D.I.Y. Illuminated tailcap

[DavidEF]

@Texas_Ace

@pilotdog68

Yeah, but they all really have their own merits. I like 2 channels so 5.3 works for me, but a lot of people still like the 3 channel version, so I can’t really get rid of it. The ones that I felt were really redundant or unnecessary I just removed from the OP (like the first Rev5 top and Rev5.1x). I thought about getting rid of all of the original versions that don’t use the ring and only have 2 LEDs, but someone just ordered that version to use a couple weeks ago.

I tried to standardize the descriptions in the OP as much as possible. Does it still need work?

It is always hard to make things understandable to an outsider once you have become an insider. I run into this all the time.

Even now I forget with the TA drivers to make things simpler and am always having to edit things to add more details for the new comers that don’t have a clue what we are talking about. For example it took me weeks to understand what the “standard parts list” was that was always mentioned.

The op is much better then it was for sure. the only thing really missing are notes on what has not changed between versions. The reader will generally assume that more then just minor details will have changed between versions.

I usually assume the number before the dot is for major revisions and the number after the dot is for minor revisions. With some projects, they add another dot to the mix, as another subset. So, it would be MAJOR.IMPORTANT.MINOR or something like that. With options, like adding an LDO, you could do MAJOR.MINOR.OPT like 5.3.LDO and 5.3.STAR and 5.3.ESWITCH or something similar. I’ve become so accustomed to organizing my computer into sub-sub-sub-folders, this stuff is second-nature to me. Yes, I’m a NERD! :nerd_face:

[pilotdog68]

Here she is. A bottom switch PCB with a single pot in the middle of the spring. Very similar to Pyro’s board, just updated to work with the header pins and ring top boards. Also added to OP

[lumenzilla]

@pilotdog68

I’d say jump straight to 6.8k or higher.

I’m currently using 4K7 resistor and still too bright. But I’ll stick into it before I receive transparent rubber cap from KD and get transparent washer.

Thanks pilotdog68.

[pilotdog68]

Hey, you might have to go way higher. I have a 50k pot maxed out in one light, I had to jump to 100k pots.

[Wieselflinkpro]

@pilotdog68

Here she is. A bottom switch PCB with a single pot in the middle of the spring. Very similar to Pyro’s board, just updated to work with the header pins and ring top boards. Also added to OP

With the ring top boards the resistors on this boards are optional, that means I can use 0 Ohm resistors, if I use this pot PCB, isnt it?
The Pot and the resistors on the top ring board are series, arent they?

Edit: found an explanation/answer to my questions: D.I.Y. Illuminated tailcap - #626 by djozz

[pilotdog68]

You are correct on both counts

[Nicolicous]

Just mod two Thorfire TG06 and this is my current favorite AA size light.

no bleeder needed

[Texas_Ace]

Great, I will order some of those with the 5.3 rings and that should get me going. Thanks!

[pilotdog68]

I just ordered some myself. Normally I like to have the “presets” of the switch, but it’s more parts and more soldering. I just had a light this week that I wished I had one of these boards for.

Anyways, I’m almost out of springs. Many times I steal the spring from the stock switch pcb, but I can’t always do that. What springs do you guys use?

[Nicolicous]

@pilotdog68

. What springs do you guys use?

Springs 8mm(D)x9.5mm(H)

i use this for my convoy s2+ and other lights with similar diameter on the tail

[pilotdog68]

Size looks good, how stiff is it? Could I compress it with my fingers without difficulty? I like my springs a little on the softer side.

[Nicolicous]

cant really tell how soft as my finger can push hard :P. I can check tomorrow.

Are you worrying about protected cells getting crush?

[djozz]

cool picture, N !!

edit: just ordered a bunch of these switchboards with pot, thanks pd!

[Nicolicous]

thanks djozz

im so obsess with these tail lights so i mod all my lights hahah

[pilotdog68]

@Nicolicous

Are you worrying about protected cells getting crush?

Yes. I have some that have dented the caps on my flat top batteries.

I have a few springs that even pushing until it’s painful they won’t compress more than 1 or 2 mm. I want them just strong enough to keep the cell from bashing around. Also I need to be able to push them to the side to access the switch or pot in the middle.

[Nicolicous]

you can use hammer to press down the spring or trim the base so it reduce the height to allow room

[KramKram]

I want to populate my s41’s tail cap, is this the correct orientation?
Also where can i get translucent/clear gaskets for my convoy s2+?

[pilotdog68]

The pos+ end of the LED should be flipped, towards the resistor

[vinte77]

So do the convoy s2+ metal switch hosts now come with the clear rubber in the switch? Or do we have to make a special request when ordering from Simon or Richard?

[pilotdog68]

@vinte77

So do the convoy s2+ metal switch hosts now come with the clear rubber in the switch? Or do we have to make a special request when ordering from Simon or Richard?

You may want to PM J-dub, I’m not sure if he is still watching this thread or not.