Just in case everyone was wondering, I found that the DX package came into the US today, so hopefully it will get here after Thanksgiving. Maybe around next Monday (I Hope)...
From some measurements that Essexman gave me on his SAiK, I think there will be a Lot of Modification, since the stock lens and reflector are not anywhere near the dimensions of some of the replacement stuff available. It ought to be interesting if it can even be done. Unfortunately I may have to go looking for a different reflector. The lens will end up being a UV filter from a camera.
I put ared phlatlight emitter in one of these a couple of months ago. Just DD off of the three aa batts. So never had a heat issue with the plastic reflector.
interesting that you'd choose a UV filter for the lens - that just happens to be on hand? or happens to fit? I'm sure you'll share component sources when finished...just curious.
do you have a role in mind for the finished product (ie throw, flood)?
As I say I take things wrong, always have, it's what I do and the older I get, the harder I take things. I am sure you didn't hijack the thread on purpose, since you are brand new here and I am sure that my feelings on threads are only my own, so again, my apologies. Since I have to wait weeks for parts, I shouldn't have started a thread on this anyhow.
actually, i'm quite glad you did. I make enough money to buy an c88, a 305, a shower head 4xAA from DX, and mod them all (that's by no means a boast...)
but I get a lot of satisfaction from buying/modding something that matches my needs and expectations
I guess that's the 'budget' part for me - if what I want costs $160, but I get the same functionality for $30 and some of my own sweat, I'm much happier than w/ $160 missing from my account. the same is true if I end up w/ a few cheap lights laying around that i regret buying.
what i'm saying is, I probably would have bought one by now but waiting on your results is keeping me from being hasty. although...i'll admit, i will probably own them all eventually lol
I got the UV lens because that's the very cheapest camera filter I could find on eBay. $1.99 with free shipping. If I had found one totally clear for the same price at that moment, I would have gotten it. The glass in the camera filters is easy to remove. I've done it before. Actually, the UV coating can be removed easily.
As far as flood or throw, I would assume it will depend on the reflector. Since it's wide and short I would think I will end up with throw Flood. I will have to see if I can focus the LED with reflector travel, but I don't know how much travel I will have yet. If I keep the emitter on the star, not much room for adjustment, but if I take it off the star and use a small pedestal, more room for adjustment. That's going to be the fun of it, is figuring it all out from scratch and "making the parts I have work" and still have a nice mod when I am done.
I prefer flood, since my primary use is for checking smaller areas, like office rooms, lunchrooms, bathrooms, etc. (My current P7 light is great for that, but 3aaa does not give much runtime) I don't really need a thrower... But of course, as usual, if it comes out good, I will probably put it up for sale so I can afford to do another mod. That's how I usually do them, is sell them afterwards.
The emitter has such a bluish tint that it is totally not appealing. The reflector is SMO and it has a small center hot spot, but it's not focused. There are three ugly rings outside the spot (one is the "Cree ring") and the flood is washed out. Oficially, I would not recommend it without an emitter change and stippling the reflector with clearcoat. When I load the video, you will be able to see some of it.
I would say it was an attempt at a thrower, but it's so underpowered that the reflector isn't being utilized.
Edit: Think of a MagLite incan, but blue light & no beam adjustment. That's how bad it is.
I just took it outside (at work) and I have to say it's a thrower for sure. Close up it's useless, but at 30 yards it's got a 6' spot and at 40+ yards it's got an 8-10' spot. At 100 yards, it's too weak and does nothing for you. Hope that helps.