[fstfrd15]

after much studying of the excellent info on this forum I'm taking the plunge and building my first light. Just wanted to post my plan and see if it makes sense...

- 2 x SSC P7, run in series
- 2 x 52mm reflector #12229 from dealextreme, big diameter but supposed to be decent beam
- hipflex driver


put it all in a Citizen Kane style Hammond box with good heat sink. they have 53mm x 103mm that should work out decent.

I have looked at info for building a battery pack with 18650s but think buying a ready made pack would be the easy way to go. Looks like 7.4v would be most efficient but others have said 11.1v is better. Any thoughts on this?

 

[Vancbiker]

A 7.4V battery will cause the light to fall out of regulation part way through the run and go dim as the battery voltage drops. Some people like that as a method to tell when their battery is getting low. The series P7s will have 7Vf+. Your 7.4V battery will be down to 6V at the end of its run. Add the overhead voltage for the Hipflex and you will be better with the 11.1 V battery. IMO being able to run at full brightness for the entire life of the battery and using the battery monitoring ability of the Hipflex is better.

 

[Goldigger]

Heres my version of a P7 with the 52mm DX reflector...and a hipflex

 

[fstfrd15]

I like the two big spotlights, very nice looking build.

The 11.1v makes sense, will go with that. I wondered if lights would dim with the 7.4v.

anyone used RC battery packs? they seem to be good capacity, size & weight. cheap to buy and setup for balancing chargers. Here is one I found on ebay.

 

[Goldigger]

Thanks,
I use 4 18650's in series 14.8v with one of turboferrets quad holders..

 

[HEY HEY ITS HENDO]

fstfrd, yes RC packs are easy to source and can work really good,
lipo, nimh, nicad, use what ever ...
goldigger ......... have we seen these lights before ?? nice!!
can`t remember but the cable glands are pretty small and neat
any info ???:thumbsup:
also i see you use the www.lumicycle.com quick release mount

 

[Goldigger]

Hi Hen do,
Thanks.. I did post a couple of pics on another thread but cant rember which one it was.
I got the cable glands from here http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/EK241B.html
there M13, i did also get some M12 metal cable glands but they were to big and heavy in comparison.
Drill a 12mm hole and file out any rough bits then force the gland in..
The only tools i used to make the lights were a 650w drill which i also used a dremel carbide cutter in to cut steps in the alloy. Hacksaw and some files + metal oxide sand paper..
The lumicycle mount is very sturdy..

 

[HEY HEY ITS HENDO]

file out any rough bits then force the gland in..

yeahhhhhh :thumbsup: lol

 

[Goldigger]

unless of course you have taps to cut the thread...

 

[HEY HEY ITS HENDO]

yep agreed, for a one off just ram it in!! i dont have a machine shop, = bummer!!
......only hand tools, brute force, luck and..... imagination i rely on!! .......
most of my lights are assembled in my kitchen (plug in soldering iron>move over turkey> christmas cake> beer >wine> spirits ooh XP-E OR XP-G GLAD I`M NOT PISHED!!!
Happoy new yea r evertbody hic )

 

[zemike]

anyone used RC battery packs? they seem to be good capacity, size & weight. cheap to buy and setup for balancing chargers. Here is one I found on ebay.

I use LiPos - 11 and 14v. They work fine.
I would recommend checking this: http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/lithium_polymer_battery_configuration.asp