How bad would it be to overdrive a KX1 head?

Beastmaster · Dec 24, 2007

Before anyone gets all atwitter, I realize that overdriving a KX1 head using an RCR123A is somewhat bad.

However, what exactly would happen if I overdrive a KX1 head on an E1L with an RCR123A?

-Steve

PhantomPhoton · Dec 24, 2007

I think there are people running it with an RCR123. I haven't heard any big horror stories yet, but I'd search a couple of the SF L1 threads. If you want a brighter KX1 you could get in contact with Milkyspit who does mods on them quite regularly I'm sure.

Beastmaster · Dec 24, 2007

I just have a bunch of RCR123A's inbound. And I love the final gen KL1 head on my E1L, and I'm debating on getting another E1L, but the ones I'm finding are all KX1's now.

-Steve

light_emitting_dude · Dec 24, 2007

Mine flickers when using an RCR123. (3.7v)

CM · Dec 24, 2007

I would personally boost the current to the LED by modifying the circuit. While I love the idea of a very long running light, it would be interesting to boost the current to the Cree LED to something like 700mA or higher. It would be an extremely bright package. I'd also run it on a 2 cell body using a 17670 cell. I've done the older KL1's this way but I think the KX1 has a more efficient circuit.

Beastmaster · Dec 24, 2007

Bummer. I just got a KX1 head (well, I also got the E1L body and tailcap with it - I got another flashlight as a Christmas gift to me). It pulsates slightly on mine too. Crud. I thought it would be cool to do so.

light_emitting_dude said:
Mine flickers when using an RCR123. (3.7v)

Bullzeyebill · Dec 25, 2007

CM said:
I would personally boost the current to the LED by modifying the circuit. While I love the idea of a very long running light, it would be interesting to boost the current to the Cree LED to something like 700mA or higher. It would be an extremely bright package. I'd also run it on a 2 cell body using a 17670 cell. I've done the older KL1's this way but I think the KX1 has a more efficient circuit.

So it would be safe to run the boost only circuit of the KX1 with a LiIon? A higher drive current would raise the vf of the led enough to make it safe? Just wondering.

Bill

CM · Dec 28, 2007

Bullzeyebill said:
So it would be safe to run the boost only circuit of the KX1 with a LiIon? A higher drive current would raise the vf of the led enough to make it safe? Just wondering.

Bill

Yes, that's the idea (for me at least). There's a few hundred millivolt drop through a schottky diode that will help in the cause.

Beastmaster · Dec 29, 2007

See, I'm torn between a KL1 that gives me killer light levels with a 16340 or killer runtime with a KX1.

Why not have both? And how hard is it to add the diode?

Bullzeyebill · Dec 29, 2007

Beastmaster said:
See, I'm torn between a KL1 that gives me killer light levels with a 16340 or killer runtime with a KX1.

Why not have both? And how hard is it to add the diode?

CM is saying that the schottky diode, which is present in the KX1 circuit, helps reduce the voltage to the led when using an RCR123 3.6-4.2 volt cell.

Bill

skalomax · Dec 29, 2007

My Kx1 led is seeing 1500mA.

Bullzeyebill · Dec 29, 2007

skalomax said:
My Kx1 led is seeing 1500mA.

How is it "seeing 1500mA's"? Just thought I would ask the obvious question.

Bill

How bad would it be to overdrive a KX1 head?

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