Mini-match gets infinite brightness via QTC

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

Hey guys, just a quick update on what is now my most favored torch.

After reading about the outstanding job Jekostas did modding his tank E07, I contacted Don about aquiring a few samples of QTC and thankfully he obliged. The torch to recieve the special treatment is my triple xpg mini-maglite. The rapid threaded head lends itself almost perfectly to using this for infinate brightness control. In short order, I had it up and running....and then giggling like a little schoolgirl. My little torch was no longer a one trick pony, but now able to meet dang near all my illumination needs. Everyone has an idea in their head of what the perfect torch would be... and for me I just got a little step closer.

Here's the quick specs on how it stands now:

  • 2xAA size mini-mag
  • 3xXP-G R5
  • Carlco narrow optics with AR protective lens
  • Uses 2x14500, 2xNiZn, or 2x enegizer lithiums
  • Infinately variable brightness from .1lm to over 800lm
  • Twist on/off action (starts off low, then brightens as it gets tighter)
  • No silly strobes and low only draws 1ma from the tailcap (Loooong runtime there- Eat that, Zebralight...)

Following Jekostas lead here, I shot a quick video the other night. Pay no attention to my ramblings, I was tired and excited at the same time.


2

Someone needs a finer thread!

Thats one way to get brightness control! reminds me of the keychain lights

Minus the slightly brighter output of this one

3

Niiiice!

I knew you'd do something special with those.

Impressed!

4

Wow, dude, you need to create your own flashlight company LOL :bigsmile: Awesome ML :crown: Try to speak with them and with CREE comp, and start to sell these piece of artwork 8)

5

Oh yes! That is a nice mod Match! Well done sir. And thanks to Don for obliging with that QTC material.

6

Very sweet man, puts what I did to shame - you put the flashlight together AND did the QTC.

7

that looks awesome..i'd love to have one..

8

Wow! Match, you never cease to amaze me with your sweet creations! I just popped a piece of qtc into my e07 as well and it is absolutely awesome! Now I need to begin a project such as this mini mag!:slight_smile: well done sir!

9

Just a thought, but this would work with a standard incan AA-mini mag with an LED upgrade, wouldn't it? I mean, something like a Terralux mini-star extreme wouldn't be any where near the brightness of Match's masterpiece, but unfortunately not all of us are blessed with his modding skills.

10

Nice job...... I want one!

11

Excellent! Now just out of couriosity... since the fancy material used act as a resistor and the more you press it the less resistance it has.... how did you manage to "prevent" the loss of energy on the resistor?

*** and low only draws 1ma from the tailcap ***

You probably used the quantum goop as a variable resistor in the driver or it's a trade secret? :)


12

As I understand it, the stuff either passes current or doesn't - there's no resistive heating involved. Since a 4 x 4 x 2mm pill of the stuff can handle 400W there is clearly a different action from the usual resistor. But i could be miles out, it is 29 years since I had to do quantum mechanics and I was never any good at it.

What I'd like to know is how it is mounted in the light.

13

If the stuff does not have any noticeable power loss when current passes through ant any pressure level it is truly an outstanding material.

14

Fascinating!

The technology that makes touch-screens work adapted to flashlight applications. A loss-free dimmer switch... I'm getting ideas...!

Now, where do I get the stuff, and how to work with it?

15

There are various places sell it, or PM me.

16

Amazing as usual , how do you manage to not burn the emitters with two 14500 , relying in the internal resistance of the battery ?

17

Match is my idol.

18

Wow! Thanks for the positive responses, Guys! Let me try and answer some of the above questions:

[quote= Jekostas]

Just a thought, but this would work with a standard incan AA-mini mag with an LED upgrade, wouldn't it?

[/quote]

Yup. I actually used it first on a bone stock incan mini-mag, and it worked fine. Lowest setting would barely dribble yellow light out the end...

[quote= Budgeteer]

how did you manage to "prevent" the loss of energy on the resistor?

[/quote]

By using fairy dust and unicorn piss.... On a more serious note, I think there may be a misunderstanding out there on exactly what goes on in a series circiut. Edit: Just deleted huge wall of technical text...

Think of it this way: Adding a QTC is like having variable internal battery resistance. We're only controlling how much current can come out at any given moment. In the same way that the "internal resistor" of the battery doesn't waste power, neither does the QTC.

[quote= Arenat]

how do you manage to not burn the emitters with two 14500?

[/quote]

I'm still using the single mode buck driver from the original build.


19

I agree with that!

Cool! are you physicist or something like that?

20

It is truly a wonder material if it acts like a current regulator per se without wasting energy. Still have my doubts that the losses are so small but could be.

Hows the liftime of the thing? 1000+ squeezes?

"Cool! are you (Don) physicist or something like that?"

He has a degree or vast knowledge in almost anything that has to do with science or chemistry and beer or ale (never understood what's the difference)