Not with that driver. A boost driver would do it, however.
The linear drivers require a minimum of the LED's forward voltage, plus a bit of overhead, to properly operate. This varies, in my experience, from about 0.25V to 0.6V. Add the ~3.X Vf of the XM-L, and even 3 NiMh AA cells are often not enough.
That's why I try to use 4 'loops in any AMC driver build that requires full blast. Even two Lithium primary AAs don't have enough juice to run higher than about 1.0A to the LED before sag drops the voltage below threshold.
Can u clearly explain and take some pics about the processing ??? My xp-g SE-1 had problem (after tried to use 14500), now it blink all the time whenever it on (T_T). I really love this light so i want to mod it but i don't know how to begin???
My Se-1 flashlight just died and suspect it is the driver. I have the Cree XML U2 LED. Does anyone know where you can get a direct replacement? I contacted Balder directly but they did not respond.
It isn't too bad a driver but it won't take more than 3.6V so no 4.2V 14500's in it now. This has the usual strobe and SOS and uses PWM on the lower modes but it is a cheap fix at just over $2.
There may be other suitable drivers but there aren't many that will give good output on NiMH and still work fine with Li-Ion.
thanks for the info gadabout! I used to use 14500 batteries but it would only stay on for a few minutes. Probably is what led to the failure. Going forward I’ll be happy to use the AA since there is more than enough light for my needs.
$2 to fix this light is just what I was looking for ,thanks again
