Stock L1 + Stock KL4?

[FlashlightOCD]

I've read several posts about using the L1 as a host and modifying a KL1 head for brighter output and got very confused.

I do realize that the stock L1 only hosts a single 123 so it won't be as bright, but can you put a stock KL4 head on an L1 body and have a dual level light [without any modification]?

TIA for any clarification.

 

[Hoghead]

No.
The KL4 doesn't work on the L1. The KL4 will only thread on the L1 about a half a turn (just enough that the KL4 won't fall off) and will not light up.

The KL1 will not work on the L1. The KL1 will fit on the L1, but it will not light up.

The basic L1 mod is to mod the L1 head. McGizmo has been doing some other mods.

 

[FlashlightOCD]

Thanks,

I read about some of the Mods McGizmo has been making, but he seems to be completely gutting the light and rebuilding it [as 2x123 PR-T 917 for example].

I'm just wondering if there is any combo that will work without any modification, or is the only "simple" mod to swap resistors?

Just to be sure, are you saying that the L1 threading is not standard E2 or that the electrical hookup is different? Example: Would a McLux PR [R2H] head fit or work without modification?

 

[jcciv]

The step-up electronics are located in the body of the L1, so any McLux PR head with a converter board in it will not work on the L1 body.

Additionally, the body is physically different, and requires a different method to make contact than the standard eCan in the McLux PR head.

Read more here

 

[Hoghead]

The threads in the head of the L1 are the same as the E1e/E2e. The circuit in the head of the KL4 prevents the KL4 from screwing down on the body of the L1.

While I was trying these different combinations I found that the L1 head will work on the E1e. I didn't try the L1 head on the E2e because I didn't want to let out the magic smoke in the L1 head. This combination is direct drive.

The PR head with a eCan will not screw on the L1.

The E2e incandescent head will screw on the L1 but it doesn't work.

 

[McGizmo]

The tube penetration into the L1 head is about .235" whereas the "typical" tube penetration is .250". The threads are the same and the issues of compatibility boil down to drivers and anode and cathode contacting surfaces. As stated, the E-can will digest into an E series or McLux battery tube but it is to large in diameter to digest into the reduced area of the L1. The area is reduced by the forward end of the plastic PCB cassette of the L1. The E-can also has an elevated lip for polarity protection which gets in the way. The L1 body requires a small and pointed anode contact from the head. The L1 is a fantastic mod host but modification is required.