Dorcy AA Luxeon Mod - Need Advise

[grayman4hire]

Hello,

Finally manage to get a Dorcy AA at Target! I am a little disappointed in the light output compared to the Dorcy AAA.

So of course I am looking at putting a Luxeon LED in it.

I read through lots of post regarding this topic. One modder put in a Luxeon 3 Watt. I am wondering if this would be worth it?

How much does a LuxIII compare to a regular? Which model/bin should I get? I am not looking for a super white version just the best bang for the buck. I will also need a optic. I guess my choose is between the Fraen LP or the NX-05.

Where can I buy the optic and Luxeon from? I like to buy both from the same place to save on shipping.

Any comments or suggestions? This will be my first mod and definity not my last.

Thanks

grayman4hire

 

[john_bud]

Grayman,

I read the specs and at the low powers the output of the 3W is slightly higher (if the interpretation of the graph is correct!). Of a practical matter, either a 1W or 3W HD is an acceptable choice. The color rendition of the 3W is better (more stable, less variable) than the 1W has been.

The best place to get all of the "goodies" that I have found is the sandwich shop
http://secure3.dnsaction.com/~anlighte/shop/default.php?cPath=29_33&osCsid=c1346bc9cf4b3078049b4344247f61ba

I have a mod with the NX05 optic and one with the Fraen LP. The NX gives a flood type broad beam with a nice hot spot where the Fraen gives a much brighter hot spot with little side light.

You can also about double the output by using CR-V3 batteries. Taking them apart yields 2 AA sized lithium batteries at 3V each.
Spendy, but bright!

Have fun!

jb

 

[grayman4hire]

Thank jb for the quick response.

I checked out the site you suggested. Which one should I get?

White Luxeon III 3W Emitter (LXHL-PW09) SY0L
White Luxeon III 3W Star (LXHL-LW3C) SV1K

They are both $18 bucks. What's the difference?

I love your idea about using the CR-V3 batteries! I read about using different batteries like the 1/3 or 1/4 AA batteries to increase output, but wasn't sure if this will blow anything. I will be using the stock circuit built into the Dorcy AA.

I think I will be going with the Fraen LP, since I want a tight beam.

I assume that there are different sizes of the Fraen LP??

Would this one fit my Dorcy AA?

Fraen Optics-Low Profile Narrow Beam Lambertian Lens FLP-HNB3-LL01-0

Thanks

grayman

 

[utomatoe]

Try elektrolumens, he has SWAK or SWOK binned LuxIIIs available.

 

[gadget_lover]

The wattage will be pretty low. It will take a T binned lux III to get the same output as a high Q rated 1 watt. If you can get a Q or R rated 1 watt in a WA or WO tint, it'd go there. You will get the best bang for the buck with an LED that has a Vf in the J Bin.

That Said, I'm using a tx1k in mine with Fraen and I really like it. It's worthwhile to add a clickie to the tail cap. I used teh one from a 7 dollar Garitty 2aa incan.

Daniel

 

[PhotonBoy]

Thanks for the tip on the CR-V3 batteries. I'll give it a go!

 

[john_bud]

[ QUOTE ]
I checked out the site you suggested. Which one should I get?

White Luxeon III 3W Emitter (LXHL-PW09) SY0L
White Luxeon III 3W Star (LXHL-LW3C) SV1K

They are both $18 bucks. What's the difference?


[/ QUOTE ]

The first letter is the output from the LED, kinda like the power. Higher letters are more light or more power.
The next two letter/number tells the color of the light. IIRC, "Y" is more to the blue side and "V" is more to the green side.
The last letter is the amount of voltage it needs to work. Lower voltage is better.

So they are both "S" for output - no difference there
Both are white, but one has some green tint where the other a bit of blue tint. And one takes more voltage to work.

As "T" bin LEDs are in short supply and the Dorcy puts out 5 volts you are probably going to have to choose based on your tint preference. I would go to the blue side...it's up to you.


You could also use the 1 watt star
LXHL-MW1C 1W White Star Bin code Q4H (LD) **Lower price for $13. The star makes the mod real easy, too.

Good luck!
jb

 

[grayman4hire]

After a little more reading...

I need a "luxeon star," correct? Not an "emitter."

I checked elektrolumens, he only has emitters.

Any other recommendation on where I can pick up a luxeonIII star and the Fraen optics?

Thanks for the explanations.

 

[gadget_lover]

YOu can use star or emitter. If you use a star you have to cut it down to fit the top of the battery tube. If you use an emitter, you need to create a mount that fits on top of the battery tube.

I used a dime, filed down to fit, then sanded flat so the heat could transfer properly.

Daniel

 

[WildRice]

I have done both the AAA and now the AA with 1W emmiter and star. My AAA 1watt is running on 2x 1/3AAA NiMH 210mAH. the two batteries are just shorter than the original AAA, and a I can still drop in the stock AAA. The AA is MUCH nicer to mod out. With the resistor out of the system and the stock AA battery I was getting about 150mA on my 1w. I used perf board cut in a circle to make the contact point for the head. I know I have seen 1/3AA NiMH batteries somewhere. With 2x 1/3AAA I was getting about 275mA (before I potted it for heat reasons) I woild guess that 2x 1/3AA would go bu the same size ratio. IF TRUE 3x 1/4 AA would fit the space of the AA, and MIGHT be able to drive a 3W. never tried to push the board that far.
Jeff

 

[Owen]

You won't need a star for the Dorcy. I'd look for an R2H or something like that, and forget an LIII.
My friend Robocop that posts here took a Dorcy AA and put in a LD w/NX05, and IIRC removed the resistor from the board. Pretty slick.

 

[grayman4hire]

I went ahead got 2 Luxeon 3 emitter (LXHL-PW09) and 2 Fraen LP from elektrolumens. I only have 1 Dorcy 1AA, but if this mod goes and I would hate not having another set of parts to do a second mod /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Wish me luck, I will post back with progress.

grayman4hire