L35 build and performance discussions

[BVH]

Here's a thread for discussing build characteristics and performance of the L35 as we get these little gems over the next week or so.

I'm really looking forward to the rubberized coating. I love the feel and look of rubberized coated products. They just feel good in the hand.

I'm anxious to see how the extra 5 Watts of power "combined with the new reflector" affect perceived overall output as compared to the N30.

And of course, the extra run time and ultra-low self discharge of the Lithium pack.

The car charger is an extra bonus.

There's a new thread on Marketplace with info.

Please remember, no sales talk here at all.

 

[Richie086]

I'm anxious to see how the extra 5 Watts of power "combined with the new reflector" affect perceived overall output as compared to the N30.

Hey BVH,

In addition to your questions and comments, with all the POB's floating around the forum, I'd love to see how the L35's new 35w 4200k and redesigned reflector fairs against a POB modded with a 4300k. That should make an interesting shootout :touche:

 

[BVH]

Certainly for throw, the modded POB should easily out-throw the L35. I look at the N30's and the L35 as true "work lights". Most of my HID's are for fun and show. However, my N30's have been true work horses and I actually use and abuse them. I plan on the same use for the L35 and am glad to see Matt indicate the reflector is designed for a blending of throw and flood. Makes for a better work light.

 

[Superhenrik]

BVH I agree that the N30 is a true work horse. I just love the combination with HID and floody Leds :twothumbs I just hope that the leds on the L 35 will shine for hours and hours after the Hid have expired, just that they do on the N 30 (can there be a difference due too the battery change too Li-Poly?).

 

[Patriot]

I agree with BVH about the POB having better throw but I also consider it too large and heavy for most carry around "worklight" purposes. Tail standing it in a garage or shed would be fine but for hiking a game trail, walking along to repair a fence line or just meandering around camp at night, I'd quickly consider the POB clumsy. This is where the N30 shines and the L35 will be an improvement in every category.


There's no reason that the LED array in L35 shouldn't run for many hours after the HID shuts off. The higher capacity should be able to sustain the LED's for at least as long as the N30's NiMH.

 

[BVH]

Yep! Taking the AT 3152 (I still can't get away from calling mine the Amondotech 3152) would be like lugging two laptops around with you as compared to a small, notebook. Even a 4 lb laptop gets heavy after a short time.

 

[MattK]

In an early test we found that once the batteries were too low to fire the HID they could still run the LED's for DAYS.

Internally the L35 is the L35-3162M (NA version) or L35-3162U (EU version) FWIW.

 

[mtbkndad]

Hey BVH,

In addition to your questions and comments, with all the POB's floating around the forum, I'd love to see how the L35's new 35w 4200k and redesigned reflector fairs against a POB modded with a 4300k. That should make an interesting shootout :touche:

This was all done before in the link below.
Just remember the the AI is the POB with a 4200K bulb.
Also remember that the "Secret 35 watt" was a prototype that will not be in the US that had the L35 bulb reflector and ballast.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=199730

I will mention once again DO NOT expect the L35 to be significantly brighter then the N30, if at all.
The N30 became "30" because driving these 35 watt bulbs at anything lower was not producing good results. At approximately 30 watts the bulb is now driven enough to achieve the surface temp necessary to work properly. The original hand made prototype was driven at 24 watts. BVH and myself are the only CPF members that have ever seen that model in operation.
Because I own it and he was the only one I trusted to see it way back then .
The L35 is NOT overdriving the bulb so it will not be appreciably hotter and therefore will not be significantly brighter. The reflector makes more difference.
There is also a + or - 200 lumen variation from bulb to bulb that will have more effect on the light output then the difference in wattage between the N30 and L35.


So be fore warned for the umpteenth time.

If some of you have a N30 with a really good bulb and get an L35 with a decent bulb.
Your N30's will very likely look brighter.
Also remember that HID's have a break in time so those of you that use your N30's regularly will be comparing a broken in HID bulb with a non- broken in HID bulb.

I have said MANY TIMES the improvements in the L35 are not light output, but ALL of the other things that Matt was willing to do that he listed in the first post in the marketplace thread.

Matt did a fantastic job and I don't want him to have any heartache because of light output when I have been stating this information from the VERY BEGINNING with the very first N30 and L35 prototypes and even in the VERY FIRST announcement thread where the N30 prototype actually very slightly out peformed the L35 prototype for total light output and throw. That original announcement thread was posted nearly 2 years ago, "03-10-2007, 09:39 PM". See for yourself below-

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=156617

Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:

 

[Patriot]

If it's ok to use your pictures mtbkndad.... I'll post them together for viewing simplicity.

N30

Mystery light with L35 reflector and bulb

POB

AT 3152. (4200K POB)


The POB does very well when comparing throw but the N30 and L35 have more useful beams imo.

 

[mtbkndad]

Patriot36,

That is fine, but could I inconvenience you a little further.
In that same thread is an Amondotech Illuminator 4200K pic. It is quite a bit farther down the list because it was one of the best throwers.
Could you add that?

Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:

 

[Patriot]

Yes I sure can. I saw it down there but I know it's rare compared to the POB. It is valuable for showing the output difference between 4200K and 6000K though, isn't it!



EDIT: Ok, it's added

 

[mtbkndad]

Thanks Patriot36,

I don't know if Matt will carry them anymore, you are right about the value of the shots for people doing 4200K or 4300K mods on POB's. To me, the AI's were worth the difference in price just to get the better bulb since Amondotech had an exclusive on the 4200K bulb version.

Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:

 

[SwatDude]

Just got my tracking number for my first HID, the L35. Could someone please tell me how hot these lights get. Could I use this for an area light/spot for an extended period of time when the ambient temp is up around 90 degrees? Yes it stays that hot here during Phoenix at night and I wondered if I could use the light for night shoots (rifle, not photo).

I also read where the Lithium Ion batteries are not good for higher temperatures. Can anyone tell me what the temp rating on the battery is?

 

[Patriot]

Just got my tracking number for my first HID, the L35. Could someone please tell me how hot these lights get. Could I use this for an area light/spot for an extended period of time when the ambient temp is up around 90 degrees? Yes it stays that hot here during Phoenix at night and I wondered if I could use the light for night shoots (rifle, not photo).

I also read where the Lithium Ion batteries are not good for higher temperatures. Can anyone tell me what the temp rating on the battery is?

There are no temperature or extended runtime issues. Yes you can leave it running without any problem. The 35W HID is a very light load for li-po and they were designed to run at much higher discharge rates. This light isn't even going to cause the battery to warm up.

Just don't leave it in the 175 degree car, fellow Phoenician

 

[Phaserburn]

Also remember that HID's have a break in time so those of you that use your N30's regularly will be comparing a broken in HID bulb with a non- broken in HID bulb.

I wasn't aware that HID bulbs benefited from breaking in. How long does it take for optimal performance? What is happening to the bulb?

 

[Flick]

Just got my two L35's. Is it dark out yet? Can not believe how small and light(wt), wonderful light w/o even turning it on yet!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mtbkndad]

Just got my two L35's. Is it dark out yet? Can not believe how small and light(wt), wonderful light w/o even turning it on yet!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah Li REALLY drops the weight, the prototype and 'secret light' are only 3lb 1oz.
I am curious to weigh my L35 when it arrives to see what difference the upgrades made to the weight.

Take Care,
mtbnkndad :wave:

 

[Patriot]

Yeah Li REALLY drops the weight,

You mean "po" really drops the weight.....:nana:




Can't wait to hear your thoughts Flick!!

 

[PhantomPhoton]

Good to see they're finally here!
Too bad my money is required elsewhere. Maybe I'll be able to pick one up later on in the year.

 

[Flick]

Well its dark, the battery is full. Being new to GOOD lights and not being impressed very easy, the L35 is just what I hoped for. I am impressed. It is a good all around light for me. I did have a job getting battery out, I hope that is just being brand new. I could unlock and pull battery out but the twist takes alot of effort. Some type of lube might be needed but I will wait to see if it gets easier or others come up w/fix. I am "hooked" and will surely invest(waste) $ on other lights but the L35 will be always close. I am beat from pouring concrete or I would play more. I live in a city and can not fully test tonight.