Look what the postman brought..

[LeighPing]

How can so much light come out of something so tiny?

The 3000LM CREE XM L2 LED Cycling Headlight. It is amazing. Cheers for the 'heads up' on this item d8veh.

I knocked up a couple of videos to show it's brilliance.

Compared with a 6000 lumen bike light.

 

[IR772]

In the dark can you do a 6k v 3k, high power level only to see the difference in the beams.

 

[LeighPing]

In the dark can you do a 6k v 3k, high power level only to see the difference in the beams.

Roger, wilco flight commander.

A few pics of the fleet.

No lights.



Low lights.



High lights.

 

[Gubbins]

I bought a supposedly 5000LM double cree.. which is ok but the battery dont last very long (no surprise really)
It apears to have 4 cells which are about 620mm long.
What would be a good replacement/improvement? I was thinking of having one made by one or the RC shops but dont know what to ask for.

 

[soundwave]

its just 4 18650 cells but there prob fake ones and dont last very long.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-genuine-Panasonic-3400mah-18650-made-in-japan/361690808477?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=38624&meid=b898676b19fa408ab29d5e9235e6e390&pid=100011&rk=1&rkt=18&sd=191948761989

 

[Gubbins]

its just 4 18650 cells but there prob fake ones and dont last very long.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-genuine-Panasonic-3400mah-18650-made-in-japan/361690808477?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=38624&meid=b898676b19fa408ab29d5e9235e6e390&pid=100011&rk=1&rkt=18&sd=191948761989

Yes but I dont have the skills to put them together so need to buy one thats a goodun...

 

[soundwave]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152101697909?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

i have one and cuts out when charged just not had chance to run it down yet to see if it cuts off at 2.5v.

also got a 18650 charger coming as sick of these naff cells from china but the one you have will charge the cells in it.

 

[LeighPing]

In the dark can you do a 6k v 3k, high power level only to see the difference in the beams.

 

[STEVEMANFA]

Happy days my light is here
Looks ok not that keen on the led light on the back for the buttons, it looks like there is know way to turn them off.
It's bright and it looks ok not sure how long the battery will last.
I hope to try it out soon

 

[KirstinS]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/152101697909?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

i have one and cuts out when charged just not had chance to run it down yet to see if it cuts off at 2.5v.

also got a 18650 charger coming as sick of these naff cells from china but the one you have will charge the cells in it.

Perfect, just what I need, also sick of naff fake cells and soldering packs

Good find

 

[Gubbins]

Perfect, just what I need, also sick of naff fake cells and soldering packs

Good find

Please excuse my ignorance but how does buying this holder stop me getting fake cells?

 

[KirstinS]

Please excuse my ignorance but how does buying this holder stop me getting fake cells?

It is relatively easy to buy decent cells loose

But so very many ready made, shrink wrapped light packs contain junk cells.

A holder like this enables you to source your own cells. But still retain the plug n play simplicity of a ready made pack.

To date I've been buying decent cells and soldering them up into packs. But it's a pain and then there is no BMS either

This holder is easy, waterproof, more robust , safer and you can pop any cells you can find or choose.

 

[Gubbins]

It is relatively easy to buy decent cells loose

But so very many ready made, shrink wrapped light packs contain junk cells.

A holder like this enables you to source your own cells. But still retain the plug n play simplicity of a ready made pack.

To date I've been buying decent cells and soldering them up into packs. But it's a pain and then there is no BMS either

This holder is easy, waterproof, more robust , safer and you can pop any cells you can find or choose.

I have just been looking and like the nimh cells the sellers advertise anything from 2500mah to 3600mah on all the colours of the rainbow should one assume the 3600 ones are fake or that the 2500 ones are inferior? I know where I am with nimh cells and only use a dealer I trust.

 

[Gubbins]

Is there a reason why no one uses nimh batteries for the cree lights?

 

[danielrlee]

Is there a reason why no one uses nimh batteries for the cree lights?

No reason that you couldn't, but lithium tech is better in almost every way.

NiMh are 1.2V nominal. 18650 Li-Ion are 3.7V nominal. 18650 has a much greater energy density too.

 

[Gubbins]

No reason that you couldn't, but lithium tech is better in almost every way.

NiMh are 1.2V nominal. 18650 Li-Ion are 3.7V nominal. 18650 has a much greater energy density too.

Next question..
How do I know I am buying good ones?

 

[IR772]

Please excuse my ignorance but how does buying this holder stop me getting fake cells?

Are you questioning the authenticity of products made in China!!

I have never heard such cheek, I am sure legal action will be started.

It is relatively easy to buy decent cells loose

But so very many ready made, shrink wrapped light packs contain junk cells.

A holder like this enables you to source your own cells. But still retain the plug n play simplicity of a ready made pack.

To date I've been buying decent cells and soldering them up into packs. But it's a pain and then there is no BMS either

This holder is easy, waterproof, more robust , safer and you can pop any cells you can find or choose.

If you ask soundwave (I could not find the post) he has a container that will take 4 loose cells and contains a discharge protection circuit, plus 5 volt output on a usb lead. All in one easy to use package.

 

[danielrlee]

I have just been looking and like the nimh cells the sellers advertise anything from 2500mah to 3600mah on all the colours of the rainbow should one assume the 3600 ones are fake or that the 2500 ones are inferior? I know where I am with nimh cells and only use a dealer I trust.

Highest capacity authentic 18650 cell at this moment in time is the Panasonic NCR18650G (3600mAh), although I am unable to recommend a specific source.

 

[Gubbins]

Yes I have seen that and added it to my watch list. I have pm'd him to ask which batteries I need and am awaiting a reply. He is probably out terrorising the forestry commission.. lol

 

[danielrlee]

Next question..
How do I know I am buying good ones?

Please see my previous (cross-posted) reply. Someone will be able to recommend a good source. Ebay or AliExpress is most likely not it though.