LuxeonV 5W short life?

[1996alnl]

Hello everyone
I read somewhere the life of these emitters are 1000+hrs. To me that seems very short compared to the new Cree's etc..50000hrs.
I have a Surefire L4 and i believe it has the LuxV in it,i would hate to think this light would burn out after 1000hrs considering it cost me $175.
Somebody please tell me i'm wrong...

Take care

 

[TigerhawkT3]

A Lux V, driven properly, shouldn't last 1000h. I'd say 500h is more accurate. Of course, that's an "x% (usually 70%, IIRC) of original output" number rather than a number. Of course, even 500h is over 300 battery swaps in an L4, so I wouldn't worry.

 

[1996alnl]

I do use the light alot,love the warm white floody beam.I guess in a couple years i'll replace the emitter with something more up to date.

Take care

 

[Illum]

well, honestly I must comment that the KL4 head is best for satisfying the thermal dissipation of a luxeon 3 rather than a luxeon 5...

Proper heatsinking I'd say 500 hours, undersinked...dunno, phosphor isn't all that stable under high temperatures.

 

[Yoda4561]

And I think the Crees and SSC's don't last 50k hours at the current they're usually driven at either, maybe 5000.

 

[jzmtl]

Dont worry about it, if it goes poof send back to SF for warrenty, or send to a modder for cree mce.

 

[glockboy]

I got the L5, used it for 1.5 hours a day for three years, and it still bright like my back up L5, that is over 1500 hours.
So don't worry just use your L4.

Hello everyone
I read somewhere the life of these emitters are 1000+hrs. To me that seems very short compared to the new Cree's etc..50000hrs.
I have a Surefire L4 and i believe it has the LuxV in it,i would hate to think this light would burn out after 1000hrs considering it cost me $175.
Somebody please tell me i'm wrong...

Take care

 

[DM51]

The LuxV and older LEDs were very prone to damage caused by Chip Weevils, which cause premature failure of the emitter. Some of the more recent LEDs are more resistant, and a longer life may be expected, but manufacturers are still searching for a complete solution to this problem.

 

[metlarules]

The LuxV and older LEDs were very prone to damage caused by Chip Weevils, which cause premature failure of the emitter. Some of the more recent LEDs are more resistant, and a longer life may be expected, but manufacturers are still searching for a complete solution to this problem.

Isn't the LuxV a 4 die? If so it probably has 4 times the chip weavels as a single die emitter. Hence the short lifespan.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Isn't the LuxV a 4 die? If so it probably has 4 times the chip weavels as a single die emitter. Hence the short lifespan.

It is a non issue. Can not recall any multiple posts or threads on the failure of Lux V's use by CPF'ers in day to day use. Have heard about failures of some Seoul P4's though.

Bill

 

[metlarules]

It is a non issue. Can not recall any multiple posts or threads on the failure of Lux V's use by CPF'ers in day to day use. Have heard about failures of some Seoul P4's though.

Bill

Notice the poke emoticon.

 

[GregU2]

I read the same info regarding the Luxeon V, so shortly after purchasing my Surefire U2 Ultra in Nov./06, I asked Surefire themselves and received this response:

Dear Sir,​

​

The manufacturer of the 5 watt LED we use rated the life at 50,000 hours. We do cover the LED's under warranty. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to write back or call us at 1-800-828-8809. We are dedicated to providing world class customer service.​

SureFire Technical Support
1(800)828-8809 Toll Free
(714)545-9444
(714)545-9537 Fax

 

[knightrider]

Thanks for the info GregU2. I was wondering what would happen with my L4 if I had it go dim from many hours of use. Mine has personally only had like 2 sets of batteries go through it so I'm still ok for quite some time.

 

[TigerhawkT3]

I read the same info regarding the Luxeon V, so shortly after purchasing my Surefire U2 Ultra in Nov./06, I asked Surefire themselves and received this response:

Dear Sir,​

The manufacturer of the 5 watt LED we use rated the life at 50,000 hours. We do cover the LED's under warranty. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to write back or call us at 1-800-828-8809. We are dedicated to providing world class customer service.​

SureFire Technical Support
1(800)828-8809 Toll Free
(714)545-9444
(714)545-9537 Fax

50,000h for a Lux V? IIRC, initial estimates were around there, but the actual number is about 1% of that. I don't know if it was discovered before or after late '06, when that email was sent. Anyone? :thinking:

 

[tebore]

The LuxV and older LEDs were very prone to damage caused by Chip Weevils, which cause premature failure of the emitter. Some of the more recent LEDs are more resistant, and a longer life may be expected, but manufacturers are still searching for a complete solution to this problem.

Is this a serious explanation? The wiki sounds almost sarcastic, and I can't seem to google up papers on them.

 

[Illum]

50,000h for a Lux V? IIRC, initial estimates were around there, but the actual number is about 1% of that. I don't know if it was discovered before or after late '06, when that email was sent. Anyone? :thinking:

lets just say the luxeon 5 has a long runtime curve...losing 30% output in 500 hours, below 70% output thereafter...ultimately reaching 0% at 50K hours....gee...negative output anyone?

 

[Sgt. LED]

My black KL4 got so hot I knew it would never be able to last to the 500H mark so off to Milky it went.
Now I can use it as a flashlight instead of as a portable heater.
It was nuts how hot that thing used to get.

 

[Illum]

its a plus though on a cold day...the coldest here is ~44F so far...this is Florida for Christ sakes! 44F is enough to convince the city to bring out their portable ice skating rings and set them in the spot where people usually was out sunbathing with the temperature between 85-90F

Last time when I had muscle cramps while jogging I left L4s running [thankfully for 17670s] in my socks
don't worry, those L4s will never make to BST:laughing:

 

[Mr Happy]

The LuxV and older LEDs were very prone to damage caused by Chip Weevils, which cause premature failure of the emitter. Some of the more recent LEDs are more resistant, and a longer life may be expected, but manufacturers are still searching for a complete solution to this problem.

If you place the LED in the freezer overnight the chip weevils will be killed by the cold. They love warmth and cannot withstand freezing conditions.

 

[1996alnl]

I read the same info regarding the Luxeon V, so shortly after purchasing my Surefire U2 Ultra in Nov./06, I asked Surefire themselves and received this response:

Dear Sir,​

The manufacturer of the 5 watt LED we use rated the life at 50,000 hours. We do cover the LED's under warranty. If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to write back or call us at 1-800-828-8809. We are dedicated to providing world class customer service.​

SureFire Technical Support
1(800)828-8809 Toll Free
(714)545-9444
(714)545-9537 Fax

Wow ,that's outstanding. What other manufacturer covers a worn out LED in their warranty?
Surefire is a head obove all when it comes to customer service.
My brother in law wants to buy a high powered light,i'm going to recommend a Surefire for him.