Sold/Expired Orders - Programmable Hotwire Regulated Driver drop-in for D-M@g

[jseklund]

Ha,
I just tried to do the online chat thing with leviton support to get the internal resistance of the socket...they were unhelpful....

 

[flashfiend]

I'm really glad this project is still alive. Hope you find a socket for the other people who want to order.

 

[jseklund]

Alan,
I've ordered a couple of the leviton sockets - I will let you know how they are. They were $2 each plus shipping and look to be the most robust that I could find on the net so far...I will see how they respond in terms of resistance, etc. somehow when they get here....

 

[JimmyM]

I had ordered some sockets from Deal Extreme to build a testing rig for my X1. The sockets are dimensionally the same as KIU's but the wires are only 0.5 mm^2 (About 20 AWG) and appear to have silicone insulation. I had been driving them with about 10A each with no apparent ill effects. The socket itself is quite tight when inserting a 64623 bulb, but is loose when putting in a smaller bulb after. Just some info for those interested.

 

[JimmyM]

Sorry to reply so quickly, but...

Alan, what is the center to center distance for the screw holes in the KIU sockets?

 

[Justin Case]

I should take some photos of the FM socket. It doesn't have heavy wire. It appears to be well made. I'm not sure of the ratings.

Is it the same socket FM uses here? I believe that the wires are 0.5mm^2, which is 20 gauge.

 

[JimmyM]

Is it the same socket FM uses here? I believe that the wires are 0.5mm^2, which is 20 gauge.

A few I've seen are 1.0mm2 (about 17-18ga). I'm looking into getting samples from several Chinese suppliers now. If I find a few good quality sockets I can then look into having them use 1.5mm2 wire.
I measured KIUs socket wires last night. They're ~1.17mm diameter Which is very near to a 1.0mm2 wire. 1.5mm2 is between 15 and 16 ga.

 

[JimmyM]

Alan,
I've created a thread here to take the new/replacement socket out of your thread. It looks like we're hi-jacking it.

 

[X_Marine]

Wow, really happy to see this project get rolling again.
Got on the list way back but was afraid Alan didn't have time anymore. I can relate to that situation.

I will fill out the proper order form and submit, and wait anxiously for more word and payment info.

Many thanks
X/BillyD..

 

[LuxLuthor]

Alan, I'll have to check my stock when I have time and finish moving and organizing all my flashlight stuff into another room. I think I had about 60 of the KIU bulb holders which I bought because they were so cheap. What happened to KIU? I missed that topic. Also, didn't I send you a bunch of the KIU holders early on in this project?

Where did we get those other holders from with the white insulation that we tested early on? I forget why we didn't like them as much. They look like the ones that Fivemega is using in this thread.

 

[JimmyM]

Alan, I'll have to check my stock when I have time and finish moving and organizing all my flashlight stuff into another room. I think I had about 60 of the KIU bulb holders which I bought because they were so cheap. What happened to KIU? I missed that topic. Also, didn't I send you a bunch of the KIU holders early on in this project?

Where did we get those other holders from with the white insulation that we tested early on? I forget why we didn't like them as much. They look like the ones that Fivemega is using in this thread.

I picked up some from Deal Extreme. But they only have 0.5mm2 wires.

 

[gVp]

this remarkable project seems to be closed for now..
do somewone have any news about it?

 

[editedby]

this remarkable project seems to be closed for now ...
does anyone have news about it?

+1

 

[Alan B]

Hi Folks. We're still somewhere in the background.

We need to find a high current socket replacement for the old so called KIU socket. I haven't looked recently but have heard they aren't available anymore.

I still have a pile of parts for these regulators including the custom machined aluminum and pc boards.

The other problem is time, but I should be able to do a few now and then.

And for those folks that sent me KIU sockets, I have them and know who you are.

 

[flex76italy]

I'm waiting for the high voltage version....

 

[Alan B]

I'm waiting for the high voltage version....

How high?

I can use a higher voltage FET. The regulator is not so easy to improve.

 

[flex76italy]

How high?

I can use a higher voltage FET. The regulator is not so easy to improve.

From the FAQ section:

Programmable Hotwire Driver FAQ

What are the Voltage and Current Ratings?

Presently estimate 34V battery and 12A bulb current as the maximum rating (subject to change). Some testing has been done but more experience will guide the final rating determination. Absolute Maximum ratings are 40V Peak battery voltage and 15A RMS bulb current. The closer the unit is operated to the maximum values the more likely it will blow the fuse or damage a component. The fuse is 15A, the FET is rated much higher.

Corrections, suggestions and questions to:[/I]

Are these the final spec's? For me it's ok, but some time ago I read somewhere (i don't remember where) that you would have built a more powerful version....maybe i'm wrong?

 

[sylathnie]

The Sublimator is still patiently waiting for a version that can handle a 12S battery pack...

 

[Alan B]

Alan, I'll have to check my stock when I have time and finish moving and organizing all my flashlight stuff into another room. I think I had about 60 of the KIU bulb holders which I bought because they were so cheap. What happened to KIU? I missed that topic. Also, didn't I send you a bunch of the KIU holders early on in this project?

Where did we get those other holders from with the white insulation that we tested early on? I forget why we didn't like them as much. They look like the ones that Fivemega is using in this thread.

I believe those were the Leviton. They are well made but not good at holding the bulb tightly and not good at high current compared to the KIU.

I have some of your KIU sockets, Lux. Have to check how many are left.

There are two things about the KIU sockets that are good. One is the heavy wires, the other is the way the contacts grip over a large contact area.

Fivemega sent me a sample of his. Nice socket, but not as low resistance as the KIU by inspection, I don't have a good way to measure it. We should test it and perhaps that should be the baseline socket if we can still get it. Nice to support forum members.

I still have a time problem, too many projects and work. Need to retire from the day job to get more time, but that's a few years off yet.

I see the forum didn't send me some of the emails, so I missed some of everyone's questions.

I did build one high voltage unit but there was some question about an additional charge for it and progress was stopped. Problem is the parts are all purchased (except the sockets), so making a change like a higher voltage part is an additional cost as well as an additional risk. So it costs a little more. Not much, but some.

The ratings of the high voltage model should include 12S and 15 amps max. This needs to be tested in case there are surprises. I don't have a 12S setup so someone will have to be the first customer. If it doesn't work out they can return it for a refund or a refit to a standard model.

 

[flashfiend]

I would just love a regular version like the one I spec'd out in post #323. I have my own KIU socket I can send to you for my order.

Alanb, can you let me know how far I'm down the list via PM?