UK SL6 Dive Light Modification

[musatsu]

I am extremely new to LED lights and am contemplating an LED conversion. The SL6 is a 6C 8W xenon producing 200 lumens in a tight beam. It is a plastic light with a plastic rubber coated bezel. Being a dive light, waterproofing is a necessity. I'd like to keep the current bezel. The original bulb is integral with the reflector. It's about 1.5" deep and 1.5" diameter. It has a thumb switch and a tab that connects the case to the reflector housing for positive power.

I figured that the original bulb is pulling about 900 mah for a total run time of 1.2 hours on cheap rechargeable batteries (4500 mah). (Please let me know if I'm doing this wrong). Obviously, this is a really rough estimate because I don't know the resistance of the batteries, switch, or leads.

I'd like to build something that will last for at least 1.5-2 hours and produce the maximum output possible without melting the case or bezel and running off of rechargeable batteries.

Due to the odd bulb size will probably drill out the original reflector to fit the replacement. I am not sure what will happen with beam focus or quality, but that's another issue. I will probably be using this light in fairly clear water, but if it runs cool enough, maybe an occasional flashlight.

As for tools, I have a drill and a hacksaw. I plan on purchasing an inexpensive soldering iron (any suggestions?).

Also, I have limited funds, so simplicity of design and expense of components is important. I'd be much happier to use a less efficient method at half the cost than a more efficient method with 25% more output. But all suggestions will be reviewed.

After reading through numerous threads, I value the information presented here. Unfortunately, I don't have the background to really understand everything. So, please feel free to fully explain things. Thanks.

 

[roadie]

Hi! welcome to CPF!

i got a UK SL6 too .... nice light ...

however, did not do any mods on it .....

because .... that's my only incand left , and modding an LED on it wouldnt do much too .... Happy modding !

 

[musatsu]

Moderator/s: Could you please move this to the Homemade and Modified Lights Forum. I believe that I created this thread in the wrong place and that it would have better exposure there. Thanks and sorry for the trouble.

(Moderator note: Moved as requested by OP.)

 

[Linger]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cl...ht-modules-uk-sl4-hacyon-scout-salvo-rat.html

have a look at this

 

[roadie]

http://www.scubaboard.com/forums/cl...ht-modules-uk-sl4-hacyon-scout-salvo-rat.html

have a look at this

thats SL4 .... he asking for a SL6 mod .... :shakehead

infact SL4 has been selling as a LED unit since last year ...., where SL6 is still in incand ....

 

[musatsu]

The SL4 uses a different size bulb and runs a 6V instead of 9V. Though the conversion nets decent results for the SL4. I have also had this thread moved to the diy section. I have found directions for using a drop in and using the old reflector as filler (http://dunfield.ca/scuba/LED_DIY/LED_INSERT_FOR_UK_SL6.htm). While this works, I'm not sure of the quality of the part. The creator seems to like it.

I would like to make something that performs better and has better aesthetics. I'm not looking for extremely professional. Eventually, I want to have a custom reflector made to give the light a long throw with a bright hotspot and mild spill. Something that will cut through the muck, but will also light up a reef. The idea is to make an all purpose dive light. Granted it will not be perfect for low viz or for high viz. Also, for all those driver builders, how hard would it be to make a 2 or 3 mode cyclic driver? So that it would go hi-off-med-off-low-off. This way brightness could atleast be somewhat controlled either for environmental or longevity concerns?

Having no idea where plastic melts or the max temperature for the emmiter or driver, I'd like to achieve maximum brightness that will still allow for a 1.5-2 hour lifespan using 6 recharable C batteries in series. I have no intent on modifying the case or switch.

Please remember that I have no real idea how to make a driver so these ideas are from curiosity. I'd love to learn the theory and operation so that in the future I could build a more complex driver. I am using this light as a learning platform to eventually developing a custom divelight. Thanks again for any help.

EDIT: I stand corrected. The Q5 drop in solution to the SL4 will work with the SL6 yeilding the same output with longer life. My appologies (Open mouth insert foot) 2 posts and I already look like an ***... The above link does the same thing using a cut down bulb/reflector while the scubaboard link uses spacers. Also, the bulb/reflector I was using for comparison isn't for an SL6 as I was told.

 

[musatsu]

Having done some more research, I'd like to consider using some rechargeable lithium batteries. They seem to provide more power so I could increase longevity or output. What about the prospects of 3.6V C cells? Do they make them in a rechargeable version?

Lookin through some other threads, KD makes a reflector that works with minimal modification. I haven't been able to find this reflector as a complete assembly, so is the bottom half a standard size? Seems that the one off the R2 drop in works. I just don't want to have to buy extra parts. There is a complete reflector assembly with a 26mm reflector listed on DX but I'm not sure if it would work.

As for driver, I'd like something 3 mode capable of taking a 7.2-9v (standard C) or about 21.6v (3.6V lithium) input.

And emitter... Something that is bright but won't melt my case and reflector. I'm really hoping for 400-600 lumens.

Any suggestions?

 

[Packhorse]

Forget it. Its plastic and will not dissipate any of the heat from a 400-600 lumen set up.
End result will be a fried LED/S.

Best you check out the dive lights sub forum.

The ultra fire W200 is an excellent host. So much better than the SL6

 

[musatsu]

If I can't get 4-600 lumens that's fine. From not knowing much about heat generation, I just started there because it seemed to be a good place to start. Having used a SL6 in the past, I know that the original 8W bulb will overheat out of water, but is fine in water and produces around 200 lumen. How powerful of an emitter would I be able to use that has heat generation comparable to a 8W halogen?

I know that there is a LED drop in made for the SL4 that produces 116 lumen, but none of the details about the internals. Would I be able to overdrive it to 9v?

I'd really like to stay with the SL6, because it would allow me to spend a little more on DIY parts. The light was free. More than likely, if I buy another light, I won't be able to mod it.