Quark AA and boost circuit?

[haplo]

Does the single Quark AA use a boost circuit? If so, is it more efficient / longer runtimes to use a 14500 cell in this light?

Is that true for any AA light that has an input voltage range of 0.9 - 4.2?

Thanks,
H.

 

[Wiggle]

It uses a boost buck combo. Many lights that are 14500 and AA compatible are boost only. This works because 14500 has nominal voltage close to a high output Vf in many emitters, however it is not regulated and may overdrive until it's voltage falls to a lower value. The Quark will not overheat or overdrive on 14500.

 

[HKJ]

Does the single Quark AA use a boost circuit? If so, is it more efficient / longer runtimes to use a 14500 cell in this light?

Is that true for any AA light that has an input voltage range of 0.9 - 4.2?

Thanks,
H.

Quark uses a boost/buck circuit, i.e. it has full control of the current at 4.2 volt. Many other lights goes into direct drive when the voltage is above the Vf of the led, this will increase the current and brightness of the light and might damage the light.

Some boost converters is not designed for more than 1.5 to 3 volt and will either overdrive the led considerable or blow itself at 4.2 volt.

 

[haplo]

Quark uses a boost/buck circuit, i.e. it has full control of the current at 4.2 volt. Many other lights goes into direct drive when the voltage is above the Vf of the led, this will increase the current and brightness of the light and might damage the light.

Some boost converters is not designed for more than 1.5 to 3 volt and will either overdrive the led considerable or blow itself at 4.2 volt.

But, what is the benefit of running a 14500 cell with this light? Do you get longer run time?

 

[HKJ]

But, what is the benefit of running a 14500 cell with this light? Do you get longer run time?

For the Quark AA you get higher output. The graph below shows light output, depending on voltage (green) and as you can see Quark needs about 2.4 volt to reach full power. You can get that voltage from either a single LiIon, 2xAA NiMH or 1xCR123.