Welcome to Laser Pointer Forums - discuss green laser pointers, blue laser pointers, and all types of lasers

LPF Donation via Stripe | LPF Donation - Other Methods

Links below open in new window

ArcticMyst Security by Avery

Making a DIY multi LED - Work light etc.,

T

tsk1979

0
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
122
Points
0
Trawling through the search threads on the forum, I am now fairly confident of assembling a laser using a DTR module, a driver and a host from dealextreme.

However, even though I have searched LPF and a lot of other forums, I am a little confused about how to make LED flashlights.

Firstly the simple stuff.
I presume. If I get a host with reflector, all I need to do is put in same size driver in the "pill", and right under the reflector I attach the LED (lets say a Cree 1000 lumen high power LED)

However, I am wondering, how is the LED attached to a heatslink. If I stick LED to a heatslink, will something short?
XM-L 975-Lumen LED Emitter White Light Bulb (3.0~3.5V) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme
The above link shows a flat emitter. I just cannot thermal glue this to a small aluminum block?

Anybody can show me pics.

The reason I am interested is that I have this idea

I will take 4 of these 900lmn emitters.
Stick them on a thick copper or aluminum plate with holes drilled.
Attach the drivers to the other size of the plate, and drive using vehicle 12V line.

This will give me a "floodlight" for offroad or JCB use.

So a big shout out to all the flashlight and LED light experts. Please chip in with pictures and guides.
 





Leodahsan

Leodahsan

0
Joined
Aug 7, 2010
Messages
2,086
Points
0
The second pic shows the back of the emitter. It can be attached to the heatsink there. You can also try screws...

Will you buy the drivers??
 
T

tsk1979

0
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
122
Points
0
Leodahsan said:
The second pic shows the back of the emitter. It can be attached to the heatsink there. You can also try screws...

Will you buy the drivers??
Click to expand...

Yes, I am thinking of using 4 LEDs, and using 2 drivers(Each driver driving 2 LEDs). Found a 5-18V driver on dx.com which can drive three LEDs, so 2 should be okay.
Will also buy acheap housing. Since there is no reflector, I presume this is going to be a proper Flood light!
 
BShanahan14rulz

BShanahan14rulz

0
Joined
Dec 29, 2009
Messages
3,136
Points
63
Those star shaped Metal-core PCB (MCPCB) with Cree LEDs on them are not connected to the anode or cathode of the LED. Only the 6 pads on the top side of that MCPCB are contacts. The thermal slug of Cree LEDs is electrically neutral, and most MCPCBs insulate topside connections from the underlying aluminum core.

You can use thermal epoxy, thermal grease with screws or other mechanical means to press star down onto heatsink. Even thermal films are usable, but not usually recommended.

If you have a weak soldering iron and a big heatsink, I'd solder the wires to the pads on the MCPCB before mounting the LED MCPCB on the heatsink.

Depending on the driver, you may be better off with three in series instead of four. What driver are you planning on using, and how will you be arranging your LEDs?
 
mhemling33

mhemling33

0
Joined
Oct 19, 2012
Messages
955
Points
43
Is this what you were looking to do? I made this from stuff I had laying around from gutted flashlights. I changed the battery compartment so I have 3 x 10440's in parallel. I am using one driver that is running to the led's which are parallel. I used arctic silver alumina thermal adhesive to hold the LED's to aluminum cylinders. This thing is pretty bright. My dad has one of those worklights with 1 million little led's and he asked me if I could make one using the ones that are in my flashlights..... so of course I took on the challenge lol.




 
T

tsk1979

0
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
122
Points
0
mhemling33 said:
Is this what you were looking to do? I made this from stuff I had laying around from gutted flashlights.
Click to expand...
Great!
Similar to this.
I was planning to have it powered by the vehicle 12V supply
I guess, I can stick the cree XML-T6 type of high power LED on a aluminium plate, and stick the drivers to the reverse side.
Enclose it in a simple fog lamp housing, and I am good to go!
 
T

tsk1979

0
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
122
Points
0
So I have decided, my first "assembly" will be a flashlight.
I am thinking of
Cree XML-U6 or similar running 3A. This costs around 8$ on dx.com
Along with that I am wondering which host I should use and which driver which will fit into the driver pill of the host.
The problem with DX is that a lost of stuff is sold, but you don't know whether the cree XML they sell will fit in the host, and the driver you choose will fit.

This is the host I am thinking about
C6 DIY Cree LED Flashlight Full Casing/Shell with Driver Pill (2*CR123A/1*18650) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

It says
"Aluminum textured/OP reflector for Cree XR-E LED emitter (reflector size: 22mm x 18mm)"
What if I want to fit XML at 3A
XM-L 975-Lumen LED Emitter White Light Bulb (3.0~3.5V) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

The driver I am thinking about is this
5V~12V 9W 3*Cree 3-Mode Circuit Board for Flashlights (16.7mm*5.6mm) - Free Shipping - DealExtreme

I am worried my build may run too hot!

What do you suggest?
 
Cyparagon

Cyparagon

0
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
9,399
Points
113
Good luck getting 3A into the LED with that 800mA driver. :shhh:
 
T

tsk1979

0
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
122
Points
0
Cyparagon

Cyparagon

0
Joined
Sep 12, 2007
Messages
9,399
Points
113
I hate drivers like that which have no regulation; I don't see the point. But I'm the only one - no one else seems to care. So go for it.
 
T

tsk1979

0
Joined
May 29, 2013
Messages
122
Points
0
Skylasers on aliexpress sells a XM-L flashlight doing 3A for 10$??
When XM-L emitter itself is 5$, how do they manage a 10$ price (8$ if you buy in bulk)!!?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.




Top