5w, 1500 mA... how to power it...

**Dregan** · 10-03-2006, 09:45 AM

So, I'm still waiting for my white K2 to get here, and as I sit, I have time to ponder, which is a bad thing for me...

This new K2, I chose the brighter model, which apparently draws about 1500 mA @ 5 watts. My question is how do you drive this puppy?

I started with the buck and mini pucks, and all the other buck drivers, and they top out at 1000 mA. Hmmm... not bad, but not great. So I emailed Corbin and asked about his driver, which alternates between 700 and 1500 mA very quickly, which *should* look about as bright as about 1100 continuous, but it's still underdriving the LED. Good for longevity, but I still want that blinding brightness thing...

At this point, I'm thinking that Corbin's driver may be the way to go, but I'm still open to ideas. Anyone have any?

Also, there seems to be a lack of dimensions listed here and there, and I was wondering if Corbin's driver fit inside a MHS.

Sorry to ask so many questions.

Thanks!

**james3** · 10-03-2006, 09:53 AM

I am not sure where you are getting 5 watts from but if you want the most bang from your K2 then what you want to do is just drive it with a 6 volt batt pack like the 4aaa and use the 2ohm resistor that Tim sells in the shop. That will be the easiest way to get er done.

edit-AGGHHHH!! Brain Fart! please ignore this as the hunan has gone to my brain. I am sorry for the wrong info.

6volts supply voltage/ 3.85 forward voltage/ 1500=

1.5ohm 3.4 watt capable

Do-CLo is on it and that is what I get for rushing. DAMN!

**Do-Clo** · 10-03-2006, 09:56 AM

If you use a 6 volt supply voltage (4 AA batteries) and a 1.5 ohm 5 watt resister this will get you the 1500 ma drive to the led.

**xwingband** · 10-03-2006, 11:33 AM

Ironically radioshack resistors will get you set too. You'll need 3 of the 1 ohm resistors, parallel two for the half ohm then serialize the third one.

**Dregan** · 10-03-2006, 11:50 AM

Originally Posted by xwingband

Ironically radioshack resistors will get you set too. You'll need 3 of the 1 ohm resistors, parallel two for the half ohm then serialize the third one.

I was thinking that'd work... (this is probably what I'll end up doing...)

Would the 1.5ohm/3watt ones that Tim sells work? Or is that .85watt gonna overheat the resistor? I've found 1.5/5 resistors, but they're like $1.50 each, and then $9 for shipping...

**james3** · 10-03-2006, 12:28 PM

I would not sweat it but that's me. I like pushing the manufacture specs cause they are to conservative anywho.

Ya know, you could also do the 4.5 volt setup and use the 1ohm 2watt deal.

$9 bucks for shipping a friggin resistor?!?! That's whacked. Anytime I need just little crap like that I have found it's best to just e-mail someone and offer to pay like a buck to cover the envelope and stamp.

**Do-Clo** · 10-03-2006, 12:41 PM

You are looking at 3.22 watts across the resister so I would not use a 3 watt resister go with a 5 watt you will be glad you did. Leds run best through a resister when the supply voltage is at least 1 volt above the voltage of the led, the K2 is 3.85 volts so I would use a 6 volt set up. But that is just my thoughts.

**Yoiaholic** · 10-03-2006, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by james3

$9 bucks for shipping a friggin resistor?!?! That's whacked. Anytime I need just little crap like that I have found it's best to just e-mail someone and offer to pay like a buck to cover the envelope and stamp.

I ordered a single resistor off tim, just email him. It was about 1 dollar for shipping.

**james3** · 10-03-2006, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by Do-Clo

You are looking at 3.22 watts across the resister so I would not use a 3 watt resister go with a 5 watt you will be glad you did. Leds run best through a resister when the supply voltage is at least 1 volt above the voltage of the led, the K2 is 3.85 volts so I would use a 6 volt set up. But that is just my thoughts.

That's why he is da Master

I am going to go drink another Diet Dr Pepper and go find something to derail now :P