Trustfire AK-47 9x XM-L Driver Defect / Repair / Upgrade / Photos

Hi folks,

I decided to purchase one of these even though driver output has been reported as low. Since I ordered from Amazon and using my Prime account, got it in 2 days with free shipping today from this link.

LINK REMOVED DUE TO DRIVER DEFECTS.

I did get a low reading at the tail, about 3.38a. However, this started to fall quick to about 2.89a. No way that could be correct with my Trustfire batteries, and heat not affecting it that quickly. So I popped out the driver, and although a different type than my Skyray 9x T6, I immediately found the problem. One resistor, labeled R820, was not in contact and falling off.

I could be wrong here, but I suspect these drivers are assembled by machine due to the extremely small parts, but regardless, I suspect this is a defect with all Trustfire AK-47’s. Trustfire doesn’t actually make these since they are not on their website, but it’s clearly only one company that produces it. I say this because anyone that has reported on tail current, reports they are unusually low.

This wasn’t easy to re-solder (especially after having a large Dunkin Donuts coffee) but I made the repair, with the aid of a magnifier, and now tail cap current jumped to 5.75a using 3 x 26650 Trustfire cells. So figuring 80% efficiency, it’s up to 5.82w per led. Keep in mind my Skyray 9x T6, which puts out huge amounts of light, is 4.90a at the tail to give an idea how much power this light has.

Below are the photos of the light and a photo of what needs to be repaired.


Resistor pointed out and repaired. Initially it was hanging off. Please check your driver
as soon as you can to verify my findings.

UPDATE

Here are photos comparing the beam of the Skyray 9x T6 to the Trustfire AK-47. To my eye while taking the photos, the Trustfire beat the Skyray in brightness and certainly in LUX readings. The Trustfire has a slightly more condensed beam, but likely due to the 9th LED having a full reflector and being centered in the reflector.


AK-47, 3 x 26650 Trustfire 5000mAh cells. 5.74a+ tailcap, Ceiling bounce, 1,500Lux


Skyray 9x T6, 3 x 26650 Trustfire 5000mAh cells. 4.90a tailcap, Ceiling bounce, 1330Lux

I’ve been getting a lot of PM’s regarding this AK-47 and some of the differences between it and the Skyray 9x T6. I thought I should post a couple extra photos for reference. It should also be noted a seller on Ebay has an AK-47 for sale, but it has the SkyRay reflector on it. The price is good, but make sure you know what you are purchasing.

Although both lights look similar, the AK-47 is actually a different light from bezel to tail cap. Meaning the external components have been machined in a different style, which I personally like better. The most obvious is the reflector which shows the 9th LED actually has a complete reflector, which aids the beam. It also has a very nice GITD o-ring in front of the lens, which the Skyray does not.

The AK is 607 grams where as the Skyray is 621 grams, this is without batteries installed. The Skyray has a thicker battery tube and larger heat fins, likely where the extra weight comes from. But this doesn’t affect performance in any way.


AK-47 left, Skyray right. The AK does not come with the red colored o-rings on the grip. I added those myself on both lights.


AK-47 on left, Skyray on right : A nice clear shot of the reflector differences.

BTW…this is the Ebay seller with an AK-47 but with the Skyray reflector.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300865490139?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&\_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

Here are some final beam shots just taken. Camera was on a tripod and settings were as follows: Manual exposure, 1.3 sec, f/2.8, ISO 80. It should be noted the distance for these were 100 feet to the shrubs.

All lights had fully charged batteries, except I popped the SR 9x T6 cells out after the photo and tossed them in the AK-47. Hey, I was trying to give the Skyray a shot at winning :smiley: The following lights have been requested to compare to the AK-47.

AK-47 Vs. Skyray KING, DRY NW Turbo, and SkyRay 9x T6


SkyRay KING CW 6.8a tailcap - HIGH Mode


DRY NW Turbo Mode


SkyRay 9x T6 HIGH Mode


Trustfire AK-47 HIGH Mode

so….what will happen if I get one and I just replace the resistor w/ copper wire J)

Nice job on finding and fixing. It is worth noting that many of us thoroughly inspect a budget light before use :slight_smile:

Thanks Dt. Interesting idea, like putting a penny in place of a fuse.

Beyond the driver issue, the light is great and arrived in flawless condition. I wasn’t initially able to remove or unscrew the reflector to get a look what’s underneath, but will get to that point soon. Threads were excellent and I love the reflector. Initially, it appears it may have a narrower beam profile compared to the Skyray 9x, but I’ll have to see for sure outside tonight.

Here is the Amazon link I purchased from. If you don’t have a Prime account, I think shipping may be about $6.00

http://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Flashlight-Rechargeable-Trustfire-Waterproof/dp/B009XN7242/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3ENFMLVMZAPZL&coliid=I33U1B5YSRNBVO

Nice price, and even nicer that the repair was fairly simple.

How big is that animal in person? Looks like the trustfire thrower host (can’t remember the model sorry).

Could you take a current measurement w/ 2 cells?

Dave, I get 5.75a with two cells. Same current as 3 cells. However, unlike my Skyray version, this one works great with 2x26650’s.

Here are the hand-holds in both configurations for you. Also, the cooling fins are more compact on this one than the Skyray, but I doubt it’ll have any negative effects.


AK-47 in 2 x 26650 (Works great with 2 cells, also 5.75a at tail)


Here in full 3 x 26650 configuration (5.75a at tail)

Nice! That looks smaller than the fit40s, is 26650 and 9 * xm-l, either that, or if we ever meet, don’t be offended if I won’t shake hands…… :bigsmile:

OP updated with beam shots.

Nice, thanks for all.

The ak-47’s definitely the thrower of the two. Nice comparison shots. :bigsmile:

Added a few extra photos to the original Post

makes me almost want to sell my Sky ray and pick up the AK

nice post richie.

Is the driver current regulated?

Thanks FM, I had the same thought as well. But I decided since I love the AK so much, I’m going to modify the Skyray LED’s will all new wiring. Likely 22 gauge and see how much output increases. So I’m going to keep it.

I’m not sure if it is or not. But I love the driver in it due to its versatility and have no intensions of replacing it with anything else.

Have you tried running it with C cells?

Yes, it needed 4 x C cells to fill it. Naturally it was much dimmer than with Li-ions, but all modes worked fine. Tail cap current was .80a on high mode.

The Skyray 9x T6 would not light up at all with 4 x C cells.

UPDATE

The AK-47 exhibits an extremely slow pulse of PWM on low and med, slower than what a heart beat would be and none on High mode.

However, the Skyray 9x T6 exhibits a slightly faster PWM pulse on all modes, low, med and high.

The more I use the AK-47, confirms my initial feelings about it being a better light than the Skyray.

Lol faster PWM is better….

Iam not sure how you checked it, but you can quickly place the head to a bit cloth and you will here the noise the higher the noise the higher the PWM frequency. But i can never judge about how good PWM is because I am not one of the sensitive gays guys.
Compare it with a BLFA( and you will here a really high sound compared to the most stock trustfires and so on.

Too sad that 4xC s won’t work… I like that on the TF3T6 so much…