Heh, I knew "15W" would attract some of you to read this :)
I'll post more info here including direct Luxeon-to-LedEngin photos as this thread evolves. In the meantime, here is a summary below. Please feel free to add any questions, experience, tips, pictures, or general comments concerning LedEngin LEDs.
LedEngin LEDs
Recently there has been increasing discussion about LedEngin LEDs. Currently it isn't a widely used LED, but I think those who do use it would agree with me that in specific applications it certainly deserves your consideration when planning your next project.
LedEngin (available at
www.mouser.com) produces a 5W LED that is mounted on a PCB star so is compatible with TCSS' lens/lens holders. The 5W's power requirements are similar to a Lux3 or Seoul P4, so most are "drop-in" compatible with sabers which use the popular MR/Hasbro soundboards. Despite using similar power setups, I have found the 5W green and 5W blue to be brighter than their Luxeon3/Seoul P4 counterparts. I'll add pictures to this thread as it evolves and as always it is best to judge for yourself.
LedEngin also produces a 10W LED, which is comprised of four dies which can be wired separately, all still mounted on a standard PCB star. The 10W LEDs emit lots of light for their size (--on paper, up to 425 lumens for green...= to my eye in real life, VERY BRIGHT). There are many combinations possible for driving the 10W. All four dies in series with a buckpuck, 2-3 in series on a US with the other 1-2 on a buck, two in series on a CF and one on a clash/power extender, etc...
Pros of the 5W:Reasonably priced ($7-10)
Mounted on a PCB star just like a Luxeon, so is compatible with TCSS lens holders, MHS blade holders, etc
Similar power requirements to Lux3/Seoul P4 LEDs (2.5-3.6V, 1000mA), so they're compatible with MR soundboards
Properly driven, the Green and Blues are brighter than their Lux3 or SeoulP4 counterparts
Available in green, red, blue, amber, etc
Stay away from the 5W red (the 10W is much better)
Downsides of the 5W:Solder pads are very shallow and difficult to solder (better-than-good soldering iron is recommended)
Currently only available from
www.mouser.com, and when they're out of stock, it takes 3-6 weeks to restock
A Lux3 Red at 1.5A is brighter
Pros of the 10W:Bright and brighter!
700mA, can take 1A overdriven
The four dies can be wired separately (i.e., 5W off a CF w/ 5W clash, or 5W off a US w/ 5W buck puck constant)
RGGB available, for a fantastic purple
RGBA also available (perhaps a purple with amber clash)
Downsides and tips the 10W:Same shallow solder pads as the 10W
Can get a rather pricey ($24-$40)
Require more power (9-14V depending on the LED), so more battery space is needed in your hilt
Accordingly, you need to split the dies in order to achieve sound, unless you don't mind having a very bright stunt saber (all four dies on a buckpuck)
The 10W are offered in two versions: one where all four dies are connected in series, and one where they are individual --make sure you buy the one you want for your specific goal)
Now, LedEngin DOES produce a 15W, but it is not mounted on a PCB star like what we're used to using. But don't worry, something is in the works... ;)