Convoy L2/L6 modding thread

Just ordered some 20ga Turnigy lead for future projects thanks

Since there is nothing else to do right now, I’ve been working on my L6 plans again. I had the idea to turn down the stock reflector and use it with the BridgeLux Vero29… This required some repackaging of the components and careful design but I think I can make it work. Math and data sheets suggest that this should be around 7500lm at about 35w. Limiting factors being the fact I’m boosting from ~12v to ~40v and the thermals of the L6 head.

However, I was thinking it would probably be much easier to turn the light into a triple or quad XHP70.2 light if I can find an appropriate optic. Previously, I had considered using a stupid quantity of LH351s but that would have required custom MCPCBs where with a big led like the XHP70.2, I could probably just use standard stars.

So far, I haven’t been able to find a simple round optic for a big LED.

Has anyone got a spare L6 XHP 70(.2) centering ring?

I ordered an L6 reflector from fasttech and just read in another thread that fasttech doesn’t give you a centering ring. I couldn’t find them on Simon’s store and Kaidomain has them in bundles of 5 which I really don’t think I’ll need. I also can’t seem to find the diameter of the hole.

Simon will give you some extra for the cost of shipping or can add them to an order.

I tried asking him about it but he didn’t reply. I just ordered a driver and sent him a message. I hope he gets it. Thanks.

Like most contacts in China, you rarely get a quick reply. With the virus it might take even longer. You just have to be patient.

What is the use of FX30 30mm driver for L6, does the driver already boosted...

Do you mean why use the Kiadomain FX30 instead on the Convoy FX30 driver? It’s mostly about the different user interface.

Does this driver have a stepdown? Or does it maintain maximum brightness as the battery voltage decreases, like the FX-30 from Simon?

It’s not a step-down to lower mode, it regulates the current according to the temperature. It means the brightness is adjusted smoothly, not gradually. Honestly - it’s hard to notice when the temperature protection breaks in.

Please tell me, do you use 3x 26650 batteries in an assembly with an extender?

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005002462853030.html

That has me thinking about my L6 again…

What drivers do you guys use when running 3x26650? I looked around a little bit but I couldn’t seem to find any…

Edit:
Maybe a 9v MT-G2 ?

So, I have this driver in my light which turns out to be rated for 13v input…

http://kaidomain.com/CF-FX-30-30mm-6V-13V-5-Mode-Driver-Circuit-Board-for-Cree-XM-L-XHP50-XHP70-MTG2

So I might just resistor mod it or something and maybe see if my friend can flash some different software to the MCU as I think he has a programmer.

Does anyone in the US need R120 sense resistors? I will be placing an order soon from Mouser, and can order extra if necessary. I can send some out in an envelope for anyone that needs them.

If you want to look it up the Mouser part # is 755-LTR18EZPFLR120

My convoy l2 xpl-hi led is broken. What is the best option to fix this light? I would like to replace led to sst40 but is there a driver for 1 and 2 battery setup. Or do i need to schoose to use only 1 or 2 battery?
If someone knows some parts which will fit please help me.

Jaza, it’s a little bit of a challenge now but you can probably get it up and running. The first challenge is the forward switch, since that won’t play nice with most drivers. I changed my L2 switch to one of the lighted switches from Simon and that works fine. The next challenge is picking a driver. The original LD-29 seems to have completely disappeared from the market at this point. I bought a new L2 in sand from Banggood about a year and a half ago, and it arrived with a different driver that would only run on 2-cell. They gave me a partial refund and I was able to order an LD-29 from Kaidomain, but they’re gone now from their main site as well as their aliexpress site, and Banggood no longer has them. Simon hasn’t had them for a long time. I looked at a bunch of other ali stores just now and can’t find it. It was a 20.5mm diameter but the 20mm drivers I have on hand fit fine and with a little bit of sanding there are many 22mm drivers that can be made to fit…and there’s also the option of using a 17mm driver with the brass reduction rings.

Here are a couple options for 1-2 cell drivers from Kaidomain (this is their ali store). I don’t know if they’re worth a hoot but I’ve been satisfied with a handful of other drivers I got from them. I also am not sure if they have low voltage cutoff for 2 cells. They do for one cell, as stated, but sometimes their drivers have it for two cells and sometimes they don’t…best to message them first if that’s important to you. Not much else that I have been able to find other than a few 17mm models. Plenty of space in the cavity so you have room to use most anything…I’d stay away from any old school models that have the copper wirewound inductors, though, but most of those would probably fit, too.

4amp: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799874354486.html

2.5amp: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256803033801574.html

Simon also has a single cell 12v boost driver for the XHP35HI which is worth considering for this host (I think the .2 version is not as nice as the original but they’re still a high power thrower great for a large reflector like this). Also the 8A driver for an Osram (should fit fine but less clearance for components so sand carefully…doesn’t take a lot to make it fit).

XHP35HI: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/2255799859727203.html

8A: https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801407657947.html

If you’re moving up from the 3535 footprint emitters you’ll also need a new gasket that will fit the 5050 or Osram or whichever. Simon has several and Kaidomain has much more to choose from there (they also have several of the brass size reducers).

Also, the holes in the driver retaining ring in this light are really small. Good quality 5” snap ring pliers will probably fit just fine but with cheaper tools or larger ones you may need to thin down the tips (or abuse a stout pair of pointed tweezers that you don’t care about).

On a bit of an upgrade kick, have an older L6 with XHP70. Still running the thing on 18650s in converters/spacers.

The led is 4000k but the tint has always bothered me as it’s dirty yellow. The side + tail switch also annoys me as I’d rather have full control of on/off from the side switch.

Now Lexel not making drivers, I assume a ‘side switch only’ driver isn’t available? I’m happy using the tail cap for lockout or even soldering/gluing it in the on position and using Narsil or Andruil or something via the side switch.

If absolutely no drivers readily available, a fun upgrade I’ve seen is the GT-FC40 Kit from Convoy…. Does anyone have any feedback on this as a kit? I’ve seen the reviews for the whole FC40 L6 and it looks pretty good.

Option 3, which I suppose is least interesting- just upgrade the LED and leave rest as stock- the original XHP70 is a 6v led, so, is the best option a XHP70.3 now? Thanks in advance :beer:

All,
I did something kind of dumb and bought a Convoy L2 Host thinking it was a Convoy L2 flashlight. I bought the L2 stock and loved it. It seems to be discontinued, and I had no idea what “host” meant. I’ve learned I need a driver, but my host is also missing the part near the flashlight head that connects with the battery. For the complete noob, can you point me to the simplest thing I can buy to make this host into a fantastic flashlight? I do not really speak the language, so much on the forums here might as well be Greek.
Thank you for any help.

For a laugh, I tried to get a refund and sent the attached pic to show my displeasure/ignorance. (Since this is my first post, it seems my pic will not show…)

I’ve looked at replacing the driver in my L6 a few different times and the best option I could find was a “build it yourself” Texas Ace design. I still really like the size/weight capability of the light but I suspect like a lot of people that I wish it had a different / better UI.

Recently I was looking at acquiring a second Sofirn C8F to mod similar to the one I have to have a matching pair of lights and I started thinking about the L6 and trying to put a driver in it to have a UI like the C8F.

Richard at mtnelectronics can sell you the driver for the L2 host, and the proper emitter (meaning correct sized MCPCB, the board the emitter sits on)

He’s a great guy if too busy, if you have an idea what kind of light you want this to be I can probably point you at the right component’s.

Richard also sells the hosts, just built one fairly recently with an Luminus SFT-40 that is quite throwy and makes a little over 2000 lumens. He may not have that particular emitter. Some can be a little tricky to find.