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SPY Upgrade thread

LEDBE
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Spy Upgrade list (by Wayne)
Code: 
jeffb (1)                       Batch 1 21AUG07
Turd_Ferguson(1)          Batch 1 21AUG07
fasteddie(2)                  Batch 1 21AUG07
LouRoy(3)                     Batch 1 21AUG07  Low Worm displacement.
LED Zeppelin(1)              Batch 1 21AUG07  Added 22AUG07
Rudi(1)
Christoph(1)
kiessling(1)
LowWorm(1)                  deferred down.
Brightnorm(3)
alanhuth(1)
ArsMachina(1)
peterb(2 SELF_INSTALL*)
Roboholic(1)
This thread will still have ongoing changes as I work out the details with jeffb where the list will reside and how we will handle it. For now I've designated the first batch and the instructions are in the first post. I think we will start a new thread and move all the pertinent information and then the list can be moved to the top of the thread and be maintained by jeffb.
 
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jeffb08-09-2007 06:11 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

This is the list for "upgrading" SPY 005 (apparently I cannot edit post #2) Please indicate your intent in this thread or PM me! ( ) indicates number of Spy 005's to be upgraded (Thanks "fasteddie"!)

jeffb (1)
Turd_Ferguson(1)
fasteddie(2)
LowWorm(1)
LouRoy(3)
LED Zeppelin(1)
Rudi(1)
Christoph(1)
kiessling(1)
Brightnorm(3)
alanhuth(1)
ArsMachina(1)
peterb(2 SELF_INSTALL*)
Roboholic(1)

Turd_Ferguson08-09-2007 07:41 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Oh heavenly day! Woo hoo!

Eagerly waiting instructions. :party:

fasteddie08-09-2007 08:06 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

I've got two that are waiting to be upgraded. Waiting for your instructions.

dat2zip08-09-2007 08:15 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

jeffb, I would be happy to have you moderate the list. Please update post 2 and feel free to put your name #1.

When I get the process down on upgrading the light I won't be able to handle more than about two lights at a time. I don't have room in the garage to put these on a shelf with a tag with your name and keep track of who's who. Also, I will doing this between my other projects so, I'm sure CPF'ers will be able to overwhelm me faster than I can do the upgrades

I will see what catches on fire this weekend and if there is no smoke I will post an update early next week on how well I did and whether or not I need to consult the SPY guru. Hopefully, the guru will be in this weekend for consultation!

The basic process will be similar to this. I will post to this thread which lights I have just completed and list the next name(s) on the list that will need to send their lights in. I will need those I name to acknowledge in this thread only when they have put the light in the mail.

We need to work out the logistics of what mail the lights will be coming and going and what service I will use (USPS, UPS, Fedex). I'm thinking that with this project it might be best to use Fedex since there will be tracking on the shipment. Anyway, I'm still brainstorming... Any thoughts, suggestions will be greatly appreciated and you are more than welcome to chime in. Maybe, I should start a separate thread on the logistics and keep this thread only on the active list and which ones are being worked on.

Wayne

Data08-09-2007 08:18 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

The reflector is replaced with one modded for the Seoul LED. It has a pocket machined in it to center the emitter.

Also, there is an option to upgrade the battery cap spring. I do know the cost of that option is going to be $15. The replacement spring does not work any better then the old one. It is simply a cosmetic upgrade to the inside of the battery cap. I had the springs made in a custom run just for my lights. The old spring was made of two springs soldered together. The new one is a single piece of silver coated spring wire.


Cheers
Dave

Trashman08-09-2007 09:57 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Cost?

dat2zip08-09-2007 11:15 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Trashman (Post 2052911)
Cost?

I won't know the costs till I get a good handle on the what it will take me to actually do the upgrade.

I can only give a range at the moment. I don't think I'll even post the range till I do some testing of the procedure this weekend. Next week I'll have more details.

Wayne

brightnorm08-10-2007 12:17 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

I have three SPY005's waiting for upgrade. One was recently Seoul-mated by Scott, but kept the old board. It is lovely but I find the beam a bit too dispersed for my taste. Is that unavoidable with the Seoulmated SPYs or is the degree of disperson/focus adjustable. Will you do any Cree or Rebel mods?

Brightnorm

Tritium08-10-2007 05:46 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Does the owner retain the removed parts or do you?

Thurmond

Data08-10-2007 08:12 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

brightnorm, the beam pattern after we do the upgrade will be just as tight as the original chrome 005 pattern was with the Lux and McR18. The only difference is the light output will be way up over the Lux. In fact, after the upgrade the Seoul is brighter on level 5 than the Lux was on 6.

I did not supply Wayne with any parts to offer other emitter options. The Cree does work well in the 005 but I decided in order to keep costs down we would only offer one option.

Tritium, the leftover parts are not returned with the light. We reuse the contacts and switch from the old DB converter board. To get the switch off of it renders the board unusable. The heat sink and old Lux emitter are not returned either.



Cheers
Dave

cave dave08-10-2007 03:08 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Can I buy a new reflector and heatsink and do the mod myself? I'm happy with the old driver board.

Data08-10-2007 04:32 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cave dave (Post 2053157)
Can I buy a new reflector and heatsink and do the mod myself? I'm happy with the old driver board.

A few people already have upgraded their LED to a Seoul. It requires some tools and modding skill but it can be done. Milky does it as a service.

If you take the light apart you will be voiding the warranty. The delicate thing there is the switch and knob interface. It must be treated with care.

One down side is the low power setting will be brighter than it was before. You can't turn it down farther than it is. Also, the new converter board is state of the art and superior to the old DB in every way.


Cheers
Dave

ArsMachina08-10-2007 04:44 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Hi,

nearly same question as above....
I would like to upgrade my SPY, but I am not willing to ship the light over the pond again twice.
The risk of loss is too high, insured shipping from Germany is horrible expensive and finally I will have to pay taxes for the insured value of the complete light when it comes back to Germany after being upgraded.

So I would prefer buying all the parts and doing the upgrade myself - even I will loose my warranty.
I already modded the old board with a P4 so I believe I will also be able to change the board :)

Jochen

LowWorm08-10-2007 10:18 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Me, I want in on the upgrade.

Thanks Wayne and Dave for making this an option. :twothumbs

cave dave08-11-2007 10:14 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

First off, what warranty? The light was only warrantied for a year.

2nd. If I screw up I can send it in and get the complete upgrade with new driver board and everything so unless I break the actual switch or body I have nothing to lose by trying.

3rd. I thought their was a pot somewhere on the board for level 1 and 2? Can't I turn it down?

Data08-11-2007 11:47 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

cave dave

Yours may not be under warranty but the newest lights still are. Still, I try to fix anything I can for people if they have not caused problems by modding the light themselves. You should see some of the stuff I have seen. :ohgeez:

As you said, "unless I break the actual switch or body I have nothing to lose by trying". This is true.

No, you can not turn it down. Level one on the DB is already down as far as it will go. It may work if you do not adjust it but the Seoul will burn brighter. The DB was made for the Lux, I have not tested it myself on the Seoul. When the Seoul emitters came out I was already using the STFu.

Dave, you are welcome to mod your light, I mod everything I get too. :whistle: But, the STFu is a marvelous board and way more capable than the old DB. Just as an example of its most basic function, the programming that controls the power change from one level to the next is very sophisticated and provides a very rapid yet smooth transition of lumen output. There are VERY few uP controlled lights in the world with this level of quality. Wayne and I set our sights pretty high with the STFu board and I dare say he hit the mark. Yes I know to some degree, I am blowing my own horn, but if you knew all that we put into the STFu you would be pretty proud of it too.

Cheers

Data08-11-2007 11:50 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ArsMachina (Post 2053206)
Hi,

nearly same question as above....
I would like to upgrade my SPY, but I am not willing to ship the light over the pond again twice.
The risk of loss is too high, insured shipping from Germany is horrible expensive and finally I will have to pay taxes for the insured value of the complete light when it comes back to Germany after being upgraded.

So I would prefer buying all the parts and doing the upgrade myself - even I will loose my warranty.
I already modded the old board with a P4 so I believe I will also be able to change the board :)

Jochen

We are talking this over and I will reply back later. One thing I can tell you for sure is, you would have to send us your old DB board so we could get the switch off of it.

EDIT: Wayne is telling me he will offer the kit to people that want to do it themselves. Keep in mind, the cost of the kit will be about the same if Wayne does it or if you do it. If I lived in the states I would definitely send the light to Wayne. On the other hand, if I lived over seas, I am not sure...


Cheers
Dave

cave dave08-11-2007 12:17 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Data (Post 2053475)
Dave, you are welcome to mod your light, I mod everything I get too. :whistle: But, the STFu is a marvelous board and way more capable than the old DB. Just as an example of its most basic function, the programming that controls the power change from one level to the next is very sophisticated and provides a very rapid yet smooth transition of lumen output. There are VERY few uP controlled lights in the world with this level of quality. Wayne and I set our sights pretty high with the STFu board and I dare say he hit the mark. Yes I know to some degree, I am blowing my own horn, but if you knew all that we put into the STFu you would be pretty proud of it too.

Cheers

Agreed from experience, as I own both an old one and a new one!

spyvsspy.jpg


Data08-11-2007 02:13 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Dave

Well, I tried my best to talk you into upgrading the converter. :grin2: :nana:

I saw that picture before, but I never noticed the o-rings. They really help keeping that sharp edge from getting chipped if you have something in your pocket with the light.

Are your o-rings staying in good?


Cheers
Dave

cave dave08-11-2007 07:44 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Data (Post 2053514)
Dave,
...Are your o-rings staying in good?

Cheers
Dave

You bet! I think it really improves the feel of the light. I've thought about adding a bit of glue because sometimes, not very often they fall out. If the grove was cut with a spherical bit with an undercut I bet they wouldn't come out.

LED Zeppelin08-12-2007 11:12 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Please put me on the list, thanks!

Rudi08-13-2007 03:17 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Please add me to the list.
Thanks.

Christoph08-13-2007 01:11 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Put me on the list please
C:D

jeffb08-13-2007 03:33 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

List updated!!

jeffb

Kiessling08-13-2007 05:35 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Count me in for the upgrade, too !!!
:party:

SPY005 #13
uninsured intl. if possible (I take the full risks)

bernie

fasteddie08-13-2007 08:59 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

What's the number in parentheses in the list for? If its the number of units to upgrade, mine should read 2.

Tritium08-14-2007 06:05 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

I'll make a decision when I know the cost and time frame.

Thurmond

jeffb08-14-2007 06:09 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

fasteddie,

changed list to show (2) units and added a description for units!

Thanks for your input!

jeffb

brightnorm08-14-2007 07:48 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Please count me in for 3 upgrades.

Brightnorm

alanhuth08-15-2007 08:09 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Please put me in for one upgrade.

Thanks,

alanhuth

ArsMachina08-15-2007 12:18 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

I am in for one upgrade.

Jochen

PeterB08-15-2007 12:46 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

I'm in for two (self installed) upgrades. (I don't wan't to risk a loss during shipping from/to germany)

tanasit08-15-2007 06:54 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Ditto

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tritium (Post 2054570)
I'll make a decision when I know the cost and time frame.

Thurmond



Turd_Ferguson08-16-2007 06:32 AMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

USWOI
Any mail option is fine. The most convenient for the shoppe is my preference.

cave dave08-16-2007 04:08 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Is the switch really so expensive its worth recycling? Maybe for the overseas folks a whole new board and switch at and additional cost. It would always be nice to have complete and intact spare internals just in case.

Data08-16-2007 05:07 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

Quote:
Originally Posted by cave dave (Post 2055394)
Is the switch really so expensive its worth recycling? Maybe for the overseas folks a whole new board and switch at and additional cost. It would always be nice to have complete and intact spare internals just in case.

We are going to require the DB boards back so we can get the switch off the old board. If you are not going to send your light to Wayne you will have to take the old DB board out of it and send it to him so he can build up the new converter and send that full kit back to you.

This upgrade service Wayne is offering is not simple. There are many things to be done and many parts and fixtures Wayne and I have readied. We are doing what we can to keep the costs down. When the STFu was completed I knew I would want to offer this to everybody with the old chrome 005 lights. Logistically this has been a challenge.

I am glad it is about ready to start. Wayne has worked through the conversion on his old prototype 005. It took him 2 hours but he said it would go much faster in subsequent builds.

It will not be long now.

Cheers
Dave

Roboholic08-18-2007 07:17 PMRe: SPY Upgrade thread.

I am in for one upgrade.

Did I miss the cost?

Thanks Rob
 
Continued from HERE.



jeffb08-19-2007 11:55 AM
Re: SPY Upgrade thread.

List upgraded today:twothumbs
 
AM going to update list
This is the list for "upgrading" SPY 005 (apparently I cannot edit post #2) Please indicate your intent in this thread or PM me! ( ) indicates number of Spy 005's to be upgraded (Thanks "fasteddie"!)

jeffb (1)
Turd_Ferguson(1)
fasteddie(2)
LowWorm(1)
LouRoy(3)
LED Zeppelin(1)
Rudi(1)
Christoph(1)
kiessling(1)
Brightnorm(3)
alanhuth(1)
ArsMachina(1)
peterb(2 SELF_INSTALL*)
Roboholic(1)
billybright(1)
chellyc(1)
 
Thanks Sasha for moving all the pertinent threads.

I've updated the first thread with new information and hopefully the final details.

Wayne
 
:mecry: Wayne, can you bump me to the end of the list? I think the upgrade price is reasonable, but it's a bit more than I budgeted on...I'd still love to get my Spy all modernized, but I'll need some time to get this in reach.
 
Low Worm. I moved you down a couple of spots. If we get to your name again and your not ready we can bubble you down as needed.

I've opened up a couple more slots since I have a feeling the lights will be trickling in over a period of time.

I'm hoping to have your light turned around in less than 1 week from the time it shows up at our place.

Wayne
 
Is shipping back without insurance an option (provided I take full responsiblity)? Because otherwise I can add another $140 custom bill ... :green:
bernie
 
Bernie,

I forgot to include shipping in the first post. :oops:

There will be an additional $20.00 to cover shipping and insurance for US shipments. I will revise the first post to reflect this change.

Non US shipments using Global Express are in the catch 22 situation. If we declare true value + insurance then there will be a large customs fee to pick up the package. Please advise in your email what your preference is regarding this situation when you request more information.

Wayne
 
Last edited:
Dave's reply to me in the other thread:

icon1.gif
Re: SPY Upgrade thread.
brightnorm, the beam pattern after we do the upgrade will be just as tight as the original chrome 005 pattern was with the Lux and McR18. The only difference is the light output will be way up over the Lux. In fact, after the upgrade the Seoul is brighter on level 5 than the Lux was on 6...

Dave or Wayne,

I found the original 005 beam a little narrow and "light tunnelly" for my use. Is it possible to broaden it a bit, though not as much as the very broad beam in my Milky-modded SPY?

The beam Scott provided is remarkably even and excellent for much outdoor use, but it is easily washed out by urban ambient light conditions and also lacks the ability to project powerfully when needed. The ideal compromise between throw and spread probably doesn't exist, but since the SPY reflector is apparently capable of producing two totally different beam configurations I thought a slight broadening of the beam would be possible.

By "broadening" I don't mean keeping the narrow hotspot and enlarging the spill beam diameter, but rather enlarging the hotspot and making gradual transition to a relatively bright spill beam.

If this is possible but involves extra work I would be happy to compensate you for your time.

Brightnorm
 
Brightnorm, I do not have a simple solution for your requirement. I can tell you that the Seoul is so much brighter all across the board that it may solve your problem.

Cutting a reflector down some may have the effect you desire but it is an experiment I have not done. I would have no idea if it would work before I tried it.

Milky did have some diffusing film that I saw on some of his lights when I was last at his place. It may diffuse the light more that you want though.


Cheers
Dave
 
Will the upgrade prevent the switch from disengaging when rotated with no battery to hold it in place?
 
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