Hello all!
Completely new to all of this and staggered by all the options for DIY lighting. I want to make my own caving/mining exploration headlamp with a remote power source. I'm pretty good with soldering and wiring work, but not as good with maths and determining proper voltage, amps, etc. One thing I do know - I don't want to use C123 or regular batteries. I want to use 18650s! I want to make something that will run for a long time on high, and rechargable. Not too particular about distance. To be honest, something in between spot/throw would work.
I was looking at the following:
2x diode: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cree-XM-L2...er-Chip-Bulb-16mm-Base-flaslight/151230069237
2x driver: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Flashl...cuit-XM-L-XML-XM-L2-CC-XP-G-7135/191062917478
2x relfector: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aluminum-Smooth-Reflector-for-TrustFire-T1-Flashlight-585/171720660862
The problem is, I'm worried about making my own battery pack. I would like to find a pre-made waterproof pack, but I can't seem to find any that don't have a darn USB coming out for the power connection. I want to hardwire it to the light instead. The idea here is I want to make a little box with a clear cover, and mount two of these led's/drivers in it, and run a line to the power pack (perhaps in a backpack or belt holster). Ideally something where I can remove the cells and put them in a charger that will regulate and cut off as needed (rather than trying to wire in my own BMC).
As an alternative, I'm looking at a nitecore HC90, but I wonder if I can build it to power from an external source of more than 1 18650? I am trying for runtime here...really hoping to get a full day's exploration out of one charge.
And finally, this is a super amazing version of what I am trying to make: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?332747-Kavelight-P60-Headlamp
I would buy one if he was still here and I could afford it, but I cannot.
Any guidance or advice welcome! Would prefer the DIY route for fun/learning.
Completely new to all of this and staggered by all the options for DIY lighting. I want to make my own caving/mining exploration headlamp with a remote power source. I'm pretty good with soldering and wiring work, but not as good with maths and determining proper voltage, amps, etc. One thing I do know - I don't want to use C123 or regular batteries. I want to use 18650s! I want to make something that will run for a long time on high, and rechargable. Not too particular about distance. To be honest, something in between spot/throw would work.
I was looking at the following:
2x diode: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cree-XM-L2...er-Chip-Bulb-16mm-Base-flaslight/151230069237
2x driver: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Flashl...cuit-XM-L-XML-XM-L2-CC-XP-G-7135/191062917478
2x relfector: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Aluminum-Smooth-Reflector-for-TrustFire-T1-Flashlight-585/171720660862
The problem is, I'm worried about making my own battery pack. I would like to find a pre-made waterproof pack, but I can't seem to find any that don't have a darn USB coming out for the power connection. I want to hardwire it to the light instead. The idea here is I want to make a little box with a clear cover, and mount two of these led's/drivers in it, and run a line to the power pack (perhaps in a backpack or belt holster). Ideally something where I can remove the cells and put them in a charger that will regulate and cut off as needed (rather than trying to wire in my own BMC).
As an alternative, I'm looking at a nitecore HC90, but I wonder if I can build it to power from an external source of more than 1 18650? I am trying for runtime here...really hoping to get a full day's exploration out of one charge.
And finally, this is a super amazing version of what I am trying to make: http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?332747-Kavelight-P60-Headlamp
I would buy one if he was still here and I could afford it, but I cannot.
Any guidance or advice welcome! Would prefer the DIY route for fun/learning.