be very tiresome and tough, anyway, hope you can get through. Lots of B2C places you can buy parts from.
Guys, where do you buy copper MCPCB? And LED’s, as Nichia 219C?
I’m interested in free worldwide shipping, so basically looking for reliable chinese shop. Can’t find it on aliexpress, fasttech, gearbest, banggod, dx…do you know any other?
International outdoor store. That’s who noctogons were made for.
Thanks Rufusbduck!