Led question

Andy66 · Dec 16, 2012

Hi im new here so please bare with me

Im looking at building a spotlight for my quad copter for night flying.

Say I were to use a Cree XML is it possible to run this with a simple resistor and battery or do I need a driver?

Also where do you UK guys purchase your LEDs and components?

Thanks
Andy

AnAppleSnail · Dec 16, 2012

I would suggest that you use a driver. If you want to run the XM-L at, say, 3 amps, then here's your efficiency:

run the XM-L off 5v: (3 amps times 3v) = 9W to the LED. 3 amps times (5v-3v) = 6W burned in the resistor. Running at 12v is worse, with much less than 50% efficiency.

Lux-RC makes some VERY nice RC-vehicle spotlights. They come complete with optics, housing, and driver. Otherwise, LED Supply Co (LEDsupplyco.co.uk or something) does good supplying for LEDs. Drivers, not so much.

Andy66 · Dec 16, 2012

Hey thanks for the quick reply appreciate it. Think im going to have to read up more on drivers then

Thanks
Andy

Ken_McE · Dec 16, 2012

Led question

Andy66

Newly Enlightened

AnAppleSnail

Flashlight Enthusiast

Andy66

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Ken_McE

Flashlight Enthusiast

Andy66

Newly Enlightened

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