Lambda Illuminator runtime test...

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Last night, I performed a runtime test on the Lambda Illuminator. This test was performed using Rayovac Alks. The measuring instrument was a solar cell (using mA values) and a data-logging Fluke multimeter. Below is a table showing the data recorded. I set the meter to log a point in 15 minute increments, although I could have provided more resolution I didn't think it necessary (unless someone wants to see it).

0:00 - 4.078 mA
0:15 - 3.835 mA
0:30 - 3.526 mA
0:45 - 3.411 mA
1:00 - 3.221 mA
1:15 - 2.996 mA
1:30 - 2.792 mA
1:45 - 2.675 mA
2:00 - 0.550 mA (almost dead)
2:15 - 0.009 mA

I turned off the light this morning when I awoke. Around 15 minutes later, I was able to get light out of it agian after the batteries recovered. If anyone is curious, I can measure how much runtime you can get if you run it 15min on and 15 min off until dead.


Eric

 

[TripleDouble]

Would you happen to have some 1800 mAH nimh's to test with? Please say yes.

 

[Darell]

That is a steeper curve than I would have guessed. But by using it in non-constant mode, I'm sure the curve would be flatter. I'd love to see the on/off results!

 

[Mr. Blue]

will AA lithiums extend run time? will they fry the circuitry?

 

[Ron Schroeder]

I suspect a lot of the light fall-off was due to heat in the LED not from the regulator (except at the very end).

Ron

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by darell:
That is a steeper curve than I would have guessed. But by using it in non-constant mode, I'm sure the curve would be flatter. I'd love to see the on/off results!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ron Schroeder:
[qb]I suspect a lot of the light fall-off was due to heat in the LED not from the regulator (except at the very end).

Ron

[qb]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Ron, the light didn't keep getting warmer, it stabilized after about 5 minutes. I wish I had a temp probe for my meter, then I suppose I could take measurements. Although, I think that the junction temperature should become stable after a short time (lambda always heatsinks well).

Darell, I will do an on/off test tomorrow or Sunday, and will post results as soon as it's done.

TripleDouble, I unfortunately dont have any NiMH batts. Sorry

.

Eric

 

[Darell]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Lightspeed:
Darell, I will do an on/off test tomorrow or Sunday, and will post results as soon as it's done.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Fantastic. Thanks. That will be a much better real-world test, and should tell us more about the battery life. I'll bet the figures at least double...

 

[TripleDouble]

I'd agree that the heat would stabilize, they do with LS's built on the ZLT circuit. You really should go with the nimh's, they should give you a longer continous burn.

 

[L.E.D.]

what is the continuous runtime of a 2aa mag with regular alkalines?

 

[cave dave]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ColdLight:
what is the continuous runtime of a 2aa mag with regular alkalines?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

This graph is from the Opalec site. The Incandescent represents a Mini Mag.