1AA Headlamp with 3x 5mm LEDs?

[datiLED]

Is there such a thing?

I have searched everywhere for a small 1 AA headlamp that has 3x 5mm LEDs. With the improvements in the tint and output of 5mm LEDs, and a new generation of step-up regulator circuits that can do 75%+ efficiency while driving 3 LEDs, it would make for nice little headlamp. Even a meager alkaline cell could provide 12+ hours of runtime to 3 LEDs driven at 20mA each. A lithium cell could do even better. If there was a low level, you could get days of runtime.

I have found dozens of 3 AAA headlamps with anywhere from 3 to 128 5mm LEDs. But I have yet to see a single 1AA headlamp that has 3 (4, or 5) 5mm LEDs.

While the 1AA headlamps with a high power CREE, or Luxeon LED are nice, the <2 hour runtime is not sufficient. The 15 - 30 lumens that the 5mm LEDs would provide would be ideal for extended use, where the extra lumens of a larger LED would be overkill. I do own a Zebralight H50, and it is a really nice light.

What gives? Do I have to design and build my own? :shrug:

Any input (or links to a headlamp) would be appreciated.

 

[Marduke]

Ever thought of using your zebralight on a setting other than high? Way more efficacy then 5mm's.

 

[datiLED]

Ever thought of using your zebralight on a setting other than high? Way more efficacy then 5mm's.

The Zebralight is excellent, but is all flood. The 5mm LEDs would provide a reasonably focused beam. The newest Nichia 5mm LEDs have an efficacy equal to, or greater than most high power emitters.

When I use my old CS Arc AAA light in total darkness (5 - 7 lumens), it is more than sufficient for navigation. Three GS, or DS LEDs would produce well more than 3x that amount of focused light, and provide enough side spill for most tasks that I would use it for.

I have several other LED headlamps besides the Zebralight H50-Q5, but I would like something small, lightweight, and "just right" for common tasks and camping.

 

[Flying Turtle]

Maybe there's some way to adapt a Photon ReX to your needs. Its four 5mm LEDs provide probably 20-30 lumens on high and a long run at lower levels. Not a 1AA, so it won't last like your Zebralight, but it does surprisingly well. At least you can charge it with a AA. An unusual and neat little light.

Geoff

 

[Marduke]

The best 5mm's out there are still ~50lm/W behind current gen high flux emitters last time I checked.

But keep an eye out for new ZL models. They are supposed to be making reflectored versions of their headlamps. With such small reflectors it will still be floody, but not pure flood.

Also, have you tried the tighter beam of the H501? (80 vs 120 degrees)

 

[defloyd77]

I'm pretty sure there aren't any 1AA headlamps with 3 white 5mm LED's and if there is one, I'm sure it doesn't use current emitters. If you are willing to go with a different battery setup, Princeton Tec uses the Nichia DS.

 

[datiLED]

The best 5mm's out there are still ~50lm/W behind current gen high flux emitters last time I checked.

But keep an eye out for new ZL models. They are supposed to be making reflectored versions of their headlamps. With such small reflectors it will still be floody, but not pure flood.

Also, have you tried the tighter beam of the H501? (80 vs 120 degrees)

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Reflectored versions? :thumbsup:

With a CREE XP-E, it would be very possible to get a nice 10mm reflector into the ZL AA version and maintain good heatsinking. I would like to see a switch added to the AA version while they are at it.

I guess that there isn't a headlamp similar to what I am looking for. I may try to cobble together something and see how well it works in reality. I do not want, or need another 3 AAA headlamp.

 

[Marduke]

They did add a switch to the 1xAA, and it's called the H501. It also has a narrower optic, 80 degrees instread of the 120 degrees of the H50.

 

[dealgrabber2002]

The new ZL with the reflector is called H51. I got an email from them when I inquired them about any new model(s) that offers a bit more throw.

 

[datiLED]

They did add a switch to the 1xAA, and it's called the H501. It also has a narrower optic, 80 degrees instread of the 120 degrees of the H50.

That is a good start!

The new ZL with the reflector is called H51. I got an email from them when I inquired them about any new model(s) that offers a bit more throw.

Awesome, bring it on!

 

[carrot]

I'd kill for a Petzl-made headlamp, 1xAA based on the E+Lite design.

 

[tnuckels]

There was a post a while back where an intrepid modder opened up a ROV 1xAA in order to change the blue LED for white. Once open you could also swap white for the 2 red LEDs, giving you a lighting pattern: 2x5mm White, 1x5mm White, Main LED. A resourceful modder might even be able to get all three to work at once. This modder used a thin kerf hobby saw to open the ROV body. I think he may have even updated the main LED while he was in there. To close he used a bead of heat gun glue, pressed the two halves together, then heated the seam.

Not exactly what you were looking for, but perhaps rife with possibilities. Now, if you could just find a plucky modder to do this work for you …