Astrolux EC06 switch LED replacement

[Westie]

Hi!
I was thinking about replacing the LEDs in the switch of the Astrolux EC06.
I think it’s pretty straight forward and it can be done by unscrewing the switch collar. Yes, no? That’s gonna be my first flashlight mod.
Is there a tool to take it apart other than needle nose pliers? Maybe a wrist watch spamner?

Does someone know which size LEDs are in those switches? It looks to me like Astrolux/Sofirn/Matematico use similar switches.

Does the color of the LED matter?
The stock LEDs are green and I would use some other color. Maybe amber. I even saw UV. That would be cool but I don’t know if resistors are needed on those small LEDs because of the different voltages like in the bigger LEDs.

[Correllux]

I won’t be of much help here but I think this is not the simplest of mods to get started with. These tiny leds are more sensitive to overheating than our main emitters, so it’s a good case for hot air, hotplate, or hot tweezers rather than an iron, but an iron used the right way is totally doable (and easier to solder on the new ones vs. removing the existing ones). Just be careful not to tear the pads on the board and paste flux will aid in both removal and install. The trim rings unscrew pretty easily so the pliers should work fine (might put some electrical tape over the tips or across the trim ring itself to help avoid scratching). I use internal snap ring pliers for them (the outward pressure helps keep them from slipping a little better than typical external pliers). Sometimes you can even get the ring started just with fingernails or finger pressure. When you put the ring back on, resist the urge to overtighten…snug against the rubber is usually fine. Also, not sure about this light in particular, but aux switch boards are often held in place by a tiny dot of glue, so you may need a small pick or something to pry it gently and break the glue.

Here’s Tom’s fantastic teardown photos…scroll down to the Driver section and he begins with the switch. Someone else will need to chime in on the size of those and if changing colors might require a chance in the teeny resistors to maintain the same brightness. It’s that way on most or all of the lighted tailswitch mods. Other than working with such tiny components (and locating/purchasing them) the good thing is that you can tailor it to exactly what you like. You might post in Tom’s thread and he’ll probably see it and give great input…maybe also search the past threads on lighted tailswitches where tech info/resistor details was shared.

EC06 Tear Down Review

The Astrolux EC06 is a new C8, soda can style light with some interesting features: 6 XHP50.2 3V's, as opposed to 4 LED's in the Q8 or Q8 Pro 3 21700's instead of the classic 4 18650's designed for high amps with heavy gauge spring bypasses and a triple high performance FET+1 driver circuitry 3A rated USB-C charging w/power bank feature Unpacking Plain, simple brown box: [image] [image] [image] What's included: [image] Packed simply but well - heavier bubble wrap, foam inserts in th…

[Westie]

@Correllux

I won’t be of much help here but I think this is not the simplest of mods to get started with. These tiny leds are more sensitive to overheating than our main emitters, so it’s a good case for hot air, hotplate, or hot tweezers rather than an iron, but an iron used the right way is totally doable (and easier to solder on the new ones vs. removing the existing ones). Just be careful not to tear the pads on the board and paste flux will aid in both removal and install. The trim rings unscrew pretty easily so the pliers should work fine (might put some electrical tape over the tips or across the trim ring itself to help avoid scratching). I use internal snap ring pliers for them (the outward pressure helps keep them from slipping a little better than typical external pliers). Sometimes you can even get the ring started just with fingernails or finger pressure. When you put the ring back on, resist the urge to overtighten…snug against the rubber is usually fine. Also, not sure about this light in particular, but aux switch boards are often held in place by a tiny dot of glue, so you may need a small pick or something to pry it gently and break the glue.

Here’s Tom’s fantastic teardown photos…scroll down to the Driver section and he begins with the switch. Someone else will need to chime in on the size of those and if changing colors might require a chance in the teeny resistors to maintain the same brightness. It’s that way on most or all of the lighted tailswitch mods. Other than working with such tiny components (and locating/purchasing them) the good thing is that you can tailor it to exactly what you like. You might post in Tom’s thread and he’ll probably see it and give great input…maybe also search the past threads on lighted tailswitches where tech info/resistor details was shared.

EC06 Tear Down Review

Thanks for the tips. I did some SMD soldering and I was hoping I could do the soldering without taking the switch out.
I wanted to find the exact LED size and if I need resistors since I’ll be ordering the parts from China and it will take some time for it to get to me. I didn’t want to take it apart before I have everything. The retaining ring doesn’t move when I try to unscrew it by hand.