5050 cob array questions....

[FRITZHID]

Hi ya LED guys, couple of quick questions for ya....

I'm working on taking an old incan Colman lantern (4sD, maglite bulb) and converting it over to led using 20 5050s & running them off 2s2p Ds in the stock holder.
I'm wiring the leds as a 3way setup, (1 chip in each for low, 2 for med, and all 3 for high). Max tested the batteries at 3.64v unloaded.
Q1, can I run this direct drive or must I use resistors with this setup?
Q2, IF I must use resistors, anyone have a nifty bypass for using one resistor for each chip? (60 resistors total is a tad much)
Q3, has anyone tried this yet? results?

Thanks all!

 

[bshanahan14rulz]

You could run the Ds in series for higher voltage, you *might* have enough voltage for 2 LEDs in series. Would suggest rather, you test this on an external setup before going that route. It would also give you an indication of whether the D cells' internal resistance is enough to limit current from kiling your LEDs.

Is using a different chemistry an option? 14.4V of 4x Li-Ion might be easier to work with, but more hassle to deal with charging, or teaching someone about dangers of Li-Ion charging.

 

[FRITZHID]

You could run the Ds in series for higher voltage, you *might* have enough voltage for 2 LEDs in series. Would suggest rather, you test this on an external setup before going that route. It would also give you an indication of whether the D cells' internal resistance is enough to limit current from kiling your LEDs.

Is using a different chemistry an option? 14.4V of 4x Li-Ion might be easier to work with, but more hassle to deal with charging, or teaching someone about dangers of Li-Ion charging.

Biggest part for me was/is, A. Trying to retain as much stock as I can. B. Using parts on hand. & C. Using batteries you can find almost anywhere.

I did take one and connected to the batteries for about 5 mins and it didn't get warm at all or make with the angry blue. ;)

Wanted to use the lowest power I could and have longest runtime.