I have an old (in terms of flashlights) olight SR51 Intimidator that I’d like to upgrade a bit.
It was only until recently that I discovered that there’s a possibility to use 2x 18650 batteries instead of the usual 6x CR123 batteries.
Since CR123 is everything but usefull (it takes 6 of them that you can’t recharge so it costs a lot of money, which is also the reason why I didn’t use this light anymore), I decided to buy this and did some more investigation to upgrade it.
I would like to install a new LED (with MCPCB).
The LED that is installed now is Cree XM-L U2
What would your recommendations be for a new emitter?
Do I also need to install a new driver or anything else, or can I just mount a new emitter?
It has to be an LED with spotlight features. High CRI and temperature of 5K - 6,5K max (pref towards the 5K)
Other questions.
Will the LED increase the lumens and candela?
Will it consume more power or less?
Good site to order the LED and if needed, other parts. I live in Belgium
I have no idea what the dimensions of the current LED and should the new LED have the same dimensions?
I don’t even remember this light but what you said about the cells got me interested enough to look it up. As it turns out, HKJ did a review on it with just a little electrical info but not a full teardown. Do you have the optional extra cell carrier for the 18650 cells? If not then you’ll need to find one, make one, or stick with the shorty cells and what you have. Interesting setup.
Basically the cell pack is delivering 6v to the driver (in what you have), then they must be using a buck driver for efficiency to dumb it down to 3v for the emitter. No idea what their 18650 carrier was like but it begs the question of whether these cells were parallel or series and how the driver handles that different voltage compared to the shorties (e.g. if you feed the driver 8.4v is that going to toast it or was it made to tolerate 9v or greater…of if cells in parallel then maybe the driver just feeds single cell voltage but does it still benefit from regulation/efficiency?).
The only thing safe to say is that as long as you can easily access the emitter and desolder wires for removal, then it should be easy enough to reflow another 5050 footprint 3v emitter. The SST40 would be a step up in output and the newer XML.2 or .3 also. Unfortunately (if it matters to you) I don’t think there are great cri/tints available but maybe with Cree if you can locate them. The XHP50 (also .2 or .3 these days) had some nicer bins if you can find those in 3v (they make 3, 6, and 12 in those).
You could contact Olight but it’s a crap shoot whether they can help or have anyone there who remembers the particulars on the light (or parts). Here’s HKJ’s review page: Review of Olight SR51
Thank you so much for your time and investigation Correllux!
I know it’s an old flashlight, but I do think that the basics are solid(?). It seems well build and I’m not the kind of guy that likes to throw away something just because there might be an updated version of something.
I do however realize that technology is advancing rapidly, so an LED update might be worth the investment.
I have received the 18650 batterie holder yesterday. I’m about to make an order on 2 Fenix 3500mAh USB rechargeable 18650 batteries to place in the holder.
I have also just ordered this on your advice from Kaidomain:
3V Cree XHP50.3 HD K2 1A White 6500K SMD 5050 LED
Color Temp.: White 6500K [S029511…
Voltage: 3V
MCPCB Size: on 20mm DTP Copper M…
I don’t know when it will arrive though. Is this a correct order according to you?
You’re welcome…wish I had better firsthand info. I think a lot of people fix or tinker with old lights and you’re right - no reason to let a good host die. The old XML was a great emitter, mostly incremental gains now but they’re more efficient and handle heat better - which doens’t matter a whole lot unless the driver is allowing enough current to reach the emitter where those aspects matter more.
That one will work fine although without seeing what’s in the Olight you won’t know if the standard round mcpcb will pop right in as a replacement. That light is old enough that there’s a good chance it will. But if not then you’ll need to remove the new one from its board and the same with the old, then reflow the new emitter using the same Olight board that was in there. Or, sometimes just a little shaping of the mcpcb will get it to work. Post up some photos when you get things going!
Hmm, not sure if I fully understand your reply. Are you indicating that it will only be a small gain by putting in the XHP50.3 emitter without changing the driver (and more?)?
I’ve opened up my olight before ordering the new part. It shouldn’t be an issue mounting the new XHP50.3 with the 20mm MCPCB, from what I could see.
I also found topic Olight SR51 MT-G2 - FET drv - 8amps - STAR firmware - 3500 lumens - #3 by zeremefico that shows an upgradet SR51, but from 7 years ago already, so I didn’t focus on this since it’s also already 7 years and it’s more than just the emitter.