Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux **READY TO GO**

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hotbeam

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 2, 2003
Messages
1,737
Location
Melb, AU
I came across the following hosts one day and thought they would be perfect for a short run of a 3AA light. The light utilises a customised heatsink, courtesy of Rothrandir, and a very white 1w Luxeon, binned Q3J. After the build, I compared the light with my Arc LS and took lux measurements to confirm what I saw.... BRIGHT!!! This light compares favourably with these!!! Some photos below.

hotbeam3aa_1a.jpg

LS_Q3J.jpg

hotbeam3aa_1_modbits.jpg

hotbeam3aa_1_emitter_sink.jpg

beamshot_hotbeam3aa_1.jpg


So what do you think? I have a few hosts (3-4) remaining if anyone wants to build their own or want me to build them, I'll be happy to oblige. Oh, this light needs a name. Can anyone help?
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

Hotbeam:

What intrigues me most is that the head with switch is detachable from the battery tube.

Would you be willing to intall a pair of R2H's and NX-05's I'd send to you in two heads and then wire the heads in parallel to a Tamaya connector I'd also send you.

I would epoxy the two head units to one of the small 3AA side by side holders I've bought from Elektrolumens and drive both at the same time with NiMHs in a very compact assembly.

If you'd like to build the entire unit, I could also send you the 3AA holder and the QuikAluminum epoxy putty I plan on using.
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

I just bought 3 of the donor lights on Ebay for $5.51 @ plus shipping. Again, today is the first time I was aware of this detachable head model. The seller in Honkong has listed more on other auctions.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2332845869

If you accomodate my request, I can send you a pair of heads so you can still service other CPF'ers.

If you can't, can you sell the necessary parts -- heat sink, etc.?
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

That looks very cool. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif What kind of optics are you using?

I wonder why you don't see more 3AA with 1 watt stars. It sure is a great FF.
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

awesome howard!!!!

i'm glad those heatsinks worked for you /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

that's an amazing lux reading!

i can't wait to make my own /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif (should i use an r2k? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif )
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

I am very, very interested! This would be a perfect inbetween light to accompany my Arc-AAA and the 6D Mag that i'm modifying. How is the quality of the host flashlight? In that I mean, is it a sturdy aluminum case that should hold well? Also, how much am I looking at shelling out for one of these?
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

Can you be more specific on these lights, like who makes them and how much they cost?
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

Well, from the E-bay link, they start at $5, with $8 shipping.
As for the manufacturer... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

Three of the lights cost me a total of about $32 shipped. ($8 for the first one and $4 for # 2 and # 3 from Hong Kong.) The pictures match those of HotBeams's.

Also, don't forget that I should be able to use the 6 LED modules in another assembly the same way I'll use the 7 LED NoviGear assemblies from my Mini LGI donors. I think I'll wire up a number of these 3-cell LED clusters in parallel in a very light headlamp.
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

btw howard...your link doesn't work /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

I am interested in these lights. What is the runtime like? And how much would it cost if I wanted you to make one for me?
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

Sorry for the time delay in my reply. I am GMT +1000, whereas you (US) guys are GMT-800 to -400. Here it is 925am. LA 425pm. NY 725pm.

Tree: That's an idea /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif How do you say it? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

JohnC: PM replied.

Lemlux: Yes, the detachable head makes it nice and easy to work /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Was very appreciative of that!! Please email me re the build. I am sure something can be worked out. I like a little challenge /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif $5.51!! Wow. I got them from mcbworld.com for 2 green ones ($20+ship) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif Oh well. Maybe they are slightly different? Looks damn close though.

Imworking: I haven't done a runtime on them as yet. Being a direct drive light, I'd say it would be very bright for maybe ~60-90mins (?) and decreasing gradually until the battery voltage drops below Vf.

IlluminatingBikr: Thanks /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif It is using NX05.

Roth: Yes, perfect fit. Must be the superior measurement (ooops.... machining) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/twak.gif Your r2h would be very nice in it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif your lux reading would go over 1k!! Let me know when you've done yours! I reckon if I had the Cu version, it'd make an even nicer handwarmer!!

LukeK: That's what I thought! Arc LS a bit small and expensive to run with 123s. SNII, very bright but a tad big for EDC. Quality of this host is good. It is entirely made from Aluminium and reasonably solid. ELK's yet to be released 3AA machined hosts may be a nicer finish I think. I don't think it has a HAII or III finish.

Woodbender: The hosts were bought from mcbworld.com. Don't know where they are manufactured but I have a feeling it comes from the Far East, judging from the price/quality ratio.

Floating Spots: Boy I feel silly having shelled out $20 for them (!!) I wonder what price that auction will end up at? Oh well...
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

[ QUOTE ]
Rothrandir said:
btw howard...your link doesn't work /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Roth, fixed. All this cut and paste is a PITA hence the error /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

Well good morning then hotbeam. If you do a runtime test, please let us know the results.
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

[ QUOTE ]
Pi_is_blue said:
I am interested in these lights. What is the runtime like? And how much would it cost if I wanted you to make one for me?

[/ QUOTE ]
Hi
I'd prefer to "sell" these as kits because labour is always a hard thing to cost. In some cases, the labour cost asked by modders is only a *token* fee anyway. Oh, there are only a couple "kits" left for those wanting to get their hands "dirty".
Hotbeam
 
Re: Hotbeam *3AA* w/Q3J, 744 Lux

Hotbeam:

pm sent. Thanks so much for your willingness to help.
 
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