PT Matrix LED module woes.

[Darkaway]

PT Matrix LED module woes.

I'm a newbie that linked here from a backpacking forum and now I'm hooked. You guys are great and much more civil toward one another than those on some other forums. I think the "addiction" had been lying dormant in my subconscious and it took this forun to bring it out.

In the few months since I stumbled upon this site I have bought an arc AAA and SLS,E1e/KL1,G2,Scorpion,Infinity Ultra,Reactor,SL Septor and Clipmate,BB500,PT 20,40,Impact and many Wal-Mart cheapies. Many more to come..........

Here's my question. My PT Matrix module's performance is disappointing to say the least

. Is there any way to tweak it for more brightness? I'm more concerned with intensity than runtime. There is a site elsewhere that shows an adjustable pot on the unit but mine has no such animal. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Lux Luthor]

Re: PT Matrix LED module woes.

I don't think you can unless you have the older style with the pot.

Personally, I would use a Luxeon star. I've driven white side emitters at 100ma or less and they still blow the Matrix right out of the water, and have several times the throw.

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Re: PT Matrix LED module woes.

The Matrix Module is not designed for brightness. It is designed for regulated light level of up to 40 hours on 2 alkaline AAs and 100+ hours on 2 Lithium AAs. It is meant for walking, not picking things out at a distance.

The Versalux PR-2 LED bulb is actually brighter and only 1 LED. However, it is alkalines only.

The Matrix headlamp itself, comes with both the Matrix Module and the incandescant module w/smooth reflector for bright and longer throw.

 

[Lux Luthor]

Re: PT Matrix LED module woes.

Originally posted by Charles Bradshaw:
The Matrix Module is not designed for brightness...

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I think PT certainly accomplished that design goal.

But as a general statement, for low light level output, I've been weening myself away from 5mm LEDs in favor of undriven Luxeons. There's a huge amount of light "wasted" by 5mm LEDs, because they throw light at angles greater than your peripheral vision. This doesn't seem like a lot of light, but it's spread over a huge area (or solid angle to be more correct). I find it really adds up.

Of course, if you do actually want a flood or area light type beam, 5mm LEDs may still be the way to go. But I find for a headlamp, an LS with reflector gives a wide enough angle cone, and also lets me see much further. It just plain throws the light more forward, which is where I want it (or at least most of it).

 

[Illuminated]

Re: PT Matrix LED module woes.

Charles,

Off-topic for just a second...Smooth reflector with the Matrix? Mine came with the textured one...

John

 

[Charles Bradshaw]

Re: PT Matrix LED module woes.

According to brightguy site, it comes with the narrow (smooth). Maybe PT changed things.

I already had the Solo, so I bought the Module from brightguy, and the Versalux from Technology Associates.

 

[Chuen]

Re: PT Matrix LED module woes.

The regulator in the matrix is running close to the max spec. So any type of modification is unlikely to make it very much brighter.
Did u try the BlackDiamond MoonLight? My matrix goes to the drawer after I get the MoonLight. It's lighter and way brighter. I also have the petzl micro, petzl Duo LED, petzl mega, streamlight trident, and a cheapy tikka clone. For backpacking, I like the moonlight best.