Hi,
I currently have a Tr-J18 that I think has a blown driver. Like a few other people I’ve been reading on here, the light has suddenly lost most of it’s power. I have tried by-passing the tail-cap and there is no difference. New batteries do not seem to help.
So, this leaves me with 2 options.
1) Contact the seller and ask to have the light fixed or replaced (it is only about a month old).
2) Mod it… for a bit more “ooo… wow” factor
Please bear with me though as this would be my first modified flashlight, and first time modifying a flashlight. To be very honest, this light is only really for the “oooo… wow” factor. For daily use I use a few single mode G10’s with 14450’s in them and a couple of smaller single T6 lights.
What I am looking for out of this light.
a) Ability to throw a “lot” of light for short periods of time… say few mins? More Specifically, I want to ensure there is no doubt that when you turn on the flashlight, there is more OTF lumens than a Coast HP21.
b) Ability to turn down the light and light a room, 30-45 mins runtime here would be ok
c) Ability to run on 18650’s. (currently using 3 18650’s. TF flames). I want to try and avoid the initial purchase of 26650 batteries if I can avoid it do to cost.
Looking around, do see a few upgrade paths but am not sure what are the pro’s and cons of each route. Or if one driver is “better built” than the other one
Option One
modify the existing driver. This seems difficult (as I’m not that skilled soldering) and may not even work as I think my existing driver is blown. Furthermore it seems that there are more than one driver shipped with this light.
Option 2
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/boost-7led-3-modes-23-cells-input-circuit-board-p-545.html
Seems like a good option
Option 3
http://www.kaidomain.com/Product/Details.S020417
Also seems like a good option.
So, between the 2 drivers, besides the number of modes it has, are there any real differences that would make one better than the other?
Also, it seems like none of the drivers ships with the battery spring in the middle. Where can you buy this spring (and of the correct size).
When installing the driver, do I just connect the existing wires black to black and red to red…. The driver just sits in the head? (no glue or tape).
Finally, does the tail cap switch need to be upgraded to handle the increased current? If so, where you would you get the parts for it?
Are there any good walk through’s posted that can how me “how” to upgrade the light? I think I have an idea but a few pictures would make life so much easier.
Thanks in advance for your help, and sorry for the noob questions.