PocketMateW. 9W variable output blaster. Thread I.

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hotbeam

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It's been waay too long between drinks! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


Over the past year or so, the modders amongst us have been coming out with a myriad of excellent lights. A big majority of them have one thing in common though... they all used a single die Luxeon III. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Yes, the LuxIIIs have very long lives. Yes, the LuxIIIs can run from lower voltages. Yes, these LEDs are (relatively) cheap. Yes, they also result in smaller flashlights. But where are those beefy Luxeon V mods? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif I want Luxeon V lights!

Introducing... the PocketMate-W.

This light uses the very popular OA2C host, cut down to take either a single Pila 168S Li-Ion rechargable or 2 Lithium CR123As. Total length is 195mm or 7.7inches and it fits in your palm juuust riiiiigght /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif. This light uses a boost converter to provide constant current to the Luxeon V LED with W rated flux, binned WX1U to be precise. The light also has a variable output dial perpendicular to the switch just below the head. Output can be varied anywhere between 30mA (Arc AAA brightness) and 1000mA (WOW brightness /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif ). UCL lens completes the package.

*** EDIT. Max current will now be set at 1300mA to enhance that WOW factor... making it a 9 WATT monster!!


Here are some photos:

21.jpg

The engine room /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

15.jpg

WX1U Luxeon on the Hotlips just before being soldered.

12.jpg

The Hotlips in perfect contact with the OAC in its permanent home

1.jpg

OA2D, OA2C, PocketMate-W, Miltech (Pelican M6), Arc LS

19.jpg

Light in hand: PocketMate-W

20.jpg

Light in hand: OA2C - 2 C Cells

22.jpg

Light in hand: OA2D - 2 D Cells (MR-X)

27.jpg

The PocketMate-W

30.jpg

The PocketMate-W


Switch it on, adjust the brightness level, use the light. Need to work close range, dial in a lower output. Need to see what is up that tree, dial up the brightness. Switch it off and switch it on again, the light output is where you left it last.

Thoughts. Comments?

*** Run#1 build completed 4 Sept 2004, GMT+1000
 

hotbeam

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Now, what do I do with these? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

wx1u.jpg


Cost wise, 10 units at the commercial machine shop will cost me $25 to cutdown/thread. 20 units $19. Totally all the bits and pieces and adding some $ for labour/PP fees, the light would go for $175 + $10 post (or $169 if we can get 20 confirmed takers).
 

Nerd

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Which boost convertor is it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 

hotbeam

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

It is Fatman powered! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif right back at you /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

hotbeam

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

A 3136kb video of the variable output happening in real time can be viewed here.


Beatshots:

PM-W 18 feet from white wall
PocketMate-lightoutputcollage.jpg



PM-W 1m from the wall without the head. Photo taken with exposure fixed.
Surprisingly 30mA to a WX1U is very useable, eg as a camping tent light. Should last a loong time in the PM-W.
nohead.jpg
 

bajaiman

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Very nice Howard! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif ... Just when I thought I have enough of Maglites ... Will you be taking orders soon? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 

Icarus

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Very nice and very usable light too! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
Where/how did you fix the fatman driver and the trimpot?
Any pics about this?
 

hotbeam

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

bai... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif if there is enough interest, I'll could organise a run. It is just a time issue.

icarus.... the Fatman driver fits in the space betweent he switch and the Hotlips. It is really quite simple. Wiring details are at Georges80 website.
 

BugLightGeek

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Any idea on the price? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/broke.gif
 

bajaiman

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

I'm interested...depending on the cost tho.... any idea how much this will cost?. Can you use Mag D size body instead of C?

If the price is right put me down on the list! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
 

nexro

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Very nice light indeed. I am beginning to like all these lights that have different brightness settings /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

Christoph

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

I'd Love one of those with a WX1U star /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Chris
 

mut

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

I'm interested again depending on price.

mut
 

jdriller

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

Awwwwwwwwwwwwright!
I'm in.
About time, Hottie /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
 

georges80

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable output.

Howard, nice job. Good to see Fatman pushing out the watts!

Yep, dimming/variable lights. I'm a really BIG believer in having that feature in LED lights (whether torches or lanterns). Not having that feature throws away what I consider a big benefit LEDs have over incandescents - the capability to choose the light level for the task at hand without a major change in colour temperature.

When your eyes are night adjusted, 30mA from a LuxV is still a lot of light, just as it is out of a 1W/3W luxeon. As you say, runtime at that level will be excellent /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

george.
 

Pi_is_blue

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable outp

I'm interested depending on the price. This would go well with my MR-X. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Any idea what the runtime on high is with 2 123a or the 168s cell is?
 

jtice

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable output.

VEY nice work there Howard, and an excellent writeup !!

You did a great job of depicting what the variable output is like,
The size looks great! Seems a good bit shorter than the stock mag.

If we can find a pot, that is alittle smaller, and doesnt stick out quiet as much, that would be niiiice.

Also, the Fatman can be dailed to deliver a good bit more than 1000mA /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif
If anyone gets real brave.

Im in for one, depending on cost, or at least a kit.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

-John
 

Icarus

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Re: Introducing... the PocketMate-W. Variable output.

[ QUOTE ]
hotbeam said:
This light uses the very popular OA2C host, cut down to take either a single Pila 168S Li-Ion rechargable or 2 Lithium CR123As.

[/ QUOTE ]

Two rechargable Lithium CR123A's = 2x 4.1V = 8.2V /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
The Fatman driver is a boost converter, using fresh batteries your light will start in DD? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif
Hmm... I see you mean non-rechargable CR123's. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif
 
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