DB400 Sandwich?

Mark_Paulus · Feb 6, 2004

I'm thinking I would like to build a DownBoy 400 sandwich to use in either a 1AA or 2AA type light, but powered with 14500 Li-Ion cells. I would like to use this light as a Bike Helmet light, which is why the 1AA or 2AA form Factor. And the Li-Ion requirement for rechargeables and weight.

Any ideas when the DB400 might be available in a sandwichable form factor??

Thanks.

wasabe64 · Feb 7, 2004

Hi Mark,

My apologies if you plan to create a mini-m@g based headlamp. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

Are you sure that you need a sandwich?

Most DB's are placed into ecan's, there are not very many demands for building DB sandwiches lately (of course, I'm the exception to that).

For a headlamp, the lamp is seldom in-line with the battery pack.

The sandwich is useful if your batteries and lamp will all be in-line such as in a mini-m@g conversion. If you don't need the batteries/convertor/emitter to be stacked in a single column, you probably don't need a sandwich.

IMHO, you could just get the convertor itself and run leads to a separate emitter & heatsink. Heck, you could also save yourself a couple of bucks by getting the rev. 1 DB400 board. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Regards,
Raymond

Mark_Paulus · Feb 9, 2004

Actually, I was thinking of a Mini-Mag as a 2AA receptacle, or of a TerralLUX MiniMax-1AA for a 1AA host. I found Zefal Doodad Plus Pump Tie at REI to hold the torch. The two plastic pieces can be stacked to "sandwich" the battery tube and make a decent holder. I am thinking of using my MiniMag with the BB400/Q3 & PowerEx 2000 for my helmet light. This is to supplement the Elektrolumens Blaster VI that I use as my fixed handlebar light right now. I want some "moveable" light also.

wasabe64 · Feb 9, 2004

Hmmm...

The BB400/Q3 sounds like a winner for the 2xAA config, a MM sandwich for a 1xAA.

paulr · Feb 9, 2004

For 1x lithium ion, try direct drive. For 2x, you do need a downboy or wizard. Remember these are 3.6 volt cells. I think you should just throw out that Minimag host and use 18650's instead of 14500's.

I've had some interest in getting a Firefly with a custom made 2x123 or 3x123 battery tube, using a Downboy, for more runtime than with 1x123. But that would also need a sandwich, or some fancy wiring to simulate one.

StoneDog · Feb 10, 2004

I'm going to be attempting a Wizard 400 sandwich in the near future. I'll post my results if/when I'm successful.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Jon