P/T Apex, Simple mod question

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vader

Newly Enlightened
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May 9, 2007
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Colorado
Yes, I know how to use the search function, but I have found conflicting information. I would like to increase the output of my P/T Apex. One source has said to use a P4 Star and another source has said don't use that, you need to use a bare emitter.

Does anybody have the exact number or type of emitter that is used in this mod?

Also, does anybody have an idea what type of reflector I should go with if I am looking for a beam with lots of flood?

Thanks :candle:
 
vader said:
Yes, I know how to use the search function, but I have found conflicting information. I would like to increase the output of my P/T Apex. One source has said to use a P4 Star and another source has said don't use that, you need to use a bare emitter.

Does anybody have the exact number or type of emitter that is used in this mod?
Click to expand...

I don't think you can use a star on an Apex, the EOS is easier with the star.

I used an SSC P4 Emitter, USWOH, with thermal Arctic Silver 5 grease.

I used the stock optic, as I like a nice tight beam.
It's a big upgrade from the standard Maxbright LED.
 
Definitely use the P4 emitter on the Apex. I used part #W42180 with bin code USW0H, along with Arctic Thermal grease, taking care that a thin film isolated the emitter slug from the heat sink. It worked very well.

I also used a cut-down Khatod smooth 20mm reflector for more spill. Recycling the stock reflector would have given a tighter beam, and a lot less work.
 
I just finished doing this mod
you need a bare emitter, not a star, a star will not fit

I use the Seoul P4 USWOH, but if i were to do it again id probably get a USVOH i think the color is better

and i used a McR-20 Seoul reflector

love it, super bright, and the beam shape is much better too
 
+1 on the mod. I did this as my first mod and used the artic silver compund. Its very easy and now much brighter. I too used the W42180U. I ordered it from Mouser.com (p/n 889-W2180U) and was able to tack it on to an order for work. :whistle:

Just don't get in a hurry and reassemble without the rear plastic cover as you'll end up cracking the front cover. :oops:
 
Since Petzl does not have immediate plans on upgrading the LED in the Apex, I was wondering what percentage improvement or lumens did the new LED create? Was it difficult to do? It would be great if someone could provide a simple step-by-step for those who are less technically inclined.

Thanks
 
stollman said:
Since Petzl does not have immediate plans on upgrading the LED in the Apex, I was wondering what percentage improvement or lumens did the new LED create? Was it difficult to do? It would be great if someone could provide a simple step-by-step for those who are less technically inclined.

Thanks
Click to expand...

At a rough guess, I'd estimate brightness went from 60 lumens to 130.
I did 2 mods so far, and they took about 10 minutes each.

There are excellent step-by-step instructions here on earlier threads.
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=141392&page=2&pp=30
Check out posting #52 and on for Apex upgrade instructions.
 
the seoul led on high is very impressive
outdoors it throws much further due to the brighter light
its very much on par with a very good handheld light
 
Regarding the Reflectors.....
My application is for caving. I like having a spot, but I also need some spill/flood to help illuminate the ground for walking. I'd also like to have a smooth beam pattern (little/no artifacts).

Which Refector would be better: McR20, IMS 20, or the Khatod smooth 20mm?

Are all of these drop in replacements for the stock Apex reflector (no mods)?

Thanks
 
I understand from previous treads on the subject that the McR20 reflector needs to be sanded down about 0.5 mm to fit properly. That sould be easy to do by sticking down self-adhesive sand paper ou your work table and carefully gliding the reflector around on the sand paper....

I have a question about reflectors. Will the hotspot performance be affected? Is the flood lighting a pure "gain" or a compromise... like trading hotspot lighting for flood ?

And what about the 5mm white leds ??? Anyone modded those with an improvement yet ?

alex
 
Last edited:
I've used Khatod's smooth 20mm reflector on 2 mods: PT Apex and HDS U60XRGT. As I recall, both required sanding away just under 2mm at the Khatod's mouth. Both beams were virtually identical, and quite close to the unmodified HDS, only much brighter with a somewhat broader central hotspot. The P4 die is somewhat larger than the Lux III. There were no artifacts whatsoever.

For pure throw, keep the Apex TIR optic. The Khatod seems to be the only P4-optimized reflector, and judging from other members' comments I've read, the stippled version may sacrifice too much throw for spill (cavers seem to like it, though).

Incidentally, these 2 post-mod lights seem to fill 99.9% of my flashlight needs, so the P4/Khatod-smooth-20 combo gets my 2 thumbs up.
 
Is there any point in upgrading an Apex that supposedly puts out 120 lumens as is? Do they get any brighter with the new SSC p4's?

Thanks,
Kevin
 
kevinm said:
Is there any point in upgrading an Apex that supposedly puts out 120 lumens as is? Do they get any brighter with the new SSC p4's?

Thanks,
Kevin
Click to expand...

My modded ones are a bit brighter than new stock, and more importantly have warmer tints that work better in the woods.

You could try using K2 TFFCs instead of the Seoul, might be brighter and have better tint.

Sverre
 
gra123 said:
Regarding the P/T Apex emitter upgrades, has anyone encountered any heat related issues with this mod?
Click to expand...

Used mine a lot and no issues. As long as you use thermal paste/epoxy you should be fine:D
 
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