How many diodes?

[Diamon]

So I've just started building a flashlight today. And I can't decide how many diods I should out in. Space isn't an issue, I'll be using 2 sets of 4 1,5v batteries (2x6 volt) and I'll be using high power 6v diods. How many do you think would be enough? 20? 50? 100? I do love overkill but they cost slightly above 5 sek each 0_o. That is 0,76 USD according to forex.

[SXRguyinMA]

we sell little flashlights here at my store that have 9 super bright white LEDs in them, and they're bright!

[mDust]

we sell little flashlights here at my store that have 9 super bright white LEDs in them, and they're bright!

I have a little pocket flashlight with 9 super-brights that is very bright up close but it doesn't seem to illuminate anything beyond 10ft.

How many you need depends on how bright the individual LEDs are and how bright you want the flashlight to be. 10-20 lumens is about all the average flashlight would be...I'd shoot for higher though. A couple hundred and it's a weapon! :twisted:

EDIT: I'd also recommend getting the more focused type rather than LEDs that emit light in all directions.

[x88x]

:? Do..wait...how many...what?

*reads through posts carefully*

...OOOHH! How many light emitting diodes? That depends, as mDust said, what type of light you want and how far you want it to go.

BTW, a standard diode is just a chunk of semiconductor that only passes current in one direction. ;)

[billygoat333]

I vote... 100!

[Diamon]

If I squeeze in as many LED's as possible I'd be able to fit 136 of them. That is too expensive however. As well as that the shop doesn't even have that many :D.

I'm thinking of putting in 50 of them. That should provide a lot of lumen as well!

[Diamon]

OK, thanks for the help everyone. Rep has been distributed.
Pics coming up when I get my LED's (should be on monday).

[SXRguyinMA]

you could get them from www.ledshoppe.com, they're cheap at large quantities :D

[Diamon]

I'm buying from "Tema elektronik" here in Gothenburg. But thanks anyway.

[billygoat333]

you could get them from www.ledshoppe.com, they're cheap at large quantities :D

I think I paid like 7 bucks for 100 of em from there. good place to buy. :)

[Konrad]

You can get a lot more concentrated brightness (in any given area, with about the same power) using SMT LEDs. They're a lot more difficult to work with by hand, though, and probably only available in quantity.