Suitable Cree/Yukon HL Mod?

[jayflash]

After fishing around SEARCH for 10 minutes, I got no bites - only one fruitless nibble.

So...has anyone improved the output of the HL with a new LED? The old side emitter is weak by today's and even my standards. I'm looking for a simple swap, if that's possible. Soldering is ok but I don't care to spend much time on the project or I'll just continure using the Yukon for lower light tasks.

Thank you for any direction.

 

[jayflash]

This was once considered a good headlamp, does anyone still use theirs? Is the side emitting LED a problem? I don't know if the new, brighter, Crees come in a side emitting version. Are the new Nichia 5mm LEDs also more efficient besides being brighter?

Thanks.

 

[Cypher]

Jayflash,

I owned a Yukon HL until I sold it to purchase an Apex. I still think it's a good headlamp. It's like a mini Apex which is fine. I had looked into modding mine when I had it but after taking it apart it didn't seem to be very conducive to modifications. I can't remember exactly but it seemed like it would be pretty hard to remove the led and put a new one in. If you found a way to do it you would probably have better luck in getting a nice beam pattern with the SSC rather than the Cree.

Good luck.

 

[emitter]

Just posted a note in another thread. The module is sitting on a brass pr base type module, but the shell is soldered or glued in. There is a board inside I think but all it has is a couple zener looking things, for reverse polarity protection probably. I'll post photos if i get a chance. I only paid like $25 for mine when ems was clearing them out.
I'm not sure cree or ssc's are so great on dd off of 3 cells. Modding the battery holder or adding some boost inside the head starts to eat time and money.
Best to use it for what it is.