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Headlamps etc

Started by Traditionalist, November 04, 2012, 07:19:26 PM

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Traditionalist

"So can I just use four rechargeable NiCad batteries in the Petzl?"

Yes, you can use them,if you have an older Petzl, but you will only get poor light!  This is because NiCads and some other accus only have 1.2 volts.  "Ordinary" batteries have 1.5 volts.  Four ordinary batteries in series gives 6 volts,  four NiCads in series only gives 4.8 volts. This will not produce the same light, it will be much weaker and the accus wont seem to last long. The solution there is to use FIVE accus in series which will give you 6 volts. You may have trouble finding a battery case which holds five accus, you will have to make your own. Also you must NOT then use ordinary batteries as this will burn out the LED(s).

If You are building your own array, or trying to convert an existing torch to LED;

http://led.linear1.org/led.wiz

The voltage you choose has to match the array or results will be poor.  If it is too much you will either destroy the LED's outright or they wont last long.  All the high end headlamps now use special electronics to either govern the voltage or the amperage. Some use voltage step-up circuits to achieve the correct voltage.  If you have a lamp like this then you have to make sure the electronics are still working, and what they actually do before you make any changes.

Traditionalist

#1
There are many ways to drive LED's.  Up to a couple of years ago much of this was not possible but technology has advanced in various areas and you can now use high powered LED's in a number of ways.  This makes them very efficient and long lived, and also conservative in battery usage.

If you have a newer high power LED  torch or headlamp  then it is likely that it uses one of the newer "buckpuck" drivers,  if this is defective then you will have to replace it, unless it is made of discrete components (which is not likely). You can buy these;

http://www.ledsupply.com/buckpuck.php

Here is some general information on LED drivers, torch conversions etc.

http://www.pcbheaven.com/userpages/LED_driving_and_controlling_methods/index.php?topic=presentation

http://www.talkingelectronics.com/projects/LEDTorchCircuits/LEDTorchCircuits-P1.html

http://www.ledsupply.com/kit001.php

High power headlamps;

http://www.dola.hu/fejlampa/index_en.html

http://www.ledsupply.com/docs/700-Lumen-LED-Bike-Light.pdf

Torch conversion;

http://www.reuk.co.uk/Convert-Maglite-to-LED.htm

Maglite upgrades;

http://www.ledsupply.com/terralux.php

If you search around you may find these at cheaper prices and at local suppliers. The URL's given here are just guides to what is there. You can save quite a bit of money and build a very high end LED headlamp, but unless you are fairly confident with diy electronics and have a good soldering iron and a decent multimeter you are better off buying one of the many headlamps now on sale. As I simply don't know what circuits various headlamps use I can't give any instructions for repairing them. You also need to be aware that some lamps wont work well with accus you have to use normal batteries of the correct type.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?313328-To-Consider-Before-You-Purchase-a-Headlamp

CCR  = Constant Current Regulator
PWM = Pulse Width Modulation

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