Solarforce L2 Overheating?

[smelly]

I bought a Solarforce L2 with the single mode R2 drop in and was very happy with it except for the durability of the finish. I then bought 2 more with the 5 mode R2 drop in. These are not the latest version with memory.

When used on high with 2 RCR123 cells the mode changes after a couple minutes on it's own. I've checked all connections and used thermal grease wherever appropriate. These drop ins are supposed to be good for up to 8.4 volts but I have found that one of the torches does not change mode when using primaries with a lower voltage but the other one does.

The body and drop in do get warm but certainly not hot. My only solution is to run them on 18650 cells but don't really want to lose any output.

Any suggestions?

 

[Wolf359]

my L2's will not take 18650 cells only 17670 protected, internal barrel diameter is 17.25mm

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3301

those fit fine in the 3 L2's i have

 

[smelly]

Many thanks.

Do you notice the difference in light output?

 

[Wolf359]

i have solarforce single mode Q5 modules in my L2's and the 17670 powered one is just alittle dimmer than the 2 x rcr123

 

[jirik_cz]

When used on high with 2 RCR123 cells the mode changes after a couple minutes on it's own. I've checked all connections and used thermal grease wherever appropriate. These drop ins are supposed to be good for up to 8.4 volts but I have found that one of the torches does not change mode when using primaries with a lower voltage but the other one does.

I have exactly the same experience, maybe it is overheating protection? Unfortunately it makes high mode with RCR123 batteries pretty useless. It also has some kind of memory, but it will not start in the same mode, but in next mode! That is very annoying. :shakehead

 

[Gunner12]

It could be a bad drop-in.

I'd understand if it didn't change modes with a higher voltage.

The body getting warm is good. It means the thermal path is good.