Looking for: Easy to build LED driver Howto / Schematic

[chefgrill]

has anyone a schematic on how to build a current regulated led driver with easy to find standard parts? doesn't have to be super small..

It should provide Power for one 1watt Led (about 350ma)

 

[PEU]

This circuit is very simple, works very well and it uses just two parts, a MC33063 and an inductor, if you search the archives you will find it under the name of ill pill

its not current regulated, but its super simple.

Pablo

 

[chefgrill]

hello peu

thanks for your reply, it indeed seems to be quiet easy.. but i can't find the IC at the Electronics store here..

Do you know another IC that does the same?

And what is the output of this driver?

 

[PEU]

this IC is fairly simple to find, look other local stores, Im sure you will find it. The circuit delivers around 500mA enough for any luxIII or XR-E.

If you can't find it, you can ask for free samples from the manufacturer


Pablo

 

[chefgrill]

how much wire do i need to build the coil?

 

[shiftd]

using 1 cm diameter magnetic core shaped like donut (thickness is .4 mm), 1 m of enameled magnetic wire is enough for me. Of course how much winding you manage to a core depends on the core dimension and your wire thickness. In general, 22-24 turns around the magnetic core is sufficient.
this circuit is among the first that I used on my early journey to flashlight modding. The circuit is very easy to make, only need the switcher and the inductor, and for all around use without a lot of specifications, the circuit performs rather well.

However, this circuit has very low efficiency. For its simplicity though, one should not complain .

 

[chefgrill]

ok, i'll try it out.. efficiency isn't that important for me, i'll use rechargeables anyway..

 

[zelda]

On www.distrelec.ch you can find nice low-esr parts (capacitor and coils). Also check mainboards from notebooks too.

Maybe Motorola ships free samples of the ic (like Maxim)

zelda

 

[chefgrill]

zelda...

thanks for the link, i didn't want to order at distrelec because of the shipping costs, i tryed conrad.. but doesn't look good.. i'll check some old computer mainboards..