A Collection Of Runtime Graphs

[etc]

> Mini-Mag with SMJLED drop-in

All sounds very interesting, the above would be appreciated.

[Size15's]

Thank you for the runtime graphs - they are very helpful in demonstrating the constant-on runtime characteristics of flashlights - giving us a better understanding of what we can expect

[etc]

This raises one question, if many instant-ons for a few secs have a different runtime characteristics from constant-on for a few hours.

[kosPap]

bigwaffles,

thanks for the effort and result..

Now you need a website to host them...

[nzbazza]

Bigwaffles,

A big thank you for the excellent work. Runtime graphs are gold around here!

[Kiessling]

This raises one question, if many instant-ons for a few secs have a different runtime characteristics from constant-on for a few hours.

Yes. You get less total runtime with intermittent activation. However, I have no idea how this would be if the light in question is driven very low an ddoes not heat up at all.

bernie

[BigWaffles]

Yes. You get less total runtime with intermittent activation. However, I have no idea how this would be if the light in question is driven very low an ddoes not heat up at all.

bernie

This raises one question, if many instant-ons for a few secs have a different runtime characteristics from constant-on for a few hours.

The only way I know of to test this is to make a timer controlled relay that would control the switch. You could set it for 5-10min on to run the LED while it is hot and not thermal-regulated and then 15-20min off to let it cool down. Keep this up until the batteries die.

Maybe I'll look into that when I'm finished with these last few graphs.


C.P.T.

[Kiessling]

If you really want to invest all that time, then you should monitor the battery's temperature as it is those that benefit from warmth while the LED suffers. It see,s though that the benefit of the hot batteries outweighs the drawbacks with the LEDs.

[22hornet]

Hello,
thanks a lot for the graphs .
Concerning the Inova Bolt 2AAA, does it drop as does the 2AA?
This because your graph ends abruptly .

Kind regards,
Joris

[BigWaffles]

Ok. Here's a few more graphs. This is the Inova X5 with Surefire primaries.



Almost 5hrs to 50% and quite a bit of runtime after that. Depending on how low you want to go, it will just keep running. I can see why a lot of people use these lights to finish off batteries that are too low for other lights.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Hello,
thanks a lot for the graphs .
Concerning the Inova Bolt 2AAA, does it drop as does the 2AA?
This because your graph ends abruptly .

Kind regards,
Joris

22hornet
Yes, the Bolt 3A dropped suddenly appx. 7min after the graph ended (3h14m total time).

I stopped all my graphs at 500Lux for consistancy. I consider that the lowest usable light for myself in an outdoor environment. Indoor use or outdoors in the snow could go considerably lower as snow and white walls can greatly enhance a low level light.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is one I forgot in the original run, the Mag 3D with stock Incan (1G4). This is using Energizer Alkalines.



1h50m to 50% and downhill from there.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Last one for a while. This is a Mini-Mag with a Niteize 1W single LED drop-in on Energizer Alkalines.



A good combination of brightness and runtime, just over 7hrs to 50% and 8.5hrs total. Its almost twice as bright as the Nitize 3LED drop-in and runs 12min shorter to 500Lux. So far, the best upgrade for a Mini-Mag that I've found (haven't fully tested the SMJLEDs yet).

I'm currently testing the Niteize Mag 3D LED drop-in. I should have a graph by the end of the week. Later.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

OK, here is the Mag 3D with a Niteize 10mm LED drop-in. This is running on Energizer Alkalines.



Don't know what else to say but . This ran for 90hrs before falling off and it made 92+ hrs before hitting 50%. Granted, it's not a superbright light, but it's definately a battery saver for long term use.
Edit: This is the Nitieze drop-in I tested.
http://www.niteize.com/productdetail...product_id=127


C.P.T.

[seale_navy]

thanks for doing this type of review its really useful ...more models of the surefire would be great such as the E1B and the E2DL runtime graphs. and then this thread will be the premier dedicated runtime graph resources.... :P

[Bullzeyebill]

Interesting comparing the 6PL and the E2L. They are showing about same lux, 6500, with the E2L lasting two hours longer in regulation, both using two SF CR123's.

Bill

[Burgess]

Wow !


Thank you, BigWaffles, for performing a Run-Time test

which took no less than FOUR DAYS to complete ! ! !



_

[BigWaffles]

We're down to appx. 4hrs of sunlight at this time of year (6.5hrs of daylight). What better time to run a 4 day runtime test?

Sunrise: 10:56am
Sunset: 2:45pm
Civil Twilight: 9:32am - 4:09PM


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

thanks for doing this type of review its really useful ...more models of the surefire would be great such as the E1B and the E2DL runtime graphs. and then this thread will be the premier dedicated runtime graph resources.... :P

If your're willing to donate a few lights...

I wish I had a few more Surefire models to test, kinda fun. For now I'll just have to be happy with what my wallet will allow me to get.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Ok, here is the last one I have for now. This is a Mini-Mag with the SMJLED puck (I think that's what it's called) running on Energizer alkalines. The horizontal scale is in hours.



Not sure what to make of this graph. I would be totally impressed with this drop-in if it weren't for the initial screwyness; but waiting 2 hours for your light to level out won't cut it for most people. I tried this with 2 different pucks in 2 different Mini-Mag hosts with similar results.

These SMJLED pucks were purchased from Lighthound. I've read that the ones from the Sandwich Shoppe, although they look identical, are in fact different. I'm going to order one and run another test. Maybe it will have a smother graph. It will probably be a couple of weeks before I have that one posted. Later.


C.P.T.

[Stereodude]

OK, here is the Mag 3D with a Niteize LED drop-in. This is running on Energizer Alkalines.



Don't know what else to say but . This ran for 90hrs before falling off and it made 92+ hrs before hitting 50%. Granted, it's not a superbright light, but it's definately a battery saver for long term use.


C.P.T.

Is that this drop-in?

I'm not sure I'd call it's output useful at any point in the batteries life.

[BigWaffles]

Is that this drop-in?

I'm not sure I'd call it's output useful at any point in the batteries life.

Yes, that's the correct drop-in. As I mentioned, it's not super bright (ok, not very bright at all), but it is sufficient for around the house, allowing you to save the brighter lights for intermittent use as needed. I keep one of these in my tailcap for true, long-term ermergency use.


C.P.T.

[slick228]

Thank you, BigWaffles. The graphs that you provided us are invaluable. I'm surprised that no one asked or requested for a high and low run time chart for the new 2-stage SureFire E1L. It would be an interesting comparison to your 2-stage E2L.

[BigWaffles]

Thanks all for the positive feedback.

I finally got a Fenix E01 for my keychain (I know, a little late to the party) and here is the graph. This is running on an Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA.



Awesome runtime for a single AAA light with good regulation. A sturdy build with nice useable output. A very good value at $15.00.


C.P.T.

[seale_navy]

yeah a review of the E1L outdoorman would be nice...

anyway know where i can find the runtime graph for surefire L4? all review i found its not the lastest L4 with 100 lumens.

[Size15's]

anyway know where i can find the runtime graph for surefire L4? all review i found its not the lastest L4 with 100 lumens.

I'd be interested to know how this turns out. There should be no difference between them since there was no change - only that SureFire determined that 100 lumens was a more appropriate rating as a result of extensive testing of production units.

Al

[BigWaffles]

Unfortunately I'm all out of Surefires to test, maybe someone else will chime in. I'd also be curios to see how the E1L stacks up.


C.P.T.

[Illum]

Unfortunately I'm all out of Surefires to test, maybe someone else will chime in. I'd also be curios to see how the E1L stacks up.


C.P.T.

Would you prefer certain surefires to be mailed to you for testing instead?

[BigWaffles]

Would you prefer certain surefires to be mailed to you for testing instead?

That's a definite possibility. It's also quite a leap of faith to mail a quality light to a newcomer here on the forums. I don't want to squash the idea but I think I'd be almost as nervous accepting the light as the person mailing it.

If someone else wants to check runtimes maybe I could mail the test box and light meter to a more established member? There would be a lot more members here that could vouch for them.

Definitely a line of thought worth pursuing.


C.P.T.

[Burgess]

to BigWaffles --


Don't sell yer'self short, my friend . . . .


With your excellent Run-Time Graphs,
you've quickly established yourself here on CPF.





We look forward to seeing whatever else you are willing to provide.


Oh, but could you please use a slightly Larger Font
in your graphs ?


My eyes aren't as young as they used to be.


Thank you for your efforts, time, and dedication !



_