It is possible, to have a single-AA EDC light, a twistie, single-mode, 40 to 50 lumen, with a good balance of run-time and close-range output, with a near perfect tint equal to a Nichia 219… for LESS than the cost of a cup of coffee.
( The Pailide is seen here between a Nichia219/Solarstorm SC01,. and my pocket-dwelling Thrunite Ti2.)
The term “Budget Light” really applies here, but the performance for the price is even better.
This single AA light cost $ 1.67 each.
The mod parts cost $ .18 cents each.
Time for the mod, is 15 minutes or less.
The result is a small, solid EDC sized single AA Twistie, that measures roughly 45 lumens on a single mode, will run continuously for 6 hours or more in a single Eneloop AA, ( or 2 - 3 hours on a good AA ) has a very smooth, beam pattern from hotspot to a wide flood spill, (not to bright or to dim for close-range work & use) and a great tint & color rendition that is practical identical to a Nichia 219, all for a cost of $ 1.85 .
This is not a typical 2-dollar “Police 3W” , as this Pailide GL-037-13 light is much better built, better anodizing, thicker/stronger structure, has a better driver, and a better reflector, better grip and feel than any of the dozen or so police lights i have. ( also the side clip from a SC-01 fits the tail-groove on the Pailide perfectly.)
Added with a mod using a Neutral White (4500K) Luxeon Clone LED emitter that has the best tint short of a 219 that cost only 0.18 cents each. ( pack of 50)
These cheap emitters in Neutral white sort of look, and give a beam pattern almost like a Mini-MT-G2 emitter with its wide flooding beam and shape.
( Here showing the MT-G-like round-die emitter dome shape, and the phosphor color similar to a Nichia 219 -
With the stock Driver with this emitter pulls 0.55 amps from a single AA Alkaline, giving them a better output than the 3W police lights, (even with its stock Straw-hat LED)
I will post the Mod photos and procedures soon.
( Below, is the Pailide on the left, and a Solarstorm SC01 with a Nichia 219B on the right, showing the near identical tint color. ( SC-01 was on “medium Mode”-
The lights can be bought from BuyInCoins here for only $ 1.67 each. ( i bought 20 of these 4 weeks ago, though they list them out of stock at the moment, they told me more will be availiable soon.) >> http://www.buyincoins.com/item/43266.html#.VA_0pWP8YzI
The Emitter can be found on Ebay here in 50-packs for $ 8.99. ( specify the Neutral White 4000-4500K tint, and the 1W option.)
>> http://www.ebay.ca/itm/1W-3W-High-Power-led-chip-bead-Red-Blue-Green-Cold-White-Neutral-White-Warm-Wh-/231181939015?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=530396204994&hash=item35d3847147
( for some reason i am unable to find the button for the MouseOver option below)
Solarstorm SC01/Nichia 219
Pailide/NW Round Emitter
UPDATE with MOD INFO is in Post # 29
UPDATE - December,30th, 2014 - as reported by Lancman, these lights seem to be back in stock at BuyInCoins. :http://www.buyincoins.com/item/43266.html#.VKL8dsDpB2B
