NorthernTool Tactical Light help (New Emitter and driver, HELP)

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

Hey guys, i've had this light http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200395694_200395694 for a few years and I recently got into the modding side of flashlights and would like to make this one brighter. Measuring the amps at the tailcap I get 1.2A. It looks like it takes a 20mm emitter and I found this one on DX http://www.dealextreme.com/p/cree-xr-e-r2-wg-emitter-on-premium-star-15943 . My main question is, will I need to replace the driver also to get the most out of the new emitter? The light uses 2 C batteries, but I always use 2 Eneloop AAs with C adapters.

Edited to add pics. Appears driver is 22mm...can't find that size anywhere!

2

A Cree R2 should get something like 250 lumens at 1.2 amps, if I recall correctly.

Should be significantly brighter than the 120 you're used to, and the battery life should be comparable if you stick with the same driver.

3

Thanks for the reply! Guess i'll be ordering that emitter then :)

4

Argh! After taking the pill apart, part of the driver broke. So i need a driver as well. Can anyone recommend a driver for the emitter i posted in the first post? Or a better emitter and driver? :)

5

Can't help with a specific driver, but...

Try looking for a driver that will, at a minimum, take 2.4V to operate (2AA NiMHs @ 1.2V = 2.4V). In fact, go with even less than that, because once your voltage starts to sag in those batteries it won't work anymore. Drivers exist that operate at less than a volt.

As far as current -- anywhere from 1 to 1.5 amps ought to do for that R2. Be sure to get your micrometer out and measure the diameter of the currently-existing driver to make the swap easier.

6

The current driver is 20mm, just like the LED. I haven't been able to find ANY 20mm drivers though...any idea who might have them?

7

You got me there.

Maybe there is a way to shim a 17mm driver with a washer of some kind.

8

Ehh, i don't know. The pill is hollow in the middle so i'd have to get creative, lol.

9

See if you can post some pics of the pill, I might have a better idea of what to do if I can see it.

10

bump, added a pic, hopefully someone can give me some suggestions :)