Micro processor control for HID flash lights

The control line of the Nucon HID ballast can be connected to a micro processor board. For the apllication in flash lights or scuba diving lights this is an ideal combination. You need only one switch, push button or reed relais for several functions like switching on/off, change brightness, lightsignals with brightness blinker, lock function against unintending switching.
LEDs show the actual operating condition: lamp is in operation (yellow), reduced power mode (green) and error/low batterie (red).
The micro processor board is monitoring lamp operation and does an automatic hot restart in case in low power operation the arcing is interrupted. Thus the low power mode is set at the edge of lowest possible power operation of the automotive HID bulb. Ballast and bulb are consuming 27 Watts, which is 66% of the power consumption at nominal power operation. Change in brightness is also clearer visible, because the D1S/D2S bulb will reach about 50% of nominal brightness.

Example PCB with 3 SMT LEDs and a micro push button on the right. Micro processors are giving you a maximum comfort with a minimum of components needed.

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Discharge current curve of a small sealed lead acid battery: To reach the maximum time of operation, the output power should be lowest and the efficiency of the ballast should be highest. At the edge of minimum bulb power operation the arc can extinguish and therefore the micro processor board monitors bulb operation and if needed reignites in a fraction of a second the interupted arc, stabilizes the arc operation at higher power and continuous operation at minimum power till the battery is completely discharged. Of coarse there are no auto restarts at discharged battery, what you can expect from a clever control.

There are many mobile applications thinkable. Hand held lights or for the use as the ultimative bike light. In combination with a high performance reflector you let competitive expensive solutions look like candle light. Just hook your preferred battery to it and turn the night into daylight.

see also HID hand held lamp and Mobile HID xenon working light