DIY LED torch light with 1 or 2 batteries.?
I am trying to make a super bright LED torch with 1 or 2 batteries to operated one super bright LED. The light with 2 batteries are dim. May I know how to make its intensity higher. I noted that LED torch available in the market also operated only with 2 batteries and they are really bright. May I know what is the secret to do this? Is there any chip hidden in there or the super bright LED voltage required is lower than the one I have?
Public Comments
- Need to know the LEDs you use and their specs. Also the circuit.
White LEDs take about 2.7 volts or more. Plus you need some voltage for the stabilization resistors. so you need 3 volts or 2 batteries at least.
without knowing more details, perhaps you can increase the current, which increases the brightness, by decreasing the series resistor.
- There is indeed a power controller chip in high power (1 or 3 watt) LED flashlights. It basically boosts the voltage while regulating the current to get maximum brightness without burning out the LED.
Different LED colours use different junction materials and have different working voltages, but LEDs work on current: you have to control the current within the specifications or the junction will burn out. The easiest way is with a series resistor but this gives quite poor regulation and/or wastes a lot of electrical power heating up the resistor. An active circuit is best - if you have enough voltage a simple current regulator works (the LM117 makes a beaut) if the supply voltage is really low then a voltage converter and regulator circuit is needed.
