Converting your G2 to run on AA´s

[Scattergun]

Just thought I´d shar this simple mod with you.

Started out with a Surefire G2 and wanted to have it run on cheaper and more readily available AA-batterys.
I took a DX LED-module with a Cree R2 inside and swapped the driverboard for one of the SKU7880 drivers.
After the driverboard was in place, I soldered a copper rivet to the center spring to make it about 15mm longer.

The DX R2 modules fit perfectly with no play in the G2 after the outer spring has been removed.
All I had to do was to cut a thin piece of rubber, roll it, and insert it into the body as an insulator
between the center spring and the metal cylinder on the inside of the body.
The rubber also acts as a holder for the smaller diameter AA-battery in the G2.

All in all a quick and easy mod!

 

[old4570]

So what is the output like in that driver

Is it as promised ?

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Comparison photos? Comparative lux figures? Current to LED? Current from AA? Use NiMh's too? Etc. Thanks,

Bill

 

[Scattergun]

Sorry, the P60 on this light was blown, so no comparison. The driver outputs some 600-700mA to the LED, and a little more with NiMh... The current from battery is 1,5A with alkaline AA.
The driver is essentially the old RV7-driver with extra modes. On this light I disabled the modes by connecting LED- to the negative source instead of the original place on the board. This driver is my absolute favourite amongst single cell drivers!

 

[ElectronGuru]

For two cell operation, a G3 will run 2AA right out of the box. With your drop in mod. you should be able to run 2AA in a G2+A14 and keep the OD green.

 

[Scattergun]

That would be a good option and I have made a few of those as well, and you don´t need the extra 15mm of copper rivet either. You would have to use some other circuit though, the 7880 is running strictly 1,5V . But there´s a bunch of nice boostcircuits out there. It would be fun if someone could start making high quality nylon inserts that converts 18650 to AA, and 3xCR123 to 2xAA.