I have a feeling that markings on the chip relates to the output voltage?
3033 = 3.3v
3036 = 3.6v
Does the ringiness come from the GS led or its placement? My Arc AAA-GS beam is much ringier than the AAA-CS but I figured that was because of the further-forward led placement. The AAA-CS led is recessed quite far back, and the spill is wide and smooth. This_is_nascar has expressed a preference for the DS beam over the slightly brighter GS beam for this reason.
I've been playing around with shortening and lightly tapering a few of these GS's (installed in E0's), and the improvement in beam smoothness (lack of rings), spill, and especially tint (pure, even snow white!) has at times been remarkable. Definite loss of throw, however (oblong, violet/blue throw, that is).
I'm convinced that the overall shape and length of these LED's is far from being optically ideal for use in simple conical reflectored lights like the E0/E01 - especially for use as close-up/task lights.
Still need to determine the optimum length and taper, when I get the time - appears to be somewhere around 8.4/8.5mm (vs. stock GS @ 9.0/9.1mm, and CS @ 8.7mm).
Please excuse my addition to OT, Chimo.
Now...put a red LED in there and I'll pay hundreds. Well, I'm just joking about that...kinda
Do anybody know what current a cree r2 or a q5 would draw at 3.2V? (this being a constant voltage circuit). Witch of them have the lowest vf? I'm thinking about modding one into one of my E01's. Just for fun.
V0(V) Vin(V) Iin(mA)
fresh Energizer Lithium AAA 1.80 1.71 73.8
fresh Energizer Alkaline AAA 1.59 1.55 81.7
used Varta Alkaline (1) AAA 1.28 1.05 107.3
used Varta Alkaline (2) AAA 1.10 0.86 52.5
Sanyo Eneloop AAA 1.46 1.44 82.8