kosPap
Flashlight Enthusiast
*added Solarforce L2R*Surefire Compatible TWO-STAGE and new Forward-Click Switch Mods
Greetings all!
I have made my Surefire compatible mods a work in progress for sometime now and here are the results!
Forward Click mod Lockout or Not
Reference threads:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/2900424#post2900424
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/207613
For the Non-Lockout Version things are easy…Just use a standard Solarforce tailcap as host
For the Lockout Mod we have to start either with a Solarforce Tape Switch or an Ultrafire C-1 Tape Switch. The latter is used because it uses a retaining ring while the original tailcap lacks 'cos a complete screw-in switch module is used. (see pics bellow)
The Ultrafire C-1 Version
For a forward switch you can either use a Fenix Tactical Forward Clickie or a board that I scavenged for an old style tape switch, where I glued and soldered a forward switch from KD (see pic below). Again in order to achieve proper positioning you have to add aligning spacers around the switch stem.
Here is a closeup of the switches boards. (Fenix at the left)
And here are the parts for the C-1 version:
I opened up the hole in the retaining ring to avoid shorts when the wider spring will be compressed. And I have made lots of washers from old bottle caps to fit around the forward switch stem.
Word of Caution: The Fenix switch module has a smaller board. If you use the spacers correct position IS achieved. But I would opt for a thin copper washer soldered on the switch's contact ring
Here is how it the whole mess comes together
Caution: I have tried various rubber booties and every trick in the book…The tailcap will stand but it WILL jiggle anyway…
The Solarforce Version
The Solarforce Tape Switch tailcap is anodized on the inside in contrast with the regular SLF tailcap. That allows it to act ads a lockout (ano is non conductive). And BTW you will have to use the above mention spacers too.
But there is a huge downside…It has a larger opening and one will have to fit a bigger bootie (17mm) (see pic). I was lucky having some defunct DX booties but you'll have to scavenge them.
Some notes on the forward switches
Both seem to be the same thing…The Fenix version needs no kind words and the KD has proven itself too…There are some mods like this in Greek paratroopers flashlights and there were No problems. And fellow member carbine15 that was building C-1 forward clickies seems to use them too with no complaints too.
Now, I have contacted Fenxi and the re is no certain date that they will be back on stock again... Personally I was lucky to grab them from Lighthound some weeks ago….
But if you haven't noticed the switches are taller than usual. Fenix uses a taller bootie and I suggest using the spacers and removing the rubber bootie inside post to gain some height. But do notice that the spacers steal some tailcap thread/travel. Decide yourselves
The Two Stage Mod
Did you know that the regular reverse clickie Solarforce tailcap has a two-stage switch compatible board? It accepts an SMD resistor but you will have to install the proper switch yourself…
Here are some older pics
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1221/53885360xe1.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8553/90914481tu1.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3503/49220767zv8.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4206/43515287jd5.jpg
So what I did was get some two stage switches from DX, buy and have installed an SMD resistor, then I changed out the switch in a jiffy…
Here what it looks like
And here are the finished parts. They come together in a clockwise order…
Now I opted for a 47 Ohm resistor (calculated for 6V input) and from the first look it seems it is a bit too low a value (maybe 56 Ohms?)…I will take measurements after posting this and I will be trying more batt options too.
Have a good time modding and thanks for reading, Kostas
Greetings all!
I have made my Surefire compatible mods a work in progress for sometime now and here are the results!
Forward Click mod Lockout or Not
Reference threads:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/posts/2900424#post2900424
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/207613
For the Non-Lockout Version things are easy…Just use a standard Solarforce tailcap as host
For the Lockout Mod we have to start either with a Solarforce Tape Switch or an Ultrafire C-1 Tape Switch. The latter is used because it uses a retaining ring while the original tailcap lacks 'cos a complete screw-in switch module is used. (see pics bellow)
The Ultrafire C-1 Version
For a forward switch you can either use a Fenix Tactical Forward Clickie or a board that I scavenged for an old style tape switch, where I glued and soldered a forward switch from KD (see pic below). Again in order to achieve proper positioning you have to add aligning spacers around the switch stem.
Here is a closeup of the switches boards. (Fenix at the left)
And here are the parts for the C-1 version:
I opened up the hole in the retaining ring to avoid shorts when the wider spring will be compressed. And I have made lots of washers from old bottle caps to fit around the forward switch stem.
Word of Caution: The Fenix switch module has a smaller board. If you use the spacers correct position IS achieved. But I would opt for a thin copper washer soldered on the switch's contact ring
Here is how it the whole mess comes together
Caution: I have tried various rubber booties and every trick in the book…The tailcap will stand but it WILL jiggle anyway…
The Solarforce Version
The Solarforce Tape Switch tailcap is anodized on the inside in contrast with the regular SLF tailcap. That allows it to act ads a lockout (ano is non conductive). And BTW you will have to use the above mention spacers too.
But there is a huge downside…It has a larger opening and one will have to fit a bigger bootie (17mm) (see pic). I was lucky having some defunct DX booties but you'll have to scavenge them.
Some notes on the forward switches
Both seem to be the same thing…The Fenix version needs no kind words and the KD has proven itself too…There are some mods like this in Greek paratroopers flashlights and there were No problems. And fellow member carbine15 that was building C-1 forward clickies seems to use them too with no complaints too.
Now, I have contacted Fenxi and the re is no certain date that they will be back on stock again... Personally I was lucky to grab them from Lighthound some weeks ago….
But if you haven't noticed the switches are taller than usual. Fenix uses a taller bootie and I suggest using the spacers and removing the rubber bootie inside post to gain some height. But do notice that the spacers steal some tailcap thread/travel. Decide yourselves
The Two Stage Mod
Did you know that the regular reverse clickie Solarforce tailcap has a two-stage switch compatible board? It accepts an SMD resistor but you will have to install the proper switch yourself…
Here are some older pics
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/1221/53885360xe1.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8553/90914481tu1.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/3503/49220767zv8.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/4206/43515287jd5.jpg
So what I did was get some two stage switches from DX, buy and have installed an SMD resistor, then I changed out the switch in a jiffy…
Here what it looks like
And here are the finished parts. They come together in a clockwise order…
Now I opted for a 47 Ohm resistor (calculated for 6V input) and from the first look it seems it is a bit too low a value (maybe 56 Ohms?)…I will take measurements after posting this and I will be trying more batt options too.
Have a good time modding and thanks for reading, Kostas
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