PocketMateW. 9W variable output blaster. Thread I.

hotbeam · #1 07-25-2004, 03:37 AM

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

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. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] 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? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] 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 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]. 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 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] ). 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:

The engine room [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

WX1U Luxeon on the Hotlips just before being soldered.

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

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

Light in hand: PocketMate-W

Light in hand: OA2C - 2 C Cells

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

The PocketMate-W

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 · #2 07-25-2004, 03:39 AM

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

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 · #3 07-25-2004, 03:49 AM

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

hotbeam · #4 07-25-2004, 03:55 AM

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

hotbeam · #5 07-25-2004, 04:24 AM

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

Beatshots:

PM-W 18 feet from white wall

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.

bajaiman · #6 07-25-2004, 04:47 AM

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

Icarus · #7 07-25-2004, 05:31 AM

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

hotbeam · #8 07-25-2004, 06:01 AM

bai... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] 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 · #9 07-25-2004, 06:28 AM

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

bajaiman · #10 07-25-2004, 06:30 AM

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! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

nexro · #11 07-25-2004, 06:38 AM

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

Christoph · #12 07-25-2004, 06:53 AM

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

mut · #13 07-25-2004, 07:59 AM

I'm interested again depending on price.

mut

jdriller · #14 07-25-2004, 08:03 AM

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

indenial · #15 07-25-2004, 08:39 AM

Interested, depending on price, too!

georges80 · #16 07-25-2004, 09:06 AM

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 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

george.

yaesumofo · #17 07-25-2004, 09:18 AM

This is nice!! That Fatman driver is very cool.
I want one!!
Yaesumofo

Pi_is_blue · #18 07-25-2004, 09:35 AM

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

jtice · #19 07-25-2004, 09:41 AM

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 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
If anyone gets real brave.

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

[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

-John

Icarus · #20 07-25-2004, 10:18 AM

[ 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 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif[/img]
The Fatman driver is a boost converter, using fresh batteries your light will start in DD? [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]
Hmm... I see you mean non-rechargable CR123's. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif[/img]

brightnorm · #21 07-25-2004, 10:28 AM

I'm interested in the Miltech-PM6 version.

Brightnorm

rick258 · #22 07-25-2004, 10:35 AM

Interested depending on cost also. Rick

rookie · #23 07-25-2004, 05:14 PM

Nice Job!!!!

Interested in one also depending on cost.

Thanx,

hotbeam · #24 07-25-2004, 07:46 PM

Thanks for the kind words guys.

Baijaiman... Sure, any host can be used but why would you use a larger host?

Christoph... If there are left overs from the PM-W run...

Drills [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twakfl.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Georges... thanks [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img]

Pi... A little brother for your red MR-X [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I haven't done a runtime test but I reckon you would get ~30mins on max. The 168S should be much better than the CR123s. Will update you later.

Ticey... Thanks [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I guess you could cut off part of the dial on the pot to reduce the length. It is actually not bad at 9mm currently. Yeah, the Fatman can do much more, but runtime would be much reduced. Also we only have 1300/1400mAh batteries so we can't be too greedy [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif[/img]

icarus... [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

brightnorm... The Miltech already has a McModule on it. Shown next to the others for size only [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

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).

Post your commitment, EM or PM to secure your light.

It is available in black, black or black [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] unless you can send me your own OA2C.

**EDIT. You will need to supply your own Pilas.

bajaiman · #25 07-25-2004, 08:04 PM

Okay...I'm in [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] ... I'll send you my gold coloured Mag3D along with the hotlip I've got spare..

jtice · #26 07-25-2004, 08:15 PM

Ill be in for one, but I am hunting for a Dark Green mag for it now [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

impact_blue · #27 07-25-2004, 08:44 PM

hotbeam,
man!! you gunna send me broke.... I'll tentativley commit... PM on the way with particular Q's....

Cheers,
Nathan.

flashworm · #28 07-26-2004, 01:26 AM

I will take one, does it runs only with pilas 168s, how about two pila 150s.

shannow · #29 07-26-2004, 05:53 AM

Im in for 1 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img]

Pi_is_blue · #30 07-26-2004, 12:16 PM

I'm in for one. Might sell a light or two so I can afford it. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif[/img] I just love the LuxV in a m@g reflector so much more than a LuxIII because it is more useable.