Overdriving 5mm's?

BatteryCharger

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Jun 5, 2003
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The crazy guy next door
Overdriving 5mm\'s?

Just got in my bag of white 5mm LEDs directly from China. I know they're rated at 20-30ma, but what about overdriving? I only have experience with overdriving luxeons. How much can they take? How much are you guys using?
 

Doug Owen

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jan 30, 2003
Messages
1,992
Re: Overdriving 5mm\'s?

I consider 30 mA tops, less is better.

60 mA (as used by several makers) is the brightest you can drive 'em, although lumens per Watt (efficiency) is way down by then.

If you need more light, I'd suggest using more LEDs, they're cheap and overdriving is really a losing idea.

Doug Owen
 
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