grnamin
Enlightened
If you own (future owners welcome ) a Surefire KL1-R(eflectorized), please check in here. Share your experiences, thoughts, mod techniques, etc., if you please.
Here's what I have... I've modded 2 so far. The one thing I had difficulty with, besides opening up the bezel , was ensuring that the new assembly with reflector and UCL lens was relatively waterproof (using the blow test). I've found that the following configuration works best for me (parts arranged starting from bezel tip):
1) original plastic(?) washer/gasket
2) original domed lens (I don't mind there being a small gap between bezel sections so long as the unit is waterproof)
3) McR20 reflector
4) LED on top of holder/heatsink.
The LED pushes on the reflector. The latter pushes on the domed lens which pushes on the washer/gasket to seal the assembly.
I compared the beams of one KL1 equipped with reflector and domed lens and another that had the UCL lens. I didn't perceive any difference between them.
When you try this mod, be careful not to snap off the driver board wiring. A couple of us have done that already.
Save the visegrips or other pliers as a last resort, not the first choice. I've used 4mm thick cowhide leather to protect the finish and the visegrips still bit through. Ugh!
Heat the bezel using boiling water, a micro torch, or a heat gun and then use strap wrenches or rubber inner tubing strips to grip and twist the bezel sections loose. Some members used collets and a lathe with excellent results.
Modding is fun! It can also be frustrating. If at first you don't succeed, get another KL1.
Here's what I have... I've modded 2 so far. The one thing I had difficulty with, besides opening up the bezel , was ensuring that the new assembly with reflector and UCL lens was relatively waterproof (using the blow test). I've found that the following configuration works best for me (parts arranged starting from bezel tip):
1) original plastic(?) washer/gasket
2) original domed lens (I don't mind there being a small gap between bezel sections so long as the unit is waterproof)
3) McR20 reflector
4) LED on top of holder/heatsink.
The LED pushes on the reflector. The latter pushes on the domed lens which pushes on the washer/gasket to seal the assembly.
I compared the beams of one KL1 equipped with reflector and domed lens and another that had the UCL lens. I didn't perceive any difference between them.
When you try this mod, be careful not to snap off the driver board wiring. A couple of us have done that already.
Save the visegrips or other pliers as a last resort, not the first choice. I've used 4mm thick cowhide leather to protect the finish and the visegrips still bit through. Ugh!
Heat the bezel using boiling water, a micro torch, or a heat gun and then use strap wrenches or rubber inner tubing strips to grip and twist the bezel sections loose. Some members used collets and a lathe with excellent results.
Modding is fun! It can also be frustrating. If at first you don't succeed, get another KL1.