Assuming we are talking about the old Dorcy 3D 1W torch with Luxeon emitor, I have got few questions. I have an SSC star purchased from either DX or KD a while ago. It probably is a P2/P3 bin but I am not sure. Please tell me if my deductions are correct from the following observations.
I tried to put the SSC in parallel with Luxeon. The brightness of Luxeon did not drop down much. It was difficult to judge which was brighter between the SSC and Luxeon but suffices to say, SSC was definitely NOT any significantly brighter. This tells me that if I were to replace the Luxeon with SSC, I would make this torch dimmer, NOT brighter :-(
Later, I tried to check the current via direct driving these two emitors (one at a time) via three AA NiMh cells. SSC was pulling in 0.6A but Luxeon was pulling 0.8A. Once again there was no way that SSC was brighter than Luxeon.
This tells me that the SSC has higher Vf than the Luxeon and there is no point in swapping. I would be better off just removing the resistor and driving the Luxeon as hard as I could. It is already being driven at 0.6A. With the massive heat sink, I don't see any trouble even if the current were to be doubled. Besides, if it dies, THEN I can swap in the SSC.
Any suggestions?
- Vikas