Modding the L4?

[akula88]

I just been "previledged" to see the "light". L4 arrived yesterday through Global Priority Mail. Comparing with my current EDC-- KL1-E1, I found out how weak and purpleish the tint of the KL1. I tested the L4 bezel on the E1 body and thus a TW4... But when I tried on the L4 bezel on the Vital Gear 2xAA (2100mAH NiMH), it refused to fire up. Not even a moon mode. I have a PR-T TWAK DB917 in transit and can't wait to fire it up.

My questions :
1. What's the rating of the stock emitters of KL1 and KL4?
2. Why can't KL4 be lighted up by 2AA-NiMH?
3. I like the looks of the KL4. If ever it is modded, how much "damage" could be done to the bezel? Is it easily opened?
4. Could I mod the KL4, making it 2AA compatible with Lux3, THEN saving the 5-Watt LS and use it on a future PR (full head) build? What is the possible bin of the 5Watter on the KL4?

-- sorry for so many questions --
johnny

 

[akula88]

Ok... I just realize this is maybe a beat up topic...
I tried the search function and I found some answers.

According to Chop KL4 is driven at around 660mAH.
Read more from this post ( Stepping up current on the L4 ).

Also these on how to improve the throw of L4 . and here's more.

Don (McGizmo) also had the McL4 with 'classic' configuration having an R2H 1W on a BadBoy 600 driver and uses 1x123, but some had LuxIII, including R2H 1W's with Wizard 600 Drivers, which could run on 1x123, 2x123, 3x123; and many other configurations

If someone still have some information or links, please post to this thread.

Thank you.

- johnny

 

[akula88]

My #4 Question has its answer here --
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=447781

 

[CM]

KL1 is driven somewhere near 350mA.

KL4 won't light up on 2xNiMH since the converter is rated for 2.4V at the input. There's also an undervoltage lockout (which shuts down the controller) that kicks in at about 2V typical. So whether you drive a Lux III or a 5W, the limit is imposed by the controller. The only mod you can do to use 2AA is a complete converter replacement.

The KL4 is not difficult to mod. You need to unscrew the lower bezel to expose everything. The Lux is accessible by removing two screws that secure the heat sink to the top part of the head. I personally would not boost the current on the 5W, and would limit current to about 800 mA or so if driving a Lux III. The head is rather small to properly dissipate heat if you want to run it for extended periods. 1A is doable if you run it intermittently or use it in cold climates /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[akula88]

Great! Thanks, CM.

- Johnny.

 

[CM]

Anytime /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Chop]

Johnny,

If you mod the KL4 using the stock circuit with a 3W, you can only run it on a single 123 or a Pila or like cell. If you want to run a 3W on 2X123 or more, you'll need to do a circuit replacement and that is a bit more of an involved mod requiring either the stock circuit being bored out or the fabrication of a new circuit housing. Neither method is particularly difficult, but does require the proper tools.

 

[keroppi123]

i don't know know if i swap with lux3,how many current, and how i increase to ~~~900ma,THX

 

[keroppi123]

oh, sorry , i use one LI-ION cell for L4

 

[Chop]

keroppi123,

If you run the li-ion exclusively, you can simply replace the 5W with a 3W. That is very simple to do. The stock bias is around 660mA. That's actually a nice place to be with the KL4. You'll get a good amount of light at that bias.

 

[akula88]

Thanks, Tony.

Modding the KL4 to run on either 1x123 or 2xAA seemed to be a lot more work than what its worth. Except for the form factor of the head (which I like), I think it would be more cost effective to build my requirement on slim "bare" bezel housing -- such as McLux, E1s or L1s.

Regards,

johnny

 

[keroppi123]

thx chop,but i would the way to increase the current, any body help me

 

[Chop]

If you look at the circuit board, there is a .33 ohm resistor. If you run a 1 ohm resistor in parallel with the stock resistor, you'll get around 900mA, I believe.

 

[CM]

I have 1 ohm in mine. Chop's right, it's actually 878mA--close enough. That level is perfect for a Lux III in the KL4 head. It runs warm but not hot.

 

[keroppi123]

MAY I ASK~~~just solder a smd 1ohm resistor on the origin one , or other method. (by the way i think you guy should know there are some SWOK by wanye, is it good,that is the one i want to install in my KL4)any comment,please

 

[CM]

Yes, just parallel it on top. I haven't had much experience with S bin, just a few and they weren't all that bright. I'd try to get a T flux.

 

[keroppi123]

is there any good T-flux LUX3 (may be wo or wa , i think),and may be at a relative cheap price too ,i just a newbie on modding.
(P.s i want a star)