A Collection Of Runtime Graphs

[BigWaffles]

Hi all from a longtime lurker.

I've finally decided to take the plunge and try to give back some info to this site after soaking up so much from the posts.

I recently constructed a light box (courtesy of flashlightreviews.com) and just finished runtime graphs on most of my lights. I would like to post the data (.xls format) and am not sure how best to proceed. I have a bunch of 1.5Mb spreadsheets that include the raw LUX data from a datalogging meter and graphs. What I need to know is where/how to post them.

Would these be posted in the Reviews forum or General? Also, what is the best way to attach/link to a spreadsheet?

Thanks in advance for any advice and keep the information flowing.


C.P.T.

[Kiessling]

Hi and welcome to CPF !

Cool project, runtimes are always welcome here.

As to your questions:

Attachments are not possible on CPF, you'll have to host the files elsewhere and link them here.

You can post a pic of a table or of runtime graphs, but I doubt that the software can display spreadsheets made of raw data.

I think showing the result of the data is better anyway, since a lot of raw numbers are difficult to grasp. For me, at least

bernie

[EngrPaul]

Plot in xls, do screen capture, paste in photo program, crop, save as png, host on photobucket free.

That's my method.

However, I'd appreciate the raw data too, if it works somehow.

[BigWaffles]

Mods, feel free to relocate this thread if necessary. Thanks.

Ok, here's how I'll do it: I'll post each graph seperately with explanations and questions I have about the results. Also, I'll offer the raw data to anybody who requests it in .xls or .txt format.

First a little explanation about the graphs:

1. All graph values are in LUX on the vertical and Minutes on the horizontal.
2. The graphs start with the first usable reading and run untill 500Lux or 50%, whichever is lower. I chose 500Lux as a low for the graphs as this is the minimum amount of light I consider usable for most applications.
3. These are standard Excel graphs pasted into paint and then saved as .jpg files.

Ok, as soon as I figure out how to post pics I'll get started.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

I'll start out with the venerable Surefire 6P with the standard P60 module.



Not sure about the initial bounce (batteries?) but it made over 1 hour until 50% on Surefire primaries.

I'll post more as I get them uploaded.

C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

I'll post one more for tonight and give the Mods time to approve them.

Here is the Surefire 6PL with the P60L module on Surefire primaries.



The 2008 Surefire catalog states 11hrs runtime on this light, but I think that's until exhaustion. As you can see, I got almost 4hrs of regulated runtime and then shut it off at just over 5.5hrs at 500Lux. It might still have been lit at 11hrs but I don't think I'd want to try to navigate with it.

Has anybody measured longer than 4hrs regulated runtime on one of these?

Later.

C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

EngrPaul
Let me know if you want data in the raw .txt dumps from the datalogger or in the .xls format (1.5Mb each). I have runtime graphs on the following and can e-mail what you want.

6P-P60
6P-P60L
A2-Incan
A2-LED
Bolt 2A
Bolt 3A
E2L - High
E2L - Low
G3-P60L
G3-P90
G3-P91
Mag 3D Mag LED
Mini-Mag - Incan
Mini-Mag – Mag LED
Mini-Mag - Niteize 3LED

C.P.T.

[parnass]

The graphs look good, BigWaffles. Thanks for posting them.

I will be interested to see the E2L and Bolt runtime graphs.

[Burgess]

Hello BigWaffles --


Welcome to CandlePowerForums !






Thank you for your lovely Run-Time Graphs.


That's something we can never get enough of, here at CPF.




I, for one, would love to see all 3 of your Mini-Maglite graphs.


For the incand. Mini-Mag, can you tell us the color-band of the Lamp ?
That's how to identify "which" type of Bulb you have.
Believe it goes: Pink (original), Green (next), and Black (newest version)



Can you tell us, specifically, what device you employ
to measure & capture the Run-Time data ?


Thank you for your time and efforts.


_

[BigWaffles]

Burgess
The Mini-Mag was a Black Band. I'll reiterate this on the graph when I post it.

All measurements were taken with an Extech Datalogging Light Meter, Model 401036. I connected it to a laptop to log the data for the longer runs.

I made a light box constructed with instructions found on FlashlightReviews.com -http://www.flashlightreviews.com/fea...box_output.htm

The only difference in the light box was that I put my sensor on the side with the baffle and my lights in the end.

Hope this helps.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is my second favorite light, the Surefire A2 with white LEDs. This graph is of the Incan & LEDs on Surefire Primaries.



Some interesting regulation on the Incan. Mine cut off at appx. 45min after which the LEDs didn't last very long.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

And here is the same A2 on LED only with fresh Surefire primaries.



Again, I think Surefire rates their runtime until exhaustion. I hit 50% at 15.5hrs. I'm sure it would still be lit at 20hrs but not very usable.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is the Inova Bolt 2A on Energizer Alkalines.



This light and the Bolt 3A are my go to lights for around the house. I was a bit dissapointed in the 2A runtime, I was hoping for closer to 3hrs. I'll have to re-test it with different brand batteries. Has anybody had different experience with the runtime of this light?


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is the Inova Bolt 3A with Energizer Alkalines.



This is a great light for working on computer equipment. The rubber grip makes it easy to hold in your mouth and the beam seems spot on for close work.

Some interesting jitters in the graph. Not sure what the driver circuit is doing but it doesn't seem noticable in the beam.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

And now to my favorite light, the Surefire E2L. This graph is of the High level with Surefire Primaries.



I purchased this light about 4 months ago and it has been my EDC ever since. The regulated runtime is every bit as advertised (6hrs) and it even ran an additional 90min after it dropped out. Very usable light for low speed trail navigation in the dark and general purpose.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

And here is the same E2L on Low with Surefire Primaries.



This is why I EDC this light. Just over 63hrs regulated runtime of very usable light. Unfortunately, from the way the output fell after dropping out of regulation, I highly doubt this would make the claimed 100hrs runtime. If it did, I don't think you'd be able to see the light with your bare eyes.

Has anybody had a different experience with this light?


C.P.T.

[parnass]

BigWaffles, thanks for posting the additional runtime graphs.

[BigWaffles]

Ok, onto the G3 series. Here is the G3L with the P60L LED on Surefire Primaries.



A good general purpose light. Regulated runtime was spot on at just over 5.5hrs with an additional 2hrs of usable light after falling out of regulation.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is the G3 with the P90 Incan on Surefire Primaries.



This light shows the same initial bounce as the 6P with a P60 Incan. Again, not sure if its something in the batteries or just the way Surefire Incans work.

Runtime was good, lasting appx. 70min to 50% with an additional 30min of usable light.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is the G3 with the High Output P91 lamp.



I was a little disappointed with the runtime on this one. Surefire claims 20min and mine died at just over 14. I noticed that the batteries were VERY hot when this was run (probably due to the high drain). Would an aluminum 9P body dissapate the heat better and give longer runtime?

All in all, the additional 6 minutes isn't a big factor. I only use the P91 lamp when I need to scan a hillside; looking for the best way down or to find camp. It rarely gets used for more than a few minutes at a time.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

That's all the Surefires for now. Lets move onto the Maglites.

Here is the graph of a 3D Maglite with the Mag LED drop-in. I'm using Energizer Alkalines.



This bugger ran for 35hrs to 50% with a total of 51.5hrs of usable light.

Currently, this light is my heavy hitter. I know it doesn't compare to some of the 'brighter' lights out there but it will throw a lot of light and it comes in a heavy package. I have several of these around the house and keep one in the truck. With the Niteize drop-in (not yet tested) in the tailcap it makes a great emergency light where batteries might be in short supply.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is the first of several Mini-Mag graphs. This is the standard Mini-Mag with the stock Incan and the Black band on the bulb. I used Energizer Alkalines.



Pretty pathetic when you think about it.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is the Mini-Mag LED with Energizer Alkalines.



Just under 3hrs to 50% which is also when it dies. Very disappointing. I'll be giving this light to a family member.


C.P.T.

[BigWaffles]

Here is the last Mini-Mag graph for now. This is a Mini-Mag with the Niteize 3LED drop-in running on Energizer Alkalines.



I got a little over 7hrs to 50% with the total being appx. 8.5hrs. Good, but not what I thought it would deliver. FlashlightReviews.com charted this at 11hrs to 50% with Duracell batteries. I may need to re-run this test with different brand batteries to find the differences.

Has anybody else tested this drop-in?


C.P.T.

[Illum]

Not only do these runtime graphs of yours answer alot of age old questions many of us have asked regarding runtimes, but runtime tests are generally quite rare and when available are often praised upon with high honors.

cheers to you and your work BigWaffles

[BigWaffles]

That's it for now, hopefully you'll find this information useful. As stated, the .xls or .txt files are available for PM or I can post them somewhere for download if someone has suggestions on how to do this.

I have a few more tests planned for the near future. I want to graph the following:

Inova X5 white
Mag 3D Stock Incan
Mag 3D with Niteize drop-in
Mini-Mag with SMJLED drop-in

I'll post these graphs as I get them.

Thanks for the support.


C.P.T.

[Kiessling]

Thank you very much !!!
Really appreciate the work here !!

The strange looking graphs from the incans should be the warm-up time of the batteries as those work better when warm/hot, and this give more output in the unregulated incan environment.

bernie

[crocodilo]

Fantastic work, many thanks for what you have put into these. They are very usefull, as I am a believer that runtime, and not brightness, is what makes the true difference between having or not having light.

[RobertM]

Thanks for the excellent runtime graphs BigWaffles! Your work is very much appreciated!

[adirondackdestroyer]

Awesome graphs! The 3D MagLED is pretty impressive, especially for someone who just wants a nice flashlight.