Phlogiston
Enlightened
Introduction
I wanted to specify a Convoy S2+ Red with an XML2 T4-7A to produce roughly the same lumens in each mode as a T6-3B 7135*3 version I already had. Whilst crunching my way through the Cree Product Characterization Tool, it occurred to me that other people here might find a set of comparison tables and tint images useful. You'll find the tables at the end of this post, after the examples. The images are in post 7.
I consider the Convoy S2+ to be a very nice light. If you'd like to know more, Chicken Drumstick has reviewed the T6-3B 7135*8 version here, and maukka has posted a comprehensive instrumental analysis of his T6-3B 7135*8 sample here, including spectrophotometric data and graphs. You can also find a description of how my T4-7A 7135*4 sample behaves when the cell runs low in post 26.
Applicability
Warning: You use the information in this post at your own risk. I have only used it in conjunction with the Convoy S2+ Red.
However, it should apply in full to the following Convoy lights: S2 Grey; S2+ Black; S2+ Grey; S2+ Red; S2+ Blue; S2+ Green; S3 Black; S3 Grey; S4 Black; S5 Black; S6 Black; and S8 Black.
In addition, some of it should apply to: BD01 Black (7135*8 driver only); BD02 Black (7135*6 driver only); BD03 Black (7135*4 driver only); C8 Black (7135*8 driver only); C8 Grey (7135*8 driver only); M1 Black (7135*6 or 7135*8 drivers only); M2 Black (7135*6 or 7135*8 drivers only); and S2+ Grey 18350/16340 version (7135*3 or 7135*4 drivers only, see also post 13).
Option Availability
Most intermediary dealers only sell a small subset of the possible combinations of Convoy options.
The easiest way to be sure that you have access to the full range of Convoy lights and accessories, including all of the customisation options, is to buy from the original manufacturer's AliExpress store.
Search Google for "shenzhen convoy electronics" and it should be the first link; double-check for the store number in the link, which should be 330416.
Update: You can find my thoughts on some of the Convoy accessories in post 12.
Convoy LED Tints
You can find comparison photos of the different tints lighting a garden environment by looking up the Convoy S2+ Red page on the original manufacturer's AliExpress store (see previous section). The tint photos are near the bottom of that page.
Update: I have added a set of tint comparison photos to post 7.
Examples
I wanted a couple of Convoy S2+ Reds to act as backup lights to my two Fenix UC35s, so I wanted their medium modes to have lumen outputs broadly corresponding to the UC35's 180lm medium mode. I also decided to get neutral white LEDs, just because I could (the UC35 is cool white).
Example 1: Check the Mid / Medium Mode / 40% table, run along the T6-3B row, closest match is 160 lm in the 7135*3 driver column. Check the Hi / High Mode / 100% table; that combination gives 370 lm. Check the Lo / Low Mode / 5% table; that combination gives 21 lm.
The end result:
I later needed a desk lamp in a place where it was awkward to run a mains cable, so I pulled out one of my new neutral white S2+ Reds and mounted it with a Rofis AR01 mount.
The 160lm mode was the perfect brightness, but the neutral white tint clashed with the much warmer-tinted room lighting. I also tried the UC35 to confirm that it was the tint that was bothering me, and yes, the UC35 was even more of a clash.
OK, I thought, I'll buy another S2+ Red, but in a very warm white with the medium mode again at about 180lm. Checking the box for the room light - an 18W Philips Master LED bulb - yielded a colour temperature of 2700K. The closest Convoy LED option is the XML2 T4-7A at 3000-3200K.
Example 2: Check the Mid / Medium Mode / 40% table, run along the XML2 T4-7A row, and there's a perfect match at 180 lm in the 7135*4 driver column. Check the Hi / High Mode / 100% table; that combination gives 400 lm. Check the Lo / Low Mode / 5% table; that combination gives 23 lm.
The end result:
My new very warm white S2+ Red works wonderfully as a battery-operated desk lamp :thumbsup:
Comparison Tables
It looks like Convoy specs use LED lumens, so I've discounted the LED lumen figures from Cree by an arbitrary 20% for optical losses and rounded the numbers to 2 significant figures. Cree LED lumens are in normal type, my discounted & rounded lumens are in italics.
Whilst using the Characterization Tool, I left the LED junction temperature at the default 25°C. Where driver currents fall awkwardly between current steps in the Characterization Tool, I have estimated an interpolated number to 2 significant figures.
Hi / High Mode / 100%
Mid / Medium Mode / 40%
Lo / Low Mode / 5%
Unfortunately, the Characterization Tool doesn't go this low, so these are all estimated to 2 significant figures by dividing the lumen figures for higher currents. Given that LEDs are more efficient at lower currents, these estimates are likely to be slightly too low; as a ballpark indication, by up to 5%.
Finally, you can get custom mode groups that include Mid / Medium Mode / 30% or Lo / Low Mode / 10% levels, so here are a couple of tables for those.
Mid / Medium Mode / 30%
Lo / Low Mode / 10%
Unfortunately, the Characterization Tool doesn't cover the lower currents, so those are estimated to 2 significant figures by dividing the lumen figures for higher currents. Given that LEDs are more efficient at lower currents, these estimates are likely to be slightly too low; as a ballpark indication, by up to 5%.
I wanted to specify a Convoy S2+ Red with an XML2 T4-7A to produce roughly the same lumens in each mode as a T6-3B 7135*3 version I already had. Whilst crunching my way through the Cree Product Characterization Tool, it occurred to me that other people here might find a set of comparison tables and tint images useful. You'll find the tables at the end of this post, after the examples. The images are in post 7.
I consider the Convoy S2+ to be a very nice light. If you'd like to know more, Chicken Drumstick has reviewed the T6-3B 7135*8 version here, and maukka has posted a comprehensive instrumental analysis of his T6-3B 7135*8 sample here, including spectrophotometric data and graphs. You can also find a description of how my T4-7A 7135*4 sample behaves when the cell runs low in post 26.
Applicability
Warning: You use the information in this post at your own risk. I have only used it in conjunction with the Convoy S2+ Red.
However, it should apply in full to the following Convoy lights: S2 Grey; S2+ Black; S2+ Grey; S2+ Red; S2+ Blue; S2+ Green; S3 Black; S3 Grey; S4 Black; S5 Black; S6 Black; and S8 Black.
In addition, some of it should apply to: BD01 Black (7135*8 driver only); BD02 Black (7135*6 driver only); BD03 Black (7135*4 driver only); C8 Black (7135*8 driver only); C8 Grey (7135*8 driver only); M1 Black (7135*6 or 7135*8 drivers only); M2 Black (7135*6 or 7135*8 drivers only); and S2+ Grey 18350/16340 version (7135*3 or 7135*4 drivers only, see also post 13).
Option Availability
Most intermediary dealers only sell a small subset of the possible combinations of Convoy options.
The easiest way to be sure that you have access to the full range of Convoy lights and accessories, including all of the customisation options, is to buy from the original manufacturer's AliExpress store.
Search Google for "shenzhen convoy electronics" and it should be the first link; double-check for the store number in the link, which should be 330416.
Update: You can find my thoughts on some of the Convoy accessories in post 12.
Convoy LED Tints
LED | Colour Temperature | Description |
XML2 U2-1A | 6500-7000K | Cool White |
XML2 T6-3B | 5000-5200K | Neutral White |
XML2 T6-4C | 4300-4500K | Neutral-Warm White |
XML2 T5-5B | 4000-4200K | Warm White |
XML2 T4-7A | 3000-3200K | Very Warm White |
Update: I have added a set of tint comparison photos to post 7.
Examples
I wanted a couple of Convoy S2+ Reds to act as backup lights to my two Fenix UC35s, so I wanted their medium modes to have lumen outputs broadly corresponding to the UC35's 180lm medium mode. I also decided to get neutral white LEDs, just because I could (the UC35 is cool white).
Example 1: Check the Mid / Medium Mode / 40% table, run along the T6-3B row, closest match is 160 lm in the 7135*3 driver column. Check the Hi / High Mode / 100% table; that combination gives 370 lm. Check the Lo / Low Mode / 5% table; that combination gives 21 lm.
The end result:
Convoy S2+ Red XML2 T6-3B LED 7135*3 driver | 21 lm | ----- | 160 lm | 370 lm | ----- | |
Fenix UC35 | 15 lm | 50 lm | 180 lm | 480 lm | 960 lm |
The 160lm mode was the perfect brightness, but the neutral white tint clashed with the much warmer-tinted room lighting. I also tried the UC35 to confirm that it was the tint that was bothering me, and yes, the UC35 was even more of a clash.
OK, I thought, I'll buy another S2+ Red, but in a very warm white with the medium mode again at about 180lm. Checking the box for the room light - an 18W Philips Master LED bulb - yielded a colour temperature of 2700K. The closest Convoy LED option is the XML2 T4-7A at 3000-3200K.
Example 2: Check the Mid / Medium Mode / 40% table, run along the XML2 T4-7A row, and there's a perfect match at 180 lm in the 7135*4 driver column. Check the Hi / High Mode / 100% table; that combination gives 400 lm. Check the Lo / Low Mode / 5% table; that combination gives 23 lm.
The end result:
Convoy S2+ Red XML2 T4-7A LED 7135*4 driver | 23 lm | ----- | 180 lm | 400 lm | ----- | |
Convoy S2+ Red XML2 T6-3B LED 7135*3 driver | 21 lm | ----- | 160 lm | 370 lm | ----- | |
Fenix UC35 | 15 lm | 50 lm | 180 lm | 480 lm | 960 lm |
Comparison Tables
It looks like Convoy specs use LED lumens, so I've discounted the LED lumen figures from Cree by an arbitrary 20% for optical losses and rounded the numbers to 2 significant figures. Cree LED lumens are in normal type, my discounted & rounded lumens are in italics.
Whilst using the Characterization Tool, I left the LED junction temperature at the default 25°C. Where driver currents fall awkwardly between current steps in the Characterization Tool, I have estimated an interpolated number to 2 significant figures.
Hi / High Mode / 100%
Driver | |||||
LED Bin | 7135*3 1050mA / 1050mA | 7135*4 1400mA / 1400mA | 7135*6 2100mA / 2100mA | 7135*8 2800mA / 2800mA | |
XML2 U2-1A 6500-7000K | 489.4 lm 390 lm | 623.8 lm 500 lm | 860.6 lm 690 lm | 1067.3 lm 850 lm | |
XML2 T6-3B 5000-5200K | 456.8 lm 370 lm | 582.3 lm 470 lm | 803.2 lm 640 lm | 996.1 lm 800 lm | |
XML2 T6-4C 4300-4500K | 456.8 lm 370 lm | 582.3 lm 470 lm | 803.2 lm 640 lm | 996.1 lm 800 lm | |
XML2 T5-5B 4000-4200K | 424.1 lm 340 lm | 540.7 lm 430 lm | 745.9 lm 600 lm | 925 lm 740 lm | |
XML2 T4-7A 3000-3200K | 391.5 lm 310 lm | 499.1 lm 400 lm | 688.5 lm 550 lm | 853.8 lm 680 lm |
Mid / Medium Mode / 40%
Driver | |||||
LED Bin | 7135*3 420mA / 1050mA | 7135*4 560mA / 1400mA | 7135*6 840mA / 2100mA | 7135*8 1120mA / 2800mA | |
XML2 U2-1A 6500-7000K | 212.7 lm 170 lm | 278.4 lm 220 lm | ~400 lm 320 lm | ~520 lm 420 lm | |
XML2 T6-3B 5000-5200K | 198.5 lm 160 lm | 259.9 lm 210 lm | ~380 lm 300 lm | ~490 lm 390 lm | |
XML2 T6-4C 4300-4500K | 198.5 lm 160 lm | 259.9 lm 210 lm | ~380 lm 300 lm | ~490 lm 390 lm | |
XML2 T5-5B 4000-4200K | 184.3 lm 150 lm | 241.3 lm 190 lm | ~350 lm 280 lm | ~450 lm 360 lm | |
XML2 T4-7A 3000-3200K | 170.1 lm 140 lm | 222.8 lm 180 lm | ~320 lm 260 lm | ~420 lm 340 lm |
Lo / Low Mode / 5%
Unfortunately, the Characterization Tool doesn't go this low, so these are all estimated to 2 significant figures by dividing the lumen figures for higher currents. Given that LEDs are more efficient at lower currents, these estimates are likely to be slightly too low; as a ballpark indication, by up to 5%.
Driver | |||||
LED Bin | 7135*3 52.5mA / 1050mA | 7135*4 70mA / 1400mA | 7135*6 105mA / 2100mA | 7135*8 140mA / 2800mA | |
XML2 U2-1A 6500-7000K | ~28 lm 22 lm | ~36 lm 29 lm | ~55 lm 44 lm | ~72 lm 58 lm | |
XML2 T6-3B 5000-5200K | ~26 lm 21 lm | ~34 lm 27 lm | ~51 lm 41 lm | ~67 lm 54 lm | |
XML2 T6-4C 4300-4500K | ~26 lm 21 lm | ~34 lm 27 lm | ~51 lm 41 lm | ~67 lm 54 lm | |
XML2 T5-5B 4000-4200K | ~24 lm 19 lm | ~31 lm 25 lm | ~47 lm 38 lm | ~63 lm 50 lm | |
XML2 T4-7A 3000-3200K | ~22 lm 18 lm | ~29 lm 23 lm | ~44 lm 35 lm | ~58 lm 46 lm |
Finally, you can get custom mode groups that include Mid / Medium Mode / 30% or Lo / Low Mode / 10% levels, so here are a couple of tables for those.
Mid / Medium Mode / 30%
Driver | |||||
LED Bin | 7135*3 315mA / 1050mA | 7135*4 420mA / 1400mA | 7135*6 630mA / 2100mA | 7135*8 840mA / 2800mA | |
XML2 U2-1A 6500-7000K | ~160 lm 130 lm | 212.7 lm 170 lm | 310.4 lm 250 lm | ~400 lm 320 lm | |
XML2 T6-3B 5000-5200K | ~150 lm 120 lm | 198.5 lm 160 lm | 289.7 lm 230 lm | ~380 lm 300 lm | |
XML2 T6-4C 4300-4500K | ~150 lm 120 lm | 198.5 lm 160 lm | 289.7 lm 230 lm | ~380 lm 300 lm | |
XML2 T5-5B 4000-4200K | ~140 lm 110 lm | 184.3 lm 150 lm | 269 lm 220 lm | ~350 lm 280 lm | |
XML2 T4-7A 3000-3200K | ~130 lm 100 lm | 170.1 lm 140 lm | 248.3 lm 200 lm | ~320 lm 260 lm |
Lo / Low Mode / 10%
Unfortunately, the Characterization Tool doesn't cover the lower currents, so those are estimated to 2 significant figures by dividing the lumen figures for higher currents. Given that LEDs are more efficient at lower currents, these estimates are likely to be slightly too low; as a ballpark indication, by up to 5%.
Driver | |||||
LED Bin | 7135*3 105mA / 1050mA | 7135*4 140mA / 1400mA | 7135*6 210mA / 2100mA | 7135*8 280mA / 2800mA | |
XML2 U2-1A 6500-7000K | ~55 lm 44 lm | ~72 lm 58 lm | 109 lm 87 lm | 144.2 lm 115 lm | |
XML2 T6-3B 5000-5200K | ~51 lm 41 lm | ~67 lm 54 lm | 101.7 lm 81 lm | 134.6 lm 108 lm | |
XML2 T6-4C 4300-4500K | ~51 lm 41 lm | ~67 lm 54 lm | 101.7 lm 81 lm | 134.6 lm 108 lm | |
XML2 T5-5B 4000-4200K | ~47 lm 38 lm | ~63 lm 50 lm | 94.4 lm 76 lm | 125 lm 100 lm | |
XML2 T4-7A 3000-3200K | ~44 lm 35 lm | ~58 lm 46 lm | 87.2 lm 70 lm | 115.4 lm 92 lm |
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