Buck Puck and Luxeon 3 Setup

[Damin Kestler]

Hey guys,

Doing some research on the 1000ma 6 Wire Buck Puck to Drive an Amber Luxeon 3 LED.
(I do have them already to play with...just don't want to over-drive the LED)

Specs on the Buck Puck show it can Drive up to 32V DC
Spec on the Luxeon 3 LED (Amber) shows a Max input Voltage of 3.51V
(Min Voltage 2.31V...Nominal Voltage 2.95V)

I've got a 7.2V 150mAh NiCad Battery Pack I was thinking about using.
(Partially Charged)-Running about 6.5V right now.
I plugged it into the Buck Puck and measured 6.44V Driving the LED Output Lines.

Safe to say, this would be too much for the Luxeon 3 LED?
The 6 Wire Buck Puck does have the CTL (0-5V), and REF (+5V) Lines that I could
set up a Resistor to. Just wondering if this is the way to go if I want to
use that 7.2V NiCad.

Any input would be appreciated!

Dave
AKA: Damin Kestler

[PhoenixReborn]

The buckpuck will lower the voltage to what the LED needs I believe.

[Damin Kestler]

OK...just to clarify before I hook it up.

By connecting the Luxeon 3 LED to the Puck's LED Outputs, that will load
the circuit and cause the Voltage to drop down to whatever the LED wants to Drive at?

I was just afraid of blowing my Amber LED which I want for my 2'nd Build.

Thanks,

Dave
AKA: Damin Kestler

[mihunai]

the buckpuck regulates the amperage, which is the main drive for LED's.
Just make sure you use the buckpuck that gives the LED the required amperage.
so, if your LED uses 700mA , use a 700mA buckpuck, add some batteries , like 4.8V, and you're good to go (just dont overdo it, 12V will kill it after all).

mTm

[Damin Kestler]

I feel better now.

Hooked up the Luxeon 3 to the Buck Puck and the Battery.
Measured 2.5V Across the LED...so the Voltage did drop when it was hooked up.

The LED was very bright. :D
(Even for an uncharged Battery Pack)
Checked the Heatsink after about a minute or so and it was still cool to the touch.
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa247/Americankettler/Luxeon3Amber.jpg

This was my first experience with the Luxeon 3 and using a Buck Puck, so I
was a little fearful of frying my investment.

Thanks again.

Dave
AKA: Damin Kestler

[Jedi-Loreen]

Unfortunately, you're actually under driving that LED, since it really wants 1/3 more current than the 1000mA buck puck can give it.

Over driving refers to giving an LED more current than the specs call for, which will make it brighter while sacrificing a little of the life of the LED. To much voltage will burn out an LED.

Like was already stated, the buck pucks only give the LED as much voltage as it wants.

[Sidd]

I feel better now.

Hooked up the Luxeon 3 to the Buck Puck and the Battery.
Measured 2.5V Across the LED...so the Voltage did drop when it was hooked up.

The LED was very bright. :D
(Even for an uncharged Battery Pack)
Checked the Heatsink after about a minute or so and it was still cool to the touch.
http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/aa247/Americankettler/Luxeon3Amber.jpg

This was my first experience with the Luxeon 3 and using a Buck Puck, so I
was a little fearful of frying my investment.

Thanks again.

Dave
AKA: Damin Kestler

Looks like a good solid set up(atleast to my unskilled eyes)

on a side note what kind of plugs are those??? I will not ask where they came from since this forum is attached to a store but if you want to PM me that info feel free to do so

[Jedi-Loreen]

Those are the JST connectors in the Store:

http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/JST-connectors-P360.aspx

http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Assets/ProductImages/DSC00237.JPG

What kind of switch are you going to use, Damin?

Don't put the switch on the Ctl and Ref wires, that should to go onto the red and black wires from the battery pack.

[Sidd]

Thank you Loreen

[Damin Kestler]

Understood Loreen :)

I'm just getting ready for my 2n'd Saber build, and wanted to use the
Buck Puck/Luxeon 3 setup.

Yes Sidd, loreen is correct...those are the JST Connectors. Great for changing
out Battery Packs and LED's without having to re-solder everything.
Pretty cheap and easy solution, I highly recommend them.

Loreen, For my second build using this setup I've ordered the
DPDT Latching red illuminated switch that I will have between the Battery, (+) and the buck Puck.
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/DPDT-Latching-red-illuminated-switch-P407.aspx
http://www.thecustomsabershop.com/Assets/ProductImages/LDNR_t.jpg

All the Parts are on Order but hasn't been mailed yet.

The parts for my 1'st Saber build will arrive tomorrow, (Wednesday).
This will be the one using the Anakin Skywalker Force Action Sound Board
with the P4 Seoul Red LED.
Reference this thread: http://forums.thecustomsabershop.com/showthread.php?t=10039

Looking forward to tomorrow, and thanks for all the help!

Dave
AKA: Damin Kestler