New Flashaholic.

[X-CalBR8]

Hi all. As of this very minute I'm the newest Flashaholic (Just registered on this fine board), and I just couldn't wait to post something. Well, to start off, I just want to say what a great board this is and I've enjoyed reading the posts very much so far (I've read most all of them at this point). I first found out about this board through this wonderful site http://ledmuseum.home.att.net Before this, I had no idea that LEDs had progressed to the point of being more efficient than incandescent bulbs and the only LED flashlights that I knew of were the ubiquitous Photons. I also wanted to say how much I've enjoyed the different post where people have modified their flashlights to use LEDs. I can't wait to modify some myself. Up till this point I've enjoyed modifying my computer case and have got quite handy with a Dremel, so I should be able to apply those skills and some minor electronics skills to modifying flashlights with LEDs. Btw, if anyone is interested in doing some computer case mods, or just want to check out the work of others, then here is a very cool link to check out http://www.virtualhideout.net It has the largest picture gallery of case mods on the internet. Now I just need to combine both hobbies and do a computer case mod involving LEDs. I've seen some cool ones where people have put LEDs in their mouse and keyboards. Anyway, to get back on subject, would any other members like to share their experiences of how they got into this most excellent hobby of LED flashlights? I just hope that I can be a useful member of this board and post different things that I've learned and various ideas that I've had that might be of use to others.

 

[StuU]

Welcome. I'm a newcomer to the forum also but have learned a lot from reading posts and experimenting on my own.

How did I get into leds? I guess it first started in the late 1980s when I worked as geologist all around the west. I was very impressed by how useful a Mini-mag could be when one had to wire up 440V in the dark at -20F and bought a few more. A small light that could really perform in serious situations.

We currently live on a country place in the Blue Ridge of Virginia. It gets really dark around here and those incandescent flashlights are always running out of juice or having bulbs die. After hearing about white leds, I have been doing conversions of different types - mostly on various flashlights found at flea markets. I often test the lights in the really dark part of our property. So far the leds are completely up to the task of navigating even the darkest woods and gulleys. Got 20 more leds on order from whiteleds.net right now.