Illuminated
Enlightened
I Just finished installing one of Willie Hunt's LVR3C voltage regulators in my Craftsman 4AA Tool Light (virtual clone to the Dorcy Boss 4AA). Installation was actually rather easy. I'll post pics & details eventually if anyone else is interested.
I wanted to use a better quality host for this regulator, but I haven't found a suitable donor yet. This modification is reversible, so I might move it to a better light in the future. This will do for now, as I am anxious to learn exactly how well the LVR3C's features will work for my needs.
I had my unit programmed for 3.8 volt output for use with the Carley #816 halogen (potted in a PR base). Driven at that level, the lamp is re-rated to about 82 lumens output.
I chose the Carley #816 lamp due to it's high lumen-per-watt ratio compared to all other lamps I could get info on in the voltage/current ratings needed for this application.
I haven't yet started a controlled run time test, but I would expect about 2-hours+45-minutes of FULL BRIGHTNESS based on my calculations using good 1800mAh NiMH's.
I also want to mention that Willie claims >99% efficiency for the LVR - and I have absolutely no reason to doubt that figure. That's pretty amazing IMO, especially when compared to other circuits I've looked into.
I chose this setup because I wanted a AA-cell light that didn't care whether I used NiMH's, Alkalines, or lithiums; the lumen output will remain EXACTLY the same - only the run times will differ.
Now, just a few notes on my first impressions using this light...
The soft start ramp-up takes between 1.5 to 2 seconds to full brightness (at least w/NiMH's). This should virtually eliminate filament stress during startup, and extend lamp life.
Following the normally-absent slow startup, the next thing I noticed was how white the light output actually is. Very white compared to other lamps/lights (non-LED) that I have. So far, so good...
Willie's LVR also has a low battery warning feature which is activated when the battery voltage aproaches the programmed output voltage, and appears as a slight (70%?) dimming at a bout a 1 Hz rate. I haven't reached that point yet (gee - how long has it been on?). As the battery voltage is further reduced, the LVR should go into an extended dim-run mode to extend useable run time as much as possible.
With NiMH's, the low battery warning is the point where I should prepare to change batteries, as I don't want to risk damaging them due to cell reversal. With other chemistries (throw-away's), the LVR should literally "suck them dry".
At any rate, I really like the thing so far, and will fully explore all of its useful features as my time permits.
Time to take out the trash...(Wait a minute - I'll need a light for that...)
Later - John
I wanted to use a better quality host for this regulator, but I haven't found a suitable donor yet. This modification is reversible, so I might move it to a better light in the future. This will do for now, as I am anxious to learn exactly how well the LVR3C's features will work for my needs.
I had my unit programmed for 3.8 volt output for use with the Carley #816 halogen (potted in a PR base). Driven at that level, the lamp is re-rated to about 82 lumens output.
I chose the Carley #816 lamp due to it's high lumen-per-watt ratio compared to all other lamps I could get info on in the voltage/current ratings needed for this application.
I haven't yet started a controlled run time test, but I would expect about 2-hours+45-minutes of FULL BRIGHTNESS based on my calculations using good 1800mAh NiMH's.
I also want to mention that Willie claims >99% efficiency for the LVR - and I have absolutely no reason to doubt that figure. That's pretty amazing IMO, especially when compared to other circuits I've looked into.
I chose this setup because I wanted a AA-cell light that didn't care whether I used NiMH's, Alkalines, or lithiums; the lumen output will remain EXACTLY the same - only the run times will differ.
Now, just a few notes on my first impressions using this light...
The soft start ramp-up takes between 1.5 to 2 seconds to full brightness (at least w/NiMH's). This should virtually eliminate filament stress during startup, and extend lamp life.
Following the normally-absent slow startup, the next thing I noticed was how white the light output actually is. Very white compared to other lamps/lights (non-LED) that I have. So far, so good...
Willie's LVR also has a low battery warning feature which is activated when the battery voltage aproaches the programmed output voltage, and appears as a slight (70%?) dimming at a bout a 1 Hz rate. I haven't reached that point yet (gee - how long has it been on?). As the battery voltage is further reduced, the LVR should go into an extended dim-run mode to extend useable run time as much as possible.
With NiMH's, the low battery warning is the point where I should prepare to change batteries, as I don't want to risk damaging them due to cell reversal. With other chemistries (throw-away's), the LVR should literally "suck them dry".
At any rate, I really like the thing so far, and will fully explore all of its useful features as my time permits.
Time to take out the trash...(Wait a minute - I'll need a light for that...)
Later - John