EagleEye X2R Mod and Discussion thread

Hey guys,

Sorry if it’s a silly question, but I wanted to ask if it is ok to directly swap the XM-L2 U2 on my X2R with this Nichia 219B( found it on AliExpress ) Is it safe? Can I expect it to work well with the original driver?

Also, I don’t know if I am missing something, but looking at pilotdog68’s spring bypass mod, I was wondering, is it really worth it to ruin the gold plate on the springs with solder, which will oxidize with time, therefore will defeat the purpose of the mod? Is the initial gain in performance that big, that it is worth it?

Cheers

Yeah, should be a direct swap with some patience, as the wires are short.

I would think the twisting of the spring against the battery would help keep oxidation at a minimum, but I still try to keep the solder relegated to one half of the spring and the rest untouched. It’s almost as much about not melting the springs as it is about performance.

Direct swap is possible, needs a 16mm XP footprint PCB.

I don’t think solder oxidation is something to be worried about, unless you’re preparing a doomsday flashlight that requires decades of shelf life.

I have an X2R coming soon. Would love to change it with your driver and tail cap

Are you a person that orders from Oshpark and assembles yourself? If so, I will update the oshpark files with a fixed version.

No, I was hoping I could pay you to build me one?

errrr no promises, but I’ll send you a PM

Very nice mod!
I’m extremely new to the whole flashlight story - I started in April after i discovered gearbest and ordered 3 crappy (ok, the ak thingy isn’t that crappy) ultrafire zoom flashlights with built in charging and 2 ultrafire 18650 (so i basically ordered two pipe bombs if the stories here and on r/flashlight are correct).
But I was pretty amazed what these new flashlights were able to do (even the cheapest one at 3 $ outshines everything i ever had before) and got very addicted at researching stuff about them, and yesterday i finally bought my first “real” flashlight, an Astrolux S1 and i probably will also buy the new shiny C8 for observing animals (rabbits and hedgehogs) in our backyard/garden (max 70 meter/76 yards distance) .

That whole wall of text was just to explain my ignorance if i write something incredible stupid now

Since i love the idea of internal charging, i also really like the X2R. What bothers me, is the mediocre high mode. I don’t use high very often, but if i do it, it should be pretty bright. So my idea would be to just swap the x2r drivers with the new convoy drivers from simons store with 7135x8 with the new bistro mini. Would that be possible?
I also ordered some protected NCR18650B (and an LiitoKala Lii - 202 charger) - will these fit?

And also an additional question - what would you guys prefer: X6R or new Convoy C8?

Forgive for my rookieness, Flashlights are awesome :wink:

No that driver won’t fit. The space in the X2R is really tight, especially if you are trying to keep the charging ability. There is only room for a thin 15mm driver; Simon’s driver is a thick 17mm. If you haven’t used a 1.5amp light before, it’s really brighter than you think, especially in close quarters. It doesn’t reach out to as long of range though, but the little tube lights will never be great at that. The batteries should fit I think, though I don’t have any to actually test.

I really like the X6R, but they are very different lights. The Convoy has a bigger head and will throw further, and has the updated firmware. The X6R is still pretty throwy but more compact, and the UI is totally different: all mode changes are done on the side-switch.

I own an X6R (currently working on it, it won’t be stock). I do not own a C8.

I like the C8 better, much better throw and thicker body parts, but the design can look outdated for some. I wish they could release a new version of the C8 with a redesigned bezel.

Fantastic work. I really want to build one of these.

A OSH Park link, and a link to a compatible 18350 tube would be much appreciated.

The driver I used works fine, but the OTC is in the way of getting the programming clip on the mcu. So I’ll edit that and post the new link maybe tonight or tomorrow.

The 18350 tube I ordered is this one, the “eagle eyes” option. It just came yesterday so I’ll try it tonight. Don’t forget to order the O-rings too though, they aren’t included. I forgot to do so but I think I have some that will work.

thx for your answer.
Yeah, it would probably be sufficient. But if not…. :smiley:
If i read your posts correctly, you built your driver yourself? Are there no compatible drivers floating around somewhere on the web like they are in simons store?

Has HJK opined on the charger used in the light?
Or anyone else done the equivalent look at it?

Wondering, as always, how muggle-friendly this might be.

HKJ can’t test everything, I don’t think this is on his radar at all.

I’ve tested it using a USB meter and mine terminates at 4.19v, current flow stops at that point or at least drops below 1ma. The light turns green a little early though, around 4.17v.

I’m also very curious whether 18350 tube works…please let us know once you test it!

I thought I had read that the Convoy S2+ short tube fits. Or is that only for the non-charging X2?

Ok, 18350 Tubes:

I have a blue tube sold by Banggood (US warehouse) for the S2+ and it fits and works perfectly on the X2R and the S2+.

I have a second blue tube, also sold by Banggood (CN warehouse) that also works on the S2+ but does not even thread into the X2R.

I have a black S2+ tube directly from Simon, it also does not thread into the X2R.

I now also have a black tube sold by Banggood (CN) as “Eagle eyes 18350” that I linked earlier in this thread. It threads in to the X2R perfectly but does not work correctly. I believe one end is not long enough to reach the contact shelf in the head. Also, the threads on this one are very very shallow, as in the ridges themselves are about half the height of those on the Convoy tubes.

pilotdog68, thank you very much for checking!

So actually it could be a roulette to buy proper tube…that’s a pity.

Yeah, it is a pity. Maybe we could convince EE themselves to make an 18350 tube. I’m sure it depends how much interest there is.

I won’t be playing roulette anymore myself though. I now have 4 18350 tubes and only 1 18350 battery. I wanted it mostly for the novelty, I don’t think I’d ever actually use it in short form.