Some light comparison pictures...

[mitsuguy]

Alright, I had this thread over in the DIY section, but got adventurous and pulled out every light I could find in our house for a light comparo of sorts...

All pictures are taken at F3.5, 1/2 second exposure, ISO 400

First off, our backyard with only the ambient light (there's not much):


Then, we have a 4 D cell standard bulb mag lite (4x1.5 = 6 volt total)


Next up, an almost identical mag lite, but retrofitted with Maglite brand LED, still 4x1.5 volt


Alright, next up, a Princeton Tec Tec 40 (a $15 backup light), 4 AA's, 6 volt total


Then, we go on to my work light, a Q5 Emitter powered by 2 x 3.6 volt CR123's, 7.2 volt total (it'll run for about an hour and a half) This light cost me $27 plus batteries/charger


Then, a Princeton Tec Miniwave, powered by 4 C Batteries... I must admit, these batteries are about half used, but I don't have a fresh set to use right now... This is a $89 light...


And, finally, my P7 emitter custom DIY dive light, what most are calling a 12 watt LED... the battery packs are two 7.4 volt packs, each consisting of 4x18650 cells, a total of 8000 maH... should run around 3-4 hours per charge... this thing rocks, and it just barely gets warm...

[CompuDude]

a) pics of the light itself?

b) how much are you selling them for?

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by CompuDude

a) pics of the light itself?

b) how much are you selling them for?

allllll mine


actually, if I was planning on staying in the states, I'd revise this thing into a little easier thing to put together, maybe get a lathe, and build a few for cheap...

but I'm not

However, I plan on revising it a couple times still - the battery pack is a little big still, and the head has only been tested to 12', but with a little more testing, I'll post all the pics and some revisions maybe...

[Gombessa]

What, you don't see the P7 light sitting on the table in the previous shots?

Looks like the OP may some kind of furry mammal infestation too, one that's only visible with the P7.

[mike_s]

pretty bright! what'd it cost for you to build?

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by Gombessa

What, you don't see the P7 light sitting on the table in the previous shots?

Looks like the OP may some kind of furry mammal infestation too, one that's only visible with the P7.

yup... I wasn't even paying attention, but it is there in this picture:


And yes, that's our 4 yr old collie... She was hanging out watching me... I didn't even notice her either...

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by mike_s

pretty bright! what'd it cost for you to build?

the emitter is $35 on dealextreme.com
the glass lens was less than $1 at kaidomain.com
the batteries (Li-ion, 2 x 4000 maH, 7.4 volt) are $20 each on batteryspace.com
the charger for the batteries was $22 at batteryspace.com
the mag lite I chopped up was $15 at Home Depot

the waterproof switch and boot were $22.50 at mcmaster carr
the cable glands were $16.84 for the pair at mcmaster carr

then a couple bucks in wire connectors (I used the RC car style connectors from radio shack for the batteries and charger)

about $150 tied up in it all I suppose... well worth it... more importantly, i got to build it myself which is always cool...

[skdvr]

Very impressive... Thanks for the pics. Do you have any pics of your DIY Light that you can share...

Thanks
Phil

[mm_dm]

Alright Cody! Glad the parts finally made it in. Where will you test it next and to what depth?

[mitsuguy]

Originally Posted by mm_dm

Alright Cody! Glad the parts finally made it in. Where will you test it next and to what depth?

wherever and however deep

I plan on taking it deep without the batteries or emitter just in case it floods...

assuming it lives, then I'll put it together and go back down and see just how bright she is... we'll have to compare it to your HID... I'll be real interested to see how it holds up...