McLux

[Slick]

Originally posted by hotfoot:

- kroll-switch tightened using the DarellSlot(TM) method

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Hi Leo, I searched CPF, but didn't have any luck finding out more about this..

I haven't figured out the best removal / installation for the Kroll in a McLux, although mine looks like a tubular tool was used since there is kind of a circular rub mark on it..

Any ideas? TIA

 

[bucken]

Hey Slick,

I remember a thread where they talked about using the empty body of a CMG Infinity (Ultra G) light as a Kroll installation/removal tool for the McLux. I think the Darrell "waterproofing" tightening method was in the same thread. I don't remember exactly what heading it was under, though. If no one else posts a link, I'll see if I can find it, later.

(Edit) Try this thread McLux/CMG Infinity

 

[hotfoot]

Slick, I'll be documenting the Darell Method in detail soon with pix. Stay tuned!

 

[Slick]

Thanks Bucken & Hotfoot!!

This is exactly what I hoped to find out. I've got extra krolls, so I'll give the "Darrel slot" method a try. I have a nice long scredriver to work with my 3x123 McLux body.

 

[McGizmo]

Slick,

Also make sure the Kroll is in the OFF position prior to installation. I think in ON, the added compresion on the side spring makes it less likely to seat properly in the threads of the power pak. This has been my experience at any rate.

- Don

 

[hotfoot]

Slick,

Before the pix come, here's a step-by-step to the Darell Method:

(Tools needed: 4-6mm flat-blade screwdriver, heating instrument eg. blowtorch)

- Remove kroll from flashlight

- Remove kroll mainspring (the cathode spring)

- Heat the screwdriver blade with your blowtorch or other heating device til its hot enough to melt the kroll's white plastic

- While blade is still hot, poke it into the base of the kroll (where the main spring sits). Don't go too deep - around 2mm is fine. This will melt a "slot" into the base. Make sure you pick a spot to melt that's as close to the center of the switch base as possible.

- Replace the spring, ensuring that the cathode spring makes contact with the smaller spring that is also visible on the base.

- Insert kroll into flashlight, starting the tightening with your fingers first.

- Then, insert the flat-blade screwdriver into the battery tube of the flashlight, poking it into the melted slot.

- Now, like loosening a screw, turn the screwdriver anti-clockwise - this effectively tightens the Kroll. Don't force it though, it is possible to overtighten, or damage the slot.

That's it! I know it will be easier with pix though

-leo

 

[hotfoot]

Some build updates and some pics: here

Enjoy!

 

[zackhugh]

Leo,

I like the page layout--very detailed and easy to follow. Nice pics of the lights to keep us excited and good to see the Skunk crew revealed.

Steve

 

[mst3k]

Little question. I noticed on the pix of the McLux's there is a threaded hole in the ring around the Kroll switch that you can screw a Berkeley Point coil lanyard into. Particularly I'm talking about the Camera Tether. My question:
Is this threaded hole on the TK as well??

 

[Rothrandir]

Originally posted by mst3k:
...My question:
Is this threaded hole on the TK as well??

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">yup. the only difference is diy's are more fun

 

[Saaby]

I donno my TK is pretty fun. You'd think it'd be fun to stick it on a mini-tripod, and that's ok, but it's much more fun to stick it on the larger camcorder tripod

 

[Darell]

There are no appreciable design differences in anything that we call McLux. There are two 1/4"-20 threaded holes in the switch guard. Hey, if one is good, two has to be better! This way you can mount to a tripod AND have a tether attached at the same time. I'm telling you - there is just no end to the excitement.

Excellent DarellSlot™ pictoral there Leo! I notice that it has been called some random things with random spellings - But rest assured, it is DarellSlot™ (your posted tuned up by me for your convenience.)

 

[Darell]

Originally posted by Saaby:
I donno my TK is pretty fun.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">Now don't go getting everybody in a tizzy. There are NO TK units in existence yet (please stop emailing me, everybody!). What Ryan has is officially a "built-by-Darell DIY™" unit.

 

[Saaby]

Yes, but to the naked eye it's almost a TK

 

[Darell]

Sure... go ahead and call it whatever you like *privately* - but don't go fooling everybody into thinking we're sitting on a bunch of TK units! Ouch.

Yeehaaa! I was in-box surfing there for a while...

 

[mst3k]

Thanks for the heads up on the 1/4"-20 threaded holes. I went ahead and ordered a couple of those Berkeley Point Camera Tethers. Those seem pretty cool plus I can use one on my little Digi Elph!!

 

[Sigman]

You me

Originally posted by darell:
- but don't go fooling everybody into thinking we're sitting on a bunch of TK units! Ouch.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">---------------------
You mean I wasn't supposed to buy my McLux from Saaby? I thought it was a deal at $175 w/serial number and a signed photo of Ryan himself as the designer & inventor!!

(But what about that "As seen on TV" sticker that was on it?)

 

[Saaby]

$375

Yeesh! Get it right...

 

[Sigman]

Well I wanted folks to think you sold it to me for a "SPECIAL" price! (and I thought the picture was free?!)

 

[Saaby]

Oh I missed the part about the picture. I took a Lesson from Ronco though, I'll give it to you for only 10 bi-monthy payments of $20*

*Plus S&H $19.99