donn_
Flashaholic
I guess I didn't realize we could order the device with our own preferred target voltages programmed into the four levels.
Time for some research.
Time for some research.
I just updated the document - available from the main sales thread. Comments/suggestions welcomedWill, when you get the instruction document updated the way you want it, can you please post it as link to download in the sales thread? I want to replace my earlier one (or email me a copy)--no hurry. Thank you sir!
I just talked to Eric about various things this morning and I told him about this good question that you have. In fact Eric still "owes" us a chart with a few more recommendations, so your question is very timely.Been thinking about the levels some more. Can you list the bulbs that you envision for Level 3, and their "optimum" (or acceptable) voltages vs the actual Level 3 voltage of 7.5V? Basically, if there is some spread of the optimum/acceptable voltages for say an MN15, MN16, MN20, and other bulbs about 7.5V, then I might want to specify re-programming of the Level 3 voltage that might more closely match some bulb of interest whose optimum/acceptable voltage might be closer to 7.1V-7.3V. If such a case exists, then this might also better accommodate a WA1111/64250 than the current Level 3 voltage of 7.5V, providing a level that can drive the bulb a little harder than Level 2 but not so hard as to risk erratic filament life.
Yes. It is an extra charge, but I can program the pack to different default voltages.I guess I didn't realize we could order the device with our own preferred target voltages programmed into the four levels.
Unless I hear otherwise, I am going to assume the default values/behavior for those orders:
Level 1 = 5.0 volts
Level 2 = 6.8 volts
Level 3 = 7.5 volts
Level 4 = 10.8 volts
Default behavior for almost depleted cells = Moon Mode
Moon Mode means = PWM duty cycle goes down by 1/2, so output RMS voltage goes down approximately 30%.
NOTE: Do NOT send payment until instructed by me, either here in this thread or by email (please, no PM's nor visitor messages). I will not be collecting money until I have a pack ready to ship to you.
Yes. It is an extra charge, but I can program the pack to different default voltages.
You are nearly at the top of the list, so I need to know ASAP if you want the default values, or if you want me to bumb you down until you are ready.
Don't "bumb" me!
Here they are, Will:
Level 1: 7.2V
Level 2: 8.5V
Level 3: 9.6V
Level 4: 10.8V
Here they are, Will:
Level 1: 7.2V
Level 2: 8.5V
Level 3: 9.6V
Level 4: 10.8V
Very curious which bulbs you have in mind. Would you mind sharing?
Eric
We don't know exact bulb specifications on SF bulbs, but we can deduce a lot from looking at current draw and comparing that to discharge graphs of CR123s and working backwards. The only way to really find out exactly where bulb drive levels life ratings line up would be through destructive testing of hundreds of bulbs to find the average failure point.
You can measure tail draw with a DMM and then use a bench power supply to determine the corresponding voltage that gives you that current draw.
Level 1: 7.2V 1111 789L/112F/11.2Hr .......5761 1237L/152F/11.2Hr
Level 2: 8.5V JC5607 1082L/111F/31Hr
Level 3: 9.6V 1164 1361L/132F/8.9Hr
Level 4: 10.8V 1185 1171L/110F/12.2Hr
Yes, but this information does not produce bulb life estimates, which is the primary factor in determining "optimized" drive levels.
Eric
Since we are talking about SF bulbs, it is a safe assumption that SF has done that work already. Thus, estimate the voltage at which the SF bulbs run and use that in the PhD-M6. QED.
Hi Donn,
Keep in mind, the 10.8V setting on the PhD-M6 provides soft start, but doesn't really provide meaningful regulation at the high loads presented by the 1185 and similar bulbs. Depending on the temperature and condition of the cells, the regulated run can be anywhere from non-existent, to 5-10 minutes worth.
You're ready to remove the bezel of the turbohead in order to install the 5761? They don't usually fit through the hole. Just making sure Also, at 7.2V, that's about 40W, which is pushing the cells even harder than the MN21 at ~35W, I think that's a bit too much for safety, unless it's not used much or only used on very short bursts.
The 5607 at 9.6V: That's a 3-4C load on the cells which is very unsafe. I can't even guarantee that the PhD-M6 will be able to turn that bulb on. The protection in the cells will likely prevent it.
I think Will and I are going to have to discuss putting some kind of warning or disclaimer or something in place that says we are not going to configure the PhD-M6 in scenarios where the intention is to exceed 35W power consumption.
Eric
PS: when IMR17670s come out, I don't see any problem with powering up ~50W bulbs.
Yes, that's what I did, which I already said.
We don't know exact bulb specifications on SF bulbs, but we can deduce a lot from looking at current draw and comparing that to discharge graphs of CR123s and working backwards.
Hi Donn,
Keep in mind, the 10.8V setting on the PhD-M6 provides soft start, but doesn't really provide meaningful regulation at the high loads presented by the 1185 and similar bulbs. Depending on the temperature and condition of the cells, the regulated run can be anywhere from non-existent, to 5-10 minutes worth.
You're ready to remove the bezel of the turbohead in order to install the 5761? They don't usually fit through the hole. Just making sure Also, at 7.2V, that's about 40W, which is pushing the cells even harder than the MN21 at ~35W, I think that's a bit too much for safety, unless it's not used much or only used on very short bursts.
The 5607 at 9.6V: That's a 3-4C load on the cells which is very unsafe. I can't even guarantee that the PhD-M6 will be able to turn that bulb on. The protection in the cells will likely prevent it.
I think Will and I are going to have to discuss putting some kind of warning or disclaimer or something in place that says we are not going to configure the PhD-M6 in scenarios where the intention is to exceed 35W power consumption.
Eric
PS: when IMR17670s come out, I don't see any problem with powering up ~50W bulbs.
All of these bulbs are asking a lot from the AW17670 black label cells.
The new Protected 17670 (1600mAH), 17500 (1100mAH), 14500 (750mAH) are now available. A few improvements have been incorporated on these new cells :
- a new protection PCB with a higher current threshold ( up to 5A +/- 0.5A )
It sounded like you were using discharge graphs for 123A primaries, correlating those graphs to measured tail currents, and estimating Vbulb.
I'm talking about correlating the tail current to a bench supply V/I draw to estimate Vbulb.