moldyoldy
Flashlight Enthusiast
With the introduction of yet another 3x XML light - the Sunwayman T60CS with the 3x 18650 cells in series - and the rumored near release of the Zebralight S6330 with 3x 18650 cells reportedly each driving an individual XML LED, I am wondering if there is any consistency in how the XML LEDs are wired in these 3x XML lights. Are the 3x LEDs in series or parallel (maybe with a low ohmage resistor balancing outputs), or individually driven (as per the S6330)?
Why do I ask? I am becoming more susceptible to lumen inflation - most specifically the 2000+ lumen lights which are primarily based on 3x LEDs. Production (in)consistencies concern me. The associated cost of these lights tends to preclude experimentation purchases. Differences between multiple LEDs at high output are nearly unmeasurable by most of us. and some would say, an ignorable problem. well, maybe not. Have there been any reported aging problems with any brand 3x XML light?
Commentary:
Understood that the method of wiring the LEDs is closely related to how they are driven - current or PWM. Wiring the LEDs in series or parallel represents a design challenge for consistent output per LED. Either that or Cree has a very impressive production control! However the battery voltages from the battery pack design also vary widely, yet another challenge for the LED driver(s). FWIW, I read reports on CPF of some TM11s having some LEDs dim or dead or flickering w/o affecting the other LEDS. I have not noticed that any other brand 3x XML light has been reported as having this problem.
Why do I ask? I am becoming more susceptible to lumen inflation - most specifically the 2000+ lumen lights which are primarily based on 3x LEDs. Production (in)consistencies concern me. The associated cost of these lights tends to preclude experimentation purchases. Differences between multiple LEDs at high output are nearly unmeasurable by most of us. and some would say, an ignorable problem. well, maybe not. Have there been any reported aging problems with any brand 3x XML light?
Commentary:
Understood that the method of wiring the LEDs is closely related to how they are driven - current or PWM. Wiring the LEDs in series or parallel represents a design challenge for consistent output per LED. Either that or Cree has a very impressive production control! However the battery voltages from the battery pack design also vary widely, yet another challenge for the LED driver(s). FWIW, I read reports on CPF of some TM11s having some LEDs dim or dead or flickering w/o affecting the other LEDS. I have not noticed that any other brand 3x XML light has been reported as having this problem.
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