Aleph Series: Beam shots and comparisons

[McGizmo]

Hi guys,
I have been trying to get to this and finally said screw it and put some other stuff aside.....

The image below shows the same LE (DB917 on 2x123) used in three stock production heads, Aleph 2, Aleph 1 and then Aleph 3. The target was at one meter and relative lux measurements were also taken at one meter.

Exterior distant shots would provide much better
"real world" information but that will need to be addressed later. Most interesting to me is the comparison of the 27 mm with the 38 mm since the 38 mm is essentially a 27 mm with additional reflective surface added as an extended skirt, if you will. You can actually see the 27's beam in the 38's shot but you can also see where additional spill light (not visible in the beam shots; beyond the frame) has been redirected by the 38 giving it a more intense and concentrated center in the focused beam as well as added additional light to the corona. In the middle strip where I increased the amount of light shown, the 27 mm has the illusion of being a brighter beam because of the greater fall off of light beyond the center beam. If you look closely or crop just the center, you can see that this is not really the case. I believe that adding more depth and additional reflective surface to any parabolic reflector will just enhance the beam but of course at the expense of a larger head.

Ironically, if size were no issue, one could argue for going with an Aleph 3 and Aleph 1 for flood and throw and leave out the Aleph 2. However the Aleph 2 is a prett reasonable compromise taking from both of the other two. The 20 m and 27 mm reflectors are almost identical in height but since the 20 is a smaller parabolic curve and has a smaller diameter at exit, it redirects more overall light than the 27 mm does. This can be seen if you consider the density of light in the full frame that is shown.

EDIT: It was pointed out that I mis identified the heads in a couple sentences above (thanks Darell) so I think I have fixed the post now. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

ADDED:
Beam shot: relative comparison with 5W LED:

NOTE: The cloor balance was on auto and in both beam shot comparisons, the tint was not off to the naked eye to any extent near what these images imply.

 

[Kiessling]

The 20mm's beam looks sweet!
With your last paragraph ... do you mean that the 20mm actually does a better job and redirects more light forward than the 27? Resulting in a dimmer hotspot (smaller reflector) but bigger hotspot and smaller but brighter corona?
Or am I completely wrong? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/duh2.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif
bk

 

[Josey]

Nice shots, Don:

I see where you get 2,840 Lux off the Aleph 1 with a DB917 board in a 2X123 body. Earlier I got 3,980 when my Aleph 1 was fresh.

I just redid the test (with the batteries somewhat faded from the first test) and came up with 3,730 Lux. When I take a Lux reading, I move the beam around to get the absolute highest reading. It takes a minute or so to find the hot spot. If I just point it at the light meter, I usually get much lower readings.

Josey

 

[McGizmo]

Bernie,
Yes, the 20 redirects more light than the 27. This light is in both the larger angle spot beam as well as the surrounding corona. The 20 with a beam shaper makes a great flood that can be quickly changed to a reasonable throwing light with beam shaper parked on the tail cap. I think I have found my new preference for "flood".

Actually, I am anxious to hear from you guys what your take is on both the 20 mm and the 38 when it comes out. I am starting to feel that "deep" is better and worth the extra volume in the head. In the case of the 20 mm, I have been able to keep the diameter to the standard 1" but this reflector is deeper than the other 1" OD heads like the Arc4 and KL4.

As to the lux readings, I realize that it is posible to find a highest high and I do a rather quick scan to find a "reasonable" high. Frankly I trust these diffferent light meters more in relative comparisons than absolute numbers. I am aware of some lights I have measured that have scored higher on other's light meters. That's cool by me since the chances are better that I won't be considered on the overly optimistic side when I do state a number. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[mut]

That is so cool Don. I was doing that with one of my Chop heads. I was thinking the Aleph2 head would be great for Bruce on the boat. Using the colored lenses from I dare say the Mag light and the beamshaper from SF. I was just about to ask it the SF beamshapers would work on the Aleph2, but you beat me to it.
Another great inovation. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wow.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/clap.gif
Can not wait till I have the funds for the Aleph2.

mut

 

[Darell]

I'm with you Bernard! The 20mm is going to make for the best EDC, IMO. I spend most of my time lighting up stuff that's close to me. Can't wait!

 

[McGizmo]

Mut,
Thanks! Yeah, I made an Aleph 2 for Bruce last night with a BB400 and included a Beam shaper. I also used a 22 ohm instead of 15 ohm for a lower low. With the beam shaper in place, on low, I think he will have a good tool that hopefully won't be too bright! I Fed EX'ed it to him so he will have it this weekend when he and crew take it across the pond to France. The Aleph 2 with BB400 was very respectable and I think many of us are driving around "floored" when we would be much better served with a little less volume! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

BTW, I suspect that many don't care for the mass of the McE2S, especially with the Aleph 2 and 1x123. For pocketability, I finally got around to finalizing a design today for a trimed tail cap. It is down to just a lanyard hole but it does tail stand and I believe for non gloved individuals, access to the tail switch will be fine:

These caps are now on order and I will likely get some done in HA-Nat as well as the Aleph black HA. I would guess we are a month away on these so this is just a heads up. Duh, I guess I should have put this in the Aleph 2 update thread. Nah..... I'll post about them when I have more info on ETA.

 

[sithjedi333]

Woah..... cool!!!

 

[jtice]

Very nice Don, I do like the other tail, but this is an EXCELLENT option!
Should slim the light down a great bit...


..... now, if you can just get a clip on there,.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Darell]

Well, I personally like the balance of the matching head-to-tail OD's of the original cap. The switch is a bit bulky on such a small package, but for those of us who wear XL shirts, I think bigger is better. Not sure I can afford to lose the tab mounting or the tripod mount. I'm spoiled and can't give anything up!

BUT... I do think it is a great option for those who prefer to pocket carry. I'm a guy who can't stand *anything* in my pockets though.

BTW, I think the knurling "aggressiveness" is perfect on these!

[ QUOTE ]
The Aleph 2 with BB400 was very respectable and I think many of us are driving around "floored" when we would be much better served with a little less volume!

[/ QUOTE ]
Agreed! I need lights that work for me for a long time. 500 on a single 123 is about as high as I go. But then again... bright lights really scare me. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Kiessling]

Great tailcap Don !!!!!!!!!
Will need some of those, too /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/broke.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif
bernhard

 

[PS09]

Don,
thanks for sharing the pics with the beam shots./ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif
Very interesting.
A question a little OT:when is it available the Aleph 3?


Pietro

 

[flashlight]

Nice 'streamlined' tailcap Don but would that mean there's nowhere to put a milled slot for a tritium tube insert? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif Anyway put me down for a bare AL one when you have them. Thanks /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Billson]

Don,

The original tailcaps seem to be running out on the shoppe. Do you have plans to make more of these?

 

[chrisse242]

[ QUOTE ]
jtice said:

..... now, if you can just get a clip on there,.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/clap.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/clap.gif

Chrisse

 

[pizzajoe62]

originally, i was looking for a tail cap design similar to the new one.
but now i think i like the original one better...more personality i guess...
perhaps if the circumference(tail cap) were the same as the aleph 2 head...a little bump may help aid an even better grip...i think?????

 

[Barefootone]

[ QUOTE ]
McGizmo said:
Bernie,
Yes, the 20 redirects more light than the 27. This light is in both the larger angle spot beam as well as the surrounding corona. The 20 with a beam shaper makes a great flood that can be quickly changed to a reasonable throwing light with beam shaper parked on the tail cap. I think I have found my new preference for "flood".

Actually, I am anxious to hear from you guys what your take is on both the 20 mm and the 38 when it comes out. I am starting to feel that "deep" is better and worth the extra volume in the head. In the case of the 20 mm, I have been able to keep the diameter to the standard 1" but this reflector is deeper than the other 1" OD heads like the Arc4 and KL4.

As to the lux readings, I realize that it is posible to find a highest high and I do a rather quick scan to find a "reasonable" high. Frankly I trust these diffferent light meters more in relative comparisons than absolute numbers. I am aware of some lights I have measured that have scored higher on other's light meters. That's cool by me since the chances are better that I won't be considered on the overly optimistic side when I do state a number. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

[/ QUOTE ] <font color="blue"> </font> Hey Guys,
I have heard of "Beam Shapers" and see it on the Aleph 2, but I don't know how they work. Would someone please fill me in /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/help.gif. Thanks and Keep-em bright in the night,
Jeff

 

[McGizmo]

Hey guys,
I'll see if I can respond to some of the questions. I am looking into pocket clips with hopes of finding one that will be some what generic or universal. It would be made of Ti because of the great elasticity of the metal. It is down the road and may or may not come to pass. This trim cap would be an ideal host for it as the plan is for a couple fasteners that would mount it to the guard section of the cap. If and when, I'll let you know.

There is not enough meat left on the trim cap for H3 vial; unless perhaps one of the real small ones.

There are plenty of McE2S caps so I don't know about the shops "stated" inventory. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

The Aleph 3 is being made by a differentmachine shop than the other Aleph parts and we are still getting to know eachother and learning to communicate about dimensions and tollerances. Shortly after receiving a couple first articles, I got a 10% run on the order. These parts are beautiful but the threads on the bezel ring and head are so close in fit that I am concerned that after anodizing, there may be interference. Because of this, I have requested that the parts spend a longer period in the etch bath so that surface material will be removed from the threads of both parts. If all goes well, I might be able to start building some Aleph 3's this weekend. Until I can evaluate these parts, the status of the balance of the order is unknown.

Joe,
I have made a half dozen or more variations on the original tail cap. Due to the large quantity of any particular design that I have to order, I had originally planned on offering just the original but given some feedback and personal perceptions, I felt that there was call at least for one additional variation which is this trim one. The original cap has enough meat on it thatit can be reworked into other profiles and if Icould ever find the time, I wold like to do some short quantity reworks myself and ofer them as very limited releases here on the forum. Unfortunately the Aleph system in total is a bit too large in scope for a one man band to hope to manage and explore to its full advantage. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I have a bunch of ideas and other designs that I have not been able to visit and it's actually real frustrating for me. I joke with friends that I wish I had a production, assembly and marketing team I could pass the parts on to so I could stick with the designing and prototyping. Heck if finances and earning an income were no issue, I would just make bunches of prototypes and variations on a theme and nothing would end up in limited production runs unless done by someone else. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

Jeff,
A beam shaper is a diffusing lens that softens and blends the light into a much more even and homogenous spread. SF uses very efficient and expensive LSD material from POC . I don't know what the angle of dispersion is in the material used by SF is but it is great enough to have an obvious effect on the original beam.

 

[pizzajoe62]

appreciate your reply.

having an option is great.
my concern is, given the relatively small size of the light, i thought that the knurling alone might be insufficient to aid grip.
but since you considered attaching a clip, that should do the job.
BTW, i meant to say that the original cap gives character to the light aesthetically.

i can imagine how hectic things are.....you're doing a good job!

 

[Barefootone]

Don,
Thank you for the explanation on the beam shaper, I understand now <font color="blue"> </font> /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif.
Keep-em bright in the night,
Jeff