Troubleshooting

[Oink]

I must have been lucky as I haven't had to do any troubleshooting with my lights, until recently when an MTE C3 started acting up. It would come on 50% of the time. The rest of the time it would be like "dead", no dimming, just on or off.

I have
1. changed the battery to a new one
2. cleaned and lubed contacts and o-rings.

Sometimes it would come on (or off) when I shake it about a bit. Sometimes it would just lose (or gain) power when left alone. Loosening or tightening the cap works somewhat but right now it is completely unpredictable! Sometimes when it comes on, it gives a strong flash of light, as if it is a warning, and then off.

Is there something I should check, short of anything involving soldering and multimeter.

Thanks in advance

 

[Hugo2x]

check this thread
good luck

 

[Oink]

Thanks. I have bookmarked the article and will work on the light ASAP. Come to think of it. My MTE also has the flickering issue. Because it has too many modes, I am never sure if the flicker is intentional or electrical glitch.

 

[kosPap]

Oink you amy have greater problems than you may think...

first check function without the tailcap...

If the flashlight works there might be a chnce that the tailcap spring is pushed backwards breaking contact with the retaining ring taht carries the current...

In this case you will ahve to break the glue seal and re-screw tight.

Now, if the flashlight does not work without a tailcap and if the C3 is amde much like the previous C2 model THSI sis serious trouble.
In the C2 the circuit board was press fitted to the electronics case...with time it would relax and break contact...problem is taht the case is aluminum and you cannot colder on aluminum...

the only solution is to remove the center body section and build with solder on the board rim effectively increasing height and contact pressure with the body...

Best of luck,,,kostas

 

[Oink]

Thanks all, it appears to be the switch assembly as I managed to do the "battery to body" test and able to get steady beam.

Managed to take out the parts inside the tailcap, cleaned and reassembled and it is working better than it ever did. I noticed the plastic bit holding the loose spring is a little "thick". Will sand off next time I take it apart. First I would need a pair of needle point tweezers, it is not easy trying to do this with a paper clip.

Thanks again.

 

[kosPap]

ah yes...even that it is not soldered....Damn they killed an excellent design with taht press fitting parts....