Video - How to turn a Solitaire Maglite into a 10440 Flashlight with only a few hand tools

Here's a video on how to turn a Solitaire into a single 10440 DD light, with a TIR optic and a Nichia 219, that will run at over an amp (depending on the battery) and be bright as heck.

List of what you need:

Solitaire Maglite

Nichia 219 on 10mm star from Illumination Supply

TIR Optic 20 degree 11.5mm to 11.8mm like the one from CNQG

22ga or 24ga Solid copper wire (teflon coated recommended)

Solder

Solder Gun

Needle Nose Pliers

Wire Stripper

Exacto Knife (one that uses a heavy #2 blade is recommended)

Sandpaper (120 grit or 100 grit), with a sanding block

Small vise would be helpful

An afternoon to waste, like a rainy day.

Ok, I am determined not to miss this one. :D Thanks for the video though.

That was, how shall we say, Illuminating. Despite my bad pun, I was really impressed. Nothing says “genius” like simplicity.

later edit- So, after watching the rest of the vid (I only watched the first half initially) I have to say I really admire the industriousness, especially using the Sharpie to keep your filing level.

Great Video Justin!! Your creativity in getting thigs done is astounding. I guess it’s the engineering background for me…but it seems I always need a tugboat to launch a canoe!! Nice Simple Mod!!!

Many Thanks Again. Dan

Great vid .

You , sir , are a Maglite Modding Machine .

I’ve been known to drive a few engineers quite crazy with my methods.

K.I.S.S. at it's best! Great idea on that, Justin! I will definitely be working on that and will post output results. Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration you provide.

Johnny

Again priceless!
Nice vid!

Well Justin, for me it wasn’t too long a trip… but you’re making ground!!!

THANKS FOR ALL! Dan.

Discovered your post today. Decided to risk an attempt. Nichia and Lens is on the way!

Thanks for the video!

I will do this mod to strike up the nerve to go into P60-making territory.

Thank you.

Given the tiny size, I’d rate the difficulty the other way ’round. Nice video Justin.

Great video, thanks for the effort!

Too small for my old eyes!

I’m more tempted to build a cribbage board that uses Solitaires for pegs.

Hey Old Lumens….would these be a viable replacement for those TIR’s?

http://dx.com/p/jr-20-5-12mm-pmma-convex-lens-for-flashlight-300-pcs-172774

Just wish they were in lots smaller than 300!!

Those are 20 mm dia and 12 mm high. Work in a AA but not a AAA or solitaire. They come in packs of ten from CNQG. Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. I have them if you need a few.

Edit, I’ve done a few solitaire mods now but I still enjoyed watching this again. Thanks OL for taking the time and having the patience to go through this step by step.

Heck, I had totally forgotten this video. Well, I have totally forgotten all of them, to be truthful.Frown

Ha! Didn’t know this was a resurrected thread and just bought 3 solitaires on clearance at Target.

And now IS is sold out of the Nichia 219’s.

:_(