Newbie "stupid? "question

[Samlittle]

Who the heck is vinhnguyen54 and with respect - what does modding a light mean? I get that you are rebuilding flashlights some how to make them perform better but is there a short explanation of the services offered and why?

Dedomed? So many other mysteries obscuring the light for this new guy.

Have looked through lots of threads but I am still in the dark.

Would you be so kind to direct me to the proper thread/sticky that might sum it up for me? :confused:

I would be grateful.

Cheers - Samlittle

 

[tomthebaker]

From another newb:

He increases the amperage to increase the output of the LED.

He improves the electrical connections for the same reason.

De-dome increases the "throw" or beam distance over the "flood" or spread of the beam. (most factory lights seem very "floody.")

He often mounts the LED on copper instead of aluminum. I believe this is for better current flow AND heat sink.

These mods generally improve output at a sacrifice of runtime, and give off more heat, so that there are some safety issues if you are a child, careless, or an idiot. Also, higher, unprotected batteries are sometimes needed, which are not as fool-proof.

Others are more knowledgeable and these are my limited observations.

 

[caddylover]

just like hot rodding a car, only with flashlights :) more power=more performance

 

[kengps]

"De-Doming" refers to removing the little lens that sits on top of the LED.

 

[inetdog]

And in case it is still not clear, de-doming consists of removing the plastic lens from the front surface of the LED chip.
It can change both the color and spatial distribution of the light.
If more light hits the reflector instead of going more or less directly forward, and also appearing to come from a broader area, you get a brighter, tighter hotspot.

 

[Samlittle]

Thanks for starting me on the beam of understanding. I guess I'm missing out on some fun huh? :party:

 

[ven]

As said,de-dome you loose around 10% lm,but the cd tends to double(more throw),also effects tint making it warmer.

Have a read through here

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?140-Vinhnguyen54

:D

 

[noboneshotdog]

Just click on any of his light threads and see the specs, than look up the stock versions specs and you'll see the difference. Stock TK75 = 2900lm, TK75vn = 4400lm. And with his KILLER THROW (dedomed) edition of TK75 you looking at throw that no other multi led light can touch. This type of example is fluid with all the lights he sells. There a great host of followers, and we all keep coming back for more. Sit back, take a look, and enjoy the show. THIS is were its at for this CPF'er.:thumbsup:

 

[caddylover]

he makes great flashlights even better! I have several of his lights now and I'm regretting buying the stock ones that I have:(

Just click on any of his light threads and see the specs, than look up the stock versions specs and you'll see the difference. Stock TK75 = 2900lm, TK75vn = 4400lm. And with his KILLER THROW (dedomed) edition of TK75 you looking at throw that no other multi led light can touch. This type of example is fluid with all the lights he sells. There a great host of followers, and we all keep coming back for more. Sit back, take a look, and enjoy the show. THIS is were its at for this CPF'er.:thumbsup:

 

[tomthebaker]

he makes great flashlights even better! I have several of his lights now and I'm regretting buying the stock ones that I have:(

Ain't that the truth! I hate my old stock ones now. In fact, I never want another stock light.

 

[Tmack]

After my Tk75vn killerthrow, I don't even consider stock lights for purchase. A light hasn't been truly "released" until vinh has got his hands on it.

 

[noboneshotdog]

After my Tk75vn killerthrow, I don't even consider stock lights for purchase. A light hasn't been truly "released" until vinh has got his hands on it.

AMEN brother!!!!

 

[Tmack]

And with the subscription discount, I just looked at the retail price of a light vinh is modding and selling, you'd be crazy to buy a stock one. For very little more, your light can have a much better performing light

 

[philthis]

From another newb:

He increases the amperage to increase the output of the LED.

He improves the electrical connections for the same reason.

De-dome increases the "throw" or beam distance over the "flood" or spread of the beam. (most factory lights seem very "floody.")

He often mounts the LED on copper instead of aluminum. I believe this is for better current flow AND heat sink.

These mods generally improve output at a sacrifice of runtime, and give off more heat, so that there are some safety issues if you are a child, careless, or an idiot. Also, higher, unprotected batteries are sometimes needed, which are not as fool-proof.

Others are more knowledgeable and these are my limited observations.

Now I'm wondering why not just buy the flashlight that has the wanted or/and needed output of power, light and whatever else your would be changing. The technology and parts are there because someone is doing it. Don't buy a mazda and expectto turn it into a corvette. Wait a jeep and expect a hummer....Wait for it llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
But then it clicked really like the high performance of upgrades but still like the look of old school

 

[Samlittle]

And with the subscription discount, I just looked at the retail price of a light vinh is modding and selling, you'd be crazy to buy a stock one. For very little more, your light can have a much better performing light

To summarize - you can buy the light directly from vinh (assuming he stocks the one you want) and specify the mods you want with your order and/or send him a light that one (a crazy person :)) bought elsewhere and he will modify that (if possible)? Is that about right?

I am looking to buy either a ThruNite TN35 or an L3 Illumination X40 in the next couple of weeks. Reasons to buy both but I'm leaning to the X40 because I prefer the UI and the onboard charger option and that it is - I think - a prettier light. Would either of these be worthy of a work over by vinh? Would they be more powerful re:lumens/lux or safer or just different than the stock light after his mods?

And please, if some or all of these questions have already been answered just link me to the right page and I'll sort it out for myself. Meanwhile - thanks for the replies.

 

[TEEJ]

Now I'm wondering why not just buy the flashlight that has the wanted or/and needed output of power, light and whatever else your would be changing. The technology and parts are there because someone is doing it. Don't buy a mazda and expectto turn it into a corvette. Wait a jeep and expect a hummer....Wait for it llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
But then it clicked really like the high performance of upgrades but still like the look of old school

The concept is sound, but, the reality of it is that that stock light you suggest as an alternative doesn't exist.

IE: If you buy a light with similar performance, it will typically be a lot larger, and, therefore not an apples and apples swap.


For example, the highest throw stock light within the "flashlight" form factor is the Olight SR95UT, with ~ 250k cd.

Vinh makes lights smaller than that with ~ double the cd. There IS NO stock light that has that performance...in that form factor. That means there IS NO stock light you can order instead of a modded light to get the same performance.


For some of the smaller lights, say single 18650-ish, etc...sure, you could replace a light that goes on your key chain with a 3D mag light sized replacement, but, really, IS THAT a replacement?


As for modding Jeeps and Hummers, there is a HUGE market for those DOING THAT. People take a stock Jeep, and modify it so it can do what they want it to...because they can modify the Jeep to go where the Hummer can't. People also modify their Hummers, so they can go where stock Hummers can't, and so forth.


No matter how much you modify a Hummer, it can't get through trails that are too narrow for it....but not too narrow for a jeep. This is analogous to flashlights...in that size DOES matter. If its too big to carry with you, you won't have it when you need it, and, all else being equal, you are more likely to be able to carry a smaller light than a larger one.

If you need a certain combination of UI and output, the modded light can give it to you in a smaller package.


So, that's why people buy a modified light instead of a larger and typically a lot more expensive stock light.

:D

 

[Tmack]

Well buying a suped up jeep is necessary for daily driving, many if us have hummers with $50,000 under the hood for when the trail is wide enough ;)
May be expensive but who doesn't want a 427 blown hummer on a 12" lift. I know I do. Now I love my jeeps, and have my fair share, but you see where I'm getting :)


And vinh already makes modded x40vn. They are 200$ and we'll worth it. I've heard great things.

 

[kpangy]

The concept is sound, but, the reality of it is that that stock light you suggest as an alternative doesn't exist.

IE: If you buy a light with similar performance, it will typically be a lot larger, and, therefore not an apples and apples swap.


For example, the highest throw stock light within the "flashlight" form factor is the Olight SR95UT, with ~ 250k cd.

Vinh makes lights smaller than that with ~ double the cd. There IS NO stock light that has that performance...in that form factor. That means there IS NO stock light you can order instead of a modded light to get the same performance.


For some of the smaller lights, say single 18650-ish, etc...sure, you could replace a light that goes on your key chain with a 3D mag light sized replacement, but, really, IS THAT a replacement?

:D

It's for that exact reason I bought a V11Rvn off Wayne, no where else can I buy a small 900+ lumen single CR123 flashlight that is (just about) small enough to put on a keychain without spending much much more $ on an all out custom made light.