Hunting spotlight

[PaulBNZ]

Hey there,

After a lot of browsing here I think it is about time I posted something and introduced myself!

My name is Paul, and am from New Zealand (know where that is? ;) ). I am currently looking into modd'ing a Mag Lite to use as a hunting spotlight for use at night on possums, rabbits and hares.

I currently have a Fenix TK11 R2 which is a useful light (rifle-mounted) for use once the target has been spotted however I would love something with just a little more grunt! (Famous last words?)

I have read through several threads on Mag Lite mod's here so I think I have a grasp of the basics but would like to ask some specific questions.

To this end, something with a decent spot and a little flood (I personally prefer more spot) is required and as much throw as possible.

Run time is also an issue, would like an hour plus but I don't mind carrying extra batteries at all so maybe not so much of a big deal.

I was thinking along the lines of an aspherical lens but I haven't seen anyone use these on multi emitter setups; which is what I was thinking of.

Guess I should say now, my initial hair-brained scheme was something along the lines of 4 Cree Q5's in series running off a 15W DX driver (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.26106) and powered by 18650's or NiMh cells.

Obviously heatsinking may be an issue, so I am interested in hearing what you suggest but I may also be able to get something machined specifically for the task.

As far as reflectors go, I have seen several people using small individual reflectors on each emitter when using more than one, but how would this work with an aspherical lens?

At this point I am interested in hearing anything and everything you have to say. I am but a humble beginner and would appreciate some advice and guidance on what to look into and learn about.

Cheers!

Paul

 

[Dr Jekell]

Puts hand up, "I know where NZ is" :nana:

If you are looking for 99% throw you should look at HID lights.

 

[Noctis]

Typically multiple emitters wouldn't go very far due to the size of the reflector. Not sure how it would work with an aspheric, but I would expect there to be 4 square shaped hotspots.

If you're going for a maglite mod, I'm thinking an SST-50 driven at about 5A would sound right for you without the need for an aspheric.

Any further than that and you'd need an HID or a DEFT.

 

[4D223]

Depends on your budget/needs a little, What about a dedicated "thrower" from Derelight or a Jetbeam RRT-1/2. They have the advantage of 25mm diameter(fits most light mounts) and can run on Li-ion. Bloody bright as well. As a keen spotlighter / Fox shooter over here in Oz I have been toying with the idea of getting rid of the heavy "Blazelight" spotty and going to a hand held for a while now. As noctis and Dr jekll stated, maybe also look at HID. Enjoy your shooting and torches mate, cheers
Peter.

 

[PaulBNZ]

Thanks for your replies!

Having read around a bit more I realise now that it isn't practical to use a single aspherical lens on a multi emitter setup. Possibly more along the lines of an aspheric each?

I'd prefer to do something DIY if possible as it'd give me something more of my own and a chance to learn something new.

5A into an LED! What voltage would that be at? Any chance I'd need to replace the Mag Lite reflector and lens due to heat issues?

On a side note, is it possible to send private messages to people here on the forum? I see Packhorse has some interesting projects but can't work out how to contact him on the subject!

Cheers!

Paul

 

[PaulBNZ]

Thanks for your replies!

I would quite like to do something myself as I enjoy learning about new things and this seems right up my street (currently studying Electrical and Mechanical engineering).

Reading around a bit more I have discarded the idea of using a single aspherical lens with multiple emitters. Not pretty.

However, I see some interesting projects involving multiple emitters, each with their own aspherical lens. Hmm...... Re: the multiple hotsphots with this type of setup, I peered at a couple of beamshots and couldn't notice such a phenomena. Although it would be helpful if someone with such a setup could confirm.

5 amps through an LED sounds like witchcraft to me! How many volts would that be at? I suppose upgrading the reflector and lens would be in order then?

Cheers,

Paul

 

[LukeA]

... Re: the multiple hotsphots with this type of setup, I peered at a couple of beamshots and couldn't notice such a phenomena. Although it would be helpful if someone with such a setup could confirm.

...

I suppose upgrading the reflector and lens would be in order then?

Multiple parallel optical elements produce a single hotspot

There would be no need to upgrade the working temperature limits of the materials making up the lens and reflector.

 

[^^Nova^^]

I would look into incandescent mag mods. You can build one that will be way brighter than most led's and they will throw better than led's too.

There are a few options that spring to mind, but it will depend upon the size of the mag you want to use. Do you still want it rifle mounted? That is also a consideration.

How about a 2D ROP mod? I have used one with my .22 and it is great. Should put out about 250 lumens. You could also use a WA1274 for 400+ lumens.

FM1909 with 3 x 26650IMR batteries should give you 1500+ lumens.

If you want more throw, look for FM's "deep reflector", it is a standard diam mag reflector that has a deeper perabola for more focused throw.

Cheers,
Nova

 

[PaulBNZ]

I would look into incandescent mag mods. You can build one that will be way brighter than most led's and they will throw better than led's too.

There are a few options that spring to mind, but it will depend upon the size of the mag you want to use. Do you still want it rifle mounted? That is also a consideration.

How about a 2D ROP mod? I have used one with my .22 and it is great. Should put out about 250 lumens. You could also use a WA1274 for 400+ lumens.

FM1909 with 3 x 26650IMR batteries should give you 1500+ lumens.

If you want more throw, look for FM's "deep reflector", it is a standard diam mag reflector that has a deeper perabola for more focused throw.

Cheers,
Nova

Hi Nova, thanks for your suggestion.

I am looking primarily into LED's for the moment because I was under the impression the cost would be initially lower (i.e by sourcing parts through KD and DX).

Mounting to the rifle is not of too much importance as I have the Fenix for that.

Managed to work the PM thing so am chasing up Packhorse re: some of his divelights and Q5 experiments.

Cheers,

Paul

 

[Paul Baldwin]

Hi,
If you're looking at aspherics have you seen pepko's latest photo in this thread? http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=224644&page=10

IIRC his solution was fairly simple to build and not too expensive and that's some sort of output. If you were to use a remote battery pack slung over your shoulder I'm sure you could get the runtimes you require.

 

[garilla]

With aspherics you don't use reflectors, just the lens. I think incan is the best solution. But here is a thread by another member that just can't be overlooked where he used a lot of aspherics
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=178130