Another boring KL3 mod

[CM]

This Franken-KL3 has gone through many incarnations, (5W 700mA, 1W 700mA overdrive, 1W overdrive with 30mm optic, I know I'm forgetting something here), the latest is the use of the modified PM6 reflector courtesy of McGizmo available through dat2zip's shop. This is just to illustrate that it can be done using a Dremel tool. So let's get to the point, shall we?

Here's the finished product: L4 vs. KL3 on a 6Z on the right

Obligatory beamshot, L4 on left, KL3 with Q3J-700mA on the right:

The corona from the PM6 is as large as the one on the L4 but the vast majority of the light is concentrated in the center. This thing can throw! For those that desire some sidespill but want to have the throw of the 30mm optic, this is your ticket.

The stock pyrex lens is replaced by a 29.3mm B270 lens from Flashlightlens.com. It's still about 1mm too thick and doesn't fit exactly, a 31.4mm would have been the perfect diameter, which can be ordered as a custom fit lens for a very reasonable price. I think I'm done with KL3 mods for now.

CM

 

[CiTY]

Nice, how about a 5w in there? That would be interesting too.

 

[shiftd]

Nice CM
Actually, there is no boring mod. There are just the good, bad and Uglee mod, but this one is one of the good ones

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
I really love to see that hot of a beam

 

[tylerdurden]

That's beautiful. I'm sorry to hear you're done with KL3 mods. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Chop]

No...Wait...you can't be finished. Did you try the Fraen in it? Or a Fraen LP? How about running at 1A? The KL3 has the beef for it. I was counting on you to lead, being the follower that I am. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Just kidding. I can tell you put some thought and patience into this thing. Very nice mod. Is the KL3 built anything like the KL1 as far as general setup goes. Such as the LED and the circuit being on different levels within the head. I can't do the circuit mods yet, but I sure can replace them. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[McGizmo]

Nice CM!

I might have to "re" mod a goofy KL3 that I have sitting in a drawer. I do love the PM6 reflector and as Chop has suggested, the KL3 has the mass and surface area for some power! Perhaps a BB750 and a 5W. Since I don't understand the existing circuit, I can just replace it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

- Don

 

[CM]

Hmmm, maybe I'm not done. I did try the Fraen, it's an even better fit. Nice medium-tight beam but no sidespill. I haven't gone back to 5W, that's the first mod I did many eons ago. I don't know how well the solder pads will hold up if I hit it with the iron for the umpteenth time, though.

Chop, the LED and the ckt are on different levels like the KL1.

Don, the existing circuit is a buck converter. You can run a 5W with it but you need three cells. I suspect you want to run it off 2 cells so yes the BB750 is in order.

I have this love-hate thing going with tight beam/sidespill. The tight beam of the 30mm with no sidespill is great for certain applications. However, after messing around the PM6 reflector, I have come to appreciate the quality of the beam it gives. It is a compromise but I think it's a compromise most can live with. It is very tightly focused, yet has a corona that makes it suitable for closeup work.

CM

 

[McGizmo]

CM,

Thanks for the point on the buck circuit.

I can relate to your love, hate comment on the single, unified beam VS the more common dual beam. The good news is that the dual beam illuminates the fore ground and provides a more continious picture from you to the distant target. The bad news is if there is nothing of importance or interest in the forground, you are wasting photons and the glare from the forground may well obstruct the information returning from the distant target. That's why we really want an adjustable optic element that will take us from dual beam to single beam. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Oh, why stop there. We also want a single beam that can have its angle varied from wide to narrow. And one other thing, let's vary the lumenous output while we're at it!

If only PK, SF and Leica would get with the program.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

- Don

 

[koala]

Ohhh,
Leica lens elements for CM's KL3 mod.. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif

Vince.

 

[CM]

How do we get Leica involved in CPF? They gotta be bored with working with cameras all the time /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Now flashlights...

 

[Alan Hsu]

Why don't we get Sony (which uses Leica optics in some of its camcorders and digital cameras) involved too? Maybe we will then have remote-controlled flashlight. Or better yet, have Sony put one in its robotic dog so that it will scout the area for us.