Sipik SK68 battery tube extension mod

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

I'm posting this here so this mod can have it's own thread, hopefully making it more easy to locate for anyone interested...

I recently found a thread on this site referencing a cheap eBay-purchased flashlight that had threads compatible with the Sipik SK68. I ordered this flashlight, and was happy to find that it worked perfectly!

The flashlight was purchased via this auction: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220894394485&ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:1123

Since purchasing, I have found what appears to be the exact same flashlight at Manafont for $4.20, listed as the "Small Sun ZY-203". I have not purchased this light to confirm that the threads are the same, but visually, it is identical to the eBay purchased light, including the same generic LED, press-in 'pill', and tailcap switch/boot. If anyone purchases this light to test, post here so I can update this topic to include that info!

A bit about the light; it's a VERY cheap and poorly built C3 clone using a typical generic "Super Bright" 5mm-type LED. Threads, machining, fit, and finish are extremely low quality. I tested this light using 1xAA, 2xAA, and just for kicks a single 14500 cell. The light emitted the same (low) amount of light in all configurations. The light output is comparable with the Super Bright 7-1/7-2 lights which are much smaller and more handy for EDC use.

On to the VERY simple mod:

This mod uses the main body tube of the flashlight, not the included battery extension tube. While not a perfect fit, the tube still threads very securely into the Sipik allowing a second AA cell to be used. I threaded the end with the longer threads into the body which improves the fit. As an added benefit, the tailcap/switch from the sacrifical host is retained this way allowing you to replace a flaky/damaged/difficult-to-unthread switch/tailcap on your SK68. Just keep in mind that the light is compatible with a SINGLE 14500 cell; management will not be responsible for the return of any magic smoke released when you try to use two 14500s using this mod.

A possible minor added benefit is that in this configuration, the clip can be reversed allowing the light to be clipped to the brim of a cap. This light is much too heavy and extends too far forward to be ideal as a cap-light, but it DOES work if you absolutely need your hands free.

<edited to add> The tailcap of the eBay light I received was recessed enough to allow the SK68 to retain its tailstand-ability after the mod...

<edited to include>Per user Paranid below, this host from eBay is also compatible, and is considerably cheaper:http://www.ebay.com/itm/3W-White-LED-2-AA-Handy-Camping-Flashlight-Torch-/250638302599

2

Very nice find! Not my cup of tea since I like the SK68 because of it's smaller size but for emergency use and brightness on standard AA cells it's a great option to have. Out of curiosity, how does the brightness on 2*AA compare to a single 14500?

3

I haven't checked with my light meter (yet), but can do that later and post the results here. The brightness on 2X AA cells is visually much brighter than with a single cell. I'm using alkaline cells, not Eneloops, so YMMV.

4

Yep, I'd agree. I bought the same Ebay light and done this "mod" and my Sipik clone appeared brighter with 2 AA NiMh vs. 1. I did not measure tailcap current though.

-Garry

5

not bad looks cool and weird xD is good also coz will drain more power from your batteries

maybe you can smooth the central ring giving an uniform aspect and a cool silver ring on mid

btw i agree with JM small is better, haven't problems carrying spare AA

6

Good stuff!

I am using this as 2xAA or 3xAA extension. Works like a charm. I can do runtime test, if anyone is interested.

7

Wow! That one is considerably cheaper! Any pics of it on the body of the flashlight?

What about the use of three cells? No problems with over voltage? Are you using 3x NiMH @ 3.6V or Alkalines @ 4.5V?

8

Nice! Now I can get rid of the stock switch I fried by sending it 2.8 amps from a XML driver.

9

I'm using 3xAA NiMHs (3.6V, but taken fresh from charger they were more like 4.2V (3x1.4)). No problems there. But it gets hot, almost impossible to hold. Brightness in awesome though. :)

Haven't tried with alkalines, but do they really supply 4.5V, I think they would drop to lower voltage immediately. Although with lithiums it would be more interesting. Any volunteers? :)

10

Nice! With that lanyard, it looks like a mini-baton. Now I'm tempted to try the 3x AA configuration on mine.

Laughing

11

If you use the other part of the light you used for the extention tube you can keep the original button


Thats good for if you want to use a single AA or 14500, you are unable to do that with the extention in the first post. Easier than carrying around 2 tail caps.


It also allowed me to keep original tail cap on the donor body, its a very weak flashlight especially with a single AA but I will give it to my 5 year old nephew to play with.


12

I did some quick measurements here this evening; usual disclaimers apply. Testing was just to get a general relative idea and was completed using my cheap DX light meter.

Testing done using the Sipik SK68 pictured above, purchased maybe a year ago from Foclalprice. The 14500 cell testing was a Trustfire Flame with a measured voltage of 3.94V at the time of the test. All AA cells are new alkalines, so calculations assume a voltage of 1.5V without taking any drop under load into consideration. Values were read at 20 feet and converted down to standard lux@1m values. Power is calculated from tailcap current reading. All measurements were taken with the light at full zoom.

  1. 1x 14500, ~10,000 lux - ~5W
  2. 1x AA , ~4000 lux - ~2.3W
  3. 2x AA, ~5400 lux - ~1.5W
  4. 3x AA, ~11,000 lux - ~6.3W
13

@ ezarc:

Yes, I could do that, but I'm happier with it this way as the switch on my tailcap is not very reliable. This makes the Sipik better for me anyway. Size isn't as big of a deal for me as I never carried it anyway. I've got better pocket-carry lights.

14

A topic about Sipik extensions should also contain the use of $1-2 “Police”type lights.However these are no more, since many manufacturers have deleted the joint betwen head and tube.

15

I got one of this police light from eBay last week 2.30$ or so(got1.8$ refunded so0.5). It’s like the right one plus an additional tube.
And it was DOA, very bad quality even threads were anodized. led is burned ….
But it fits the sk68 and that was what I ordered it for.
Thanks for the hint.

16

BIC has the cheapest 2AA flashlight that fits as extension tube, just search for 2AA LED flashlights or something like that ;)!

17

http://www.buyincoins.com/new_en/details/3w-led-aa-handy-camping-flashlight-torch-lamp-keychain-product-2486.html

Shows three parts,thanks Vēer.

18

No problem, even tho I was talking about turning SK68 into 3xAA, with this one, its the cheapest 2xAA extension that fits all of my clones just perfect:
http://www.buyincoins.com/new_en/details/3w-white-led-2-aa-handy-camping-flashlight-torch-product-1391.html

Bought 3 of these myself, really satisfied :)!

19

Did a simmilar 2-AA mod to a SK68 too but with a side-switch tube from a Pailide $ 3 ebay light. > http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i187/Denbarrett/SipikModification2_zps62862753.jpg

20

I Resume this thread,do you know a silver extension tube for the sk68?