Received a new Tool AA Copper w stock XP-L HD
factory spec
3.7, 28, 140, 270 lumens
output on my meter, on Eneloop AA
3.7-24-115-280 lumens
after mod to sw45k AA Tool
new outputs on eneloop:
1.5, 12, 58, 190 lumens
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Tutorial
modding sequence to change LED
open the head:
unsolder the mcpcb:
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choose replacement LED, in this case 219b 4500k 9080 sw45k:
hotplate at 200C to remove stock XP-L HD:
add solder paste:
place new LED with correct polarity position:
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after putting on hotplate the LED centers itself, tap out excess solder
remove excess solder balls, verify correct polarity with continuity function on DMM
add thermal paste to the pill shelf:
solder mcpcb w new LED back in place:
verify it works:
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reinstall reflector:
Pat yourself on the back.
Note… the beam was disgusting, with a thin ring around the hotspot. I removed the stock centering ring, sanded down, and trimmed to fit, a butterfly shaped centering ring to half thickness… shimmed up under the mcpcb by .5 mm using thermal tape, and fiddled to get the reflector to center the LED. Much better.
Before:
After:
