So I finally jumped in the deep end, and wanted to order a customized M1. The recommendation floating around the web was that an XPL HI M1 with a 5A/12 Group driver was a good choice for a more rugged, general purpose light. Unfortunately, Simon was unable to customize the M1(That’s on me, since I asked him after ordering, instead of beforehand). However, I still want to finish the build, or perhaps modify it in some way. Are there any guides on changing drivers out? Would you recommend a particular driver for this light, or could you direct me to a driver/LED combo guide? I’m looking for a driver that will give me a good balance of power and runtime.
Search the forum here for Convoy S2 / S2+ mods/builds and you’ll see all the pics you can want. The M1 is basically the same. You’ll just need to desolder the two wires that attach to the copper mcpcb board in the head (under the reflector)…and then remove the two tiny phillips screws that hold the board down. There is thermal paste under the board so you’ll probably need a little when you go to reassemble it. On the inside of the head there is a brass retaining ring that holds the driver board in place…a stout pair of pointed tweezers that you don’t care about will work to remove that ring, or a smaller pair of snap ring pliers that have the smaller size tips on them. Unscrew that ring and the driver should pull out easily with the wires attached on the top side. Then you pop a new driver in place and reassemble…then solder the wires back to the mcpcb again.
His 5A driver would be fine for that emitter or you could consider the SST20 (not a huge amount of difference in output between the two at that amperage). You can order that emitter already mounted to the copper board if you want to make it easy. If you really wanted, you could also swap things around to put a larger SST40 in there (need the emitter, a different style of copper board, and a new plastic insulating gasket that fits the larger emitter die and the hole size in the reflector…Simon has all of that available). His 6A driver would be fine, too, and there are fancier drivers available at other places. Being a larger size, the SST40 (same size as the older XML, btw) in the same size reflector will give you a much wider hot spot in the beam, and a tad less distance/throw compared to the smaller sizes. It doesn’t turn it into something floody but puts a bit more light into the middle, which can be useful sometimes, especially if that lets you run at a lower setting and still serves your light needs.
As for balance….well, more power asked equals less run time of course, and emitters that are more efficient only do so much to help there (not a great deal really). Drivers are where the efficiency can be gained or lost…his drivers are ok. The Samsung 35E 3500mAh battery or the LG MJ1 are both great cells and have a bit more capacity, will have no problems handling the amps.
If you don’t feel like waiting for the long shipping time from China, Richard at MTN Electronics has lots of drivers available with usually fast shipping unless you’re asking for custom changes. The driver is a normal 17mm size (and 16mm for the copper mcpcb). He has boards and emitters and everything else, too, good prices and usually very good bin choices on the emitters.
The M1 is a really nice host…still one of my favorites. Small step up from the S2 tube size but still very pocketable and handles heat pretty well. I’m sure you’ll love it!
By the way, if you order the driver from him, it’s usually smart to get two….cheaper that way, but then you also have a spare ready to install without having to wait weeks in case of damage or failure. Same for a spare glass lens.
Which M1 did you get? The M1 is a great host and very easy to modify.
If you want the most output from an XP-L HI, you can install the MTN-17DDm driver. I have that combo in a C8 and works great. You’ll also need a high drain battery and bypass the switch spring. Or just get this switch: Reverse Clicky Bypassed Switch.
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