Been a long time stalker on these forums and finally decided to join up. I’ve got a pretty sizable collection of 18650 flashlights with xml’s. I really seem to like the 501b and always have one on me. It just works good for a EDC. I’ve got about 4 501b hosts to work with and a bunch of XML-u2(and one t6) but don’t have drivers for them.
I was looking at the 3A 7135 from KD. (i like the wide variety of modes and would probably have each flashlight a different group, and the fact it drives the xml close to max) Any reason i shouldn’t go with these? Is there something better out there for under 10$ a driver? KD 3A7135
As well while browsing the KD sight the soldering irons they carry seem to be a really good deal for only 18$ considering the accessories they come with. Anyone have experience with these? Which wattage works best for flashlight duty? (30,40,60w are available) I already have a 120w weller pen style one that I use at work but I think its a bit bulky for the finesse needed for these boards and probably be easy to overheat the board. Soldering Iron
Just want to make sure I have everything needed to start modding 501b’s
-Host body
-led star
-paper isolater
-spring (for driver)
-reflector
And since its my first post might as well throw up a picture of some of my collection. (just my tact lights that are sitting in my room I have another 8+ at work and probably another dozen or so 501b around my house)
While I’m at it might as well throw another question out to the flashlight gurus. My trj12 is my brightest flashlight but its not really that much brighter than my 3t6 and considering that its 5vs3 leds and 3v2(and 26650vs18650 at that) batteries i was expecting more out of it.
What options do I have at upping the lumens out of the trj12. I had a look around and I have no idea what kind of driver I would need.
The KD V2 has been my go-to driver for some time now. I’ve found them easy to work with and reliable. The only complaint I have is the spring could be better.
One thing to pay attention to when you order is that there are two versions. The one you linked to has a low of about 50ma, This one has a low of 3-5ma. Otherwise they are identical as far as I know. I’ve used both depending on the light’s intended use.
I’ve also found that KD will sometimes mix them up sending a few of each when I ordered 5. I have not found any way to identify which driver it is other than powering it up and measuring the draw.
This driver has several mode configurations and only costs $3.05. You can also load your own programs (or Tido’s or DrJones’ freeware) to it if you learn how to flash Atiny msu’s. You can add more amc7135 chips for more current. 350mA’s per chip.
I was looking at the driver, but decided against it for fear of switching modes randomly(not the driver malfunctioning, just me holding buttons for weird reasons). Have you ever had that happen on you?
Better than KD 3A 7135 driver? Easy, Qlite. Not only is it cheaper. Its also way better. Say goodbye to high frequent whine too. Its quite new so not everybody seem to know about it yet.
I’ve used the Qlite on my last two lights. I agree it’s a nice driver but I wouldn’t say it’s any better than the V2. Maybe that’s just because I’m used to the V2.
I guess I’ve been lucky, I haven’t had a single V2 exhibit the high frequency whine folks have been talking about.
How would you rate a normal whiny nanjg105C compared to the KD driver?
A few lucky (older people) seem to lack the ability to hear the noises, or hardly pick them up. Men especially tend to loose the ability hear high pitch noises the older we get. Some considerably more than others.
-The lack of whine from the Qlite is just wonderful.
-I think the overall mode spacing in the different groups are superior to anything out there.
-For me the low voltage protection is superior. Its actually a protection, not just a warning. So a complete noob can use the light with safety, and if the light should accidentally turn on, it will not over-drain the battery.
-An important one. I have ordered 80+ packages the last 5 months from around 10 vendors. Intl-outdoor is my favorite, without doubt (Fasttech number 2). Best customer support, information and everything. On the complete opposite, there is KD. Ask me to name one store I would not recommend, KD would be it. I may have just been unlucky with 50% of my orders with them though, and talking to clueless lying customer support that have no idea of how good customer service work.
-On top of all the above. Qlites are cheaper. Less than 4$ a piece if you buy a few.
Its a no brainier if you ask me… But we all have different preferences and different experiences with stores.
The only light I have with a standard 105c is a Convoy M1, I’ve added 3 7135s to it. With the tail cap installed the driver is silent. The only time I hear any noise is when I check tail cap draw. If a solid ground is not provided with my DVOM leads the driver whines like crazy, particularly on the medium mode.
I do have 8 lights with both versions of the V2 driver and I have not been able to detect any noise from any of them, again as long as the switch is secure and the tail cap installed.
While some may consider me “older” others may not, at any rate, my hearing is excellent, eyesight on the other hand is not what it use to be.
I was a bit dissapointed in the mode spacing on the Qlites I have. I bought them for the low modes but they’re to close together. I think that may have been changed on later versions.
The Qlite has a better quality spring but I find the V2 a little easier to work with, easier to bridge the modes and solder wires.
No dissagrement on the low voltage protection, not a big deal for me because I use protected batteries but good point.
Likewise no dissagrement on Intl-Outdoor, seem like a top notch retailer from my experiance. I haven’t had any problems yet with KD but the operative word is yet.
If the problems with early Qlites are worked out I’ll order a few more and give them another shot, maybe it will become my favorite driver. What I really should do is learn how to program my own 105s.
Like you said, it’s all about personal preferance.
But we all have different preferences and different experiences with stores.