1

I’d like to tap the wisdom of this crowd to identify potential emitters for a new light I’m building.

tl;dr:

What are good ~3v emitter (or emitter array) options: <5,550K, >=85 CRI, capable of >2500lm driven from a 26650? Ideally it will work with commonly available OP reflectors, but suggestions that include an somewhat floody optic with a hotspot or a reflector with an OD <=36mm are great too.

The leading contender right now is the Luxeon MZ

Long version:

I have a Surefire L5-like host (sold as Comunite L9) with a nice thick integrated shelf for the MCPCB. I’d originally planned to put an XHP70.2 in it, powered by 2x26300 cells, inspired by a similar build another member here did, but I’ve cooled on that idea, because I’d really rather use a single 26650.

I’m not loving the existing boost driver options for this project, either. And while the upcoming boost drivers designed by members here seem much more appealing, the expected price-points aren’t.

So, thats led me to look for a solution using 3v nominal emitter(s).

At first I thought I’d use an SST-40, but I’ve already used that emitter in a bunch of builds. I’d like to try and hit a higher power level for this build, and I’d like to do it was a warmer, higher CRI beam.

The Luxeon V is also a contender. It gets me a warmer beam, but the CRI is still low. Under ideal conditions, it’s output is no better than the SST-40, but the lower Vf and better thermal characteristics may make it easier to approach that level of output in an actual, real-world, flashlight build. Plus, the Luxeon V looks like it is more robust.

I’ve been intrigued by the prospect of a ~4p multi-die array, either packaged that way by the manufacturer, like the Luxeon MZ, or assembled that way on an MCPCB, like a quad E21 MCPCB from Virence.

I’m currently leaning towards the Luxeon MZ, with a MCPCB from Led4Power as it looks like I can probably hit higher output levels, and that getting a decent beam with a reflector will require less intervention.

But as I said, I’m posting here to see what I’m missing, and what else I should consider.

2

Are you sure you don’t want to buy a Sofirn C8F?

It might satisfy your needs.

3

Thanks. I already have a C8F host & suitable driver, and I have emitters on the way. That purchase was already a compromise — I’d originally wanted to build a 26650 power triple, but couldn’t find a suitable host for a suitable price.

This is a different project, taking advantage, I hope, of the added capacity of the 26650.

4

Aah, you should wait for the 21700 version of the Sofirn C8F then, especially since there are 5100mAh 21700.

5

I expect that I will end up with one or two lights based on the 21700 version of the C8F, but for now, I have this host I want to do something a bit ridiculous with.

6

For example, something like this quad XP-G2 board. What would I need to get the beam evened out? Are there similar builds I should check out?

7

Could try a Luxeon MZ if you can find one, they are available in 5700K 90CRI 3V from what I know.

8

Yeah, the MZ is the leading candidate at this point.

Mouser only has one of the 3v variants in stock, the LMZ9-QW57. Digikey has it as well. A bit cooler than I’d like, but at 90+ CRI, I think that’ll probably be acceptable.

Digikey also has the LMZ8-QW50. I think I could to accept the lower CRI in exchange for the bump in output.

If no one has any better ideas in the next day or so, I’ll probably get one of each and order some MCPCBs from Led4Power.

9

@EAS I had not thought about the Luxeon MZ.

That is just perfect if you want to push 2500 lumens+ from a single 3V LED.

Having a single LED makes a host choice much easier.

Here it is:

http://kaidomain.com/p/S025386.KL-S26-26650-LED-Flashlight-Host-145mm-L-x-32_5mm-D-for-Cree-XM-L-Black-1-set

Not really an OP reflector, but with a big LED like the Luxeon V, the throw will not be extreme.
It will be kind of like an XML2 C8.

Good throw but not monstrous.