The black panel locates the optics, it has a rim on the underside that the optics seat into so they stay in place. At the bottom of the optics holder are two pegs that seat into the emitter shelf to keep the base in position around the LED, the holder keeps the TIR at the right elevation above the LED for proper focus, so the black holder around the TIR and the black cover plate both serve the purpose of holding all 18 TIR’s in position.
The Q8 is one of the easiest Anduril flashes you can do, next to the D4S. I recommend looking it up and getting the <$10 worth of AliExpress parts to do the job. Super rewarding.
I got my TK style D18 last night. I was worried that it wouldn’t be floody enough to replace my M43 but the beam pattern is pretty similar. The amount of light this thing puts out is impressive.
Recieved my D18vn today, I can barely get it to work I have to screw the head on so tight! I’m using button top HG2’s. Iv’e also tried button top 30q’s with the same problem.
Also looks like it has a spring bypass… don’t know if that is factory? if its not so you think its keeping the springs from compressing enough?
Have you talked to vinh? He normally does that to support the higher power demands that a spring simply cannot do. He’s done this to a few of my vn lights.
I was able to spend a couple minutes and check things out. Looks like too much solder on springs and they cannot compress. Bummer. Emailing him now. Hopefully we figure something out.