PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
Thanks again!
The A-AA - an alkaline AA battery vampire
- Thread starter PCC
- Start date
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
I was playing around with 3D printers and ABS plastic bodies and the driver scavenged from a solar garden light but this is much nicer. For a start, you have threads! 3D printing and fine threads don't work too well, plus my models aren't great.
I might have to steal your idea with the groove for the wire to negative. I designed a hole for the wire but it is a bugger trying to thread the wire through as the 3D printer isn't as fine as it could be. Could make the walls thicker I guess, or use a better 3D printing service.
If haven't thought of it already, D cells!
I might have to steal your idea with the groove for the wire to negative. I designed a hole for the wire but it is a bugger trying to thread the wire through as the 3D printer isn't as fine as it could be. Could make the walls thicker I guess, or use a better 3D printing service.
If haven't thought of it already, D cells!
bigchelis
Flashlight Enthusiast
Dang PCC, that idea is freaking cool. We need a night hike soon in the bay for sure. I need to check that out in person.
Great job as always.
If the tailcap was just a twistie plastic one, the threads would never corode to accidentally turn on right? So, it would make for a good small twistie. I been throwing away dozens of AA's from misc camping equipment. In hindsight I should have save them for you
bigC
Great job as always.
If the tailcap was just a twistie plastic one, the threads would never corode to accidentally turn on right? So, it would make for a good small twistie. I been throwing away dozens of AA's from misc camping equipment. In hindsight I should have save them for you
bigC
PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hmm, my nephew just bought a 3D printer and we haven't tried making anything with it, yet (he's coming over today with it to break it in). My original plan was to have him make the bodies using his printer, but, it took too long to get to him and I ran out of patience waiting. I cut the threads at 20TPI for this light thinking that the coarser threads will hold up better to constant use.
No problem using the idea for the external wire. The original design for this light was to use a dumbbell shaped piece of brass plate that would be bent how the copper wire is shaped. That idea changed when I couldn't find my brass plate.
D cells - haven't given it any thought because I don't have any alkaline cells other than AA, AAA, AAAA (removed from 9V batteries) and 9V batteries. If anyone wants one I guess I could oblige...
Thanks, bigC. Yes, you are correct, the plastic should hold up well to leaking alkali from alkaline batteries. Wait until I make V2 or V3 of this light. This one, V1, has it's issues and isn't ready for prime time.Dang PCC, that idea is freaking cool. We need a night hike soon in the bay for sure. I need to check that out in person.
Great job as always.
If the tailcap was just a twistie plastic one, the threads would never corode to accidentally turn on right? So, it would make for a good small twistie. I been throwing away dozens of AA's from misc camping equipment. In hindsight I should have save them for you
bigC
RI Chevy
Flashlight Enthusiast
It would be really cool if you could figure out a way to get the host to light up seeing that it is made of clear plastic! :thumbsup:
PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
I had actually thought about that but didn't want to deal with the glare of the light itself glowing.
RI Chevy
Flashlight Enthusiast
Maybe a nice colored LED?
It certainly opens up lots of options for various body shapes, and with your lathe, threads are not a problem. The way I designed mine, it is basically notches on a disc and a small turn to lock but it's not tight. Not very nice at all unlike your build.
What's the cost of your build? 3D printing isn't cheap. I used to use the cheap plastic Dorcy frostbrites as disposable hosts but when you get a leak in one of those, even then it was annoying after the effort of making it. That's when I decided to try 3D printing to isolate the driver and head, and to make lanterns instead as carrying one of those things when it leaks in your pocket is worse.
PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'm guessing I have around $15 in that thing. The module cost was the most and the rest was either scrap or very inexpensive.
Bimmerboy
Flashlight Enthusiast
This thing is PCC (Pretty Cracking Cool)!! Oh, wait... that name's been taken. :devil:
Looking forward to the revisions, and if I may ask... will they be available for sale?
I'll gladly change the name of the dog mod if you call this the Personal Catastrophe Candle... lol.
Looking forward to the revisions, and if I may ask... will they be available for sale?
I'll gladly change the name of the dog mod if you call this the Personal Catastrophe Candle... lol.
PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
This first one will be redone as I'm not entirely happy with the way it turned out. V2 will be more compact and might have some GITD elements in it. V3 will use a different light engine altogether. Might be a few months out, though, as I've got something to make this coming month that has a deadline associated with it.
RI Chevy
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'll take the 2nd one!
Bullzeyebill
Flashaholic
I'll back up #2. LOL. Actually, I would buy one of these, if you are inclined to make some for sale.
Bill
Bill
gunga
Flashaholic
Me too!
archimedes
Flashaholic
Yep, I'd like to buy one of these ....
PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hmm, didn't anticipate there being demand for these. I'll put up an ad for them when I'm ready to make them.
RI Chevy
Flashlight Enthusiast
Excellent! :thumbsup:
Not everyone has the Niteize 3-LED dropin but the E01 head is a pretty good substitute. You can use it whole and totally encased in the head of the host, sort of like this
It's my alien in the body, the E01 head in a cheapie AA light from Fasttech. I removed the reflector and "pill" and used a PCB board and spring to make the bridge from the body to the E01 contacts. It relies on the spring to keep the contact together but a well designed, tight fitting head would do a better job. I was trying to fashion something like that from 3D printing but have yet to get it right.
It's my alien in the body, the E01 head in a cheapie AA light from Fasttech. I removed the reflector and "pill" and used a PCB board and spring to make the bridge from the body to the E01 contacts. It relies on the spring to keep the contact together but a well designed, tight fitting head would do a better job. I was trying to fashion something like that from 3D printing but have yet to get it right.
gunga
Flashaholic
Ooh. I like that idea too...
PCC
Flashlight Enthusiast
I've decided to move forward to what I've been referring to as V3 of this light. It's going to use the wquiles Joule Thief board, XM-L2 (lower Vf for more draining power) and a 17mm reflector.
