Has anyone tried hacking a flashlight driver board so that it can be controlled using an external micro?
Example driver
My goal is to create a set of brightness modes that are appropriate for use on a bicycle.
For example there is no need for the moonlight or disorientating strobe modes commonly found in hand held flashlights.
Hello mikb55
We need some additional information.
Post your sketch, well formated, with well-tempered comments and in so called code tags "< code >" and a detailed circuit diagram to see how we can help.
Have a nice day and enjoy coding in C++.
So what are your thoughts on this?
The link you posted shows the full schematic - with part numbers.
You have just 2 lines to control - LVL and EN
Google will get you full details of the power driver:
It looks strange.
The MP3431 datasheet make no mention of dynamically modulating the output power, other than using the EN pin to turn it on or off. It doesn't say if this can be used as a PWM control.
The analog circuitry with the LVL input doesn't appear on the datasheet and appears to be a hack for controlling the peak current. I don't know if this is normal practice.
Did you read the rest of the thread you linked - what did the others there say about it?
My goal is unusual in that I want to replace the micro so I can control the modulation. People rarely discuss such modifications.
Forum threads on hacking flashlights typically focus on increasing the max power, improving the efficiency, changing the color temperature etc.
After a bit more reading it would appear that purpose built compact low voltage high power (5+ watt) LED drivers don't exist which explains why this circuit uses a boost converter with a hacked current limit.
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