PR- head questions

[Hotpockets]

Hello. I am considering building a PR head for my UBH. I want to run a LuxeonIII with a DB917 on 3x123's for good throw and brightness. My main question; can I use the PR-T head or should I use the full size PR head for heat dissipation? Also, would this set-up run on 2AA's in a pinch (at reduced output & runtime)? Can I use a lexan lens instead of glass? Anybody here have a PR head on a UBH; how do you like it? Any help is appreciated! I've never built up a light before, and would like to confirm my choice of components.

 

[tylerdurden]

I can't speak for heat disapation, as I've only built a single PR-T that used a BB500, but the DB917 *will* run in a degraded mode on 2xAA. It won't be blindingly bright, but it will provide more than enough light for emergency use in a pinch. You also don't have to worry about any damage to the circuit or emitter.

You can use any lens you want as long as it fits. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif The stock lens is easy to remove.

 

[Hotpockets]

Thanks Tyler! That leaves only the heat question. I think the regular PR head looks pretty good on the UBH, anyway /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif. Better safe than sorry?

 

[tylerdurden]

Personally, I think the PR-T would be enough for a Lux-III driven at 917mA. I don't think you really need the mass of the standard PR unless you're using a five-watter or a *wildly* overdriven Lux-III. Plus, the PR-T is available in natural HA to match your UBH.

 

[Hotpockets]

Do you think that this set-up would be a good jump in performance over a KL4? Would it, in your opinion, be worth the expence if a person already has a kl4?

 

[tylerdurden]

You get more throw and longer battery life, but less total light output. The L4 gives more of a flood of light while still maintaining some (though not as much) throw. Personally, I've gotten rid of all of my five watters in favor of the longer running, longer throwing Lux-III emitters, but your personal preferences and usage patters will determine if it's worth the trouble.

One thing to watch out for - if you are thinking about putting the KL4 on the UBH, be advised that it does not safely handle 3x123.

 

[Hotpockets]

Thanks Tyler, Your answers have been very helpful! I do run my kl4 on my UBH with 2x123+ spacer. I like this config. because the kl4 will run ok on 2AA's ("bright" runtime about 35 min. But will run in a dim but useful level for several hours; god enough in a pinch) To bad about 3x123 being too much. I tried it ,just once, and it's noticably brighter.