pedalinbob
Flashlight Enthusiast
i really liked the dorcy 1aaa, ESPECIALLY for $6.
it was good stock, but i thought it was too blue and a bit too ringy. the solution? modify it!
the first thing i did was to figure out how to remove the reflector. i used a 9/32 1/4" drive socket to carefully pound out the reflector and lens. you have to take the head off and do this from the inside--carefully.
next, i sanded off all of the chrome in the reflector. the underlying plastic is black in color. (i may paint it a flat white--mostly for looks)
next, i swapped the stock LED with a nichia 6400mcd. it's beam is just a little blue in the center, and about the same brightness or just a little brighter than stock.
voila! i compared it to my wife's arc aaa (THE standard by which many are judged): same brightness, similar blue center hotspot, larger spill.
now my little dorcy is good enough for even the most devout flashaholic! total cost: about $7!
a little note to dorcy: GREAT job on this light.
however, one huge improvement could be made: leave the reflector unchromed or simply paint it white.
another possible improvement would be to try to get LED's that are a bit less blue.
i cant wait to find more--i intend to get about 10 and give them as gifts.
Bob
it was good stock, but i thought it was too blue and a bit too ringy. the solution? modify it!
the first thing i did was to figure out how to remove the reflector. i used a 9/32 1/4" drive socket to carefully pound out the reflector and lens. you have to take the head off and do this from the inside--carefully.
next, i sanded off all of the chrome in the reflector. the underlying plastic is black in color. (i may paint it a flat white--mostly for looks)
next, i swapped the stock LED with a nichia 6400mcd. it's beam is just a little blue in the center, and about the same brightness or just a little brighter than stock.
voila! i compared it to my wife's arc aaa (THE standard by which many are judged): same brightness, similar blue center hotspot, larger spill.
now my little dorcy is good enough for even the most devout flashaholic! total cost: about $7!
a little note to dorcy: GREAT job on this light.
however, one huge improvement could be made: leave the reflector unchromed or simply paint it white.
another possible improvement would be to try to get LED's that are a bit less blue.
i cant wait to find more--i intend to get about 10 and give them as gifts.
Bob
