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Gloworm X1 - Single LED Light System

53K views 271 replies 51 participants last post by  pucked up 
#1 · (Edited)
The highly anticipated X1 is the second light by Gloworm, designed 100% in NZ. As the name suggests it is a single LED, XM-L U2 to be exact, driven by a switching regulator that is combined on the same PCB as the LED itself.

The X1 gives out an astonishing 850 lumens from a unit weighing in at 58g (remote included) and 35mm in diameter. It boasts the same characteristics as the X2 in being waterproof, robust and CNC machined from 6061 Alloy - No plastic parts here!





The optics are a custom solution designed to provide maximum throw while maintaining a beam pattern that is easy on the eye - no discolouration, round beam and no artifacts. The kit will include 3 interchangable optics: Flood, Spot, Super Spot. (Beam shots to come in the next day or so).

This tiny unit will utilise the same low profile style mounting solution as the X2 for the helmet, however will not have a bar mount included in the set. Instead our new QR bar mount will be available as an extra accessory. The QR mount will also be compatible with the X2.

The X1 will be supplied with a 2 cell battery (appx 115g), once again containing high capacity Panasonic cells. Its capacity will be 2900 mAh giving a runtime of 2hr 15min on maximum. The 2 cell battery will be compatible with the X2.

Controlling the X1 will be managed through a remote switch. It will also present the same selectable programmes as its big brother.

The Gloworm X1 will retail for $179 USD with a 2 cell battery and can also be ordered with a four cell battery (runtime 4.5hrs).

Spec Summary


850 Lumen (real, not theoretical)
IMT technology (selectable programming)
Light Head Assembly 58 grams
Waterproof to IP66
2.9 AH Lithium Ion Hard Case Battery
1 x Cree U2 XML LEDs
Interchangable Optics (Spot lens and frosted lens)
2.25 hr runtime on max power
Remote switch

IMT Programmes


On pressing the button from 'off' the light will start in Normal Operating Mode. Special modes are accessed by holding down the button for 2 sec from any normal mode. This allows the user to conduct any outdoor activity without having to cycle through the special mode and having an interuption of a steady light beam. Additionally, the X2 is shut down by holding the button for appx 5sec. IMT gives you the flexibility of refined programmes and modes without needing to access them every time you go from High mode back to low. Programmes are changed through a sequence of button presses.

Presales will start pretty soon for a limted number of units - more information will be posted here.


Cheers

Bruce and Vag
Team Gloworm

 
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#4 ·
Hello ,

@pucked up
Yest the X1 will also come as a light head only option.

@skullcap
The X1 optics are bigger than the ones of the X2 thus they can't be interchangeable between the 2 lights. The bigger size is one of the main reasons that we managed to make the X1 a good thrower.

Cheers,
Bruce and Vag
Gloworm
 
#7 ·
that's a really pretty little light. Good price too. Might be worth doing a refresher on the selectable modes for those who can't remember what the X2 came with (ahem).

looking forward to beam shots! Are the optics available separately? I'm always interested in new options for DIY :)
 
#10 ·
Morning All....8am here in NZ!!

Just updated the post to include programmes and runtimes.

The lighthead and 4 cell price will be available soon (within a week).

@allenpg - The 2 cell battery is appx 115g

Looking forward to showing you guys the beam shots!

Cheers

Bruce and Vag
 
#13 ·
Hello,

When calculating lumen we have to take into consideration the optics and the board efficiency. We also always run the LED a bit, just a tiny bit, lower than the maximum.

Also note that we are always a bit conservative with our numbers (lumen, battery runtimes, etc.) so that they cover extreme conditions like using the battery in an extremely cold environment.

Cheers,
Bruce and Vag
 
#16 ·
Can't wait to see the beam shots. Hope you have some competitor lamps to compare it to.

Like others I would like to know what the pre-order price of the lamp head only will be. :ihih:

Let us know when you start taking pre-orders. As before, it looks like the Gloworm people have a knack for creating innovating products. Looking forward to seeing how these work out.
 
#21 ·
Hi Guys
love the look of the head unit, looks real quality. Just checking one thing...

The X1 will be supplied with a 2 cell battery (appx 115g), once again containing high capacity Panasonic cells. Its capacity will be 2900 mAh giving a runtime of 2hr 15min on maximum. The 2 cell battery will be compatible with the X2.

Is the battery pack 2900 mAh or 2x 2900mAh? Can't see you getting over 800 lumens for over 2 hours from a 2900 mAh battery. I know I can't.
 
#22 ·
Hey, the battery pack is 2900 mAh at 7.4v nominal (2 x 2900mAh cells in series), thus making it compatible with the X2. The X1 only has 1 LED making the Voltage required between 2.9v and 3.4v depending on current. Our switching regulator is 95% efficient (measured). Based on the nominal voltage of the battery (7.4v) we have tested and calculated 2hr 12min. If after more testing this proves to be incorrect we'll adjust the figures, however we're happy with the current levels.

Hope that goes some way to answer your question?

LED Runtime Calculator - We use this to determine the approximate levels then back it with tests. :thumbsup:

@smthgfshy - We're redeveloping the current headstrap to make placement of the battery on the headstrap seamless and easy. So yes, it will be compatible :)

Cheers

Bruce and Vag
Gloworm
 
#24 ·
Hey.....we'll try to get beam shots this weekend! In the meantime, here's a 3D image of the new QR mount that will be compatible with both the X1 and the X2. Pricing to follow ;)

Cheers

Bruce and Vag
Gloworm

 
#27 ·
Gloworm, I really liking your minimalistic designs... The X1 and X2's are sweet !!! We're losing daylight fast over here (US). I've been holding back on purchasing an Xera, patiently awaiting more info on your new X1. Looking forward to seeing more beam shots. Can you give us some in-site as to when these will be available in the US ?
 
#28 ·
A few questions.

1: Will there be any pre sale special price?

2: When do you expect to be able to ship out the lights?

3: Why the re-design on the bar mount. I have an X2 and have had zero issues with the O-ring mount. I can see with heavier lights the O ring not working well, but the X2 the light enough that it stays perfectly with the smaller O ring you guys supplied.
 
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