Modding question > spot light for motorcycle XHP35.2 Hi or SFT40 ?

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

Hello,

Would it be better to use 2 x XHP35.2 HI at 12v(1amp each) or 2 x SFT40 in series at 6V (5A each)?

The idea is to use the head of a compact flashlights using TIR optics like the Wurkkos TS11 or other 40mm diameter reflector models.

The driver(s) would be external to minimize the overall size. What would be the best wiring? The light would be used on high beam but on a separate switch/relay.
According to some reviews, the “sweat spot” of the SFT40 is @9Amp but according to the cooling capacity of the head, I should probably run them bellow 5 amp for longer runtime (?)

Regarding color temperature, SFT40 would be the 5000K and the XHP35.2 Hi would be 4000k (my actual driving beam are 4000K XP-L Hi emitter, both should blend quite well…)

Any advises or recommendations are welcome - Thanks!

spot light project
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SFT40 would definitely give you more throw/range. Math says that each XHP35 will get 12W and SFT40 - 30W. Obviously SFT will be much brighter as well.

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Sft40 if you want throw, xhp35 for better balance between flood and throw. The beam will be wider. I personally would choose sft40 its a great emitter

4

It’s a pleasure to have you onboard, john33!

01 Scarlett Johansson
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1 Thank
5

Go SFT40. The XHP35.2 is a terrible emitter and definitive downgrade compared to the first generation, in output, intensity, and optical characteristics (beam profile and tint consistency). Avoid.

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6

Hey, I’ve had this exact idea before involving a few M21H, potting compound, leads wired in and making a clamp that would hold them all aligned, maybe even some sort of aero funnel to help them stay cool too? The 3° spot is pretty throwy even with an XHP70.3 HI, and you might also consider SFT70, I think they would definitely suffice for highbeams.

I really wish convoy would offer some automotive products like this, it would be a huge upgrade in pricing and performance over the rest of the market.

What kind of motorcycle and how are you thinking of mounting it?

2 Thanks
7

SFT40 at 5A or up to 8A with good cooling sounds good. if you want maximum throw, consider the SFT25R.

I recommend considering SFT70 if you do not want maximum throw, but a throwy and efficient 6V emitter, which can be driven harder. 6V 5A is feasible with good cooling.

Do you mind sharing the parts you are using for this project?

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Hi, thanks for your answer. In fact, I am more interested in the SFT40 beam pattern which is not so tight compare to W1/W2 but still higher intensity than the XHP35.2 hi

Why I did consider the XHP35 is because of tint selection (I already use Cree 4000K XP-L hi for my driving beam, so, I thought it would blend nicely…)

My bike setting is already excellent, the R1300GS new headlight outperforms many motorcycle oem lighting.

On that, I already have 2 pairs of Diode Dynamics SS3 pro/max installed and do a great job. But hey? Why not fine tuning it a little.

To make the installation perfect, I am thinking to DIY the “final touch” → 2 mini spot lights mounted on the fork in order to throw that extra punch according to the wheel direction instead of the bike frame.

My target is :

A Total of +/- 3000 lumens in a relatively tight spot coming from 2 compact TIR.
Colour Temperature between 4000-5000K with 70cri minimum (mixing à SFT40 3000K plus 5000k would be interesting too (80CRI at 4500K?)

Not more than 5 amp per led in order to stay bellow 75°C in extended continuous usage)

“Host” could be 2 compact flashlights heads like the workkos or Sofirn if19

Why not XHP70 or larger emitter? Because I already get that function (as described above)

The SS3 Max are positioned at lower crashbars as Fog lights. The wide beam cutoff is excellent and with the yellow lens, the 6000k Osram W2 (?) are much better on eyes (originally, they were positioned on top for high beam reinforcement, but realised that the tint is not great especially on spots pattern)

So, the lighting is already very good but because of using “driving lens” instead of “full spot” lens, the SS3 pros really behave has a “road legal extra high beam” not a “full spot”. (Which is - indeed - great for road legal usage)

Of course, I could add an extra pair of SS3 with full spot lens, but making the GS look like a “Christmas tree” isn’t to my taste. Only solution if I really want that extra long distance spot beam is 2 separate “mini pods” well integrated “inside” de bike.

I found some interesting location on the bike, I’ll post some pics later.

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Hi, I answered regarding emitters options in my previous post. The SFT40 should be better (brighter and not as spotty as the SFT25…)

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10

Noted, will probably stick to SFT40 :+1:t2:

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12

I was thinking of something like those drivers 12V to 6V 10A… So, 2x SFT40 in series would get 5A each (or?)

I am not sure what temperature will be generated by a FST40 @5A in this kind of little host :sweat_smile:

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13

Lights would be controlled via separate relay

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I noticed charts showing around 1500lumens for the XHP35 at 1A, so, I should get my 3000lumens with 2 pods under 2A

Even though less throwy than the SFT40, once inside a TIR, it should do the job too. Using 12v emitter is easier to use on my existing installation, as I can tap directly each existing high beam lines and pull an extra amp from them. Each line can deliver up to 10A from the CANsmart, so no need for extra relays and extra wiring…

15

So would you use this to replace the driver? Or would you hook it up to the drivers leads and click the light on once? I like the idea of keeping temperature control technology but it might be easiest to just let that go.

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Of course I keep the SS3 driving pods, they are excellent. I just wanted to had 2 extra full spot beam to them (add the extra punch for long distance throw…)
The only issue if I tap on the existing lines (from the CANsmart to the driving pods) is the intensity set at 10% on low beam position. I am not sure how the PWM will react going through another driver (?)
The more safe would be still a separate relay that detects when the bike is running and can be activated via a separate switch. Or, with basic relay, find a switch power line to active the relay only when bike “on”.

I am still hesitating between Xhp35.2 hi at 4000k and SFT40 5000k in series to feed them with 6V power.

By the way? Any body know if the SFT40 are available in 4000K? I use SSt-20 4000k in one of my flashlight and the cri is really good…

17

4000Ks SFT40s were available on KD a while ago, but in limited quantities. Tint seems to be good even with an above BBL bin. Now they are completely sold out, either it’s a one off (I hope not🤕) or they still haven’t entered mass production.

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Two SFT40s in series would each get 10A in that situation. Figure your power supply is 60W so two emitters would each get 30W.