MC-E

[65535]

Can anybody confirm what material the MC-e optical dome is made of?

Don't need super specifics, just plastic, glass, or super hard crystal of some type. (Epoxy is under plastic FYI.)

 

[saabluster]

Can anybody confirm what material the MC-e optical dome is made of?

Don't need super specifics, just plastic, glass, or super hard crystal of some type. (Epoxy is under plastic FYI.)

It is made of glass. I know as I have dissected one already.

 

[65535]

Do you happen to still have the dome? I would be interested in it, I'll pay postage.

 

[saabluster]

Do you happen to still have the dome? I would be interested in it, I'll pay postage.

I do still have it but I am not finished with it yet. What did you have in mind for it?

 

[65535]

Well, I was doing some reading and found my idea somewhat exposed. But anyways, I was looking at the Surefire U2 MC-E mod. I didn't care for the beam pattern, which IMHO is rather important especially since a lot of my light use is indoors. Anywho my idea for a solution to that problem was to make the source smoother.

Since the glass dome of the LED is just barely outside the vocal point of the reflector even if it is diffused it should maintain a reasonably normal beam. I figure with some shimming or machining and a frosted glass dome a smooth beam pattern could be achieved.

So I wanted to test some HF acid on a dome before I bought a $30 led and got acid all over it.

 

[saabluster]

Well, I was doing some reading and found my idea somewhat exposed. But anyways, I was looking at the Surefire U2 MC-E mod. I didn't care for the beam pattern, which IMHO is rather important especially since a lot of my light use is indoors. Anywho my idea for a solution to that problem was to make the source smoother.

Since the glass dome of the LED is just barely outside the vocal point of the reflector even if it is diffused it should maintain a reasonably normal beam. I figure with some shimming or machining and a frosted glass dome a smooth beam pattern could be achieved.

So I wanted to test some HF acid on a dome before I bought a $30 led and got acid all over it.

Sorry. I should have updated that other thread. I have already done this with an MC-E and it works wonderful. I see no need to use straight HF acid however. That stuff is crazy. I bought some Armour Etch and it works wonderfully. I feel bad for not having said anything what with people complaining about the beam of their MC-E flashlights. This is highly recommended by me.

 

[gillestugan]

Did you measure the luminous intensity before and after etching it? Im very interested in knowing what the loss is.

 

[65535]

Without any actual data or experience I would be inclined to believe that no measurable (by most standards available to the normal person) difference would be apparent.

That is of course assuming that etching the glass only dissolves the glass leaving good light transmission only with a softer pattern.

ETA: I can imagine a perceived loss of output due to a softer beam.

 

[saabluster]

Did you measure the luminous intensity before and after etching it? Im very interested in knowing what the loss is.

No I did not. I am not set up currently to make precision measurements.

 

[Tirodani]

Symptoms of exposure to hydrofluoric acid may not be immediately evident. HF interferes with nerve function and burns may not initially be painful.... HF is known to etch bone, and since it penetrates the skin it can weaken bones without destroying the skin.[6] More seriously, it can absorb into blood through skin and react with blood calcium, causing cardiac arrest....
[M]edical treatment is necessary — rinsing off is not enough. In some cases, amputation may be required.

Hyyyeah. Enjoy your flashlight buddy. :eek:

 

[65535]

Well I was planning on using a glass etching compound, as I'm sure concentrate acids, esp. less common ones like HF are hard to come by for the average joe.

 

[eman09]

Well I was planning on using a glass etching compound, as I'm sure concentrate acids, esp. less common ones like HF are hard to come by for the average joe.

I believe even the glass etching compounds have some HF in it from what I heard. Does that sound about right? I am actually working on some glass etchings right now but used for different things.

 

[Paul_in_Maryland]

How does Gene Malkoff achieve such a smooth beam with his MC-E drop-in?

 

[gcbryan]

How does Gene Malkoff achieve such a smooth beam with his MC-E drop-in?

Does it use an OP reflector?

 

[bshanahan14rulz]

Don't his optics have a honeycomb diffuser molded to the front of the TIRs?

 

[Yoda4561]

Yes, the TIR's face has a honeycomb diffuser pattern molded in.

 

[Kestrel]

Bumping an old thread for a few questions ...

I've used Armor-Etch to etch glass incan bulbs - doing the MC-E dome really is this easy? I can just submerse the entire LED package with running water after the etch is finished with no problems?

How long of an etch duration did people use for their MC-E domes? I've found that glass bulbs usually take 4-5 minutes for a decent etch.

Thanks,

 

[saabluster]

Bumping an old thread for a few questions ...

I've used Armor-Etch to etch glass incan bulbs - doing the MC-E dome really is this easy? I can just submerse the entire LED package with running water after the etch is finished with no problems?

How long of an etch duration did people use for their MC-E domes? I've found that glass bulbs usually take 4-5 minutes for a decent etch.

Thanks,

Well it has been a little while since I did it but I seem to remember leaving mine for about 1 minute before rinsing. I used a Q-tip to apply it to the dome. Probably could just dip it though.