Luxeon Rebel LEDs - Underrated performers

[djozz]

@rollinstone157

@willie

What is the best way to deal with the heat the 7135s give off from the low forward voltage of the deep red led? I have used lifepo4 or 2 NiNH 18650s in other applications where lower voltage was helpful.

I have not yet managed that, but it is on my radar so to speak. I’m thinking I’ll buy some synthetic diamond powder and mix it with some silicone (maybe GE Silicone II) to use for potting. I am pretty comfortable with this level of current (and subsequent heat) because the Rebels are on Al SinkPads. The heat transferring qualities are excellent on these, and I saw no detrimental effects to running the lights on high for an hour (other than a manageable level of heat) But to be honest, I think the max drive currents on Rebels are extremely underrated (700mA-1A, depending on whether it’s an ES or regular Rebel). Both lights performed like champs when running on high for an hour, with no recognizable negative effects. I mean come on, the XP-G2’s maximum drive current is 1500mA, and it can do a little bit more than that

I tested a few other modern Luxeons (Q and Z) for output, voltage and current, and they go way over specs. I expect the newest Rebels have the exact same die as the Luxeon Z and Q, so the behaviour would be similar.