first post: noob question

[illmannered_1]

Hi all, as stated, first post, I'm a noob looking forward to entering the world of flashlight modding, I just finished reading this thread:http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=230443

I'm assuming that once this is done, 2 AA's will not be be powerful enough to power the light with the board included in this drop in, is this correct?

In going with this assumption, I was wondering if I could simply remove the emitter from this drop in and swap it with the stock P4, still using the stock driver, would this work with the light in both 2 AA and 123 format?

Does anybody know of an inexpensive source for R2's mounted on a 14 mm/and or 16mm base? (not sure what size fits in the Romisen RC-N3, but I also have an RC-G2, which I believe uses a 14mm) I do have experience with soldering very small LEDs, such as 0603 SMDs, so bare emitters and boards is an option that frankly might be fun, and probably more economical, so a source for those would also be appreciated, as well as links to info/tuts on doing this.

Also, I have on the way a Q5 on 14mm base on the way, If I stay with the stock driver in these two lights and upgrade the emitter, will I see much of an improvement with the Q5 , and even more with an R2, or would I need a driver upgrade to see much difference?

Thanks in advance

 

[clg0159]

You are partially correct. 2xAA in alkaline or NiMh will not power it, but 2x14500(LiIon in AA size) will power it.
If you want to use Nimh or alkaline either stick with the stock driver or find a relacement rated for the same input voltage.
You will notice the increase from a P4 to an R2 or a Q5. Get familiar with Crees website and you can check the bin values on their datasheet. I believe it is 87lm for P4 and 114lm for R2 at 350ma.

 

[Gunner12]

You won't see much, if any improvement between an R2 and Q5 bin. I'm not sure what size board it uses though. You can also skip the modding and buy a Q5 RC-N3 from Shiningbeam(scroll down a bit, 6% off coupon is "cpfuser").

:welcome:

 

[illmannered_1]

I ordered the R2 drop-in in question, I'll do it as per the tut, thanks for the input. Any recommendations on which 14500 cells to get (preferably from DX)?