Looking for info on mod for Terralux TLE-5 (luxeon to SSC)

[gunga]

HI,

I can't seem to find the threads on modding a Terralux TLE-5 (luxeon minimag drop-in) to SSC.

Can someone point me to these threads?

Also, do I need some kind of thermal epoxy or somthing, or can this mod be done with just thermal compound?

Thanks!

 

[M.S]

I just did this mod. I didn't find any threads either so I decided to write few words.

Can't believe how good results I got, output went from ~21 lbu to ~49... For comparison my Fenix L2T is about 40.

Emitter base needs to be isolated, there are some contacts under it. Other than that it is really easy mod, just check the polarity and centering of the led.

 

[datiLED]

After removing the Luxeon LED, I cleaned the epoxy residue, and used a small piece of Kapton tape over the two contacts in the center of the module (to keep the magic smoke from getting out). I then used Arctic Alumina to epoxy the Seoul into place. I placed it in the Mag before it dried to ensure that the LED was centered well.

When the AA was dry, I soldered the leads to the module and fired it up. As MS. mentioned, it is a fantastic improvement over the stock Luxeon. The beam is beautiful. It has a nice big hotspot, with a huge amount of flood. It is my bedroom and around the house light.

One other thing that I would point out is that the two contacts in the center of the module make it hard to get the LED level. It wants to lean to one side or another. Watch out for that, and adjust the LED before it dries. In thinking back, I could have filed them down a small amount.

 

[gunga]

Thanks for the info.

Was ist hard to remove the epxies luxeon?

WHere does one get the tape and Artic alumina expoxy you mentioned? Is it available anywhere without spending a mint? I'm not planning to do many mods since I have no other luxeon lights...

 

[datiLED]

Thanks for the info.

Was ist hard to remove the epxies luxeon?

WHere does one get the tape and Artic alumina expoxy you mentioned? Is it available anywhere without spending a mint? I'm not planning to do many mods since I have no other luxeon lights...

The Luxeon popped right off with the use of a dental tool. Mine came off easily, but as always, YMMV.

The AA is available from PhotonFanatic, but he has a $20 minimum order. (I have seen it on e-Bay, too.)

I got my Kapton tape from the B/S/T forum, but noticed that it is available from DX for a good price.

 

[M.S]

Thanks for the info.

Was ist hard to remove the epxies luxeon?

WHere does one get the tape and Artic alumina expoxy you mentioned? Is it available anywhere without spending a mint? I'm not planning to do many mods since I have no other luxeon lights...

The luxeon just popped off with a knife after desoldering the leads. Some glue was left on the board, but I removed it with the knife.

I used some thermal tape under the emitter, I know it is not ideal, but I think it will do fine in this case. Got it somewhere ages ago...

Any links to this kapton tape? Can't find it on DX, but I see it mentioned every day here...:thinking:

 

[datiLED]

Any links to this kapton tape? Can't find it on DX, but I see it mentioned every day here...:thinking:

Do a seach for High Temp. Tape.

 

[gunga]

If we use that tape, can we just use thermal compound or is epoxy needed for this mod?

How long does the epoxy last in storage? I will likely try doing some cree mods once the R bins come out, but not for a while...

 

[datiLED]

If we use that tape, can we just use thermal compound or is epoxy needed for this mod?

How long does the epoxy last in storage? I will likely try doing some cree mods once the R bins come out, but not for a while...

I would guess that using thermal compound would be fine with this setup. But be aware of the fact that the solder joints will be the only thing holding the LED in place.

The epoxy lasts about 6 months after being opened. My Arctic Silver thermal adhesive is about a year old, and is showing signs of age. One half of the two part mix is thickened, and slightly lumpy. I doubt that I'll replace it, since I use the Arctic Alumina for just about everything. One syringe set of AA has been good for well over 3 dozen LED swaps. That includes using it on the copper slug if it was necessary. I still have some left in the syringes. These are the small syringe sets that PF is selling.

 

[gunga]

Thanks a lot for the info datiLED.

Just a bit more...

THis heat tape or Kapton tape, so it is an electrical insualtor, but is it a thermal conductor? I can't see that in the decscriptions...

That is what we cant, right?

 

[datiLED]

Thanks a lot for the info datiLED.

Just a bit more...

THis heat tape or Kapton tape, so it is an electrical insualtor, but is it a thermal conductor? I can't see that in the decscriptions...

That is what we cant, right?

I don't know if it is a thermal conductor exactly, but it is very thin. I have run my TLE-5 Seoul mini mag for over an hour at a time, with no problems at all. I only used a small piece of the tape, and used the AA thermal adhesive all around it for best thermal conductivity.