Sylvania/Osram Mini 4AA Lantern Upgrade

[dom]

These were from Wits'End 's Groupbuy at the Marketplace
I'll delete the link once his thread is closed.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...d.php?t=177003



Hi
As a few people have got these lanterns,though i'd do a step by step on how to upgrade the emitter and/or add an optic to improve brightness/beam.
Comments and different/better ways of doing things are welcome.


Mod 1 :- Change the emitter and modify the tailcap so it doesn't chew the batteries.

Component parts



From top left,clockwise.
Cap ,Diffuser holder/reflector ,Diffuser,Top reflector, Tailcap ,Main body ,Battery holder ,Lens(window) ,Driver,switch and Seoul emitter, Osram emitter.

First thing to do is take off the Cap -run a sharp knife in the joint and roll the lantern around.You will hear the glue crack -then you can just twist the Cap off.

Also you may be able to just unscrew it with a little pressure without using a knife first -my wrist was damaged so i couldn't try this before but since it has healed a bit the seal broke fairly easily on my last lantern-thanks Stereodude.




Next is to remove the Main body -take off the Tailcap and use a small phillips head screwdriver on the 3 screws.



The whole lot will now pull apart.

Next is the Tailcap mod. If this isn't done you will most likely have problems like the battery coverings getting chewed or no power -as the edge of the cap will push against the negative side of the batteries in the holder and push it off the contact.
5.5 mm is about the maximum length you want it.
Either use a razor saw or a knife to cut it down to length.




Next is the emitter swap - using either a Cree or Seoul -both can be soldered on without using any wire,just the original solder pads.

Desolder the Osram -use a small screwdriver to help lever it up as you desolder each connection -there is a recess underneath to get the screwdriver in.



If using a Cree -clean up the solder pads with solder wick so it will sit flat.

Prep your Cree emitter with a little solder on it's +/- pads.
Align + to + (both on the left in the pic.

Use either AA,AS or thermal grease and centralize the emitter.If using grease,you'll have to apply downwards force with pliers as you solder to keep the gap to a minimum.





If just using the diffuser again -reassemble after checking that the emitter is working.

Line up the arrows


Line up the Main body and top section.




Cheers
Dom

[Darell]

Super, Dom! I've been VERY behind on getting this done. I'm glad you took the trouble to start a thread. I'll post here when I finally get 'er done.

[dom]

Hey there Darell -just the MAN i need -

Will you be able to do the trick with the pix where there is only one pic -but it scrolls over the whole 5 when you put your mouse over it?

Anyway -i'll post these 5 beamshots here for the time being -still have to do the emitter swap out pix.

Cam set:- WB fluorescent ,3.2s ,F4.0

Walls are 10ft apart.


Stock Osram emitter



Seoul USWOH and Diffuser


Seoul and 10deg Optic


Cree Q2 and Diffuser


Cree and 8deg Optic


Cheers
Dom

[Darell]

Anything for you, Dom!

http://darelldd.com/light/lantern_osram.html

Scroll down a bit past the other images that I stole from you, and you'll see the roll-over. No way to make one image show all five situations. You wouldn't know what you were looking at! I compared them all to the factory shot. I can make different comparisons if you'd like.

Now the big question I have is how are you holding the optic on!? Seems to make a world of difference getting rid of the diffuser. But how does the "beam quality" look without the diffuser? Bright is good, but even light is better! We'll need pictures, of course.

[Stereodude]

Originally Posted by dom

First thing to do is take off the Cap -run a sharp knife in the joint and roll the lantern around.You will hear the glue crack -then you can just twist the Cap off.

I was just able to twist off (with some force) the first two of mine that I tried to open up. No need to play with the knife first.

[Stereodude]

Originally Posted by dom

Anyway -i'll post these 5 beamshots here for the time being -still have to do the emitter swap out pix.

What do the optics look like and where did you get them?

[JetskiMark]

Thank you for the nice pics and beam shots. Now to figure out what emitter I want to use in mine.

I am curious about the optics too.

When the stock lantern is sitting on a table, there is a lot of glare when sitting at the table. It works better if it is upside down. Too bad it does not stand by itself that way. I wonder if the optic would be the way to go for this application?

Regards,
Mark

[dom]

Thanks very much Darell -the beam differences look great with how you did it on your page
Though after taking a macro of the Cree emitter swap -i found i had used a P4!!

So i'll have to do some more beam shots and replace those in the post above.
I'll replace the P4 with a Q5

The beam is much easier on your eyes using an optic.

Have you any better suggestion as to what environment to take the beamshots in, to better see the beam profile?





The Cree 8 deg optic i used were these
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho....php?p=2107373

The Seoul 10 deg Khatod were these
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...09&postcount=1

I'm now also going to try a Cree 10.4deg Carclo 10200 -though i think once i put in the Cree Q5 emitter -the 8 deg on will be fine.

I have only just had the optics sitting on the emitters for testing - the best stuff to glue them on will be some non acidic clear silicone i think. Just a small amount on the bottom of the optic.

Here's a pic of the optics.

10.4 deg Carclo - 8 deg Cree - 10 deg Khatod Seoul


The Diffuser holder/reflector has to be filed out to fit over the optics before assembly as the optics will have to be glued on first.

The Diffuser can be take off with a clockwise twist



Thanks Stereodude -first post updated

Hi Mark
As you can see from the beamshots -most of the light is directed down/sideways with the optics and the glare is less than what you get with the diffuser -much easier to look at

It lights up the whole table and from 20ft away where i was taking the pix from you can see where you are walking.

Cheers
Dom

[cybersoga]

I think what you really need is a 180 degree optic shaped like that diffuser...

[dom]

Hey Cybersoga
Yeah -i was thinking more like a 25deg optic might be better -but just the 10 deg optic and Seoul is 200% better than original as in making more use of the light.

Cheers
Dom

[Darell]

Originally Posted by Stereodude

I was just able to twist off (with some force) the first two of mine that I tried to open up. No need to play with the knife first.

Yes, thanks for this! I just went and unscrewed mine! Easy as pie. If more grip is needed, a sheet of that grippy shelf-liner, or the actual "jar opener pads" would do the trick, I'd think. Just hold the clear plastic window tight and unscrew the lid.

[dom]

Alright -have just mounted the Seoul Khatod 10deg optic with some neutral cure clear silicone rubber.

Also didn't modify the Diffuser holder/reflector as i glued the optic after assembly.
Will let set overnite and see how the beam compares to the original shot without the silicone on the optic and see if i can knock the optic off by bouncing the unit off the ground a few times.




Cheers
Dom

[dom]

I also think with a bit of care and the right tools you could swap in a Seoul without taking the whole lot apart.

Think i'll try that on my last lantern.

[Stereodude]

I'm gonna have to get me a few Seoul P4 U bin LEDs and the 10 degree optics. The output from the lantern looks great with both of them installed.

[dom]

Hey Stereodude -yes ,it looks like that is the simpler way to go and it also makes a GREAT flashlight
I'm going to silicone the top reflector to the top cap so you can unscrew it and they'll stay together for when you might need it as a flashlight.

I also gave the lantern a good thumping around and the optic stayed on -looks like it stuck on real well

Have yet to get the Cree Q5 one going and have to see if i can do an emitter swap without taking the whole lot apart-will do that tomorrow.

I'll also try a reflector - both the 17 and 20mm Seoul Khatod -they may work as well.

I took another beam pic with similar conditions and under close scrutiny of the old and new pix i couldn't see any beam degradation from the silicone -though i imagine there must be a little bit.


Cheers
Dom

[dom]

Well -finally did an Seoul emitter swap without taking the whole lot apart.

After taking off the top cap get some pointy pliers ,push down on the diffuser and twist clockwise. You could maybe use some rubber or something if you want to re-use the diffuser.



Next is get the emitter off. Hold the body in a vise (just tight enough so it won't pull out) and use long pointy pliers or similar to pull on one side of the emitter as you apply a soldering iron.
It will help to tin the iron just before you apply it to the solder pad.


Next is to check the polarity and make sure you are putting the Seoul on the right way.
You can see the "+" on the right.
Apply some AA,AS or thermal grease and solder away -make sure the gap is at a minimum.


Job is done.

Just need to either put the diffuser back on or silicone on an optic.

Will do the Q5 Cree and optic tomorrow and test for brightness/beam quality tomorrow.

Cheers
Dom

[dom]

Did the Cree Q5 swap -

Seoul 10deg optic / Stock


Cree Q5 WC 8deg optic / Stock


Cree with 10.4deg Carclo / Stock



Cree with 10.4deg Carclo (low setting) / Stock


Cree with LC1-M Ledil optic / Stock




Cheers
Dom

[Darell]

Great work, Dom!

Only part I don't like are the rings that are so obvious in the 8 degree.

[Illum]

beautiful pics dom!
well done!

[dom]

Hey Darell
I'm going to try the Carclo 10.4deg optic tonight -was going to do that as well the other night but i have to silicone it on first as it rocks on the Cree dome and points to the side a bit if not glued.

Should be a much smoother beam as it is slightly diffused instead of clear like the 8 deg optic and sits about the same height as the Seoul optc.
I know you are hanging to use some of those Cree emitters you are stockpiling

Your welcome Illum -thanks.

EDIT: Added pic of the Cree with 10.4deg Carclo in the pic above.This gives the most even beam so far -very nice

Cheers
Dom

[Bimmerboy]

Excellent thread, Dom! Thanks for your efforts.

So far, I probably like the Cree w/Carlco best. Just have two questions...

How does the low setting brightness of the Cree and SSC compare to the stock Osram?

And, did you use a chisel tip on the iron for the 'minimal disassembly technique'? Looks like it'd be tough to heat up the work with a pencil tip since you can't lean the iron over much.

[Stereodude]

Thanks for more comparison pictures Dom. I'm all the more geeked about the parts I have on order to mod mine.

[dom]

Hi Bimmerboy
Yes-used small chisel tip-it's around 1.6mm.
The first side of the emitter probably won't totally come off -but you can get it raised a little and totally desolder it after you get the other side off.

Having the iron pre-tinned just before desoldering makes the job very quick.
I think if you wanted to do the Cree swap -you would need a total disassembly as the Cree is harder to solder on properly.

I like the Cree/Carclo best as well, with the Seoul/Khatod next. The Cree/Carclo is the most even spread of light on the ground.

The optics on low are probably 30% less bright than stock on high,though the light is still more useful with the optics.
I'll get some pix tonight if you like.

You're welcome Sterodude -thanks

Cheers
Dom

[Bimmerboy]

Thanks for the answers, Dom! I'll probably do the full disassembly since I have Cree's, don't have a chisel tip, and enjoy getting the beers going while modding. Could just see myself melting holes through the window. Maybe it'd help airflow?

30% less bright than stock/high sounds great! Almost as much light, but using much less current. No low setting pics neccessary, unless you're just dyyyiiiiin' to post 'em.

Two things I do like about the stock diffuser is the lighting from it is very smooth, and a fair portion of the light is sent somewhat upwards... which I actually find desireable for ambient lighting indoors. Optics are going to produce some rings, but from your pics, the 'powerband' does look to be much more useful in throwing light down and sideways... much better for outdoors on picnic tables, etc.

Decisions, decisions...

[Mercaptan]

Anyone know of brick and mortar stores carrying these? I have a few SSC P4s dying to be used...

[dom]

Hi Bimmerboy
I added another pic to the ones above -looks like i was lying about the 30% less bright.

Bit hard to tell unless you photograph it i suppose.

Here is a pic of the Cree Carclo 10.4deg on high in a room .Table is around knee height.


Stock


Cree low



Cree LC1-M Ledil optic and Cree Q5


These are VERY close to what my eyes see.
Cheers
Dom

[Bimmerboy]

Originally Posted by dom

looks like i was lying about the 30% less bright.

My mother lied to me about modded lantern output once...

ONCE!!



If I had to guess, I'd say from those pics that the Cree on low looks about 50 - 60% less bright than stock Osram on high. However... still betting that the Cree on low is brighter than the Osram on low.

Thanks again, Dom. You da' man!

[TDKKP]

dom, thanks for your thread!

Now I need to know your final judgement: which is the best mod and the link for all the parts? All of your posted pictures are clearly enough to guide me doing this mod, I hope

[dom]

Originally Posted by Bimmerboy

My mother lied to me about modded lantern output once...

ONCE!!

Hi TDKKP
For the easy mod i would go Seoul and 10deg Khatod optic -both available from PhotonFanatic
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...d.php?t=166512

The link to the optics are on the same page.

The harder and better (IMO) option with the Cree and optic you can get the stuff from Cutter

The optic -Carclo 10200 and Cree emitter. I used a Q5 WC but you could use any type you want.
http://www.cutter.com.au/search.php

Or maybe you can get a Cree Q5 WH emitter and a LC1-SS or M from Brum -should do about the same job.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...d.php?t=175502

Cheers
Dom

[TDKKP]

Originally Posted by dom

Hi TDKKP
For the easy mod i would go Seoul and 10deg Khatod optic -both available from PhotonFanatic
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...d.php?t=166512

The link to the optics are on the same page.

The harder and better (IMO) option with the Cree and optic you can get the stuff from Cutter

The optic -Carclo 10200 and Cree emitter. I used a Q5 WC but you could use any type you want.
http://www.cutter.com.au/search.php

Or maybe you can get a Cree Q5 WH emitter and a LC1-SS or M from Brum -should do about the same job.
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...d.php?t=175502

Cheers
Dom

Ha ha, I just noticed you're in Australia and it's a nice summer there. Any link in the US?