I have been following threads about doing the resistor mod to this lite as I have 2. It suddenly has occurred to me that there is a possible problem down the road. After the resistor mod, the LED's will draw more current (that is the point of the mod) However, as the batteries run down the tail cap current will rise to maintain that new higher current level. I have a 2 cell version and a 3 cell version. In multicell lites it is a must to use protected cells so that if there is a weaker cell it does not get damaged during discharge. The protected cells I have shut off at 3.5A.
Now the problem, after long runs, my lites turn of due to the 3.5A limit of the protection circuit. This happens well before the low voltage protection kicking in. In the 2 cell configuration of the mod and this lite, I can see a VERY much reduced runtime due to the larger initial current draw and the larger and larger current draw as the cells discharge. In other words the 3.5A limit will be reached MUCH sooner.
Therefore I only see this a practical mod for unprotected (not advised) or 3 cell configurations.
Also I would like to once again suggest that anyone that does this mod use a small momentary switch to switch in and out the shunt resistor. It would give backwards compatibility and an impressive "Turbo" mode. I am talking about leaving the original resistor in place and wiring the switch with a shunt resistor in parallel.
Hi Again! Sorry for the consecutive posts. I see the TF TR-2T6 2x18650 version (no extension) on eBay for $35. Does anyone see any better prices and what is the best price you've seen for the 3 cell version? Thanks and Regards, -Bob- (KumaBear)
Your driver is okay, R5 is not present originally, it is in that position that you must to weld the 0.1 ohm resistor; R5 and R7 in parallel will give a result of 0,033.
Be careful to reassemble it. I hope you understand me, my English is bad, if you have questions please ask, I'll try to write better.
Generic as in a clone? I got mine from Manafont when they first started selling them so I doubt it’s a clone. I plan on installing the resistor this evening. I did thinkabout installing just a 2nd switch as a temp shunt for full on turbo but where to put it is the problem.
Others might have a diffrent driver, i have not pulled mine apart yet so i dont know what driver i have as it was one one the early ones from manafont. Im still thinking if the mod is worth it
I checked my 2 TR6's and neither seems to be fakes. The one on the left came from yallstore and the one on the right came from TMart. I do see I have a problem with the spring though.
Well, I did the mod and no big deal. I took the light apart days ago without measuring at the tailcap prior...duh! Finally soldered the resistor and reassembled just now and it only pulls 2.56 on either protected Flames or unprotected Panasonics. Visually on par with the King. No big deal, really, and no reason for everyone to not give it a go if you are so inclined.
Your calculations are too optimistic, and do not take count of losses of cables, contacts and driver, (approximately 30% in total).
More realistically, and subtracting the losses we arrive at this result:
2,56 amps x 8,4 volts = 21,5 watt - 30%= 15,05 :3,3 volts = 4,56 amps :3 = 1,52 amps for each led.
No, the driver has no protection against overheating. My TR-3T6 never turned off, but I never used the Hi mode for a longer time, max 10 minutes.
That was a weak clone driver, it melted down. So now the light is direct drive with 3x18650 and with a 2 state switch. 3.5A/led, over 2500 OTF lumen (initial), not bad.
that was the victim:
3 x xm-l u2 in the head, I don’t know that they are real or not (?): the flashlight was $25
No need to apologize, no problem …. It just to give the right information those interested …. My modded TR-3F6 absorbs 2.6 amps from 3x18650 (fully charged) and send to the leds 6.6 amps. After 2 minutes down to 6.2, which should leave a margin of safety if burning one led for the other two. As I said keep an eye on the heat; in the summer months, high mode should not be used for long periods.
the flashlight was $25
It just to give the right information those interested …. My modded TR-3F6 absorbs 2.6 amps from 3x18650 (fully charged) and send to the leds 6.6 amps. After 2 minutes down to 6.2, which should leave a margin of safety if burning one led for the other two. As I said keep an eye on the heat; in the summer months, high mode should not be used for long periods.