Someone please explain P60

[Bigsplash]

I am a complete flash-aholic noob, so please forgive me, asking obvious questions.

What does the term P60 refer to, and what is a "p60 drop in."
If my flashlight is a Ultrafire C1 R2-WC 5-Mode Memory 250-LM LED, is this something I should be interested in?

 

[qwertyydude]

P60 refers to a standard size drop- in led module made popular by Surefire.

 

[Marduke]

It's a bulb-reflector combination unit originally made by SureFire. It can be either incandescent, or LED (which usually includes some circuitry also). It makes the light very cheap and easy to upgrade as new technology is released. However, because of it's design, heatsinking LED modules is difficult so the module contacts enough of the body to dissipate heat. Most modules are single mode, but here are some multi modes ones. A light which uses some sort of clicky switch (opposed to twist momentary) is usually needed to utilize a multiple-mode module. They are made to accept a wide variety of voltage ranges, which pairs with your various battery configurations. There is a sticky at the top of the LED Flashlight forum (this forum) with a list of many of the known LED P60 style modules.

I also recommend reading the "Welcome Mat" for more useful beginner information.

 

[electromage]

P60 refers to a standard size drop- in led module made popular by Surefire.

What's with the huge font?

The P60 is specifically an incandescent lamp assembly. It is made by SureFire, and consists of a machined aluminum reflector, Xenon lamp, and springs to make contact with the flashlight body. They are rated by SureFire at 65 lumens for 60 minutes on 2xCR123s. They are the standard LA in the 6P, G2, G2Z, C2, Z2, M2, and 6PD.

The P60L is the SureFire brand LED replacement, nearly identical, but with an SSC P4 LED, and drive circuitry. They are rated 80 lumens for 11 hours on 2xCR123s and can be run on 3 cells for more runtime. They are the standard LA in the 6PL, G2L, G2ZL, Z2L, C2L, 6PDL, and G3L.

 

[Kestrel]

and the 60 refers to it being a 6.0v system, I imagine.
As opposed to, say, a P90 lamp assembly.

 

[kramer5150]

I am a complete flash-aholic noob, so please forgive me, asking obvious questions.

What does the term P60 refer to, and what is a "p60 drop in."
If my flashlight is a Ultrafire C1 R2-WC 5-Mode Memory 250-LM LED, is this something I should be interested in?

Heres my review of DX 14442, its a serviceable module, which I believe they use in that ultrafire C1. Although I prefer 11836 and 17593 more. I am not much of a fan of flashing modes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHg0FuFHphs&feature

Overall the Ultrafire C1 looks like a good low budget alternative to more expensive lights of similar physical design.

 

[Size15's]

and the 60 refers to it being a 6.0v system, I imagine.
As opposed to, say, a P90 lamp assembly.

Yep - the "6" in P60/P61 indicates "6V" which is to say two-SF123A batteries. Hence 6P.
And "9" in P90/P91 indicated "9V" which is to say three-SF123A batteries. Hence 9P.

Note that the P60L LED Lamp Assembly can be powered by either two-SF123A batteries, or three-SF123A batteries (for longer runtime)

 

[kramer5150]

Note that the P60L LED Lamp Assembly can be powered by either two-SF123A batteries, or three-SF123A batteries (for longer runtime)

AND, the P60L can be used with RCR123s (rechargables) . Its one of the few Surefires that can do this without :candle:

Curious...
Is the P60L module brighter running off 9V or 8.4V compared to 6V? I'm guessing its a buck regulator that drops Vin down to Vf. How well does it perform when used with 17670 cells? With a one cell setup does it buck voltage down off a fresh cell and boost voltage when Vin drops below Vf?

 

[electromage]

Curious...
Is the P60L module brighter running off 9V or 8.4V compared to 6V?

I don't have a way to measure the output, but it looks exactly the same from ~3.8-9V.

 

[Size15's]

The P60L will settle down to a regulated level, limited by the thermal conditions it is experiencing. A third SF123A battery will extended this regulated runtime rather than significantly increasing the output.

 

[berry580]

im new to this P60 thing as well.

Besides the "P60 standard", are there any other standards?

Also, are there hosts that can support 1x18650/2x16340 as well as 2x18650 when an extension is added?

A good quality hosts preferred, thank you in advanced.

 

[Search]

The P60 module is the most basic reflector and bulb assembly SureFire creates. It's an incan but is the most basic.

Other people started making direct drop-ins using LEDs and Incans for better runtime, output, or a combination.

They are easy mods to do and therefore are called P60 drop-ins.

SureFire also creates other module using the same all in one technique, but they aren't the most basic so we don't try to confuse anyone.

It's really very simple.

P60 = most basic SureFire module
P60 drop-in = any module that directly replaces this or any other SureFire module (P61, P90, P91, P60L)
P60 host = any light by any company that will hold a P60 type module.

Because the P60 is the most basic, it's name was given to every module that could replace it.

P60 = 65 lumen incan.
P60 drop-in = any incan or LED that could take it's place.

I hope that helps.

 

[shark_za]

im new to this P60 thing as well.

Besides the "P60 standard", are there any other standards?

Also, are there hosts that can support 1x18650/2x16340 as well as 2x18650 when an extension is added?

A good quality hosts preferred, thank you in advanced.

D26 can be interchanged with P60, they are the same thing. Another common size is D36.

My Solarforce L2 and Lumens Factory Seraph SP6 are both P60/D26 hosts that can do all the requirements you mention. Quality is right up there.
1x18650 extensions as well as additional 1x16340 cell sized ones are available.
The Seraph extensions are in 1 and 1.5 cell lengths. 2x 1cell will let you run 2x18650.

ps, Lumens Factory make a D36 head so you can use this size as well. Very versatile.

 

[berry580]

thank you for the introduction!

So besides the P60 standard (26.5mm), there's no other drop-in standards?

Apparently most drop-ins that support 2x16340 (3V-9V/15V?) won't be regulated when with 1x18650. So now I'm looking for a host that can support 2x16340 and 2x18650 when with extension so the output would be regulated.

 

[SimpleIsGood229]

Lighthound has 2x18650 Leef and FiveMaega bodies that take 6P tailcaps and bezels.
Linky: http://www.lighthound.com/Custom-Flashlights-and-Parts_c_105.html

 

[Justin Case]

With a one cell setup does it buck voltage down off a fresh cell and boost voltage when Vin drops below Vf?

Unless the driver is a boost-buck (which seems doubtful), it's not going to do any boosting when Vin < Vf (at the rated drive current for the P60L driver). More likely, it'll probably go into direct drive.

 

[SureAddicted]

So besides the P60 standard (26.5mm), there's no other drop-in standards?.

The P60 refers to the model number of an incan dropin SF produces, nothing more nothing less. They also make P61, P90, P91 etc.

The Industry standard size dropin is known as D26. If your after a P60 style dropin, you'd search for a D26 size dropin, other manufacturer's go buy D26, ie Lumens Factory.