Can the driver in HDS lights be swapped? I’m willing to sacrifice the UI for a modern working light since the second-hand HDS edc basic I bought is dead and not working. I would like to make this a triple or just have a new emitter and higher output. Also, I’m aware that it might be a simple fix like a hard reset but still, I want a modern emitter
You might be able to get the light fixed for free
go here to explore options and get advice:
there are people there with experience swapping emitters, usually a more modern emitter will end up being brighter than what was in there originally
no, I have not heard of people changing the driver on an HDS, only the LED…
and No, I have never seen an HDS converted to a triple and I do not know anyone that would do that job for you
good luck with your search
Have you tried contacting HDS? They have one of the best warranties in the business. They not a very common choice for mods, I think due to cost, unique internal design, and the fact that they are really good from factory.
I’ve done the triple mod but it’s not that impressive due to the ~1A output and other limitations. Would be best if Henry or someone designed a board for it.
You could swap the driver, just have to dig it out as it’s potted.
Probably best to see if Henry can fix it or try a factory reset.
I think it’s remove battery for 10 minutes, reinstall battery while holding down the switch. Don’t let off the switch until there are some flashes.
Could be the momentary has gone bad. Easy fix.
Thanks for the fast replies! I appreciate the info. It seems I have some options so I’ll see what works best
read more about the history and programmability of your Basic
I’d try the reset and then reach out to Henry before hacking it. I’ve worked on many, many HDS lights so I’ll take a look at it if Henry says NO.
The triple mod I posted had some glow powder formed around the optics, it added green to the beam so I used a normal one.
It’s a hack mod, but I wanted to see how it looked and if it would work. It does. What little heat that’s produced travels through the bored out reflector to the SS head.
Probably not ideal, but I’ve felt around in it while running and the triple board just doesn’t get that hot. I think this light puts out around 950mA or thereabouts.
Reduced the OD of the emitter board to allow more of the (chunky) aluminum reflector to remain, else the walls get thin and might break at the joint.
This mod really only requires destruction of the reflector, I’ve got a spare from uniquetitanium for when I want to go back to a single emitter.
First I need to find a clip that works with it. It’s a Legacy so the old 2 hole clips are rare.
BTW, the output is beautiful as expected with Nichia 219c, a little under-powered though. I tried the “big magnet on the side of the light” method and it went to maximum output to show me what it “could” look like. 
Henry could make a triple board and a shorter bezel and sell a bunch. Probably won’t though, it’s a lot of reworking for a 1-man shop.
I’ll never know cuz I’d never pay that much for a light so I don’t window-shop any more.
Rm404, PM me if you want some help with your light if not covered by Henry.
Here’s some pics
Awesome mod bansuri!
Huh, so you milled down the reflector to make a flat spot for the mcpcb, and the whole thing rides above the existing emitter board below which is left intact I guess? Interesting…
I’ve got quite a few HDS lights, love them, one of my favorites. I’ve done a few emitters swaps in some of mine. They’re low power though so I’ve never considered trying to make one a triple. Neat idea though. They’re not easy to work in for sure, what with all the potting.
Thanks Fady! I was a big fan of HDS before the giant price hike. No complaining, just out of my reach now. This one was a gift from a buddy in KC so it’s got a lifelong position in my lineup!
Emarkd, I pulled the stock emitter out and will replace MCPCB when I go back to a single. I just ran the wires through the middle hole and soldered to original contacts.
And BTW, the nearly 1A with the triple is enough for most nighttime work, BLF has spoiled me though. Gotta get back to my low lumens roots!
Some glow tape around the edge.
great mod, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the help. I replaced the driver (7135 x 8 standard on memory) and replaced the old emitter with a Nichia 219c 4000k then found a new AR glass lens. The driver was potted but it crumbled and came out easily enough. The hardest part of this mod has been the rear clicky switch. Might replace it in the future but is functioning as a momentary on button currently and twist for constant on. This was my first flashlight mod and I consider it a success. Do I need imgur or photobucket to post pictures?
Did you try getting in touch with Henry about a repair first…?
Yes I did and he offered to repair it. I was impressed by his willingness to stand by his warranty but it wouldn’t have been right because I’m not the original owner and also I don’t know what the original owner did with the light. Maybe he also modded it or did something else to void the warranty.
Dont worry about owner/s, send to Henry, he will take care of you .