Questions (Newby Here)

[bpmox]

Howdy,

I was in the process of ordering some LEDs from BestHongKong.com last night to retrofit some broken flashlights we have laying around the house with LEDs when I stumbled on Luxeon lights and subsequently this site. I'm really facinated with the stuff the modders here are doing but I have some questions.

How does a 5W Luxeon Led compare to a 100,000 mcd led? I know it's much brighter but what kind of ratio is it? I don't know how to compare the two.

Why do the modders here put reflectors on their Luxeon flashlights, aren't the LEDs directional?

What does 'potting' do?

My project was so simple until I stumbled on this forum... damn my curosity.

 

[greenLED]

bpmox, welcome to CPF!

A Lux V is many, many, many, many times brighter than a single 5mm LED. Don't know the ratio, but I'd say it's like comparing a match with the headlights on a car kind thing.

Luxeons are not "directional" like 5mm LED's are. The Lux's dome do direct light somewhat, but for maximum efficiency reflectors are the way to go (they direct most photons forward). Optics are good too, but it depends on what you're trying to achieve with the beam, etc.

Potting secures the circuits, providing shock resistance, water-resistance, as well as electrical insulation. It also makes things harder for other people to mod your work (or a stock light, where the manufacturer is trying to protect their intellectual property).

There are tons of simple projects, and there are many high-end modifications that will require a complete machine shop and a advanced knowledge. Me? I'm comfortable killing lights. ;)

 

[bpmox]

Danke for the speedy and friendly responce Green :)