I got a good cheap modding host from wallbuys for 12.88
The ultrafire F13.
Promising mod host as it will do 18650 and 26650. Has a nice LARGE pill and has a nice beefy feel to it.
This is what I had planned for this host.
UCL ~$2 from intl outdoor.
XML2U2 1A noctagon ~$8 from intl outdoor
Teflon coated 22ga wires
Solder fill the pill for better heatsinking.
I chose to go with a single mode direct drive (no driver!) for two reasons. First, because the last 2 drivers I have tried to install I end up butchering and breaking. What can I say... I have the gorilla fingers. Second, because I felt the host had sufficient mass and could take the heat of a 1 mode light without the need for a low mode to cool down. Oh... you want a low mode? Better use your keychain light boy!
Here are some photos from the mod. Good news - I didnt break anything and I got to use a blow torch!! FIRE!!!
Breakdown
My dad (blf member windup) behind the torch helping solder fill the pill (because taking a photo and handling a torch is difficult to do at the same time)
Lets cook up some solder!
Here is a shot of the pill before I drilled holes for the wires
Added copper braid to the tail cap (switch seems to be of decent quality) and prepared a contact board I had.
Mounted the noctagon xml2 and applied thermal paste.
Results:
It works! - I used a protected cell before using a 26650 imr just to be safe.
Silly me - I forgot that the XML2 has quite high VF and even direct drive on one imr 26650 pulls about 3.8-4amps MAX on a fresh cell. Still better than the stock 2amps and easily keeps up with a stock tiny monster (high mode vs high mode)... it does handle heat quite well... I ran mine for 15 mins and it got warm but not piping hot.
not bad for ~$25 :) and a fun afternoon.
Beamshots? I didnt take any since the Denver game was coming on tv and I didnt think it was much to see... maybe around 1200-1300 lumen? Im just glad I didnt break or blow up something hehe :)
