As I'm sure many are aware, I'm the designer of the light module in this light. Sorry I haven't chimed in earlier - I just saw this thread for the very first time.
Having talked with Chicago-X on multiple occasions about multiple topics and having done business with him also on multiple occasions, I can say with absolute confidence that he is a stand-up guy. I haven't heard from him since the failure of this light, however, so I have no idea what has happened with him. I will try getting in touch tomorrow.
The last I talked to him, he said that a light module he was building for a customer started flickering in host. I asked for some pictures, and quickly determined that one of the components on the module had been destroyed. Unsure of why, I asked him to send me the module. He ended up sending me the whole light (I've actually held your entire light in my hand!).
I found that Arctic Silver epoxy had been used to adhere the module to the Copper heat-sink, and enough had been put on that it oozed through the vias in the circuit board. Arctic silver has some.. properties.. that make it unsuitable for use in situations where it can come in to contact with electronic circuitry.
In any case, it wasn't a huge problem. I removed the module from the light, transferred the special high-cri XM-L emitters to a new one and re-installed it in the light. All was well in the world again.
This was my message to Chicago X about my findings
Following that, there were a few messages exchanged..
As i said, I'll try getting in touch with him tomorrow. The light was 99% finished and in his hands on June 25, 2013. All that was left to do (unless I'm mistaken about additional customization) was sand off the old epoxy and re-glue the module with the DeltaBond that I suggested and he ordered.
Hopefully this doesn't go unresolved, and hopefully Chicago X is ok!
Like I said, for him to just disappear, something bad had to happen, or he passed away. Last I had heard was there was some type of serious back injury and I never heard anything more from him or his wife. Members come and members go and many times the rest of us here never get to know what really happened. Online twilight zone kind of thing.
I told my wife if I ever die before her, to let the forum know, but with my luck, we would both go the same day and the cat refuses to post in a, (her words, "a ridiculous flashlight forum"), picky cat only visits cat forums.....
I got a genuine chuckle from this. Thanks OL. Dark humor is the best humor.
It’s unfortunate that ChiX disappeared before finishing this transaction. I just hope that he is alright. He was a valued and respected member of this community.