Question about 2D ROP-LE*UPDATE*

[Strauss]

So I just assembled my first ROP...a ROP-LE using a Mag2D. I put a borofloat lens and fivemega HS reflector in it, along with a pair of unprotected 18650's. I got these cells out of a laptop battery pack, and have no idea what their capacity is...all it says on the individual cells is that they are 18650's.

I was actually a little dissapointed in the output of this set-up. I have switched back and forth between the pelican HOLA and LOLA and don't really notice a difference(except that the HOLA is more yellow). And even with the LOLA I was expecting more output. Since the HOLA was so yellow, I just stuck with the LOLA . With this combo, it is definitly brighter than my 9P on 17500's and P90. When compared with my TL3 on 17500's and H1499, I think I would have to give the edge to the TL3, but they are close(LOLA is more yellow). And my MagCharger with the 1160 destroys it.

My question is, does this sound normal?? I was expecting more output with this combo. Would I notice a big difference going with the LG 2400 18650's?? I am just wondering if my cells are to blame(they could be crap for all I know, but they do light both HOLA and LOLA with one click). Or is this sound about right for this set-up?

Damn am I confused.......

 

[DUQ]

Re: Question about 2D ROP-LE....

What kind of voltage are you getting off of these cells? Laptop batteries tend to be around 300 to 700 mAh. It sounds like thoses cells are sagging under load.

 

[fivemega]

Re: Question about 2D ROP-LE....

Get a pair of protected 18650 cells and overdive an WA1111 then see the difference.

 

[fivemega]

Re: Question about 2D ROP-LE....

Double post.

 

[LumenHound]

Re: Question about 2D ROP-LE....

My LG 2400maH 18650's drive the ROP HI bulb very nicely. Bright and white.
The ROP HI bulb draws more than 4 amps and it sounds like those recycled laptop batteries of unknown capacity are really sagging under that load. Not very safe IMO.
Treat yourself to some new top quality cells for that light and you'll never regret it.

 

[Strauss]

Re: Question about 2D ROP-LE....

Thanks for the reassurance everyone, I figured it had to do with my "junkyard" cells. I just ordered (6) 2200mah unprotected 18650's and a pair of AW's protected 18650's from lighthound. I am sure when these arrive mid week, my light will turn into a whole different animal :naughty: I will post my results when my new batteries arrive....thanks again.

 

[Strauss]

Ok, I got my new cells from lighthound today. I charged up a pair of unprotected 18650's 2200mah and threw them into the 2D with the Pelican HOLA.

The new cells did the trick :rock: Now my 2D ROP HOLA is a tad brighter than my MagCharger/1160 combo(I'm guessing in the 500-600 lumen range). My MagCharger has more lux with the smooth reflector compared to the heavy stippled reflector in my 2D ROP-LE.....although the 2D has about 10% more overall output.

With the LOLA installed, it just barely edges out my TL-3 w/ H-1499 and 17500's combo(which I figure is close to about 250 lumens)....with the edge in lux going to the TL-3.

Now my only question is, do my results appear normal? I know the 4D ROP HOLA's put out in the 800-1000+lumens range. I am assuming my 2D is not as bright because of sag under load(due to not as much capacity as a 4D variant), am I thinking in the right direction?

I just threw my protected AW 18650's on the charger, and plan to test my results with my meter compared with the unprotected cells. I will post my results when my cells are done charging.

In the mean time, what do you all think? Am I still missing out on some lumens with my set-up? Or is 500-600 about right for the HOLA powered by 2 18650's?

 

[Strauss]

Anyone??

 

[moontroll]

http://www.amondotech.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1131 #16+2 http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=119033 this is what I would go for,for the low bulb.The high bulb I would do D size batteries.I'm not into lithium except for primary's,do the resitance fixes and enjoy.My 6D mag will light up signs at .5 of a mile(at least I can see them)at 200 yards it will light up a house(clearly),I know its to big but you need the power.That heavy stiple hurts you to,at least for throw.I have a medium stiple on my 2d rop(low bulb) and love it but it wont throw past 70 yards.I have a light orange peal on my 6 d(high bulb) and pow it reaches.