This is most probably the world's most popular 17mm LED driver, and for good reason: It is super reliable, has great user adjustable mode selections, available moonlight/firefly mode, you can get rid of the "disco modes" if you desire (no strobe by default), there is no noticeable PWM, it is highly configurable current-wise, it features low battery warning and cutoff, among a host of other great options.
Increase/Reduce Driver Current 7135 Option
By default, the qlite driver comes with 8*380mA 7135 chips. You can increase or decrease the output current by adding or removing 7135 chips, each chip adds or subtracts around .380mA. These chips are available as an add on for DIY or offer them pre-installed, ready-to-run, for an additional cost. See pull down options for add/remove 7135 service cost. The addition of these services may extend handling time 1-10 business days.
Example of Added 7135 Chips
Features:
*Input voltage: 2.8V - 4.5V
*Default Current: 3.04A (without adding or removing any 7135 chips)
*Constant current
*PCB diameter: 17mm
*PCB thickness: 1.6mm
*Components height: 4.7mm
*Memory function (sets in after 2 seconds)
*No high pitch noises
*No visible flicker on any mode
*Reverse polarity protection
*Gold plated spring
*Gold plated contacts
*Copper leads with tinned ends already soldered
*Low voltage protection: At 2.9-3V the light will switch to an emergency low mode. At 2.8V the light will flash 9 times to announce imminent cut-off.
*Strobe mode is 10Hz
*Beacon cycle is 2Hz blink for 1 second, 4 seconds light off
Mode groups (default qlite firmware):
1st Star : 2% - 25% - 100% (Default)
2nd Star : 5% - 30% - 100% - Strobe - Beacon
3rd Star : 15% - 100%
4th Star : 5mA - 2% - 25% - 100%
You select mode groups by making electrical contact between the desired star and the outer ring (ground).
Optional guppydrv Universal Firmware
This firmware allows the ultimate in user customizability, with 22 built-in mode groups, that the user can select via a series of button presses and a user programmable turbo timer (see below for instructions).
User Selectable Groups:
Guppydrv ​Instructions
To switch mode groups: rapidly tap the switch 8 times, the light will then enter the programming mode and begin to flash. With the light in programming mode, tap the switch the same number of times as your desired mode group. The light will blink and your mode group will be memorized.
Example: To select mode group 3, tap the switch 8 times quickly to enter programming mode. As soon as the light enters programming mode and starts flashing, tap the switch three times (for group 3). The light will blink to recognize the mode group change.
To set the turbo timer: rapidly tap the switch 8 times, the light will then enter the programming mode and begin to flash. With the light in programming mode, tap the switch 30 times to enter the turbo timer set mode. The light will then switch to 100% power. When the light is at the desired temperature for the turbo step down, turn the light off. The turbo timer will then be set. Turbo timer drops down to 50% output.
To lock the mode groups: Solder Star 2 to ground. The other stars have no function with this firmware.
Optional STAR Off-Time Firmware
This firmware will allow you to fully customize your light! Moonlight and mode order are all selectable via solderable stars (see below).
When selecting this option, please define the following in your checkout comments:
star | open | closed (soldered) |
1 | DUMMY STAR | NOT CONNECTED IN ANY WAY |
2 | No Moonlight Level | Moonlight |
3 | ascending mode order (moon)-L/M/H | descending mode order H/M/L/(moon) |
4 | CAPACITOR | CAPACITOR |
Off-time changes the way that the memory function works, making it much more intuitive to use. If "memory" is chosen, one tap will always change modes and switching the light off will always save the last mode used. If "no memory" is chosen, the light will always switch modes with a single tap, but will return to the first mode after the light has been switched off.
Because Star 4 is occupied by the capacitor with this firmware, you must choose whether or not you want memory when placing your order.
Optional NLITE firmware:
NLITE Turbo Timer: Same features as normal NLITE firmware but with an automatic step down to medium power after either 90 or 120 seconds. The user can immediately kick the light back up to high mode if needed. This is GREAT for the MT-G2 mods and any smaller light pushing a lot of power! Helps prevent accidental overheating.
3 Modes: Low (5%) - Medium (33%) - High (100%)
4 Modes: Moonlight - Low (5%) - Medium (33%) - High (100%)
star | open | closed (soldered) |
1 | DUMMY STAR | NOT CONNECTED IN ANY WAY |
2 | 3 modes L/M/H | 4 modes, additional moon level |
3 | ascending mode order (moon)/L/M/H | descending mode order H/M/L/(moon) |
4 | mode memory | no memory |
The NLITE firmware is written by BLF forum member DrJones, and is available freely for both personal and commercial use. You can see the rest of his awesome drivers at his website.