Help converting old Fenix torch

I’ve had this on my keyring for years but it’s failed and would like to use it as a host. The driver is dead but would also like to change the emitter.

Never done this before - would it be possible to add a 519a emitter and run off a 16340? If so would anyway be able to suggest what parts I need and where I might be able to get them in the UK - or is it only aliexpress?

Thanks!




I’m not sure what the brass is on pic 3, have you managed to disassemble the head to get at the LED?

Fenix lights (always? Often?) Have locking compound on the threads which will make it challenging to open.

519 might be wrong size for the current LED board, and or too big to fit the optic. Alternatively, it might be a perfect swap- hard to tell without knowing what LED the light currently has.

It looks like the driver was simply glued onto the brass, with cutouts corresponding to the slots in the brass? You’ll have to find a way to support the new driver, most lights have a shelf and retaining ring or soldered in.

Nowhere I know in the UK stocks parts, the only shop (3tronics) is long gone. Try kaidomain for parts.

I have a first generation fenix e15 (it is not the same as yours), but the construction is very similar, and the problem to put a warm led on it was to unscrew the brass pill from the aluminum head, because even protecting them with rubbers when I got unscrewing them had damaged the brass thread, rendering it partially useless. but to fix your flashlight you need to unscrew the head of the pill.

Can I ask what inspired you to do this? There are hundreds of lights out there that are better and cheaper. Does your host have any fond memories tied up?

As mentioned, just curious.

On my E15, I changed out the greenish tinted XP-G2 to a different XP-G2 and I don’t remember having too difficult of a time doing it. You do have to be experienced or have the right sort of equipment with that sort of thing. I did manage to get the thing unscrewed without any damage. I have a set of rubber strap wrenches. I would not bother to change out the LED at all unless you can get the driver fixed or replaced.

Perhaps the easiest thing is to look for another E15. I know they are obsolete, but maybe just keep an eye out for one. Another option if you like the twisty format is get get a Jetbeam Jet II MK. It’s basically the same size. These sort of lights are becoming obsolete, but I still like them and have several of the Jet II MK as spares. BatteryJunction here in the U.S. has them on sale for $23.96 and I picked up another two for fear that they are going to eventually become extinct just like the Jet I MK AA version did.

Seems like it would be a difficult mod from what you’ve shown so far. And small flashlights seem even harder to work on.

But as the saying goes, if there’s a will there’s a way!

Thanks for all the help - sorry for the late reply!

No I haven’t got access to the emitter - I couldn’t see how to.

I have both the original E15 and this 2016 E15 that can run off a 16340 too - is a little bigger though. That’s still working. Will have another go at unscrewing the brass pill - but no luck initially.

I have lots of torches but just fancied fixing this one - for bit of fun really.

I’m not worried about getting a replacement - the E15 original is fine and smaller (just only runs off CR123) but thanks for suggestions.

Doesn’t sound easy - but will take another look with all the suggestions thanks!

I suspect the brass is threaded to the aluminium head, you’ll need strap wrenches and maybe to heat it to soften the adhesive. Often the hardest part of modding Fenix lights is opening the thing.

Spot on! Couldn’t resist just gave that ago as it’s lunch time! Just needed a little heat - I hadn’t realised it came apart like that.

Thanks!

@ artv
To unscrew the pill you can use “nose tip” pliers, put the tips on the pill from below and unscrew it (you need to see if it rotates clockwise or anticlockwise). This way you don’t need to use pliers or straps around the thread, avoding to damage them.

After your find a driver you want, and since most of them will be 17mm, you can try to use one of these rings (confirm the diameter to see if it is suitable) to adapt the driver to the pill and make better contact.

I am not sure if this works, but that’s what I would do in such a kind of mod.

Actually, I did something similar with my Eagtac D25C Clicky.

EDIT: Just saw you managed to open it :wink:

Thanks @MascaratumB - yes only just! How would I go about finding a driver if wanted to stick with the existing LED? Or any recommendations / links for an 4-5k high CRI emitter and driver? Happy if only runs off 16340 - not bothered about it running off CR123. Thanks!

Whar kind of user interface would you like?

I would say that you can search Convoy Store at AliExpress. There are several 17mm drivers that you can choose. Also, search Kaidomain.com.
Or search in MTN Electronics store, because they also have 17mm drivers.

Be aware that it will provabaly be better to get a driver without chips on the spring side since the flashlight is quite compact and the chips may cause conflict with the top of the battery.

Well ideally Anduril but not sure that’s possible? Might sounds stupid question - but how does that work with twisty torch - do you need twisty specific driver? Thanks!

Anduril is not possible.
You can use a driver with single or multiple modes, just like in a flashlight with a clicky switch. As example, the Lumintop Tool AA works like a twisty, when using the magnetic tailcap, and also works like a clicky flashlight when using the tailcap with switch.

In your case, you will twist the light to turn on and then quickly untwist-twist to advance in modes.

So, apart from the recommendation I gave above (concerning the chips) a normal driver will work well (if you do the modification correctly).

Perfect thanks make sense! Yes have the Lumintop EDC AA which is the same - I change modes twisting the tail cap when it’s on.