Direct Drive 3AA vs ZLT 2AA

[Guy Kuo]

I love the compactness of my ZLT boosted 2AA Brinkmann (500 ma) but after testing both outside at night, I find I prefer the insanely bright direct drive mod. That extra bit of light changes the effect from okay to something more extraordinary. I guess, for me Luxeons are for getting really bright output. 2 1/2 hours of fairly bright light just doesn't give the wow compared to a slim unit which spits out a very unanticipated amount of light.

I think I need to find of cheap 3AA Brinkmann's for my next project.

 

[vicbin]

Hi Guy Kuo,

Thank you for sharing this valuable information, infact I was planning to ask to the forum about this comparison and oppinion.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>2 1/2 hours of fairly bright light just doesn't give the wow compared to a slim unit which spits out a very unanticipated amount of light.[/QB]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

How long was the joy for those " very unanticipated amount of light" ?

Vic

 

[Avatar]

Interesting that you bring this up now. Within a day I will do my first flashlight mod. I just ordered a 3AA Brinkmann Legend and a couple LS stars. I am going to use direct drive too.

I'll post the results and hopefully some pics at my website when I am finished.

 

[Ron Schroeder]

I never have liked direct drive. Way to much variation from one LED to another due to differances in Vf and battery impedance. I like my Luxeon overdriven with a regulated 1 amp and a dimmer. Just as bright as direct drive but it stays that way until the batteries are down to .5V (or until I turn down the dimmer.

 

[Guy Kuo]

Ron, what circuit are you using to get 1 amp? Do you manage it with two cells or need more for the circuit. I'd love to have a regulated 1 amp, but the ZLT doesn't seem to accomodate that much power.