Dale mentioned in this post that a 32mm Noctigon fit nicely in his original sample (I think he was sent an early production build, they made a lot of changes at his request… including the switch to XP-L and using a copper DTP MCPCB instead of a regular aluminum one). He’s got some great teardown pics in that thread that might also prove useful.
I stopped reading AE listings some time ago. Too much fake news in there. Should do it from time time. 
Thanks.
That’s great. Super nice host and it will make for some very nice builds.
I’m thinking of getting one of the tail switch only lights for modding. (Easier to mod and easier/faster to find the switch in the dark)
But for that one the MCPCB looks like 30mm instead of 32mm? Review and disassembly: Sofirn C8F
Maybe the reflector & LED board on from the sideswitch host will fit? If so I wish they sold those parts.
Anyone know is there anywhere to buy a board with emitters already soldered on it for a direct swap into the v1 C8F? (With XPL/XPL-HI/XPL2)
Any input on this subject will be much appreciated!
The Noctigon 32mm will fit. Intl-Outdoor is the source for Noctigon or you could get Richard to flow your emitter choice, he’s got the boards.
Awesome, thanks for the reply & info!
I’m thinking XP-L2 for higher output.
I-O has the XP-L V6 3D triple Noctigon, but no XP-L2.
Looks like MTN only has 4000K XP-L2 bare emitters, might be a little warm? (I usually like NW around 5000K)
Arrow.com has XP-L2 for like $3 each in a few tints. Free overnight shipping for $20+ order.
Here’s some 5000K.
Ahh you got me ordering this host
Thanks, although I’m probably going to have to wait until Richard gets some in as I’ll need him to flow them to the board for me, not sure I could do that properly myself as I’ve never done it.
Yeah, I wasn’t sure if you were comfortable reflowing. I held off for a long time before taking the plunge. Glad I did. A little solder paste and a stove top… no sweat. I wouldn’t necessarily start with a triple, but you should try it sometime!
Thanks for the head’s up gchart, there’s also a 10% discount through the end of the year. Impressive!
I’m sure I will at some point, more of a time constraint thing right now than doubting my skill. But getting them perfectly centered/positioned does sound a little tricky.
Meantime I’m hoping Richard will get in some 5000K 2’s to pre fab them up for me, when he does I’ll buy 2 complete LED boards, 1 for the tailswitcher and one for the sideswitcher!
Yeah thanks… with the free shipping I should probably just order 6 of these and give it a whirl. (reflowing)
When the solder paste goes liquid the emitter self centers on top, surface tension of a liquid, pretty neat. It takes less solder than you might think, which is why I get the solder paste mask from OSH Stencils. Makes building drivers so much less tedious as well. 
When I discovered a hot air station everything got SO much easier. No more prewarming a plate, just populate, grab with the stats, hit the underside with some air and in about a short couple of minutes you’ve built a new driver. Love it!
Nice, yes I believe I recall reading a detailed post of yours about this before. You make it sound so easy!
$21 and change for 8pcs after the discount…
Is this one linked the best choice for 5000K? I notice the spec is 505lm Luminous Flux…
Whereas the 4000K that MTN stocks are showing 704lm *Approximate light output
But maybe that’s a different spec? I don’t know about these kind of things.
Yeah, it’s just stated differently. MtnE’s page says 704 lm at 1.5 amps. The Arrow page says 505 lm at 1050 mA (1.05 amps). They’re both bin V5… same thing, just different tints.
Also for anyone placing an Arrow order and also interested in the regular XP-L’s, you can get them for about $3 each as well. Here’s a listing for XP-L V6 5000K.
For anyone that prefers 4000K instead of 5000K, just swap the “e3” with “e5” for either of the XP-L or XP-L2 links.
I’ve been grabbing a few LEDs from Arrow lately. Some decent prices, stacked with this 10% off and free overnight shipping… ludicrous!
Thanks for the clarification and advise, I created an account to order but I’m going to await Richards reply on him getting some, looking at his reflow option on the boards it looks like he will remove LED’s from a different board too, and maybe he would let me send him my own LED’s to reflow if he’s not going to be stocking them. ?
I know, right gchart? I would have ordered a quantity if it weren’t for Christmas gobbling up all the extra green. (as if there’s such a thing, extra green, I crack me up sometimes!) 