FS; Double, Triple (or single) XP-G Host 2200 Lumen

[kwarwick]

My first guess was to double the 7.2V values in the manual. But it seemed to me that 12V V Cut was too high (most of the cells PCB are at 10 or 11V) and 14.4 V might be too low. But your right, in absence of alternatives I think I'll stick to your suggestion.

Unlike other battery chemistry, when lithium ion batteries are nearly depleted their voltage drops off very quickly. 3V is generally considered a good point to stop discharging at as the difference between 3V and say 2.5V is probably only a matter a few minutes in actual run time, but the potential to damage the battery by over-discharging increases. So if you're using 4 cells, 12V is a good point.

[kwarwick]

Matt,

Any updates for us? Did you get everything back from the anodizer?

Karl

[matthewm]

Matt,

Any updates for us? Did you get everything back from the anodizer?

Karl

Yes, I packed all the orders yesterday. They will all be sent this morning. I was waiting on a order from cutter.com.au, so I could build a unit up and do final testing!

They turned out great!
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...6&postcount=75

[baexmeyer]

My hands are starting to itch.......

[coldass]

Yes, I packed all the orders yesterday. They will all be sent this morning. I was waiting on a order from cutter.com.au, so I could build a unit up and do final testing!

They turned out great!
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...6&postcount=75

Mine arrived!!!

The body is excellent Matt. Finish and form seem top notch. Great job and thanks.

I have all my electronics - just waiting on the lens order to come in. I'll do most of my assembly tomorrow regardless.

Matt - how to you suggest to hold the PCB's. Glue or paste? And the Maxflex - just a blob of silicon?

[matthewm]

Mine arrived!!!

The body is excellent Matt. Finish and form seem top notch. Great job and thanks.

I have all my electronics - just waiting on the lens order to come in. I'll do most of my assembly tomorrow regardless.

Matt - how to you suggest to hold the PCB's. Glue or paste? And the Maxflex - just a blob of silicon?

Yeah I sent yours off yesterday, because you are in Australia

I am in the process of writing a guide. I will update the build log thread later today.

[coldass]

Yeah I sent yours off yesterday, because you are in Australia

I am in the process of writing a guide. I will update the build log thread later today.

A guide would be of high value. I am largely unskilled when it comes to soldering, electronics and basically all the skills needed to make the perfect build. Your build tips to support your design intent would be a big help.

[matthewm]

Has anyone done the math on run times for 6xXPG R5 at various MaxFlex settings from say a 2.4ah 4x18650. I guess about 2hours at max - am I right (forgive my feeble math ability)?

Quick and dirty guide done http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/...3&postcount=79


Runtime at 1A (high) and a 2600maH pack, approx 1 hour 45 minutes.

[matthewm]

Is anyone interested in a completely assembled unit? It looks like I have one spare!

[^^Nova^^]

By fully assembled, are you talking just the housing or led's, driver etc?

What $$ do you want?

Cheers,
Nova

[Whitedog1]

hi matthewm

where did you get those cable outlets (used at the back of your housings)?

[matthewm]

hi matthewm

where did you get those cable outlets (used at the back of your housings)?

http://au.farnell.com/pro-power/1246...6mm/dp/4326325

[Whitedog1]

Thanks

[dickybeau]

Matthew, the light arrived today. t looks fantastic. Just need to order the other bits now and get it built up.

[baexmeyer]

Got mine today. I can't wait to get it assembled

[matthewm]

Got mine today. I can't wait to get it assembled

Matthew, the light arrived today. t looks fantastic. Just need to order the other bits now and get it built up.

Rough preliminary assembly guide is here. (same links as before)

I've uploaded it to a couple of places just in-case the links die...

http://www.filedropper.com/guide

http://www.filefactory.com/file/b1a9f58/n/guide.pdf

http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?zztdiojjman

[paulr]

Matthew, I don't remember if I mentioned this in one of the earlier threads, so please forgive if it's a duplication. I wonder if you could make a battery box designed to fit a commodity battery pack (I'm specifically thinking of the Sony NP-F970 camcorder pack but other possibilities exist), to get rid of some of the DIY issues of this product or a future one? The NP-F970 is a 2s3p (6x18650) 7.4v pack capable of running 35 watt video lights, maybe 1.5x the size of a cigarette pack. There are also smaller 2-cell and 4-cell versions, in case you wanted to save weight or had to use two packs for 14.8v. They are available from a lot of different manufacturers, there are snap-in chargers galore for them, etc. So they'd sidestep the whole issue of having you ship batteries and chargers with the lights.

[matthewm]

Matthew, I don't remember if I mentioned this in one of the earlier threads, so please forgive if it's a duplication. I wonder if you could make a battery box designed to fit a commodity battery pack (I'm specifically thinking of the Sony NP-F970 camcorder pack but other possibilities exist), to get rid of some of the DIY issues of this product or a future one? The NP-F970 is a 2s3p (6x18650) 7.4v pack capable of running 35 watt video lights, maybe 1.5x the size of a cigarette pack. There are also smaller 2-cell and 4-cell versions, in case you wanted to save weight or had to use two packs for 14.8v. They are available from a lot of different manufacturers, there are snap-in chargers galore for them, etc. So they'd sidestep the whole issue of having you ship batteries and chargers with the lights.

Its a good idea, but...

Most of these batteries have a very specific charger and a unique mounting configuration which add additional layers of complication.

I cant find the Sony battery charger for under $60, let alone the price of two batteries, do you know of a reliable cheap source for a whole setup?

[paulr]

Hmm, I suggested the NP-F970 because it's an InfoLithium L series battery and those have been around for a long time and lots of stuff supports them, but maybe they are going out of style as some chargers have been discontinued. Still, they are pretty easy to find:

http://www.amazon.com/Infolithium-CC.../dp/B001O3I7P2

$20.87 includes a 2-cell version of that battery.

Here's another ($16.95 charger only): http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/PQRTC115.html

Here's a more expensive but faster one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...a_Fast_30.html

Note 30 minute charge time is probably for smaller batteries, a big one like an NP-F970 will take a lot longer.

NP-F970 takes about 12 hours to charge on my camcorder and the 2-cell takes 3-4 hours. So maybe that expensive charger can charge the 970 in a couple hours, shrug.

[matthewm]

Hmm, I suggested the NP-F970 because it's an InfoLithium L series battery and those have been around for a long time and lots of stuff supports them, but maybe they are going out of style as some chargers have been discontinued. Still, they are pretty easy to find:

http://www.amazon.com/Infolithium-CC.../dp/B001O3I7P2

$20.87 includes a 2-cell version of that battery.

Here's another ($16.95 charger only): http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/PQRTC115.html

Here's a more expensive but faster one: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc...a_Fast_30.html

Note 30 minute charge time is probably for smaller batteries, a big one like an NP-F970 will take a lot longer.

NP-F970 takes about 12 hours to charge on my camcorder and the 2-cell takes 3-4 hours. So maybe that expensive charger can charge the 970 in a couple hours, shrug.

How do I mount the battery, while in use by the light?

[paulr]

How do I mount the battery, while in use by the light?

The battery has tabs and grooves so that it snaps onto a little track on the back of a camcorder. You could either build something like that into a future version of the light (maybe the battery should be enclosed for water resistance), or use a separate battery box. For the connector you might be able to use the mounting plate from a universal charger.

This should fit physically, though might have to be hacked electrically:

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPa...DUCNPF550.html

The charger it's designed for looks nice too: $40 and charges two batteries simultaneously.

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/ICDDUCUS.html

Here's another plate that should fit:

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/LRXPA4S.html

If you really want to get fancy, the battery itself has an internal microprocessor that monitors the charge level so the camcorder can display how much runtime is left. Maybe you can get your light to use that interface.

[Whitedog1]

hey matthewm,

did you get my pm i sent yesterday?

[matthewm]

The battery has tabs and grooves so that it snaps onto a little track on the back of a camcorder. You could either build something like that into a future version of the light (maybe the battery should be enclosed for water resistance), or use a separate battery box. For the connector you might be able to use the mounting plate from a universal charger.

This should fit physically, though might have to be hacked electrically:

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPa...DUCNPF550.html

The charger it's designed for looks nice too: $40 and charges two batteries simultaneously.

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/ICDDUCUS.html

Here's another plate that should fit:

http://www.adorama.com/Als/ProductPage/LRXPA4S.html

If you really want to get fancy, the battery itself has an internal microprocessor that monitors the charge level so the camcorder can display how much runtime is left. Maybe you can get your light to use that interface.

It is still a horrendously expensive configuration compared to a Li-Ion pack and charger

[matthewm]

Got mine today. I can't wait to get it assembled

Matthew, the light arrived today. t looks fantastic. Just need to order the other bits now and get it built up.

How did the assembly go?

[paulr]

It is still a horrendously expensive configuration compared to a Li-Ion pack and charger

I'm not sure we're looking at the same things. Those packs are maybe $30-40 USD (3rd party) or $90 (Sony brand) and the charger is about $20. Comparable unpackaged packs (7.4 volt 6000+ mah) from batteryspace are at least as expensive, and are much less protected and less convenient to deal with, as are the chargers. Maybe I'm missing something since I'm used to charging my USL with a hobby charger and it's ok as recreational flashlight nerd-ism, but way too complicated and dangerous (possibilities of shorting something, setting wrong voltage, etc) for a consumer product. I guess I'm not sure what your end goals are--if you're trying to make modder-style flashaholic gear, that's great; from my flashaholic perspective I'm a big fan of that. If you're trying to sell high-end bike lights (like, say, Lupine) to those not interested in flashaholism per se, it's better to make everything as simple for the end-user as possible.

[baexmeyer]

How did the assembly go?

Still waiting on a few parts right now. I will let you know when I am done.

[Shrigg]

I'm not sure we're looking at the same things. Those packs are maybe $30-40 USD (3rd party) or $90 (Sony brand) and the charger is about $20. Comparable unpackaged packs (7.4 volt 6000+ mah) from batteryspace are at least as expensive, and are much less protected and less convenient to deal with, as are the chargers. Maybe I'm missing something since I'm used to charging my USL with a hobby charger and it's ok as recreational flashlight nerd-ism, but way too complicated and dangerous (possibilities of shorting something, setting wrong voltage, etc) for a consumer product. I guess I'm not sure what your end goals are--if you're trying to make modder-style flashaholic gear, that's great; from my flashaholic perspective I'm a big fan of that. If you're trying to sell high-end bike lights (like, say, Lupine) to those not interested in flashaholism per se, it's better to make everything as simple for the end-user as possible.

Mine arrived as well, looks great! Now to plan out my build...
As one who is quite familiar with the Sony NP-F970 batteries (also used them for years... two camcorders ago) I'd say the form factor is not much better than the other multi-18650 packs. There is no way you could clip that battery to the light and expect it to stay attached during any sort of bike ride. I far prefer the flat 18650 packs. My plan is to build the light as a helmet mount and use the battery pack in my jersey pocket. My favorite battery so far is this one: http://www.batteryspace.com/li-ion18...emaleplug.aspx It is durable and protected from weather so it could make a good frame-mounted battery as well.

[coldass]

I far prefer the flat 18650 packs. My plan is to build the light as a helmet mount and use the battery pack in my jersey pocket. My favorite battery so far is this one: http://www.batteryspace.com/li-ion18...emaleplug.aspx

I wouldn't bother with adapting a camcorder pack when you can buy packs like you highlight and for the price.

I have three similar packs and they are light and reliable. I am very pleased.

[matthewm]

I want to try and gauge if there is any interest in another run of these lights, I have updated the design and reduced the cost to $99 (ex shipping) I would need at least 10 people interested

[gt40]

I would definitely like to order one. Say the word and I will paypal... Estimated eta too would be appreciated...

Thanks,

gt40