I recently purchased a two 18650 battery, two-mode LED flashlight (high and strobe function). The flashlight is a “FIRST CLASS” brand flashlight which does not have a drop-in lamp module, but has a flat Cree T6 LED emitter and a drop-in smooth reflector cone. I would like to modify this flashlight either one of two ways if possible:
a) Replace the LED emitter, or tailcap switch, or both to eliminate the strobe function and make it a single-mode flashlight.
b) Replace the LED emitter, or tailcap switch, or both to make the strobe function a “momentary-on” or “tactical” mode.
If anyone out there has any suggestions, it would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch.
First read up on li ion safety 101 (second link in my sig), because, well uhm, just because
Then the modes (blinky) is done by the driver.
LED just deals with the amount of current the driver gives it
And the button buts power, in certain sequences this will make the driver change modes for example.
Maybe post some pics of your light?
And not only the outside, most will want to see the inner parts as well
+1 on The Miller’s advice: Read the Li Ion Safety 101 thread linked in his .sig.
To solve a), replace the Driver. That’s where Modes are implemented. To find a replacement, you need to know how much current you want to push through your LED and what is the physical diameter of the driver board. It’s the round board inside the head with all the components on it. It may already come with a single-mode option which you would be able to configure.
For b), replace the tailcap Switch. Your terminology, “momentary-on” is correct, but the tendency on the Internet is to call that a “forward clicky”. Even that made-up term isn’t used consistently, but it may help you find one. Anyone who deals in electronic components will better understand “momentary-on”. You only need to make sure it fits physically, and is rated to handle whatever current you decided on in a).
HTH…
PS: Welcome to the best flashlight forum ever. You’re in the right place to learn an amazing amount, quite-often from the person who discovered the information. There are no bad questions, so ask away!
Welcome to BLF and intro to modern flashlights. You need a soldering iron. The driver is a printed circuit board and you will need to open up the light and identify it before choosing a replacement. Unscrew the head from the battery tube and the driver should be located in the head. Take a picture and post it for advice on how to continue.
