FAQ
TL;DR: DIYers report a 1.9 kg HID searchlight that pushes ≈100 W and runs 2–3 h on a 10 Ah 3s6p Li-ion pack; "The battery is guarded by the PCM"[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16207038]
Why it matters: The mod triples runtime versus the stock 6 V lead-acid while halving weight.
Quick Facts
• Battery: 3s6p ICR18650H, measured 10.1 Ah[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16205994]
• Ballast: 12 V/35 W HID, cold-start ≈7 A[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16205994]
• Complete build mass: 1.9 kg[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16207038]
• Expected runtime: ~3 h at 100 W draw (80 % eff.)[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16205994]
• Surplus H1 HID burner cost: 20 PLN[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16328532]
What housing and reflector fit the HID mod?
How is the lithium pack assembled and protected?
What runtime can I expect at full power?
Which ballast works on 3-cell lithium?
How can I improve focus and reduce spill?
Do I need a voltage indicator?
Not essential. The PCM disconnects at 2.7 V/cell, preventing deep discharge
[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16207038] Add an LED bargraph if instant status is desired; it draws <5 mA[Typical datasheet].
Will an H3 LED bulb survive direct 4 S power?
What are common failure points in this build?
How do I charge the pack safely?
Could I swap HID for a single high-power LED?
Yes. Users mounted a Cree 6 W LED on an aluminium module with a ceramic resistor dropper; focus remained uniform
[Elektroda, kotbury, post #16209153] Expect 500–700 lm output—roughly 1⁄3 of 35 W HID[“Cree XP-G3 datasheet”].
How do I mount a HID burner in a halogen reflector?
- Remove H3 bulb and clear LEDs.
- Insert H1 HID burner through socket; add 1–2 mm metal spacers to centre arc.
- Lock with retaining clip, then test beam on a wall at 5 m.
“Small shifts make big differences,” notes one builder[Elektroda, partyzancik, post #16236761]
Is the flashlight still portable?
Where can I buy compatible burners and ballasts?
What beam pattern did users achieve?
Can I add on-board charging?
Generated by the language model.
Comments
What kind of light focus does this offer? Could use a voltage indicator on the battery and built-in sockets for connecting the charger and balancer. [Read more]
Hello, I have an identical reflector with a housing and I am wondering whether to use LEDs or to do something similar to your design. Write something more about the converter please - I suppose it is... [Read more]
The balancer socket is this plug (black cube) in the photo on the side with 4 cables, it just fits perfectly into the imax socket, as for the charging socket, I will probably put it in the place where... [Read more]
I also changed such a flashlight. The fact that the original bulb spoils the battery very quickly. I converted mine to LED, and in the housing H3. I left the diodes around, the middle diode is withdrawn... [Read more]
I also converted such a similar flashlight - only to a flat surface with live LEDs I screwed an aluminum module with a CREE 6W diode - real from the US :) (with a radiator thrown at the back, which would... [Read more]
Could a colleague write something about the burner and converter? Specifically, the type of burner and possibly a link to the store. I am planning to convert the "flashlight" jml2940 myself. Greetin... [Read more]
It can be hard with beamshots. In the evenings, the air in the area is not very clear. In addition, I noticed that the burner is not set well enough yet. In addition, there is not much space to move further... [Read more]
I tried it on stabilized power supplies and it worked on 18V - without damaging the LED. It was on for 3 hours. [Read more]
Well, I present a beamshot from about 25 m. http://obrazki.elektroda.pl/9523358700_1486929444_thumb.jpg The whole stain on the wall is a spot that, unfortunately, continues to diverge, and at the bottom,... [Read more]
bought a few years ago on site in the warehouse http://www.edensklep.pl/sklep/ and it was the cheapest burner matching the H1 bulb socket [Read more]
and there was no problem with the LED heating? I connected to a charged battery a li-ion screwdriver (about 16.5 V) replacement for a H3 bulb with 9 5050 LEDs, after an hour-one and a half already one... [Read more]
As for the post above about LED replacements H1 / 3/7 - how did the author fit the toto in the flashlight? After all, functional diode replacements for the above-mentioned halogens, which are actually... [Read more]
in such a flashlight http://spplthumb.blob.core.windows.net/540x405/76/f1/07/mocna-latarka-szperacz-h3-55w-nowy-akku-gw-wielkopolskie-poznan-197694657.jpg I would like to put such a light bulb http://firma-skiba.pl/3449/zarowka-led-h3-9xsmd5050-biala.jpg... [Read more]
Exactly such a bulb is extended in the plinth, because in the same position as it was - it was leaning against the glass. Retracted it diffuses the light better after the reflector. [Read more]