Crap - I gotta get this T20 mod done!
I just finished a C8 mod: XM-L2 T6 0D/SinkPAD, Nanjg 3.85A. Best #'s after doing the solder flux wick (ooops!) mod to the tailcap spring (picked up 60 lumens btw...), got 1230 @start, 1200 @30 secs on a fresh Panasonic PD. This is only 30 lumens less than a C8 XM-L2 U2 1C/SinkPAD on the same battery, same fresh state, same driver, etc. The T6 0D is clearly a bluer beam pattern though, but I've seen worse XML T6's.
Update 03/20: T20 mod Done! Upgrades: Nanjg 3.85A, 2 copper discs soldered in the pill, XP-G2/SinkPAD, sanded down to fit tight, added solder wick to both springs, replaced switch and rubber boot (blue GIT).
Before mods, stock: fresh Pana B unpro, 3.7A measured, lumens: 731 @start, 615 @30 secs, throw: 34 kcd
After mods, fresh Samsung INR 1500, 3.89A measured, lumens: 670 @start, 646 @30 secs, throw: 75 kcd
Just not sure of XP-G2's bin/tint, but not bad results. In theory, maybe would get 150 kcd dedomed, but I'm still working on a successful dedoming...
Here's some photos of the build:
Did two 3.85A Nanjg drivers together, one a C8, other the T20:
On the left is the T20 pill orginal pill, on the right is a C8 pill all polished up:
The T20 pill prep'ed and the SinkPAD all prep'ed and sanded down. For the contact surfaces, I sand starting at 220 or 400, then go all the way to 2500 grit to get them perfectly polished for a smooth contact with thermal grease:
There are 2 copper discs in there, soldered in using solder paste and a torch:
Assembled, tested. LED wires are 22 gauge, silver tinned, teflon coated.
djozz - really liked your picture of this view so stole your idea and did the same shot! It is impressive showing people this direct look at the emitter and SinkPAD.