Problem with Inova T4-MP, Pictures included

[sethistruckin]

I have accidentally caused my flashlight to no longer work. The circuit board on this flashlight has two spring loaded connectors that make contact with the emitter when screwing the head and body together. One of the connectors was bent after taking apart the light and I tried to bend it back and it broke off. Is there any way to order a connector similar to this, or would I have to basically solder a wire in place of the connector directly to the emitter. I have emailed inova about a replacement but I have a feeling I will only have the option to purchase a new light without chargers. I have attached a few pictures to better explain what has happened

 

[zipplet]

Hi,

Your images are not showing here. Please check them.

 

[sethistruckin]

Hmm, they are on my sprint server as I sent them frommy phone to my email address. Well anyways, here is a link to the imageshack url for the images:
http://img200.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=45061604.jpg

You can see that one connector is now shorter, so when screwed together (the body and the head of the flashlight) the connection is not quite made to the emitter.

 

[zipplet]

Unfortunately that looks to me like a custom manufactured part. Some kind of spring loaded barrel pin. I assume you're handy with a soldering iron - you could try soldering a plain old spring in place (slide it over what's left of the broken pin) and that should work if you are careful. It's definately salvageable in my opinion.

And no, Inova wont be able to offer a replacement PCB or pin.

Edit: If you use a normal spring you'll want to be careful about the positioning to avoid a short - maybe even add a small ring of nonconductive tape around the centre contact on the emitter PCB to give yourself some extra room.

 

[sethistruckin]

I will most certainly give it a try... If anything I could always just take the pins off and solder two wires from each connection directly to the back of the emitter/light... Im not sure I would trust the connection over time but I could always just order a new light for around $80 and then keep this one to toy around with

 

[zipplet]

I also thought of soldering 2 wires but didn't suggest it because it's preferable to add another spring. You could go with soldering 2 wires and it would work well but you'd need to include plenty of excess wire because as you screw it together the 2 wires will twist. If you include enough slack it wont be a problem and should be just as reliable than the pins originally were

 

[sethistruckin]

The spring actually worked really well, I was taking apart something last night and a spring flew out. So I was able to use that spring for this. Although I did not solder it, as the spring fits snug enough to screw it on, and the plastic barrier for the circuit board on this light clamps the spring in place.

Its possible Im loosing output with it rigged like this but I will see how long this fix lasts. I cant believe I didnt think of the spring idea... I used to watch Macgyver all the time too haha. Thanks for the help zipplet

 

[zipplet]

No probs, I'm glad it worked. Consider soldering it if it continues to work well and that should help negate some of the resistance.

 

[sethistruckin]

will do.... As soon as I can find my solder

EDIT::: The darn connector broke off completely while trying to solder the spring onto the connector. The connector broke off of the board, I dont think it is possible to make a connection with the board now. Im in search of a replacement I guess. Thats what happens when you try to modify an expensive light when you have never done it before.