FatFlex Prototype

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georges80

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MaxFlex Prototype (production boards NOW available)

17 Oct 2006 update:

I guess I should clarify that the production boards are available (and have been for a week or so...)
------------------------------------------
23 Sept 2006 Update:

MaxFlex drivers should be available for shipping in the first week of Oct.
Drivers will be $30 each.

Firmware now includes both the UIP and UIF (use can reconfigure) that some of you are familiar with from the nFlex drivers.

Operating voltage is 2.7V - 20V.

MaxFlex is a current regulating boost driver (steps up).

Output voltage can drive up to 24V and output open circuit protected.

Max output current can be user configured (350/500/700/1000/1200/1400mA)

User configurable sleep mode, force level.

User configurable low voltage protection and warning.

More info can be found in the MaxFlex sections of www.taskled.com.

Note, the original description below was based on a Fatman core (12V in, 16v out max). MaxFlex is based on a different switcher IC, hence the new 20V in, 24V out max specs.

george.

--------------------------------------------
FatFlex - what you get when you mate a Fatman with an nFlex:

Looks like a Fatman from the top (far left shows the momentary action switch, behind you can see a LuxV lit at the dim level):
fatflexf.jpg


Doesn't look like a Fatman from below (the blue wire mess is just to access the programming pins of the uC on the prototype) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
fatflexb.jpg


At this point the firmware is 100% nFlex, but I'm thinking of rolling some of the UI1 LionHeart features into the firmware to make it more 'flashlight' friendly vs fixed lighting friendly.

Anyhow, lots more testing to do, but I figured some of you would be interested to see what the next driver I'll most likely be taking to production looks like. Probably a month or so off in the future at this stage.

george.
 
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NITEFISH

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Been waiting for this for a while. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif
Just let me know when to send Paypal.
Nice work George,
Daryl
 

georges80

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[ QUOTE ]
NITEFISH said:
Been waiting for this for a while. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif
Just let me know when to send Paypal.
Nice work George,
Daryl

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks. I'm quite pleased how quickly it came up. Basically I just took the nFlex code and downloaded it and FatFlex came to life fully operational - at least the tests I've done so far. It took longer to wire the programming header on... On the production PCBs I'll have some pads to allow a bed of nails to come down and make contact with the appropriate programming pins.

I've also implemented power management, so when you turn off FatFlex via the momentary switch, it powers down the Fatman switcher core completely so the measured draw is only about 30uA.

george.
 

modamag

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Finally our prayers have been answered. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif
Thanx George for another break-thru. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif
Second in line for signup list (behind Daryl).
Where should we send the cash/paypal/money order.
 

Icarus

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This seems to be what I was hoping you would announce one day, the successor of the nFlex driver!
The circular pcb is certainly an improvement when using this driver in a flashlight.
I'm very curious about the new features that will be implemented.
Great work George!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/clap.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/clap.gif
 

greenLED

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Awzum! That looks like the size of a quarter! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif
One more project I'll definitely try (gotta try the nFlex first).
 

MrMimizu

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Maybe it's my lack of sleep but does this mean it's a boost circuit but with the multilevel options of an nflex? I just want to make sure I'm reading this right.
2nd question. Would I be able to power multiple leds with this? I'm looking to build a small lantern with 3-4 lux III.
 

Kiessling

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What wizardry is it capable of?
And dimensions would be nice, too!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
bernie
 

georges80

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[ QUOTE ]
cy said:
I'd like one too, what's the dia of this board?

[/ QUOTE ]

Same as fatman just a little thicker due to components on the backside.

Operating specs should be similar as Fatman (other than a min 3V input rather than 2.7V). UI features are currently the same as nFlex, but I'm thinking of making it more similar to UI1 of the LionHeart.

This was really a sneek peek at what's in the pipeline. I need to run FatFlex through its paces before sending it off for a production PCB run. Then I need to order parts and assemble units - so about 1 month away if everything goes reasonably smoothly.

george.
 

PANZERWOLF

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that's DA THING dude /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
the final solution is nigh /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif
PayPay is cocked and loaded /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
this will be a long month, argh /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/poke2.gif
i've been looking for something like this, since i discovered CPF /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif
 

jaids

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[ QUOTE ]
georges80 said:
other than a min 3V input rather than 2.7V

[/ QUOTE ]
Any chance of a lower V input on a luxeon III?
 

jtice

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Top notch excellent work as ussual George !!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

This is gonna be great.
I LOVE using Fatmans in mags, with a pot on the side, but I must admit, the pot sticking out can be alittle akward at times.
This is going to make for some really clean mods !!!

If it has the nflex features, I will love it.

cant wait /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

~John
 

MR Bulk

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/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

Except I yam de Man from - Lilliput!
 

Sway

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Wonderful news George I can't wait to try out an Fflex this really opens up a lot of combinations with one Li-Ion or 3 NiMh cells in a Mag mod just one switch to control the on off and brightness /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif

Later
Kelly
 
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