Just got a Surefire M3 w/ KL2 but...

[Danski]

I just received my Surefire M3 Combatlight, which I ordered along with some SF123 batts and a KL2 LED head assembly.

After waiting for weeks to get it, I was only too happy when it arrived, so I proceeded to put on the KL2 head, placed the batteries, and fired...

I used the tailcap to fire the KL2 once, it lit up just fine. I then fired it again (onto my face, unfortunately) and it worked. I then pointed it at the wall and fired again, but...

ARGHHH.. it won't turn on! I then turned the tailcap all the way to set it to the on position, but still no go. I then noticed that the KL2 felt unusually warm to the touch, so I switched it off, and removed the KL2, and the batteries. I don't know what happened. I placed the original M3 head back and fired, it was working as usual. However, when I placed the KL2 head assy. again, it still won't turn on. However, the warming up of the KL2 was back, that's after 4 seconds of it being on (without light still).

Out of curiosity, I then tested the batteries. I tested them before putting them into the flashlight, and they registered 3V each before. But now, they are only registering 2.5V each?!?? I wonder what happened?

After paying a premium for this set, I felt really disappointed. I didn't do anything for it to conk out like that. I tried to shake the KL2 (softly) but could not hear anything lose from the inside. I'm at a lost. Anybody else experienced this before? I'm going to try and send this back to SF, hopefully they can replace it soon. After what happened, I've suddenly lost interest in this M3.

Whatever happened to Surefire's premium quality control for its premium price?

The KL2 was supposed to have a built in Current regulator or something like that, or so they say... oh well..

 

[yclo]

May be a silly question, but which way did you put the batteries in? Negative side to the tailcap?

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Install a fresh set of batteries. If it works with the incandescent bulb but not the KL2, it is obvious that you have a defective LED module. Send it back to Surefire.

 

[APW]

Ok, a simple quick test
Manually connect power source to '+' and '-' of your KL2 without using the body of your flashlight. This can confirm what's wrong straight away.

 

[APW]

another silly question! I don't know about KL2
There're 2 springs at the back of KL2
Say if 1 = positive (inner) and 2 = negative (outer)
Then if screw on, any possibility that the 2 springs are in contact and short-circuit the batteries and drained them instantly. Solution is to manually force the spring to be inline.

But if 1 = 2 same terminal = positive, then I'm wrong.

 

[Kiessling]

as I have also ordered a M3 with Kl2 I would be VERY interested in the outcome of all this ...
so what went wrong? you or the M3?
;-)
bernhard

 

[Danski]

No Kiessling, nothing's wrong with me.

There are indeed two springs at the back of the KL2, the inner being the positive terminal. The M3 works fine with the incandescent head assembly, but not with this KL2. As mentioned earlier, it starts to get warm the minute I powered it on, even though there's no light. As there's no short circuit that I can see (springs are aligned and doesn't touch each other when installed). I'm just wondering why it warms up like that, and draining the batteries that fast.

I tested the continuity between the positive and negative springs. I'm not sure what the insides of the KL2 has, but I assume there should be a closed circuit between the positive and neg. right? This KL2 only has continuity from positive to neg, but not the other way around (used multimeter to check, + to +, - to - works, but not the other way around, which works with other bulbs).

I guess I should just send this back to Surefire right away. I wonder how long the turnaround time will be. I guess we'll find out soon enough.

Thanks for your time, guys.

 

[Kiessling]

... and no offense, please, Danski.
just joking about the problem being you ...
bernhard