I came across BLF looking for a good every day flash light to replace my Dorcy 41-2510 that I use for nightly dog walks.
I really like this flash light and have bought 3 of them, one had 2 flickering LEDs that eventually burned out and a second has 1 LED starting to flicker. The 3rd doesnt get used on a daily basis and hasnt had this problem.
I was wondering if anyone knew of a way to fix, or maybe replace the LEDs on this particular flash light? Once it dies it could be a good DIY project. I use enerloop batteris with it and the only issue I have is the flickering.
I am looking at replacing it with an UltraFire WF-502B but I liked the side cliky of the Dorcy.
Thanks. I understand its a cheap flashlight, just didn’t think it would burn out so quickly. I like everything else about the light so its a bit disappointing to give up on it but thats what I have to do.
I'd open it up and see whats going on. Let us know what the circuit looks like. They are probably using a simple resistor as a current limiter, and possibly only one with the LEDs in parallel. Or perhaps using 1/8 watt resistors when they need 1/4 watt. Either problem could cause the cascade failure you are seeing.
Replacing LEDs and resistors is easy. It might be possible to find a proper constant current or voltage driver.
I have a couple of Dorcy 41-4750 yellow plastic throwers. Replaced the resistor with a 2xAMC-7135 and replaced the LED on one with a XP-G2. Works really well now. They really aren't bad hosts because of the side switch and tons of room inside for whatever circuit boards you might want to tinker with. Just keep the current to about 700mA since the heat rejection isn't too great.
chances are its not the led thats fried, i have a 41-4416 (if i remember right) and the flickering was caused by poor contact on the positive terminal, every few months i had to use a long q tip with some rubbing alcohol to clean the terminals to deal with flickering/no light
also bypass the switch with a wire to see if that gets it going
Thanks for all the advice. I tried cleaning the contacts on the + end, and it didnt improve the LEDs. I will try to bypass the switch to see if that works any better. Here are some photos I took with my cell phone, hope they are clear enough.
