I have been doing some tests of the new lamp that uses SSC P7s in Ledil Collimator reflectors, and frankly the results are disappointing. At least from my point of view. I do however; feel that I have made some important discoveries.
In the week, I tested my new lamp against the car headlamps as I have done before, however the results were so disappointing as not to be worth uploading.
Basically, the new P7 lamp has no throw.
On Saturday I tested a selection of lamps in Cwmorthin, with interesting results.
I used the top chamber with the steps, and I could stand right at the back and clearly illuminate right to the top of the steps with the 5 X Cree Q5 MagnumStar I was wearing.
The 3 X P7 lamp would floodlight the chamber but the throw of it was very poor, indeed not as good as the previously tried DX 3 lens aluminium reflector unit with the P7s.
The is usually a reason for everything, and my opinion is that the answer lies in the DX reflector in as much as each reflector boring breaks into its neighbour, so in effect this gives a partial increase in size and a cumulative effect.
If one looks at the Scurion K they are using an obvious large reflector, I think that this is the answer. They also say that the P7 is not focusable, but the Cree MCE, being the one they use, is focusable.
To what extent however, is yet another question?
Some indication is given on the Scurion forum where Mr DarkPlaces states that Miles Mouldings Raptor Pro has more throw. This says much about the Scurion which purports to output 1200 lumens. For that matter is also says much about how good the Raptor Pro is!
I was there some time using the lamps to take photographs which resulted in my 3 P7 lamp being on full power for about 20 minutes. When I came to turn it off the heatsinks were very hot. I tuned it off and then unscrewed the front as being a test bed lamp it has not been sealed. Gingerly, I touched the copper plate upon which the emitters are mounted, it was hardly warm! And yet the heatsinks on the outside of the lamp were still hot to touch.
I seriously wish some had been there to witness this phenomenon, as I appreciate that it must be a lot to swallow.
I have definitely developed something interesting here.
Anyway, I have ordered some Cree X Lamp MCE quad core emitters to try. A while ago I saw one of Miles MCE torches and I was very impressed. The intention is to try substituting one or 2 of the Q5s in my 5 Cree lamp with these and see what I get.
Another interesting thing is my now awareness of the law of diminishing returns as one puts more of the same emitters on line, particularly noticeable with the 3 X P7 lamp.
1 P7 gives a powerful floodlight effect. Putting another on gives an impression of double the amount of light, which is mathematically correct as you have an increase of 100%
Putting a third gives an increase of 50%, however visual impression is of only a slight increase.
On the same token reducing the number of emitters in my 5 Q5 lamp down to 4 mathematically reduces output by 20%, visually its hard to see any difference. So substituting the centre emitter that has the advantage of the largest reflector surface with say an MCE or P7 could have very interesting results. The MCE also has the advantage of being almost the same size as an ordinary Q5, while the P7 is 12mm diameter.
Another obvious line to follow is that of reverting back to the DX 3 lens reflector with 1 Cree Q5 as a general use lamp, but the other 2 carrying SSC P7s. I may dump the idea of trying to produce a lamp for all tastes and do 2 different versions. I don’t know at this stage.
My avatar is a poor likeness.