Klem
Enlightened
Guys,
I've purchased one of those Quickpower light engines that have been touted for some time at Cutters. The first batch has been released. Thought I might share some initial impressions.
It's 40mm diameter with 7 XP-Gs designed to line up with either Khatod 40 or 50mm optics. I ordered Mode 1, which has a separate low voltage circuit that toggles through the options each time the momentary circuit is made. I attached a piezo which works fine.
The toggle sequence is;
Main power applied; All 7 LED's on, 20 Watts.
Next press; OFF
Next press; 3 LEDs, 10 Watts.
Next press; 4 LEDs, 14 Watts
Next press; 7 LEDs, 20 Watts...
OFF, 3, 4, 7, OFF, 3, 4, 7...
All 7, 20Watts.
3 on, 10Watts
4 on, 14 Watts
I took some beamshots using the 6 degree (narrow) and 25 degree (medium) Khatod optics.
With the 25degree (medium spread) optic
For comparison
The reason I put the comparison photo of the UK MiniQ40 LED Plus is that I plan to make a mask-strap torch out of it and I currently use the MiniQ40. Frankly however, as a primary torch the optics are just not narrow/focussed enough. Pity, because I was hoping to use this in a Maglite. Frankly, The beam from the DE 5*XPG 17Watt 'drop-in' is much better (don't have it at the moment for a beamshot comparison), and you can see the narrow focus of the Terralux 12Watt 3*XR-E is also superior.
I am less than impressed with where the solder tabs are for the switch leads. Right in the middle of the board, and so tiny with only 0.6mm apart you have to have a degree from the Willy Wonka Oompalulmpa College of soldering to not stuff this up. Also unimpressed how this is not mentioned in the specs. The specs state toggling is by power interruption (only two leads needed), however after emailing them to find out why this wasn't working I was told the designers have only just decided to change the specs to include a separate toggle circuit. At the time of posting the specs still haven't been updated so be aware of this.
Mode changing is achieved by momentary switching.
Voltage requirements is fairly high (9-20V) so 3 to 4 cells of Li-ion are needed to make this run.
Great for an immediate area wide light but unsuitable as a primary/throw torch.
Hopefully the position of the switch pads will be changed; enlarged and moved to the edge of the boards in future versions, unless of course they are Oompaloompa's!
I've purchased one of those Quickpower light engines that have been touted for some time at Cutters. The first batch has been released. Thought I might share some initial impressions.
It's 40mm diameter with 7 XP-Gs designed to line up with either Khatod 40 or 50mm optics. I ordered Mode 1, which has a separate low voltage circuit that toggles through the options each time the momentary circuit is made. I attached a piezo which works fine.
The toggle sequence is;
Main power applied; All 7 LED's on, 20 Watts.
Next press; OFF
Next press; 3 LEDs, 10 Watts.
Next press; 4 LEDs, 14 Watts
Next press; 7 LEDs, 20 Watts...
OFF, 3, 4, 7, OFF, 3, 4, 7...
All 7, 20Watts.
3 on, 10Watts
4 on, 14 Watts
I took some beamshots using the 6 degree (narrow) and 25 degree (medium) Khatod optics.
With the 25degree (medium spread) optic
For comparison
The reason I put the comparison photo of the UK MiniQ40 LED Plus is that I plan to make a mask-strap torch out of it and I currently use the MiniQ40. Frankly however, as a primary torch the optics are just not narrow/focussed enough. Pity, because I was hoping to use this in a Maglite. Frankly, The beam from the DE 5*XPG 17Watt 'drop-in' is much better (don't have it at the moment for a beamshot comparison), and you can see the narrow focus of the Terralux 12Watt 3*XR-E is also superior.
I am less than impressed with where the solder tabs are for the switch leads. Right in the middle of the board, and so tiny with only 0.6mm apart you have to have a degree from the Willy Wonka Oompalulmpa College of soldering to not stuff this up. Also unimpressed how this is not mentioned in the specs. The specs state toggling is by power interruption (only two leads needed), however after emailing them to find out why this wasn't working I was told the designers have only just decided to change the specs to include a separate toggle circuit. At the time of posting the specs still haven't been updated so be aware of this.
Mode changing is achieved by momentary switching.
Voltage requirements is fairly high (9-20V) so 3 to 4 cells of Li-ion are needed to make this run.
Great for an immediate area wide light but unsuitable as a primary/throw torch.
Hopefully the position of the switch pads will be changed; enlarged and moved to the edge of the boards in future versions, unless of course they are Oompaloompa's!
