PT54 maglite conversion

I think I am going to give this flashlight building thing a go. It started with a need for a wicked powerful red led light for hunting that could only be powered by 6v (state law), and now I just don't care. I want something wicked awesome!

So I found some info on building up a PT54 powered light with a maglite as a host. I have a 3D and a 4D here, so I have options if things don't fit in the 3D.

What I need is a driver board for the LED, something that does at least 9 amps. I prefer single mode as that is what I will use, balls out or nothing. The drivers I can find on Kaidomain don't give output voltage, just current. So, would any of these be suitable? http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S020079, http://www.kaidomain.com/product/details.S020148,

There is one I have found that is built by a member here, http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb...icient-5A-9A-Buck-Converter-for-SST-50-SST-90, but I don't want to have to spend that much (the wife may be angry). If that is all that will work, then so be it.

I am open to suggestions, as I really don't know what I am doing here. Read and shop and hope I get it right.

Also, is there a faq somewhere that explains the driver types (buck, etc) and how they work? I assume direct drive means connect straight to battery.

Thank you!

Matt

Hi Matt :welcome:

You might want to check out this excellent thread by HKJ about drivers:-
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?247543-Drivers-how-leds-are-adapted-for-different-battery-voltages

Those drivers would probably work fine.

They don't list the output voltage because most all standard LED drivers output the same standard voltage that most all LED run on.
Seems the SST-90 and the PT54 are in the same voltage range.

It says those drivers generate a lot of heat, so will the LED.
The biggest challenge will be keeping this rig cool so you can sustain balls out.

IF you have the building skills, I would consider an MT-G2 build with a REd filter.

I ordered this lens from DX:
http://www.dx.com/p/52x1-5mm-clear-glass-lens-for-flashlight-diy-white-revo-175498#.U9tBCWNCzTo

thinking it would be clear glass, but it turned out to be a red filter.
It's strange cause it looks clear until you pump light thru' it.