TL-2 LED Regulation?

robk · Oct 31, 2003

I just got a used TL-2 LED (Thanks Revolvergeek!) and found that it will work on 1 half dead CR123. The reviews I read said it was unregulated, inferring that the LED was just resistored with 6V batteries. If it lights on a single CR123, it has to have some type of boost/regulator circuitry. Anybody done a runtime graph on it? Also, has anyone tried to replace the LED with a better binned one? I'm surprised that there hasn't been much discussion of this light, it's not bad for the price.
Thanks,
Rob

JohnK · Oct 31, 2003

It is my understanding that is simply resistored.

There has been quite a bit of comment on the TL-2 LED; with it's nice throw noted.

As to Lux quality, I don't think Surefire, Streamlight, or anyone has figured out a way to purchase high quality, consistent Luxeons. When this does happen, a sigh of relief will resound throught out the land.

I personally tend to hold off ANY Luxeon purchase in dread of getting a "greenie" or otherwise nasty light. I particularly feel sorry for the retailers/dealers as they have no control over the whole thing.

My first TL-2 LED was worthy of a comment by Craig as to the color. It went back to Brightguy, and was promptly replaced with a nice white Lux.

jtivat · Oct 31, 2003

[ QUOTE ]
JohnK said:
As to Lux quality, I don't think Surefire, Streamlight, or anyone has figured out a way to purchase high quality, consistent Luxeons. When this does happen, a sigh of relief will resound throught out the land.

[/ QUOTE ]

I am not sure this will ever happen (I wish It would) as the average person buying them doesn’t know or care about the difference. I believe they could buy them but it would cost a premium, hopefully I am wrong.

robk · Oct 31, 2003

JohnK,
You're right, it's simply a 3.9 ohm resistor. Too bad, there's plenty of room in the lamp assembly for a standard size converter/regulator.
Rob

robk · Nov 1, 2003

Well, I replaced the existing LED with a Q3J, much whiter, a bit brighter. But now it only draws 450mA, next I'll have to lower the series resistor for a 500 ~ 550 mA current draw. The more I play with this TL-2, the more I like it.
Rob