Lately I got interested in modding flashlights, so here is my latest project.

This is a cheap ebay flashlight of 5 euros that I modded with a CREE LED emitter that's supposed to deliver 1000 lumen. With my limited knowledge about flashlight, I estimate the actual light output at around 600LM

+

The emitter was around 6.7 euro (8.90 usd), so all together this is a 15USD combination.

Installation was pretty easy: the flashlight opens up without forcing anything. The aluminium star needed some filing, but was easily solded to the original driver. A drop of thermal grease, and finished.

The biggest difference, apart from the brightness is the angle of the light at flood. It's much wider than on the original light. Also focused the beam is a bit wider and does not show the shape of the emitter.

now some beam shots:
both flashlights used the exact same battery (14500 li-ion). The first is the unmodified flashlight, the other the one with the new emitter. All photos are 30sec at f4, 200ISO






(15sec f4 200ISO)

links to the parts used:
http://www.benl.eb...=p3984.m1423.l2648
http://www.dealext...ulb-3-0-3-5v-51989

Thanks for reading

Well, I know what I'll be modding in a few weeks..

How hot does it get?

Nicely done!

Thanks Meta!

Posted by unlisted Well, I know what I'll be modding in a few weeks.. How hot does it get?

Not too hot. It already had a good aluminium heat sink and I used a good amount of thermal grease.

Posted by Off-Limits Not too hot.

That's how you know you aren't driving it hard enough! It should get uncomfortably warm in your hand, assuming good thermal paths, or else you can drive it harder on high. My SC600 is a real finger-toaster, noticeably warmer after about 5 seconds.

Posted by AnAppleSnail That's how you know you aren't driving it hard enough! It should get uncomfortably warm in your hand, assuming good thermal paths, or else you can drive it harder on high. My SC600 is a real finger-toaster, noticeably warmer after about 5 seconds.

I have an other driver on the mail, but is takes very long to arrive, so I used the original driver instead. I can still change them when the driver arrives.

The one on the mail should output 1A, I have no idea what the specs for the original one are.
http://www.dealext...s-15mm-2-7mm-25518