Green force tristar 15 conversion

[Nwdiver]

Hello all,
I have an old tristar 15 that I would to modify to get more power. I have read many threads in this section and don't really feel as though I am finding what i need. I am debating between one xm-l with a reflector like dx sku 47996 or maybe a drop in module like dx sku 126121. My light head looks like this

(Image is borrowed from packhorse) the id is 2.134 inch. I understand the concepts just need help finding some specific parts. I need a narrow beamed light with variable output. On the drop in module I listed above how would you switch modes? I assumed by cycling power since I don't see any other switches or such. Has anyone attempted to add in a battery status led (green-yellow red) similar to what metal sub uses on their heads? Sorry for the rambling post and thanks for any help.

James

 

[Packhorse]

I was going to say "I did a mod on a light just like that!"

My thoughts on the XML is that its a great LED... but it really lacks in power. As such you need a bunch of them to get lots of lumen. But also there is not much point having a low mode when you only use one.


If you really want to go with a single XML then consider an aspheric lens. I use a 44mm DX aspheric lens ( no longer available???) in a mag lite head with a XML and it produces a fantastically intense tight beam. I just really wish where was a Super XML rated at 6 amp ( or 6.6v 3 amp!!).

Otherwise look out for a deep smooth reflector. I use one in a W300 light head. But its only 35mm. Great reflector though.

 

[jspeybro]

I have a head with a similar diameter I think (probably the first tristar from GF, no electronics at all, head modified in factory), but not as long, so you have more options than me).
I was thinking of putting 3 fresnel lenses of 25mm in it with XLM's.

Mode switching typically happens when switching the light off and back on withing 2 seconds, which works very well with the greenforce lamps.

from what I read here, the second module you mention is quite floody since the reflectors are too small to get a decent narrow beam.
the reflector is too big so cutting it down will certainly not improve the beam. It is also made for an SST-90, so will probably not work too well with an XML unless you manage to carefully position the reflector.

Metalsub uses a ligthpipe glued(?) in place with a led underneed it as a battery indicator. I never tried drilling a hole in the housing of a greenforce head to put some transparent rod in it. I wouldn't feel comfortable that is watertight.

 

[Nwdiver]

Thanks Guys,
Packhorse according to green force my lighthead as is is only putting out 260 lumens or so. I think the best xml are putting out almost 1000 so I figured even if it wasn't the best ever still one hell of an upgrade. Ideally I would really like to do 3 xml. I have been debating buying the newer green force heptstar head that has 1960 lum from 7x 3w emmiters. I would rather go with a mod on my light that gives me more control then the green force does for instance I wanted the ability to adjust power while on shore to help control heat (Lots of night dives). If anyone can make specific recommendations then I can look at those and get a feel for what should work.


Thanks again,
James

 

[Packhorse]

Well there are several options to go for then that will give you 1000-2000lumen ( or more). But if you want a tight beam then I'd probably look at using XP-G's since they are smaller and will give a tighter beam with the same sized optic. Using 7 will get you over 3k lumen but using 3 will get you a tigher beam and still close to 1500lumen.

As for use out of water, yes multi mode is needed. I would recomend a very low power setting. That way you can use it for close range stuff like sorting gear or walking with out blinding everyone. There is the old 3 mode P7 driver that came from KaiDomain. That was 10,50 and 100% @ 2800ma. I used them to drive all sorts of loads. 4 XR-E's ( 2p2s) MCE in parallel with 3 XR-E's in series, Im sure you could run 3 XML's in series off it too. There is also another 3 amp driver avaliable from DX and KD that has modes but no memory which is a bit of a pain. I have used several but I always remove the multi mode and use it as a single mode driver. http://dx.com/p/t6-2500-3000ma-3-mo...rcuit-board-for-diy-flashlight-4-5-18v-128269

Of course there is always the Taskled drivers which cost a lot more but are quality.

 

[Nwdiver]

Thanks,
If I went with the xp-g's think I could do 4? and if so what optic would you reccommend? I looked up the xp-g's and apparently they have been replaced with xt-e which have 148 lumens /watt....wow those are awesome for a max of 456 lumens. That would be perfect. Maybe do 6 one in the middle and 5 surrounding.


James

 

[Packhorse]

Cutter have optics and matching LED's on boards

http://cutter.com.au/products.php?cat=XP-C/E/G+Quad+&+Multi+Lenses

 

[jspeybro]

If you use 4 xpg's, you can also use an AMC7135 based driver off a 12V battery from greenforce. Very cheap electronics, lots of options regarding modes. The only downside is that it goes slightly out of regulation when the battery goes down. I've done this without problems though.

 

[Nwdiver]

I have been reading your old thread about the 44mm aspheric with xml and that seems like a good place to start this out at but with using the green force head I can use the 50mm lens instead, sku is 44653. Then use this emitter http://dx.com/p/xm-lt60-1000lm-led-white-light-emitter-with-18mm-base-2-9-3-5v-54704 and the driver from the post above. I am still interested in buying the stuff needed to make a 3 emitter xpg/xte but am having difficulties finding a good optic and led set that work well together. Any thoughts from you experts? By the way does DX use half angle or full width for their measurements?

Thanks, James