Willie Hunt LVR3L

[mwaldron]

Has anyone picked up the torch on the Willie Hunt LVR3L design?

I would like to experiment with some regulated soft-starting incandescent options and it seems it's the perfect tool, and perfectly unavailable (presumably) for the rest of eternity.

Does anyone know of a similar product (AW's offerings are great, but they're not really the same thing), or someone else producing the WH design?

Also it would be great if someone around here had one they don't need anymore, please send me a PM.

 

[Calina]

If I remember correctly somebody had a few to give away at the Bikecurrent list. http://lists.topica.com/lists/bikecurrent/read

Search the list, they might still be available. If not, a member of the list might be able to help you.

Good luck.

 

[LumenHound]

For those who have never heard of Willie and/or are wondering what a Willie Hunt LVR is, here's a link with a bit of background info on them.

 

[Art Vandelay]

He's a super engineer for Surefire. The A2 is probably his best known work. I think he also designed the regulation and soft start for an incandescent headlamp that is used by smoke jumpers and Navy damage control, it's designed to be attached to a helmet.

 

[mwaldron]

Thanks for the tip on the Bike list, I'll check that out later today.

Willie Hunt is the demigod of incandescent illumination

 

[wquiles]

I have done some work with these awesome regulators. Here are some older links for you to read:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=124058

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=126127

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=125451

Will

 

[mwaldron]

Thanks wquiles, your articles are the inspiration for my project. I'm essentially trying to do the exact same thing. My M6 arrives today (Out for Delivery) and I've somehow already amassed a lot of various power and bulb options to try out in it.

I have a desire for as much as possible however to remain stock, so I won't do any modifications that result in an irreversible change.

I was supremely lucky to find a 3x17670 holder (in the mail) to use with a Bi-Pin socket (on my desk) and a 1185 broke:, but ordering soon) for WOW factor. This is not a very practical "useful" solution however. I figured if I was going to make a hotwire I might as well use a real host!

There is a 2x18650 holder under development that will drop in replacement for the SF battery holder and allow me to use the stock SF bulbs (MN20, 21, maybe MN15). I'm on the list for one of those, but honestly I'd rather stick with NiMH if possible. It's just safer, and I'm able to/used to dealing with them. I can get a high quality pack whipped up covered and spot welded in about 20 minutes. Of course, regulation is the icing on the cake.

Anyway, I've digressed. wquiles, thank you for your excellent articles. js has the inspiration of course, but I found your article first and the construction techniques and methods will be very handy.

 

[Calina]

I just ran a quick search on Bikecurrent,
read Marty's posts (martygoodman) on 05/25/08 and 02/25/08.

The LVRs, if still available, won't be free but they should not be very expensive.

 

[mwaldron]

Thanks Calina, I did the same thing this afternoon and found Marty's posts; I tried to email him but his address is no longer valid.

I thought about making a post but it seems really wierd to post to a group saying "Hi, I'm new and I think I know which end of a bicycle to point down the road, but I'd really like to talk about some flashlight parts." I just think that would come off really really wierd I may work up the courage to do so in a day or so though.

 

[wquiles]

Thanks wquiles, your articles are the inspiration for my project. I'm essentially trying to do the exact same thing. My M6 arrives today (Out for Delivery) and I've somehow already amassed a lot of various power and bulb options to try out in it.

I have a desire for as much as possible however to remain stock, so I won't do any modifications that result in an irreversible change.

I was supremely lucky to find a 3x17670 holder (in the mail) to use with a Bi-Pin socket (on my desk) and a 1185 broke:, but ordering soon) for WOW factor. This is not a very practical "useful" solution however. I figured if I was going to make a hotwire I might as well use a real host!

There is a 2x18650 holder under development that will drop in replacement for the SF battery holder and allow me to use the stock SF bulbs (MN20, 21, maybe MN15). I'm on the list for one of those, but honestly I'd rather stick with NiMH if possible. It's just safer, and I'm able to/used to dealing with them. I can get a high quality pack whipped up covered and spot welded in about 20 minutes. Of course, regulation is the icing on the cake.

Anyway, I've digressed. wquiles, thank you for your excellent articles. js has the inspiration of course, but I found your article first and the construction techniques and methods will be very handy.

Thank you for your kind words, but it is js (Jim) who deserves the credit here

Good luck with your project

 

[Calina]

Thanks Calina, I did the same thing this afternoon and found Marty's posts; I tried to email him but his address is no longer valid.

I thought about making a post but it seems really wierd to post to a group saying "Hi, I'm new and I think I know which end of a bicycle to point down the road, but I'd really like to talk about some flashlight parts." I just think that would come off really really wierd I may work up the courage to do so in a day or so though.

If you are still interested, here's your chance: http://lists.topica.com/lists/bikecurrent/read/message.html?mid=813212696&sort=d&start=12745

 

[mwaldron]

Someone beat me to it

Thanks though Calina.