Minigear UML-300E moded to Cree XML U2

[ptit fred]

Hi,
I have ordered a Minigear UML-300E from Kaidomain.
This is a "backup" dive light made with one Cree XPE-R2 led to use with one 14500 Li-ion.
There is no driver (but i have seen only one little component during unmounting, perhaps a resistance ???).
The waterproof is done by 2 O-ring between the head and the tube ; and 2 other O-ring between the head and the glass.

At delivery, i change the original led Cree XPE-R2 to a one XML U2 (7000k color).
To unmounting the head, you need to remove to 2 screws and desolder 2 wires from their pad. Then, the heatsink could be unscrew (it use the same thread than the tube).
To change the led, i have bought one Cree XML U2 on www.dealextreme.com with aluminium star (16mm at delivery and milled to reduced the OD). You will have to solder 2 new "long" wires on the new led, pass it throught by the 2 "solder pad holes" and cut them after solder.

I also replace the 4 original Oring :
-FPM or viton, size 16x1 , qty 2 , for the tube/head
-FPM or viton, size 17x1 , qty 1 , for the perimetre of the glass
-FPM or viton, size 14x1.5 , qty 1 , for retaining of the glass




Beam condition


around 50cm distance


around 1m distance



around 2m distance

Fisrt, I tested it in water in kitchen sink. The power is very good at the begining and decrease slowly with the tension of the 14500-900mAh Trustfire battery. I stopped the test after 1h05min without reach the integrated overdischarge protection of the battery. But after 1h05 there is not "a lot of lumen" : OK but always ON.
At the beginning, the current deliverd to the led was about 1.5 - 1.6A --> 500-600 lumen

I have tested it during several dives in seawater this weekend at a deep of 20m without any flood.

Ptit Fred

Please Do Not link directly to sales sites - Thanks Norm

[350xfire]

nice!

[Packhorse]

How thick is the glass lens?

[ptit fred]

How thick is the glass lens?

I don't measure it during unmounting but it is very thick for a 17mm glass.
I would say around 5mm : Safe enought to hold pressure.

Ptit Fred

[Packhorse]

If I needed another torch I'd probably buy one of these. They look quite good for a small light.