The control/MCU side of the driver uses the same parts as a Nanjg 105c, so any firmware that works with a 105c will work here as well. Low voltage protection is a feature of the firmware, so if the firmware has it it will, and if it doesn't it won't. It uses the same diode at D1 as a Nanjg 105c so reverse polarity protection carries over since it's the same parts just on a different PCB.
Since it's 105c-compatible, if a zener/resistor regulator works on a 105c it will work here with the same conditions & limitations. It is a direct drive driver, meaning you can't give it more than 4.2v for XMLs (single or parallel) or 8.4v for MTG2.
I have no idea what the output current is with 3 or 4 XML2s and 4x 20Rs, I don't have a meter that will read that high. But since it does ~5000L with 3 XML2s you can kinda work backwards from that and get an idea of what the current would have to be.
The switch is if you get some of these to go with the drivers: https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/jlidNxF6
edit: For quantities less than around 10, it's cheaper to buy complete 105c drivers to harvest the parts from. More than that and it starts to make sense to buy bare components.
Quick question I have been wondering about this driver. You said it's direct drive, so only 4.2v max right? Can I run 4 MT-G2 off this driver with 4x18650 in parallel? Is it possible? Or is that a boost driver I'm thinking of. If all this can do is 4.2v max, and testing my MT-G2 on my DC adjustable cc-cv converter shows it takes a little above 5v to even turn on, I guess this driver won't work on the Mt-g2 correct? Did I miss something?
It will work but you have to do two things: first, you have to figure out a way to get 8.4v input. You can use 8x 18350s in the stock tube, or rework the contacts at the rear and make an adapter at the front and use 18650s - two of them positive end up, the other two negative end up. Next, the MCU has to have 6 volts or less, so you add a zener diode between the MCU's power input pin and ground, and replace the polarity protection diode with a resistor (to limit the current that will leak away to ground through the zener diode).
It's the same steps required when using a 105c with 8.4v/MTG2 - after all these drivers are built to use the same parts and run the same firmwares as the 105c.
Ok so basically like doing a zener mod to a qlite. I don't think I can do the 18650 series mod you state in the light I have, or at least I don't how to exactly. Would it basically be doing this battery modification to my BST clone https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/17860 The 8x18350 seems the easiest thing to do, although rather pricy to but all those 18350's.
After looking at it all, I guess even if I ran a 2s2p setup in my BST clone, the biggest issue would be runtime and good batteries. I dont have any samsung 25r or 20r or sony US18650VTC5 batteries, best i have are the panny 3400 and I am guessing 4 MT-G2 running off those in 4x18650 in s2sp would not last long and/or give me the high amps iwould need to power this baby.
What would you say runtime would be if I were to do this, and would it be worth attempting, and should I get better batteries if I were to attempt?
Also, have the drivers been shipped yet? Very eager to test it out!
The contact board at the rear is the really easy part. It just has to connect each pair of cells, while NOT connecting any of them to the tube. The negative connection will be moved to the front which is where it gets tricky. There'll be two cells in the normal orientation with their positive ends up, but the other two will be upside down with their negative ends up. And the driver is one big positive contact all the way around.
Current & runtime you'll have to figure out yourself. Two MTG2s in parallel run from 2 18650s isn't a very common setup, so not something anyone is likely to have gathered data on. It will depend heavily on which cells you use, like any direct drive driver.
Hello comfychair, I sent you the money via Paypal for two of the FET drivers 3 weeks ago, and still got nothing in the mail as of yet. Do you plan to ever send them, or at least give me a refund? I have PM'ed you multiple times over the weeks but get no reply. Is everything alright?
Very eager to test it out!