DS-500 Build 4 -- Da BEST!!!

[Odd Man Out]

Just received two build 4 taillights a couple days ago. I plan on doing a YouTube review so I won't wax too poetic here but man oh man am I a believer! This taillight has no competition on this planet. I have no clue why Stephen (the inventor) does not want to be a millionaire by mass producing and marketing these puppies as they would sell like a combination of a better mousetrap and hotcakes....

Super small but unnaturally bright. I wanted to see how bright of course so if figured it would not hurt to stand in a room and turn it on facing outdoors through a window. It was a clear blue sky sunny day outside so I guessed that if it was so brite as claimed I'd see something when I switched it on. I turned it on and, HOLY F*#^!!!!! WHAT THE H#!! the reflection only off the window glass was enough to having me see red spots for a long time. This light will never be able to be ignored by drivers.

I know that this taillight cost a bit but let me ask you this; what is your life worth? No other taillight compares. No other taillight will make you more conspicuous to drivers and safe. As stated previously, I am a believer.

[david64]

How have the builds progressed?

In an early video, I think build one, it was stated the light gave off 495 lumens, but it seems this has increased to 830 lumens.

[Stephen]

Hey David,
Welcome to the forum! Yes, the basic design (from an electrical standpoint) hasn't changed much, but the original 495 estimate was a theoretical estimate only (since I don't have my own integrating sphere and all). I believe Lupine was able to capture all of the energy coming out of the light (including the side lighting) which is how they arrived at their measurement of 800+ lumens. Needless to say, I was very pleased;)

Build 4 introduced the updated XPE2, which wasn't a substantive increase in lumens, but a touch more efficient. The BIG difference with the XPE2 (build 4) vs. the original XPE (builds 3 and earlier) is that the XPE2 can be driven at a full 1 amp, whereas the XPE can only be driven up to 700 mA. I've tried running at 1AMP and the massive hit in run time and increased power is NOT worth it. In fact, I would argue that you can barely tell a difference in output by bumping the current up to 1 amp, probably due to the increased junction temperature of the LED itself. RED emitters take a huge hit in efficiency as temperature goes up.