Looking for a low cost step-up driver for 3XCree

[mbuhboot]

Hi,

I have a 3 CREE flashlight which I like to convert to a bike handlebar mount light (It's a MX POWER like flashlight). The driver blew off (don't ask why.. )

I would like to hear your opinion on what would be my best options for driving the leds. My requirements are to run the 3 leds in 3 power mods (350/700ma and 1A?) using a push button. I would like to use it with my 7.2V 3300mah NIMAH battery pack.

I thought of connecting it in-series - but then I will need a step-up driver - buckpuck is an options - but it's quite expensive for me to ship it to Israel. I prefer using one of Kaidomain or DX if such exists. The BuckPuck also require a potentiometer (which I don't like operating when riding)

Another option will be to run them in parallel - but then I will need a 3.7V 3A driver - no?

So please - any suggestion will help.

Moshe

 

[Bigsy]

Do you really have to reuse your battery pack? You would save yourself hassle if you didn't.

You can pickup 11.1v/14.8v RC li-po packs for dirt cheap on ebay these days, I bought a couple of 11.1v 3000mah ones for $22 each delivered from china, they would be smaller and lighter than NiMh to boot.

Then a KD 'KENNAN' driver would easily and efficiently power 3 led's in series with these batteries, for modes I would simply have a switch which took leds out the circuit.

 

[mbuhboot]

thanks!

How can I switch off leds? It's not part of the design of the driver? If I connect them in Series I will need to short circuit 1 or two of them to get it to disable them - right?

Are those batteries of good quality? (will not explode on me during a ride?)

Moshe

 

[Gunner12]

You could use 3 buck drivers(these should work). Each one powering an individual LED. They would take up more space though. Total might be a bit dimmer then what you want though.

You can either have three buttons, each one for each driver, or a multistage switch.

Li-polymer batteries have been known to ignite if punctured or overcharged. But if you use them correctly, then should be relatively safe.

Shorting out a LED would disable it, but I'm not sure how the driver would handle that.

 

[TorchBoy]

Then a KD 'KENNAN' driver ...

They're great drivers but not in stock at KD, despite what the web site says.

 

[mbuhboot]

I just found out that the two flashlight (3xCREE from KD) have 1 LED burned out in each flashlight leaving me with two LEDs per flashlight.

I also have two drivers which get 4-6V and drive 1.2A/3.5V - I believe I can connect in each module the two leds to the driver driving up to 600ma per LED - should get me 250-350 lumen output - no?

Also, this design will not overheat - what do you think?

Other than KD and DX is there another source for LED drivers (which doesn't charge $15, same as driver, for international shipping?)

Moshe