Anyone with AIM or Yahoo?

[kuksul08]

Hey guys,

I've always had kind of an obsession with lights for no real reason, other than it's a pretty easy way to show (up) other people when the time calls, like camping, biking, etc.

So I have a bunch of questions that I have tried searching for and I just enter into a realm of endless information, abbreviations, and fundamentals that some people assume is common knowledge. I'm studying as a mechanical engineer, so I'm not one to just go out and buy a pre made HID bike light for example, when I could build something myself, know how it works, make it unique, etc.

Is there anyone here with AIM or Yahoo messenger that is online relatively frequently that could answer questions for me here and there? I'm specifically interested in LEDs, but I don't know what drivers, boosters, yadda yadda... are. Pretty much all I know is that you can't put straight power from a battery into an LED because it will burn it up :candle:

Thanks everyone and hopefully I will soon have my first little mod on my headlamp complete, and moving on to a bike light. :wave:

 

[GeorgePaul]

Is there anyone here with AIM or Yahoo messenger that is online relatively frequently that could answer questions for me here and there? I'm specifically interested in LEDs, but I don't know what drivers, boosters, yadda yadda... are.

Take a look at the Welcome Mat (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172991) and the CPFWiki. These are good places to start.

Pretty much all I know is that you can't put straight power from a battery into an LED because it will burn it up.

Actually, there are many unregulated (i.e., direct drive) LED lights.

Good luck and :welcome:

 

[kuksul08]

Take a look at the Welcome Mat (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=172991) and the CPFWiki. These are good places to start.


Actually, there are many unregulated (i.e., direct drive) LED lights.

Good luck and :welcome:

Oh my god! That first link is awesome. Thanks man

 

[StarHalo]

You'll find that this forum format is far superior when it comes to educating yourself on anything technical. While instant messaging is fast, it's only among one or a few people at a time. Here, you can post any question/comment/observation, and several hundred people will have viewed it, with the option to respond - Your readers/responders will run the gamut of expertise from amateurs to flashlight machinists, hobbyists to flashlight company representatives, all bringing their own knowledge and insight to anything you have to ask or add. Feel free to jump in! :welcome:

 

[kuksul08]

You'll find that this forum format is far superior when it comes to educating yourself on anything technical. While instant messaging is fast, it's only among one or a few people at a time. Here, you can post any question/comment/observation, and several hundred people will have viewed it, with the option to respond - Your readers/responders will run the gamut of expertise from amateurs to flashlight machinists, hobbyists to flashlight company representatives, all bringing their own knowledge and insight to anything you have to ask or add. Feel free to jump in! :welcome:

Yeah I agree the forum is the best way to get a really good answer to a specific question, but sometimes it can take a lot of time. For some impatient people, a couple hours is too long haha. Also I don't like making a lot of threads with very minor questions in each...

 

[LEDAdd1ct]

I felt bad about asking "minor" questions at first, too. But sometimes no matter how much you search, you cannot find the answer. First search, search, and search some more. Then, if you can't find the answer, select the appropriate forum, and ask away! People here are really friendly and eager to help/offer support. Welcome to CPF!

 

[roymail]

As my sig line says, I'm still learning... but I know a heck of a lot more than I knew before I got here. And, I learned 99% of it from reading stuff on this forum. Just hang around here and before long you'll have specific questions to ask.

There are guys here that know far more than I'll ever know... but that's OK. My advice is to be as honest and specific as possible when asking questions. That way you get good information and specific answers from most posters.

Most guys on CPF have been where you are and they're glad to help. So ask away! :welcome:

 

[Badger_Girl]

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