Tom, did you happen to check continuity through the thermal pad when you were de-doming? The mcpb in my Solarforce S2200 looked pretty much just like that, 32mm copper star but no continuity through the thermal pad. When I sanded it down there was indeed a layer of dielectric between the thermal pad and the copper disc.
That disc is now sanded smooth on both sides and sitting under a 20mm Noctigon with XM-L2 U2 1A at almost 1500 OTF lumens and 338Kcd in a MAXToch SN6X-2X.
I posted a couple of times that TN31's has continuity through the thermal pad of their emitter base on the stars (no apparent dielectric layer) - I did test this, but no one responded from what I recall. I believe AlexGT was the one who posted his detailed mods, one of which was filing down the thermal pad (step #8 here: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/17637), which I thought there was no reason to do. So, not getting any replies, not sure what went on - maybe he got an earlier version that had a dielectric layer? Not sure... Here, post #52: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/17637#comment-395402. Post #39 has the first mention of it and pics to show it. What do you think?
I did not do a continuity test on the star before I filed it a little with the dremel, it looked from what I could see that there was something there, but I could have been mistaken and there was no need for filing, but after seeing the kapton tape on the other side I just didn’t trust it to be perfect anymore, I wanted to make sure
HTH
AlexGT
I measured precisely with my not calibrated luxmeter. 232kcd at 5meters, 237kcd at 10meters. About 10sec after activation.
Measure @ 30 seconds and let us know what you get. 
Probably the same as what you measured. :bigsmile: and my luxmeter is not quite accurate. The most important is that TN32 gives amazing amount of light and throw for the price.
That’s why I want you to test it 
Ahh - thanks Alex! That explains this long-standing mystery - at least in my mind 
. The Niwalker has a big, thick copper star, but it does have the dieelectirc layer so failed a continuity test with the center thermal pad. I had a lot of trouble getting the reflowed LED to sit down nice after reducing the center thermal pad - maybe I took too much material off so was a bigger gap to fill with solder paste.
These ThruNite's have one of the best designed stars. Sorry for goin a little off-track here...
Tom, looks to me like it’s direct…especially if it’s got continuity, how can you argue with the Beep?
Should be a really great mod, especially if they’ve left the glue out of the equation.
Nice work JohnnyMac, very well written and with great pictures!
I’d be interesting to do a direct comparison between a modded TN31 and a stock TN32, specifically on the output sag, which can imply which light has better thermal characteristics. I’m slightly disappointed that the pill isn’t pure copper, as brass and copper have very different thermal properties. Even aluminium has a better thermal conductivity than brass, as overclocker pointed out.
Another important aspect of designing a high performance light is the specific heat of the heatsink, which measures the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a material.
Most reference sources indicate specific heat in J/gK, but we need to convert it to in terms of volume, because the volume of the pill, whether it be aluminium, brass, or copper, is constant.
Johnny,
My buddy I grew up with who now lives in CA wanted a great light. I seen your review and told him to get this one. He bought it from Illumination Supply using coupon code HappyHolidays and got it for $143 and change. I told him that’s the cheapest place I know of to buy it. He was going to buy a Vinh K40. But I told him for his purpose and this is probably the best flashlight he will ever buy it will serve his needs and then some.
Nice, Brad! You sure can’t beat that price.
I agree. I told him he would like the spill that a dome led offers over just all the throw and less spill that a de-dome led has.
You did a great job on this one.
Awesome!
Happy New Year!
That was too good a price to pass up. I am happy, but my bank account is not :bigsmile: .
Jim
I missed that code, so mine costed 152 and change. I am still happy as I was ready to pay the 179.
I got my tn30 about a month ago,cardboard box,I got my ten 32,2 days later,and it came in the aluminum covered cardboard box,just say in!
I hope mine does, the cardboard box kinda wiped the smile off of my face when I opened the package. I really don’t understand advertising them with case elsewhere, and then shipping a cardboard from the actual Thrunite store.
If it was listed with the aluminum case it should come with one and you should contact them and request the case. With the Supbeam group buy and when Kumabear was selling Thrunite, both were offering cheaper prices without the case.
I.probably will,but although the case looks nice,I wouldn’t trust in a drop test,the cardboard/press board underlayment is thin.I. was not that impressed with it,besides,the light is an extremely tight fit.This is just my opinion,besides,I use pelican cases for all my big boy toys.
The Thrunite store did not list a case, I just assumed it being the store, it would be included.
I checked and the new TN32 at the store does not mention a case.
Accessories: Holster,Lanyard,User manual,Warranty card,O-ring
Just a little “beware” if anyone places an order there.