tvodrd
*Flashaholic* ,
Back when I was a newbie and had just discovered the miracles of Luxeon, I decided to scratch build a small flashlight. I saw some room for improvement and continued here. and I'm still working on it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Over 6 months ago I joined Doug S's team to collaborate on the Li14430.
As soon as I finished the pass-around/proto, I could see diameter/threads would be ok with a CR2. I couldn't help myself /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin07.gif and made some CR2 part sets. That was the design I posted here.
While things drug along, I came up with the 2-stage switch based on Gadgetlover's concept. I gave the design to dat2zip/Wayne to make available for the fire-fly owners.
After finishing all but the split ring recess machining, I took all the centers and a bunch of small hardware (brass contact screws) to the plater and had them electroless nickel plated. I also had the bodies chemical film III coated, inside and out. I then took the bodies to a guy I know with a CNC mill, who agreed to cut the split ring pockets in trade for 2 complete lights. While the parts sat there (a solid month!) I gold plated the threads of the centers for better electrical commutation with the bat case and made the parts for the anodizing/masking racks, and finished turning down the optics. I then made a holder for having the front cavities of the centers vacuum aluminized to help bounce a few more photons out the front.
I even had time to make some parts from alternative materials. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin07.gif Push came to shove and I spent a saturday in his shop while the split ring pockets were run. Nextstop, the anodizer.
After wrapping up on the Li14430 project, I started building the Lights. After building about 16 modules which required sanding down the boards to .550" dia, I figured there had to be a better way. The LS lit above my head and I contacted Wayne/dat2zip. Thus was born the "Canwich."
Wayne was able to reduce the board diameter to .530" with the components inside a .490" diameter circle. The board rests against a .020" wide shoulder in the can. The board also has vias for .025" square header pins, on centers to go between the leads and their adjacient tabs on te LS, and center it.
Here's the exploded view:
L to R: brass split ring and bushing, batt case, 2-stage switch, Gold-plated contact screw, silicone foam rubber anti rattle washer, canwich retaining clip, canwich, center w/O-rings, cut-down NX-05, lens, silicone rubber lens gasket, and bezel. That's 15 pieces, 17 if you count the board and LS! Here's a pic with a couple other lights:
The light's diameter (.660") is about the same as a 123, and it is less than 2 1/8" long. It fits inside the Fire-fly!I built the lights with MadMax Lite boards (except for the remaining) and kj has a review up on his site. Runtime
Coming soon to an auction near you:
L to R: Ti, bronze, tungsten (heavy sucker!) brass, and HA 7075 T6.
Larry
Over 6 months ago I joined Doug S's team to collaborate on the Li14430.
As soon as I finished the pass-around/proto, I could see diameter/threads would be ok with a CR2. I couldn't help myself /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin07.gif and made some CR2 part sets. That was the design I posted here.
While things drug along, I came up with the 2-stage switch based on Gadgetlover's concept. I gave the design to dat2zip/Wayne to make available for the fire-fly owners.
After finishing all but the split ring recess machining, I took all the centers and a bunch of small hardware (brass contact screws) to the plater and had them electroless nickel plated. I also had the bodies chemical film III coated, inside and out. I then took the bodies to a guy I know with a CNC mill, who agreed to cut the split ring pockets in trade for 2 complete lights. While the parts sat there (a solid month!) I gold plated the threads of the centers for better electrical commutation with the bat case and made the parts for the anodizing/masking racks, and finished turning down the optics. I then made a holder for having the front cavities of the centers vacuum aluminized to help bounce a few more photons out the front.
I even had time to make some parts from alternative materials. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/evilgrin07.gif Push came to shove and I spent a saturday in his shop while the split ring pockets were run. Nextstop, the anodizer.
After wrapping up on the Li14430 project, I started building the Lights. After building about 16 modules which required sanding down the boards to .550" dia, I figured there had to be a better way. The LS lit above my head and I contacted Wayne/dat2zip. Thus was born the "Canwich."
Wayne was able to reduce the board diameter to .530" with the components inside a .490" diameter circle. The board rests against a .020" wide shoulder in the can. The board also has vias for .025" square header pins, on centers to go between the leads and their adjacient tabs on te LS, and center it.
Here's the exploded view:
L to R: brass split ring and bushing, batt case, 2-stage switch, Gold-plated contact screw, silicone foam rubber anti rattle washer, canwich retaining clip, canwich, center w/O-rings, cut-down NX-05, lens, silicone rubber lens gasket, and bezel. That's 15 pieces, 17 if you count the board and LS! Here's a pic with a couple other lights:
The light's diameter (.660") is about the same as a 123, and it is less than 2 1/8" long. It fits inside the Fire-fly!I built the lights with MadMax Lite boards (except for the remaining) and kj has a review up on his site. Runtime
Coming soon to an auction near you:
L to R: Ti, bronze, tungsten (heavy sucker!) brass, and HA 7075 T6.
Larry
