Hi folks! Im embarking on a bit of an ambitious LED project and likely will need all the help I can get. Im not very experienced in LEDs or electrical design, but I pick things up alright.
Ill probably post my more specific questions in the appropriate sections, but generally Im looking for info on drivers, optics and thermal management. The things I have decided on for the build are the LEDs (XM-L-2), number of leds (5), supply voltage to the driver (11-14.5), spot beam with good throw and a minimum of 3000 lumens out the front of the system.
So I still need to pick out a driver(s), optics and design/machine a heatsink.
Anyway, just thought Id throw that out there. Ill be poking around and asking dumb questions Im sure.
I dont think the number of LEDs will hurt the beam pattern so much as the size of the die of the XML. Ive been experimenting with a few different optics but I still need to get a hold of more to test. I very well may end up using more than one type of optic in the final build, likely some combination of elliptical collimators and tight beam reflectors. Im also playing with aspherical lenses, which essentially project an image of the die.
I dont know if it would be better to break the design challenges into different threads or if I should just make one post about the whole project. Ill post more details and ask some questions tomorrow.
Hmmm…… I wonder if there’s anything to that. I imagine it’s a size issue which limits optics choices. Something that I’m working on. That’s very good anecdotal info to have. I have never made that link myself.
The TK75 and BTU Shocker are probably the best multi-emitter throwers available right now. Performance is comparable between them. TK75 is more expensive and smaller.
I went for the BTU as I prefer to be able to mod my lights (Fenix lights are usually glued, and cannot be easily taken apart).
To do a five or seven emitter thrower, the emitter head would be quite big. Each individual reflector should be about C8 sized (about 40mm). You’d be looking at a 130mm (3x40mm plus bezel) diameter head at least.
To build something yourself, get a bunch of emitters, C8 reflectors, a massive heatsink and figure out how to stick it all together.
Or, get one of these
Welcome to the family, SenorYuk! Anyone else grow up back in the day that remembers the original "Mr Yuk"?
Sounds like you are making a spot light for your vehicle (11v-14v). With multi-XML you will need a large head with decent sized individual reflectors to get good throw. For a driver I'd recommend something like the H6Flex driver. Be sure to keep us updated on your progress. :)
The ‘light bar’ option might be easier to build, especially if it’s for a vehicle. Extruded aluminum for the heatsink/enclosure, holes for reflectors and room for wiring and drivers.
I guess it depends on the application though. Light bars tend to be permanently mounted, where a round light can be made more portable.
