Best current for M140? I really need your help!

[Cube777]

Hi LPF,

I know this question has been answered before but just want to make sure. I have seen some people say that the limit for the safe current is 1.6A and others say it is 1.7A. I really can't afford to LED this guy soon (it needs to last looong, otherwise my dad won't let me do another +1W build!), but I would like to get as much safe power possible. I'm going to use a Guidesman host and my driver can go up to 1.8A. Please don't tell me to search, I've done that the last two hours! Any help would be greatly appreciated! :thanks:

 

[Zeebit]

M140 should be pretty hardy. What you need is good diode and driver heatsinking. You could start at around 1.5A if you are worried about lifetime though most people here push it up to 1.8A. You could also get a G1/G2 lens for more output power than the standard 3 element lens.

You can also try those soft start drivers if you want.

 

[jimdt7]

Well for about 1W you will need to feed it with 1.25A using the Aixiz Glass lens :beer:

Jim

 

[Th3dArKn3o]

If your heat sink is capable for a high power M140 then i suggest you 1,7-1,8A
I had my M140 up to 2A but mine started to dim at that current so I used 1,9A in my Build had it now for almost 2 months with likely 20 hours on and no Problems at all !
(Peaked at 2470mW with G2 Lens )

 

[Cube777]

So at 1.6A it would have a long and happy life?

 

[Th3dArKn3o]

If you're not itching for every miliwatt then yes stick with 1,6A

 

[Bionic-Badger]

Using 1.5-1.6A will yield you about 2W (on a G2) and a good lifetime provided the diode has adequate heatsinking.

 

[Cube777]

:thanks: everybody for the help!