Three Options

[BeachBoy]

1- 6x SSC P7
I: 2.8A
Vf: 3.6
Output: 900lm x 6 = 5400lm
Price: $25 x 6 = $150

2- 3x SST-90
I: 9A
Vf: 3.6V
Output: 2250lm x 3 = 6750lm
Price: $50 x 3 = $150

3- 1x CSM-360
I: 6.3A
Vf: 13.6V
Output: 6000 x 1 = 6000lm
Price: $150 x 1 = $150

So I have three options, similar price for LEDs (although requiring different numbers of optics and enclosure size)

More lights allows more beam choice, easier replacement of broken parts.
Less lights allows cheaper overall price, better simplicity, fewer components.

Anything I have missed that could change the pros and cons of these options? I'm leaning towards the 3x SST-90 although one 6000lm light would be killer (or more than one!!)

 

[xenonk]

The latter two configurations would get awfully hot at ~70lm/watt. The P7 configuration would be around 90lm/watt as specced.

 

[BeachBoy]

The latter two configurations would get awfully hot at ~70lm/watt. The P7 configuration would be around 90lm/watt as specced.

if it's on a moving vehicle, I guess it would be more manageable, although I guess it would need dimming either when not moving or with a temp sensor...

 

[aljsk8]

In reality i think the P7 are about 800 each at 2.8a maybe less

the other leds are going to be hard to drive and hard to find - getting a decent bin of the phlatlights is going to be very difficult
out of interest what is it for

what about mce or bridgelux?

 

[Hamburger]

So where do you want to install that ? As a flashlight, vehicle front light or as a light for your yard/room ?

I do usually prefer do have multiple LEDs so in your case I would prefer the 4x P7 setup.

The disadvantage in LEDs for me is that its too bright if you look into it in the wrong "direct" angle. Multiple LEDs wont hurt that much in your eyes.

I'm still trying to find someone to build a 4x or 9x Cree XRE board with aluminum core for a reasonable price. (Or maybe 16x in the next step )
So that it is easy to install.

 

[mds82]

You could also run the Cree MC-E's, those on average are a bit less expensive as well...

it all depends on the package, what you are looking for, and how much room you have to work with.

 

[BeachBoy]

I am looking to build my own off road light.

So in terms of power (amps), I can drive a lot from the battery. In terms of cooling, if the vehicle moves it shouldn't be too bad, but stopped can be problematic. I was thinking worse case to get current down when heat is up.

I'd like to do something better than visionx (they have 900lm solo - sot hey claim - and 5400lm 6 LED solstice lights) and certainly cheaper. I was thinking of reflector type optics and a flat front lens to protect from rocks in front (that you can easily change).

housing could be something similar to what trailled sells (but using round optics and scaled for my needs): http://trailled.blogspot.com/

It takes a lot of optics if I go 6x P7 route, especially since having two lights would mean 12 p7 at $18-$25 each, plus 12 reflectors.

 

[BeachBoy]

In reality i think the P7 are about 800 each at 2.8a maybe less

the other leds are going to be hard to drive and hard to find - getting a decent bin of the phlatlights is going to be very difficult
out of interest what is it for

what about mce or bridgelux?

yes it seems that getting good bins for the SST-90 is nearly impossible currently. the marketplace has some for sale and they were low bins.

and I agree the p7 seems to be over 700 but not 900 unless youre lucky

 

[HarryN]

There is another option to consider - using smaller die package LEDs, such as the Lumileds K2 or Cree eq. While the output is less per package, the ability to do application specific beam shaping / more throw is a lot higher as well.

The off road experiences I have had often involved fog / mist / snow / dust, which are a pain for flood type lighting. The narrow beams are a lot better at cutting through.

In your application, you can almost run them 3 series and 1 - 2 ohms resistance per string from the 12 volts, but a driver of course is better.

 

[mds82]

Just a thought - you can make your own custom light bar. for a heastink - you could try something large like this from digikey
this is 330.00mm x 45.00mm
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=ATS1361-ND

 

[xenonk]

and I agree the p7 seems to be over 700 but not 900 unless youre lucky

D bin P7s are supposed to be 800 minimum, but ehhh... :shrug:

 

[BeachBoy]

800 still good.at least you know the bin you're getting when ordering. I still have a hard time with phlatlight.

 

[zen bicycle]

Not sure what you are trying to do hear, but if I can help let me know.

(little foggy from ACL surgery yesterday )

 

[BeachBoy]

design and build a very powerful off road light.

visionx has interesting lights, but way overpriced.
HID is nice also, but expensive (and expensive to replace bulbs).

Housing will be aluminum. Driver will be *flex or custom made (if I need 9A for SST-90). lens will be reflector with a strong protecting face lens or lens type.

my main question is: should I build multiple smaller leds (more parts, more size) or few very powerful LEDs

 

[bshanahan14rulz]

multiple "smaller" LEDs will be easier to manage heat-wise

 

[cleonard]

Consider the HID retrofit kits for off road. The kits have a bad rap for on road since when used in reflector headlights designed for halogen bulbs they put too much light in incoming drivers eyes. Not as much of an issue for off road lights. I put one in a H4 based headlight for a motorcycle and I'm pleased with the light output. At $40 for a dual kit, the cost can't be beat.