FF2 vs Larry Light.??

[Robocop]

I am very much enjoying my FF2 that I purchased from the Shoppe and I have found myself searching past threads reading on the evolution of this light. I am curious if anyone can help me understand the differences between the model now sold by the Shoppe and the original tvodrd design. I do realize the obvious change in the tail design and a few other minor details however I am wondering if this version at the Shoppe is any better or lesser than the original. I have seen some incredible prices for the original design and am wondering if it is simply the collector value or was the original simply that much better. I was able to find in past threads that tvodr does some incredible work. It seemed everything this man touched became a classic. I was amazed at the detail of his work and quickly found myself wanting one of his creations. Basically what are the improvements in the current FF2,if any, vs the original? Also could anyone tell me the differences in size of the original tvodr design and the current model at the Shoppe?...thanks

 

[DSpeck]

Some of the differences:

-The orginal LarryLight had a shortened optic (mine is standard length, just narrowed a bit).

-It used a Micropuck for a driver, where I use Sandwich Shoppe sandwiches.

-I kept the same tailcap design for the FF1 run as the original LL had, but the second run had the tailcap you now see. The redesign was inspired by one of Larry's ideas, but it was too expensive for a manual mill, so I had to wait until I could have a CNC mill do the job.

-The ID of the LL was just barely big enough to admit a 123 cell, and some had to have their wrappers removed to fit. I added a few thou to the ID, so that this problem would not happen.

-The walls are .050 thick on the FF, but I don't know the size of the LL, as I have never held or seen one "in the flesh", nor seen specs. The LL does seem a bit smaller, though.

-I asked Larry if he would mind if I used his design for the Fire~Fly, and he felt the head of the FF was so different than his original LL that it really was more of my own design, but he gave his blessing anyway. I didn't want to step on his toes about it, so to speak.

-I am guessing that the high prices for the original LL are in good part due to the collector value/rarity, and the desirability of them is due to the very high quality machining and building that Larry does.

-There were less than 10 original LL's made AFAIK, all done by hand, whereas the FF was designed to be mass-produced, and has been produced in larger numbers. I have kept the build and machining quality of the FF high, and I think it came out very well, frankly... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Doug.

 

[Robocop]

I was asking this question due to the incredible quality of my FF2. I was curious if the details and quality were better or what it was that made the original so costly now. I have to say that you did an excellent job on this FF2 and I am very impressed with the output and for the quick service from the Shoppe. I have almost no experience with the Micropuck nor with shortened optics. Can anyone tell me what current the Micropuck ran the original LarryLights at? As far as quality of work and materials I see how the original could be a perfect light. I am still in awe of some of tvodrds creations and he did not seem to cut corners in anything he created. Does anyone feel that the internals of the new design are better as far as durability,output,regulation...etc: Regardless of the details I truly enjoy reading old threads from tvodrd and looking at photos....man this guy is awesome with a lathe. I also would truly enjoy owning any of his lights however I feel my FF2 does the original version proud and seems to compliment the original in many ways. Thanks for the detailed information above Doug and again I really am enjoying my FF2.....I am now about to search some old posts and try to find the specs on the Micropuck. I have a MM-+wide open TXOJ in my FF2 and I am a little curious how this sandwich compares to the original Micropuck.
Thanks again for the help Doug

 

[greenLED]

The max output of the MicroPuck is ~350 mA. There's also a "high" output Micropuck, but I'm at the office and can't check with the one I have.

Just checked the leddynamics webiste, the hight output Micropuck is 400 mA.

 

[DSpeck]

You're welcome, Robo. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

greenLED - that's what I remember about the Micropuck, too.

Robo, as you see, the Micropuck drives the Luxeon at a much lower rate than the MM+w/o you have. The Luxeon I (only thing available at that time) is rated for 350mA, so the Micropuck was designed for that, so it won't overdrive the LuxI, AFAIK.

 

[Robocop]

I never even realized the original was a 1 watt luxeon. I suppose it is fair to assume that in terms of actual output the new version has much more total output due to higher current and a 3 watt Luxeon. The original must have been decent bright with a greater runtime due to the MicroPuck and its output. I was curious only as I am very happy with this light. Seems like the new version gives us the style and appearance of the original with a few more advancements due to better parts available now....Thanks for the help on this and I eagerly await the new FF3...

 

[greenLED]

BTW, the Micropuck is not fully regulated, so the light will dim with decreased battery "juice".

 

[tvodrd]

When I did those lights abt 2 years ago, Lambertians weren't happening yet (or just barely) and the LS bins may have been sub Q! (I don't remember.) The original Micropuck would suck a cell down to ~.8V and the run time was pretty impressive. As to actual efficency, /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif I subsequently reworked a couple to high dome Q-bins for their owners. It required machining-out the potted electronics. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

The originals were cut from 3/4"/.750" dia bar and the only Fire~Fly example I have is ~.800" dia. In front of me is a scaled-up from CR2, 123 light that is .750" dia x 2.470" long that I need to finish. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Larry

 

[JonSidneyB]

The Larry lights that I have are of the finest craftsmanship I have ever seen in a light.

 

[cy]

first in line, if you ever finish it /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[gorkon]

I've only seen pictures of the original, but I love it's evolution into the FF. I bought a FF2 direct from Doug and then parts from the Shoppe to build another one (one was not enough).

My praise to tvodrd for the original design and to Doug for making this sized light available to the masses. Great work!

 

[DSpeck]

Gawsh, now I'm all /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif