Final update: DDH ML778SL finished on 01/03/2021
Mon, 10/26/2020 First update: Host chosen, waiting for parts
I have chosen the host and leds that I will use for this modified flashlight.
I already have the host, ordered it one and a half years ago from Taobao, forwarded it with a Taobao agent. The flashlight is sold only as a host and is called the Dongdonghai D8A. I also have the long 8 18650 extension tube on order.
The DDH D8A is similar to the Astrolux MF01 but a little longer and with the head diameter of a Sofirn SP70. Below is a size comparison of the three flashlights.
I have planned since I ordered this host to modify it somehow instead of using the original configuration. To see how it works I put in a single XHP70 led with a TA driver. It works well and has a nice beam but it has not seen much use because I already have a few flashlights with a single XHP70. The DDH D8A is big enough for a more powerful configuration.
This is the host for my build, the DDH D8A.
With hot glue I made a transparent switch cover instead of the red one to let the light of the lighted switch through. I will need to replace it with a more flexible rubber because it is too stiff and gets sticky when warm.
These are all the parts of the host and a size comparison with the Emisar D4 to show you how big the reflector is. It has 80mm diameter and is 70mm high.
Some measurements
First, I wanted to use a quad or triple reflector with XHP70 leds but then this seven-leds-reflector appeared on Kaidomain. Now I want to fit it inside the D8A with seven XHP70.2.
The reflector is a little too big for the front opening of the flashlight and the led holes are too small for the XHP70 leds. I will need to take away 1.5mm from the outer edge of the reflector and widen the reflector holes from 8 to 10mm. Then I need to build a copper spacer to fill up the empty 4-4.5cm of the longer reflector as the multi-led reflector is only 3cm high. Even if it does not fit yet, I already like the look of this seven-led-reflector in the D8A.
Currently I am waiting for the XHP70 leds and I will also order the copper for the spacer.
What I have
- Host Dongdonghai D8A
- 7x reflector
- Copper rod and 65mm plate for the spacer
- Soldering paste, thermal paste, drill, metal saw, dremel and other material
What I need
- 7 XHP70.2 leds (3× 3000K, 4× 5000K)
- More copper discs for the spacer
- 8 18650 tube
- Maybe a Lexel driver? (with resistors, not sure if the 7135’s can handle 7 XHP70 or will overheat)
- Aux led boards?
Thu, 09/17/2020 Original OP: entry, brainstorming
This is my topic for a modified flashlight for the 8th BLF Old Lumens contest.
I still have to decide which host to use and what leds and driver to put inside.
Could be a big host with optics and SST20 or a few XHP70 in a reflector, don’t know yet.
Stay tuned!
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Build video
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
OP: Choosing host and leds, parts list
Post#2: Build video
Post#12: Drilling reflector and switch retaining ring
Post#19: Seven XHP70 and long tube arrived, dremel reflector edge
Post#28: Drilling and filing, parts line-up
Post#28: Drilling copper plates, sawing copper rod, preparing copper spacer
Post#32: Fitting glass lens and measurements
Post#33: Preparing driver, modifying battery carrier
Post#42: Soldering MCPCBs to copper plate
Post#43: Testing and final assembly
Post#46: Beamshots and picture gallery
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Go for it
Good luck with the mod!!
MY REVIEWS THREAD /// My Flashlight Collection /// YouTube Channel
Mods: 1 / 2 // TIR: 1 / 2 // Others: Biscotti 3 + 1*7135 / Triple TIR w/ XP-G2 /// My Review's Blog (PT) /// OL Contest 2019 /// OL Contest 2020 /// GIVEAWAYs: 1 / 2 / 3
Well, I’m looking forward to it (and subscribed to the thread)
Skylight,
Happy to see you are in the competition
Water Cooled MT35 PLUS RE-MODDED------MT35 Plus with SBT90.2 mod ( GT90 kit from Texas Ace )
7th annual BLF/O-L contest Haikelite MT07 upgraded-----8th annual BLF/O-L contest “SKELETON”
Water Cooled 20K lumen POT LID LIGHT------ Cyclops 18M cd flashlight Mod------Q-beam mod to led
Convoy 4x18 Luminus 90.2 mod with 86mm reflector
Think outside the box too long , cannot find your way back in
Looking forward to seeing what you come up with Skylight
Thanks for your encouraging comments, MascaratumB, Scallywag, CNCman and pinkpanda3310 !
After a month, I have made up my mind which host and led configuration to use in my OL contest modded flashlight this year.
I updated the OP with pictures of the host and the reflector. It will be a big host with 9cm head diameter and optional 8 18650 tube, a heavy copper spacer and seven XHP70.2 leds.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Good to see you have the design nailed down Skylight. Looking forward to the mod.
djozz quotes, "it came with chinese lettering that is chinese to me".
"My man mousehole needs one too"
old4570 said "I'm not an expert , so don't suffer from any such technical restrictions".
Old-Lumens. Highly admired and cherished member of Budget Light Forum. 11.5.2011 - 20.12.16. RIP.
That should be some powerful light!
BLF Member Map, add yourself
My 8th Annual contest entry My 7th Annual contest entry My 6th Annual contest entry My 5th Annual contest entry My 4th Annual contest entry
My DBSAR inspired SRK lantern hand made mod
He wants to make it a sky…light
MY REVIEWS THREAD /// My Flashlight Collection /// YouTube Channel
Mods: 1 / 2 // TIR: 1 / 2 // Others: Biscotti 3 + 1*7135 / Triple TIR w/ XP-G2 /// My Review's Blog (PT) /// OL Contest 2019 /// OL Contest 2020 /// GIVEAWAYs: 1 / 2 / 3
Thanks for the nice comments, MRsDNF, MtnDon and MascaratumB. Sorry if I am replying late but here are the updates.
A few days ago I drilled out the holes of the seven leds reflector. I used a 10mm drill bit.
Before drilling
Half done with drilling
After drilling, I removed sharp edges and cleaned the reflector with air. It looks nice again and the holes are a little bigger now.
The switch retaining ring had to be drilled, too, to allow fitting a Convoy L6 switch cover. The self-made silicone covers did not work properly.
Switch retaining ring before drilling
After drilling and filing
Last Thursday five XHP70.2 leds arrived. I will use four of them in this flashlight. They are 5000K 90 CRI with N2 3C bin. I bought them at the HotRed Official Store on Aliexpress. XHP70.2 90CRI
Compared to a XHP70.2 P2 3A with 70 CRI (bottom right corner) it is clearly visible that these leds have the for high CRI leds typical orange phospor cover.
The four XHP70.2 look great in the reflector. The for now empty spaces will be fitted with three XHP70.2 P2 7A 70 CRI leds to achieve a rosy 4000K light.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Someone likes walls of light
MY REVIEWS THREAD /// My Flashlight Collection /// YouTube Channel
Mods: 1 / 2 // TIR: 1 / 2 // Others: Biscotti 3 + 1*7135 / Triple TIR w/ XP-G2 /// My Review's Blog (PT) /// OL Contest 2019 /// OL Contest 2020 /// GIVEAWAYs: 1 / 2 / 3
It would appear so.
djozz quotes, "it came with chinese lettering that is chinese to me".
"My man mousehole needs one too"
old4570 said "I'm not an expert , so don't suffer from any such technical restrictions".
Old-Lumens. Highly admired and cherished member of Budget Light Forum. 11.5.2011 - 20.12.16. RIP.
That is true indeed. Especially high cri and rosy walls of light.
But I hope it will give me a big hotspot with a little throw as well.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
This is gonna be nice !
Wow 4*XHP70 is going to be Sooo bright (and HOT)
A bit off topic but what is your opinion on the Deko drill? seems like it is better than most crappy Chinese power tools.
My FW repository
My BLF/OL contest entries: 7th | 8th | 9th
Thank you, Rdubya18.
That’s for sure. I added some new pictures below where you can see that I will actually use 7 XHP70 with a big copper spacer underneath.
I didn’t want to make an advertisement for the Deko brand
but it is a great drill. It is one of the few drills on Aliexpress that is brushless. It is said that brushless motors are more efficient, stronger and better than brushed motors. The Deko drill is indeed strong with 58Nm torque and it even has an impact mode for drilling walls. It has a 40Wh battery that seems to last forever, two speed settings and a very handy percentage display on the battery pack.
I am not an expert in drills but compared to the old drill with Ni-MH batteries that I used previously this is a whole new world. So far, I found no flaws with this Deko drill and I would recommend it. [end of advertisement
]
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Last week the other three XHP70 leds for my project arrived, together with the long tube for 8 18650 batteries.
The four XHP70.2 5000K 90 CRI (N2 3C) and the three XHP70.2 3000K 70 CRI (P2 7A), in the right picture the configuration they will have:
The seven leds reflector is full now.
Here is the long tube, together with the battery carrier:
What I did in terms of modifying was to grind away part of the egde of the reflector with my dremel to make it fit into the flashlight.
It went quite smoooth. I feared to scratch the reflector with the aluminium particles but they went outside and left the reflector untouched.
Before
During work
Almost there …
… and it fits.
The edge is a bit textured now but not too rough so I will leave it this way.
Current status
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Sweet light Skylight
I really like this very challenging mod your doing. Great job and I’m looking forward to more pics
.
.
Water Cooled MT35 PLUS RE-MODDED------MT35 Plus with SBT90.2 mod ( GT90 kit from Texas Ace )
7th annual BLF/O-L contest Haikelite MT07 upgraded-----8th annual BLF/O-L contest “SKELETON”
Water Cooled 20K lumen POT LID LIGHT------ Cyclops 18M cd flashlight Mod------Q-beam mod to led
Convoy 4x18 Luminus 90.2 mod with 86mm reflector
Think outside the box too long , cannot find your way back in
The torch looks finished on the outside.
djozz quotes, "it came with chinese lettering that is chinese to me".
"My man mousehole needs one too"
old4570 said "I'm not an expert , so don't suffer from any such technical restrictions".
Old-Lumens. Highly admired and cherished member of Budget Light Forum. 11.5.2011 - 20.12.16. RIP.
With a good FET you can get 7000 out of the 70.2 pretty realistically… Wonder if with 7 of them you’ll hit 50k (however briefly)?
Just like CNCman said this looks like a challenging mod. Looking good so far
Thanks CNCman. I never did a mod with 7 XHP70 before but I hope to get it right.
True. Inside, the heart and the brain are missing, leds and driver.
50k lumens would be an optimistic but nice lumen value.
If the FET can handle 70-80A I might reach that. However, my aim is more like around 30000 lumens which is already plenty. To handle the heat well I will solder the led MCPCBs to a copper plate and maybe add a little copper piece as heatsink on the FET.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Thanks pinkpanda3310.
I chose a challenging mod on purpose because if it was not for the contest I would always postpone it. The contest gives me the right motivation to finish this mod within a certain time limit.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
…and that time limit is coming around….
Thanks for the reminder, pinkpanda3310.
Just realised that time is running fast and I need to reserve a few afternoons for flashlight modding.
Here is a little update what I have so far:
- Host Dongdonghai D8A
- 7x reflector
- 7 XHP70.2 leds (3× 3000K, 4× 5000K 90CRI)
- 20mm copper rod
- 65mm, 55mm, 40mm copper discs for the spacer
- 30mm TA driver and side switch
- 8 18650 tube
- Soldering paste, thermal paste, 16 or 18AWG cable, drill, metal saw, dremel and other material
So as of now I have everything to continue with the internal parts of the build. Some copper sawing, drilling and soldering is left to do.
What I am still waiting for is a 82×2mm AR coated glass lens (from the Haikelite MT07). It showed me to have arrived in my country so it should make it in time. It will replace the 80×3.8mm stock not coated glass lens.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Today I’m back with good news. Last week I managed to complete most of the remaining work so that I’m close to the final assembly now.
Here comes what I have done step by step with many pictures.
I drilled the hole for the side switch with a 10mm drill to let the side switch fit in.
Result
Filed the edge of the 65mm copper plate to make it sit lower in the flashlight.
Before I continued modding I took some fotos of all the parts together.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
I guess you’ll need a shoulder strap to carry it, after putting all that copper inside

Keep it coming
MY REVIEWS THREAD /// My Flashlight Collection /// YouTube Channel
Mods: 1 / 2 // TIR: 1 / 2 // Others: Biscotti 3 + 1*7135 / Triple TIR w/ XP-G2 /// My Review's Blog (PT) /// OL Contest 2019 /// OL Contest 2020 /// GIVEAWAYs: 1 / 2 / 3
BLF Member Map, add yourself
My 8th Annual contest entry My 7th Annual contest entry My 6th Annual contest entry My 5th Annual contest entry My 4th Annual contest entry
My DBSAR inspired SRK lantern hand made mod
The three copper plates used for the copper spacer all need two holes to pass the cables through.
Before
A few fotos with leds and reflector installed.
During drilling
The holes in the 65mm top copper plate are determined by the position of the leds.
I marked the holes in the 55mm copper plate to overlap with the 65mm copper plate.
The holes in the base 40mm copper plate correspond to the holes from the driver cavity in the flashlight.
Finished
I just had to take some fotos in the decorative shiny copper swarf.
The last part missing for the copper spacer is a 30mm piece to be cut from a copper rod with 20mm diameter.
All the parts for the copper spacer are finished now.
Here is what the copper spacer will look like. The 40mm and 55mm copper plates will be soldered to the copper rod, the 65mm copper plate will be put in only with thermal paste.
My Youtube channel: Alllightson Reviews
My OL contest builds: 7th 8th 9th
My reviews: Sofirn SP31 V2, Nightwatch NI40, Sofirn C8F 21700, Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05,Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3, Skilhunt M150
My video-reviews: Brinyte WT01, Sofirn SD05, Ti AAA keychain, Sofirn SP33 V3
Pages