I’m not sure how much using conductive lubricant really matters. I suspect the lubricant has much higher resistance than bare metal-to-metal contact. Even with conductive lubricant the light will still probably operate about the same.
a look on the original drawing should solve all mysteries about "what happens when if i unscrew..." ;)
I received my lights yesterday. I love these lights. I for the longest time wanted and HDS or Prometheus Alpha. Not anymore. These and the Emisars will do it for me.
Thanks again to Toykeeper and Neal (Congrats on your baby! GonXi GonXi).
Good job to all. BLF FTW!
Depends on how you use it. Cleaning or cleaning with alcohol will not de-oxidize oxidized aluminum. I will clean with alcohol, then run a scotch-brite pad to de-oxidize the threads getting back down to bare metal, then clean/polish with De-Ox wipe that off and re-apply liberally.
Thanks for trying this, and reporting results. 
It looks like the clip would need to be a bit longer in order to work well on FW3A. It should land right at the top of the slope, instead of on the slope or on the knurled section.
That sounds like it’s in muggle mode with a bad temperature calibration. To fix it, exit muggle mode (6 clicks) and then calibrate the sensor as described in the FAQ threads.
Or perhaps it just has a low battery and the low-voltage protection activated. I can’t really say which it is, from this description.
Just got my FW3A today and would like to THANK ALL those involved in putting this together.
Haven’t played with it much but really like it so far.
THANKS BLF
Yodel tracking is saying mine will be here on Friday ,yay on my birfday.
received mine today. The boxes, both them, were destroyed. From what I read earlier I knew the light would be encased in foam so I didn’t worry. It was fine, no damage….but it didn’t work. After some twisting it started working. The switch is FANTASTIC! The color is gray, the clip is black. I don’t care. Insanely HOT very quickly on turbo. I’m in Calif, any others around here know what to set the temp thingy at? And does that help it to not get so hot? This is a terrific light, BUT, I don’t feel like it’s going to keep working because of all I read? I can’t figure out that retaining ring on the driver? Is there even one there??? And does it turn? I was looking thru a magnifying glass and couldn’t really see a ring like on other lights. Were the boxes marked? No marking on mine that indicated it was a 3D. Tint is fine but I prefer warmer.
Keeping an eye out for the next available emitter, and pricing. Be a fool not to get another. I want bunnies!
I ordered two on the same day,separate orders. One came a couple days ago, the other us not tracking well…
I received my 3D and 7A a few days ago. My evening hours are limited these days so I haven’t really had the chance to fully suss them out. Here are a few random observations.
1–I couldn’t push one of the boxes out of its sleeve. It seemed like the sleeve was glued to the inner box so I had to peel it off. So what.
2–The switch on one is much stiffer and louder than the other. I prefer the softer one. I haven’t removed either’s tail cap yet.
3–The clip, while not deep carry, is pretty friggin sweet. It slides over my pocket with next to no effort. And I don’t even mind the extra width of the round bit.
4–I do have to be mindful not to press the switch while clipping the light in my pocket.
5–I thought I had a good idea of what size it would be but it still feels smaller than I expected.
6–I didn’t realize how accustomed to side switches I was. I think I’ve settled on a modified cigar grip. Thumb in back, index and middle over, ring and pinky under.
7–While I like them both, I can’t help wishing the 3D was a 5D and the 7A was also a 5D.
Big ups to the whole crew! It’s been fun watching this materialize and is now even more fun.
You have a black switch? That is odd. Post a picture if you can. (Maybe you mean black clip?)
The default temp is set to 45°C I believe, or was is 55°? I can’t remember. I would not try changing the temp step down. I would first try calibrating the ambient temperature since that is the one that is not calibrated. M4D M4X did a video on it.
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my error Jason, yes, corrected to black clip. I’ll see if I can calibrate the temperature, thanks!
Below is a very clear picture by TomE of the ‘driver retaining ring’. It is very, very thin saypat & somewhat hard to see… but it should be there.
HERE is some more info.
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The retaining ring doesn’t need to be very tight. Turn it clock wise to tighten. I really only tightened mine with one of the notches (at that was because I took everything apart to mod it). I don’t think my usual pliers and stuff will grab both ends of the ring at once without slipping.
I see that people have already started getting 7A.
Sadly, my not even sent.
Paid Apr 28, 2019
That’s what I did too. Small screwdriver in one notch, spun around until finger tight.
Good tip. My ambient default temp was set to 39. Recalibrated now.
Just for the sake of clarity, for anyone still not seeing it… retaining ring notches highlighted:
I hope they come out with some new colors. As much as I like this light the only thing keeping me from buying multiple is no $30 option and the weird gray on fingerprint black on silver color combo. I may just have to try to bake the anno if a $30 one comes out.