Solarforce 1xAA build

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I’m thinking of picking up a solarforce L2m (with an 18650 extension for 2xAA) to use as 1XAA/2XAA/18500/18650 light. I’d have to cut down the spring on the tailcap and remove the spring on the driver for the 1XAA/18500 to fit I believe.

Looking for 3 modes about 100/40/3 lumens on 1XAA.

Do you guys have a recommendation of what driver to use? I would assume it needs to be 0.8v-4.2 for use with the battery types listed. If there is a driver that works with 1xAA/2XAA voltages but not a lithium (eg, the voltages are from 0.8-3v, I’d be okay with that too. I can sacrifice lithium use as long as it is compatible with 1XAA/2XAA

Or maybe one of the solarforce low voltage drop ins would be good.
(I’ll go read about those low voltage solarforce drop ins while I wait for some ideas from you guys)

EDIT:
Oh, and also, I’m use to using XMLs in my 18650 lights as they provide more light at the same amps vs. XPGs/other leds. However, since I am new to light building, I am not sure if certain leds would work better with an AA build. Would XML still be a good choice?

2

I have not found a driver that will cover that voltage range. The closest I have found is one .9 to 3.6 volts maximum. The last driver I tested was for AA use only and it was brighter on an XM-L than the drivers that covered a broader voltage range. Unless someone can find a good one with no flashy modes and last mode memory I will stick to drivers dedicated to either voltage.

3

So I guess I have to get something a little more voltage specific. Is there a good driver that can handle 1or2xAA?

I may just pick up a solarfoce drop in (and maybe swap it to an XML):

Does anyone have a review or experience with this drop in running on AAs?

4

This is one driver I tested that will do either 1 or 2 AA batteries.

https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/11523#node-13488

Its out of stock at the moment which doesn't help much.

5

Solarforce used to have a low voltage pill ...

L2m + 18650 extension works as 2xAA and no mods ..

Or 18650 L2 + CR123 extension = 2 x AA and no mods ..

Want to use 1 x AA , U want the L2i , L2i is a superb battery host [ Lots of different battery options ]

DX or KD currently has a low voltage driver , forget which .

6

I think I’ll go with the l2m + 18650 extension. This gives me the option to run 1xAA or 2xAA. Will probably find some o-rings or make some spacers to remove rattle.

In terms of the drop-in, I’m really leaning towards the solarforce xpg drop in I linked and possibly switching it to an XML for more lumens and more flood, but I can’t seem to find reviews on it about how it runs with AAs. Any info anyone has on the drop in would be much appreciated.

In the meantime, I’ll look around some more to see if there are any viable drop ins/drivers that fit my needs.

7

L2 + battery spacer for 1xAA , easier to make the spacer + revert to 18650 use [ should you want to ]

There is a fair bit of loss [ 1xAA ] , and 2xAA is better , close to 4.2v output , Let me check , I have a 2xAA in front of me .

8

On high there is a lot of loss , my best low voltage XR-E does 280L with a Sanyo 2600 , throw in 2xAA and your talking 180L

thats original Solarforce issue ... Drop in .