?possible to make Inova XO brighter?

[houtex]

I have an Inova XO that I don't carry but would like to.Currently I love the performance of my fenix L1D CE but it's kinda small in my hands.I work at a niteclub so I am always using my flashlight and the size of the fenix compared to the inova ,well in a hurry it gets lost in my pocket when i need to retrieve it after a quick put away.The fenix holster is good for accessing the light but not for putting it back in a hurry.With the inova i really would not even need a holster as it fits in my back pocket just tight enough to keep it upright when I need it again without laying down.

 

[houtex]

bump

 

[datiLED]

The best boost in performance could be realized with an emitter swap to a Seoul P4 LED. There is some information about the T-series mods, and I believe that it may also apply to the XO, if it uses the optic. Search for "freeze pop".

 

[houtex]

anybody wanna do it for me?

 

[RCatR]

I guess my response didn't make it through:candle:

The easiest way would be to freeze pop it and solder in a new 5mm led(I believe the new TH3 leds are the brightest)

If you want more then the seoul p4 would be the way to go, but it would require a bit more modifying and some kind of internal heatsinking(chunk of aluminum, glob of jb weld, etc.)

 

[houtex]

i did a search for freeze pop ,Inova freeze,freezer inova,nothing showed.honestly I'm a little afraid to try this,I know no guts no glory but I don't know anything about soldering or heat sinking.My wife is right I'm almost useless:mecry:

 

[Blindasabat]

The X0 uses a Luxeon, not 5mm LED, so the SSC would be almost a direct replacement. The Inova X1 uses a 5mm. All you would want to do beside replacing the emitter (raising it ~0.3mm from the Luxeon base) would be to cut the same ~0.3mm (check that number) off the bottom of the optic to bring the SSC back into focus. this MAY not be needed if you want a floodier beam. I have tried SSC's with an unmodified Inova T3 TIROS optic and it has a nice beam, but just a much bigger spot. The throw is about the same due to way more light overall, but you can choose the beam type you want.

Option 1:
Direct emitter replacement with no optic mod: wider spot, similar throw as stock.
or
Option 1:
Raise SSC emitter 0.3mm (via a copper spacer opoxied to stock heat sink and base of emitter) and cut base of optic 0.3mm: similar beam as stock, just brighter all over with more throw.

If you have the new X0 with reflector, then you just grind 0.3mm off the back of the reflector around the small emitter hole - effectively opening up that hole.

I know that CPF member Milkyspit will do that mod since he was going to do it for me, but I already have mine opened up. He may not want to do that since there is some some people have damaged their boards and/or optics during the freeze pop process. Mine came apart great, but then I think I fried my electrics playing around with it afterwards. I'm still considering what to do with it.

...The easiest way would be to freeze pop it and solder in a new 5mm led(I believe the new TH3 leds are the brightest)

If you want more then the seoul p4 would be the way to go, but it would require a bit more modifying and some kind of internal heatsinking(chunk of aluminum, glob of jb weld, etc.)

 

[Illum]

if your XO is the TIROS version refer to this thread
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=97753

there has been no updates as to how one would go about freeze popping a reflectored inova...but I suppose the ideas the same

 

[Blindasabat]

Freeze popping method for 2006 and prior Inova X and T-series:

1. remove batteries.
2. fill a bucket with water
3. dunk entire light and tailcap in the bucket
4. swish around to remove any air bubbles
5. still under water: thread on tailcap firmly
6. put in freezer for several hours until water freezes solid and fully expands
7. remove from freezer - bezel should be pushed out a little - let thaw
8. repeat steps 3-6 as required until the becomes completely loose
9. Freeze pop or press out heat sink and driver/LED

Mine took 4 cycles to pop. It helps a lot to lay it on it's side, not standing up in the freezer.

 

[aceo07]

I loved my Inova XO when I first get it. Bright and great flat regulation for a long time. I'd be afraid to try to mod mine.

I do agree, it's a great size and feels solid. I only wish the HDS battery tubes were cheaper so I could get my HDS to the same size. Due to it's inability to use rechargeables, I only use it as my dependable backup now.

 

[Sgt. LED]

:thumbsup: