Hacking a 7W 300LM Mini CREE LED Flashlight and dimming it with DMX - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: 69morpho
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 03:26:49 pm
content: Hi there,I am considering to use about 20 mini LED flash lights for an art installation. They will be running off a power supplies (probably 3V) and DMX to dim their brightness. It should be a very simply flash light with a super-narrow zoom, only one mode (full power) and if possible under $10 each.I've tried the brightness control with DMX on a test flashlight and it seems to work perfectly. Since those flashlights have a built-in circuitry that brings up the 1.5 V from the battery to above the forward voltage of the Cree Q5 LED (3.3+ V) I was wondering if dimming with DMX could do any harm to the circuitry and what the ideal power supply voltage would be.I found the "7W 300LM Mini CREE LED Flashlight Torch Adjustable Focus Zoom Light" on Amazon. Any other recommendations?Thanks in advance,Erwin

author: Legit-Design
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 04:24:27 pm
content: http://www.amazon.com/300LM-Flashlight-Torch-Adjustable-Focus/dp/B00828MZ3Wthese? they are using 14500 lithium cells, 3.7V nominal each. Why do you want to base that art installation to off the self flashlight? Because they can be zoomed to tight square?

author: 69morpho
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 05:27:31 pm
content: The reason why I am using a flashlight is because is can zoom to a tight square, correct. I custom built focused LED lights myself in the past but just the lenses, LEDs, etc cost more than $40. Those off-the-shelf flashlights have decent lenses and CREE LEDs for under $10. Saves a lot of time and money...Now I just want to know if I can reliably control them with DMX. It works on a test flash light but I want to make sure that the built-in booster of the flashlight can deal with the output from the DMX driver over time...Thanks,Erwin

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 17, 2014, 10:36:54 pm
content: Using PWM on the 1.5V supply seems like an ugly way. I mean, it may work fine but would be highly dependent on the driver design.If it were me, I'd be bypassing the step-up converter and work with the LEDs directly.How long does this installation need to last? Days, months, years?

author: 69morpho
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 04:15:37 pm
content: Installation should last years but only will be on maybe an hour a day average. Yes, bypassing the circuitry, putting in the appropriate resistor and using the flashlight's housing as a heatsink is probably the best way to go.Thanks for the suggestion...Erwin

author: David_AVD
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 18, 2014, 09:04:26 pm
content: You can buy really cheap CC drivers with DMX input from China these days. Check outRay Wu's AliExpress storeas I think he sells them.

author: 69morpho
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 23, 2014, 03:50:46 pm
content: Just a little update on the flashlight dimming project:I got those 7W 300LM Mini CREE LED flashlights and I tested 2 different DMX controlled current limiting drivers from Shanghai EUChips Industrial -www.euchips.comPX704 - has 4 channels and you can set the current either to 350 or 700mAPX705 - has 3 channels and you can set the current to 300, 350, 500, 650 or 700mAEUChips has been extremely helpful and you can order directly with PayPal. Contact Ivy Chang at ivy@euchips.com if you need further information.Cheers,Erwin

author: microbug
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 23, 2014, 08:42:53 pm
content: Side note: whatever they may claim, this is definitely not a 7W or 300lm torch. There are (too) many imitation CREE LED flashlights out there; as a rule avoid anything with 'fire' (e.g., Ultrafire) in the name. The closest real thing is an LED LENSER P7.2 which is 320 lumens and $65. It will, however, actually be 350 lumens and the optics will produce a smooth circle of light.Of course, this doesn't matter if you're happy with what you've got.

author: halolily17
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 07:00:48 am
content: I have read your requirement. I will suggest you to consider the Tactical Flashlighthttp://bit.ly/2ukrSqIG30R ;Fashionable patent compact design body; Using CREE XM-L2 T6 LED, and 14500 lithium battery. Only 5.96 inches in length, G30R delivers max 150-lumen output. I think it's really suitable for you and help my suggestion will help you.

author: Mr.B
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 08, 2017, 07:14:53 am
content: Quote from: halolily17 on August 08, 2017, 07:00:48 amLets see:First post... check.Promoting a product... check.Bumping a 3 year old thread... check.Not financially motivated... No check.