I think I broke something.

  • Hello all. Noob here with a noob question. My latest learning experience is that if you stack 18350 10A batteries in a 18650 Convoy S2+ SST40 it will quit working. Would anyone care to tell me what I fried did and why it was a terrible idea? Thanks in advance, and I appreciate any advice on how to fix my favorite light.

Hi there.
You put the batteries in series, delivering (depending on charge) probably around 8 volts to a 4 volt system. The SST40 will fry at that voltage, but what probably fried first was part of the driver electronics.
To repair it, you’d need to replace the driver at the very least. I’d also test the LED, but unless it got extremely bright for an extremely brief period of time, it likely wasn’t impacted.

Well, you have used two cells in series, which makes 8,4V (when fully charged) and the driver is not suited for that, since it is designed for a single cell (4,2V)
Maybe you even fried the LED

easier to just buy it a new light and never use double batteries.

Since it’s your first post, some information. LED’s use current for brightness and run time. Unless specified extra voltage does nothing for either. Exceed it and the driver will fry quickly.

I agree with Mortuus, pricewise that would be even more attractive (and easier)
The S2+ isn’t very expensive, a new driver and MCPCB plus LED would cost you probably around 12$

I've already ordered another one, but I would still like to save the one I have... or at least do something with the host. I don't even own a soldering iron. lol Any drop in suggestions?

Suggestion, buy yourself a soldering iron.
Convoy lights are ideal for practicing modding, this is your chance to become a true BLF’er

You’ll need to have some way of melting solder if you want to repair the light. Probably both the driver and the emitter are fried.

Yep, you broke the font size in the OP!

Disagree, he just uses the possibilities of BLF
Just like you.

I hope you didn't catch that nasty T virus in Raccoon City. (I'm assuming that's a Resident Evil reference) lol Is there a recommended font size?

I've got the t-Virus bad!

The default font size works well most of the time.

I wouldn't go smaller.

A little bigger is okay, too, in my opinion.

A drop in solution would be about the same price as the whole light, since the Convoy’s are such a low price.

Convoy does sell just the driver for many of their lights, including the SST40 version, but it requires soldering.

I believe this is the correct part, but somebody should doublecheck me:

If you’re not interested in soldering, you probably have no chance of fixing it. I recommend that you get yourself a soldering iron and learn how to solder, and fix it. But, if that doesn’t appeal to you, the other option is that you could sell it for a much reduced price to somebody here who will be glad to fix it and maybe even upgrade it, while you buy yourself something else. :wink:

I have one of these: Yihua 936B soldering station which I bought years ago, and it has been great. I was never able to solder electronics successfully with the cheaper soldering irons that are available. This soldering station is compatible with Hakko brand tips, which are very high quality. But it comes with a nice chisel tip already. I’ve been using mine with no problems for years already.

Till you come to old farts like me. Dozer. Jackhammer. Sledgehammer drivers.
Bull at a gate syndrome.

Give me a welder (I had Stick. MIG. and TIG. plus a gas gun and fencing wire.

NOT a problem. I’ll weld anything, UPhand/down/across/overhead/tubing.

Soldering. I overcook everything I put my hands on. Bloody clumsy old git.

Nowadays. I use the ones I like.
Stick the ones I bought but don’t like in a box at back of cupboard.
And thank god I’m still breathing.

PS.
Mums old electric Frypan is ideal for melting beads. and drivers off.

“You killed Kenny.”

Start over and don’t use series cells in a light designed for a singular 18650.

Chris

I guess this falls under "Electrocuted."

That reminds me of Glen Thornton AKA Amazin’ Blaze of Heatin’ & Beatin’ Welding Service.

Check the video description if y’all need help with his accent. :+1:

:+1: LOL :beer: Just about peed myself :person_facepalming: been awhile since last time i heard that.