Multi-Led driver?

Hey guys...

i got a 3x Cree light that i want to beef up the output of...

2 quick questions...

1. what's the best way to wire them up? should i put the led's in series or parallel?

2. what's a better battery configuration? 2x18650 or 4xrcr123?

Thanks,

KraZy

It's easier to wire 3 crees in series and then use a Shark or fatman to regulate the output. Using 1 li-ion works but a 2/3 li-ions system will be better for the driver (to prevent over heat).

You can also wire them in parallel running one li-ion direct drive. You don't need a driver this way but of course non-regulated. You may also need to use crees with matching Vf for best result. No driver to burn this way.

Or you can use tri-flupic, 8xAMC 7135 for the parallel system.

I personally like running multi-crees in series with Shark. Works very well. Shark is step-up. 2x18650 will be better for 3 crees.

hey Visible...

just wondering where i would get a Shark or fatman?? are they expensive?

the 8xAMC7135 would be cheaper i'm sure...

KraZy

Allway visit the Shoppe.....:thumbsup:


http://theledguy.chainreactionweb.com/index.php?cPath=48_49_61

Why not MaxFlex?

Yes, they're quite expensive.

wow... they are expensive!

i remember seeing a mini tutorial on how to connect up like 2 of the 4xAMC7135 boards... maybe that will be a more viable option....

KraZy

KD sells 8xAMC7135 boards as well:

http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1770

For multi-led, I still prefer in series with Shark. Very reliable, especially the newer blue shark which runs cooler.

BTW, fatman or other drivers can be found at:
http://www.taskled.com/

Or thry this one:
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1770

Remember that Cree emitters are not selected and may have different Vf. Soldered in parallel the one with high Vf would be dimmer, with lower Vf - brighter.

hmm... thanks for the info guys..

i was thinking about that P7 board.... with the leds in series... that would mean each led would get 0.93A.... which is good....

however.. the input voltage is 2.7-6.0??? that means i can't use 2x18650.... which is not good.....

what do you guys think about 3 seperate boards 1 for each led? is that efficient??? will that kill the runtimes?

KraZy

3 separate board still have up to 6V input...
With this board you can drive 3 leds in parallel not in series.

hey phantom... u sure tho???

the KD 8xAMC says input voltage to be 2.7-6.0!!

which means that i can't use 2x 18650... cuz that would make it 7.4v in... (8.4V freshly charged...)

the host i have is either 2x18650 or 4xCR123

KraZy

If you're driving the leds in parallel using 1 Li-ion, use the 8xAMC7135.

If you're driving the leds in parallel using 2 Li-ions, you can probably use this from KD:
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=5498
I use this for driving a P7 in a 2D Mag using 2 D Li-ions and sometimes a 6AA>2D holder.