I don't have this, but after reading the sales thread on CPFMP I'm seriously considering it:
http://www.shiningbeam.com/servlet/the-246/***NEW***-ShiningBeam-S-dsh-mini-Neutral/Detail
Probably very close to 300 lumens out the front (not quite), and from what I read you can actually run the S-Mini for extended periods on high. Most of my reading about the Xeno light shows that you can only use the high modes (even medium on a 14500 lithium-ion cell) for short periods before the light starts getting quite hot (please correct me if I'm wrong ).
Here is the original sales thread for the S-Mini:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sh...***-ShiningBeam-S-mini-XP-G-R5-LED-Flashlight
300+ lumens
not longer than 5*
$65
everything else -- like batteries -- is flexible
300+ lumens
not longer than 5*
$65
everything else -- like batteries -- is flexibleFive inches? I'm not sure what the asterisk indicates ...
However if it is indeed five inches...how about something like this http://www.solarforce-sales.com/product_detail.php?id=201&s=41&t=LF
The Solarforce is a modular light. You buy a body and an LED module. You can get 2AA, 3AAA, 18650/2*CR123 bodies. The LED modules come with different LEDs XRE, XPG, P7, MCE, XML and different modes 1, 3, 5.What does "DIY combination" mean? That this is a kit? This could be a problem for me, since I am no engineer. How simple would assembly be?
The asterisk was supposed to be a double quote. A typo on my part.
What does "DIY combination" mean? That this is a kit? This could be a problem for me, since I am no engineer. How simple would assembly be?
The lumen rating makes my eyes bug out. 820 lumens!!!! Can this be right?
On a 4" device???? Has the technology really raced ahead that far, that fast??
Or am I missing something? Am I really being promised a light that will
push 820 lumens out the front end???
> Highly doubtful it will put 820 OTF. 820 emitter lumens, maybe. Probably closer to 500 ...
When you say "With an RCR123, don't expect anything," what's "anything"? I'd be perfectly happy with
300 lumens and delighted with 350. I'd get that, wouldn't I? So far as batteries go I was planning on
using a CR123a. That's the battery Solarforce says to use (The description on their website says "Run
by 1 pc CR123A 3.0v or 3.7v~"). But since I am happy to buy batteries online I can buy anything I like.
Does it matter which I get for this device? And if I stick with a CR123a should I get a 3.0v or a 3.7v???
> Highly doubtful it will put 820 OTF. 820 emitter lumens, maybe. Probably closer to 500 ...
When you say "With an RCR123, don't expect anything," what's "anything"? I'd be perfectly happy with
300 lumens and delighted with 350. I'd get that, wouldn't I? So far as batteries go I was planning on
using a CR123a. That's the battery Solarforce says to use (The description on their website says "Run
by 1 pc CR123A 3.0v or 3.7v~"). But since I am happy to buy batteries online I can buy anything I like.
Does it matter which I get for this device? And if I stick with a CR123a should I get a 3.0v or a 3.7v???If it's drawing 2.8 amps from the battery, you'll trip the protection circuit for the battery before it has a chance to light. If it's just running a linear driver (I.E. 7135 driver), then you'll be runing with a lower output, due to the internal resistance of the battery. You will also be driving the battery hard, which kills its lifespan. Don't bother with Trustfire/Ultrafire RCR123's. When I had a batch of those, I was lucky if they lasted anywhere between 2 and 5 minutes in turbo mode on my AA Quark (700mA to the LED on turbo), before tripping the circuit. AW Li-Ion's are the way to go. Only Li-Ion batteries I will buy anymore. The RCR123's will run you about $7/pop before shipping, but if you live in the US, expect about $2-$4 for shipping up to like 8 batteries.
I would get a 3.7V Li-Ion, because if it is a linear regulator, a 3v battery (primary CR123, or one of the specialized RCR123's) will last you maybe 2 minutes, due to the battery's voltage rapidly dropping below the LED's forward voltage.
~Brian