Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionheart

[hrbngr]

hello,
I have been looking over the options for an Aleph build and was trying to determine a configuration comparable to a Lionheart, using either R123 or 150/168 Pilas.

there are not particular requirements in terms of LED type, driver or head, and I would choose smallest tail switch to keep size down. This light would be for carrying in pocket for general use. High output would be preferred over runtime. Will spend extra on a nicer binned Lux, but trying to avoid a final price near the current B/S/T prices on various LHs so that I wouldnt have to constantly worry about losing/misplacing the light.

thanks!

 

[Knife11]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

I'm not as experienced as some here but I would think if you were going to go with a 1x123 body then get a NG750 driver.
If your going with a 1xPila body then I think the WIZ2 is the way to go as far as drivers go.

Maybe someone else could confirm this or explain why I'm a Noob /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[hrbngr]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

Knife11,
thanks for the reply. I just looked at the pics again, and unless there is a newer shorter pila body (is that 150 or 168 in the faq?), it seems like a 1x123 body would be best for size concerns--as long as it works w/a R123 battery.

I guess the lionheart just has a big advantage due to the custom fit of the pila 150a, no tail cap, etc.

 

[wasBlinded]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

Get an Aleph1, 1x123, Nexgen750 or Nexgen 1000, and FT tailcap. Run it on an rechargeable R123. That will be small and bright with lots of throw, and from what other have said you should get 25 minutes of full brightness with the NG1000.

You're still looking at a $200 light, though.

 

[Chop]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

It depends on what size you want to keep the light. If you want bright, go with a driver a 1A. If you are going to be running the rechargeables exclusively go with the NexGen. You'll only need the Wiz2 if you intend to, at some point, run the light on 2X123.

The 1X123 body will allow you to run either a single 123 cell (at about 700mA) or an R123 at the full 1A.

The 1.5X123 body will allow you to run a Pila 150S (or 2XCr2 if you go with a Wiz2 board).

The 2X123 will allow you to run a Pila 168S (or 2X123 if you go with the Wiz2).

Again, if you anticipate NEVER running primary cells, but only li-ion rechargeables, I'd go with the NexGen converter regardless of which body you go with.

The 1X123 body will, of course, be the shortest, but this also means that it will have the shortest runtime. Unless I'm mistaken, your runtime on the 1XR123 will be just under 30 minutes, depending on the Vf of your luxeon. With the Pila 150S, it'll be something between 40 and 45 minutes. On the Pila 168S, it'll be between an hour and 1.25 hours.

The head that is more comparable to the LH is the Aleph I with the 27mm reflector which is the same size as the reflector in the LH. With the Aleph running at 1A, the LH will start off a bit brighter because it runs in direct drive providing more than 1A to the luxeon. The LH will start out at about 3500 lux and taper off to about 2500 lux over the course of the first hour. The Aleph, on the other hand, is regulated and will maintain constant brightness until the battery is drained.

If you want a recommendation for running rechargeables, I'd go with a NexGen1000, with a TWOJ or TXOJ emitter and a 2X123 flared body with a flat top tail cap. If you wanted, you could forego the flare on the body and go with either a flat top cap or a slim cap to keep the diameter of the profile down. Put all of this under an Aleph I head and you'll have a nice rechargeable light.

I have to throw this little plug in... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Some have said that Pilas are a tight fit in the Aleph bodies. When I know that my customer is going to run Pilas, I generally bored the body out by about 10/1000ths to insure a comfortable fit for the Pila cells.

 

[Knife11]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

well I know that the new 1xcr2 body is the smallest. and if you like the CR2 batts the 1xpila body can also hold 2xcr2. I would think that with two CR2s you could even go for the NG1000 driver and have a REALLY bright light.

I have a 1x123 and it's very pocketable. If you got the smaller switch too you'd be golden. Of coarse the 1xcr2 body would be even smaller /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[powernoodle]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

[ QUOTE ]
hrbngr said:
I would choose smallest tail switch to keep size down. This light would be for carrying in pocket

[/ QUOTE ]

Note that the shortest switch, the flat top tail switch, seen here , may not be optimal for pocket carry because this switch requires less pressure to actuate, and also is exposed. The point is that it is more likely to actuate in your pocket without your knowledge and consent than are the other switches. Not saying you shouldn't go with this one - just something to consider. It does make the light shorter, however. I prefer the trim switch for pocket carry, as its not much longer but is more protected.

best regards

 

[Chop]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

You should NEVER feed 6v into a NexGen, 2XCr2 or otherwise. As I said, if you plan to run any sort of primary cell, other than a 1X123 configuration, then you'll need a Wiz2 board.

The flat top switch is the smallest switch. I have carried one for a while and have never had it go off in my pocket. I just lock it out. Actually, I have to qualify that. You can lock out the high beam and it makes the low beam take a very purposeful press with the thumb to activate it. It is unlikely that it will go off in your pocket. The way that I do the flat top differs a bit from that which is linked to above. Of course the guarded switches are more secure, but they can go off if something in your pocket depresses the button.

 

[powernoodle]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

Backing the tail switch out to deactivate it is a good idea. If I were smarter, I would have thought of it.

best regards

 

[hrbngr]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

Chop,
In regards to the heads does it make a difference when running a NextGen w/either an Aleph 1 or 2 w/one R123 in a 1x123 body? I dont need a light w/future versatility, if I can find the right pkg now.

how might your recommendation change if a 1x123 body that would only run R123 batteries is preferred due to size considerations? I also don't have a particular choice in head types as the wider A1 head is not as much of a problem as a longer body.

 

[wasBlinded]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

If size isn't important, choose an A1 vs. A2 head based on how much throw you need. If you are talking mostly indoor use and/or close work, the A2 head is best for that. If you need more throw - more typically when outside - then the A1 is better suited.

If you will be running the light for extended periods, the A1 head is better for disposing of the heat you'll get driving 1000 ma through the LED.

 

[Bogus1]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

Chop,

Can you ream a tube enough to fit an 18mm unprotected Li-ion cell?

I can't find any graphs, but I have read some run a single Pila with DB1000s or 917s. What is the performance of this LE compared to an NG1000 on a single Li-ion as well? Is the DB underdriven this way very inefficient and or dim?

Will the DB and NG fall out of regulation before the Pila shuts off? Will you be able to get it to work on low afterwards? This is one reason I wouldn't want a wizard.



Thanks

 

[Chop]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

If you run a Downboy with a Pila, the light won't achieve regulation, but will run at a very flat 700mA or so.

I don't think that the NexGen drops out of regulation on a Pila. I just goes dead. You can't have everything.

 

[Bogus1]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

Chop,

Thanks for the response.

To clarify the DB underdriven with a single Pila achieves similar performance to a NG750? What is the downside, to using the DB in this application?

 

[Knife11]

Re: Plz recomd an Aleph build similar to a Lionhea

[ QUOTE ]
Chop said:
You should NEVER feed 6v into a NexGen, 2XCr2 or otherwise. As I said, if you plan to run any sort of primary cell, other than a 1X123 configuration, then you'll need a Wiz2 board.

[/ QUOTE ]

Doh! I guess we were posting at the same time. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

Like I said I'm a little new to this stuff,but I'm learning.


Thanks for straighting me out Chop! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif