Upgrade emitter on a light with a TIR optic?

[jamesbeat]

I just dug a MrLite MX4 out of a drawer.
I put it away shortly after buying it, because I bought it intending to mod it, and was put off by the TIR optic.


It had one of the older Cree emitters, I can't remember exactly which one, but one of the ones with a larger dome surrounded by a metal ring.


When I saw this, I thought that the XP-G that I bought to replace it with would not work.
It seems that the optic is specifically designed for the older type of emitter, and that the XP-G's smaller dome would not fit the cavity in the optic properly.
I was concerned that if the dome didn't exactly fill the cavity, it would not form the correct junction between the dome and the optic, but I admit that I know next to nothing about TIR optics...


I intended to try it anyway, but I ended up using the emitter in another light.


I'd like to know if this optic could be made to work with a smaller emitter, because if it can I'll order another XP-G.
I don't want to order one until I know whether it will work, so I'm hoping you guys might have some experience with these optics and know whether it would be viable.


In case you're wondering, the description didn't mention the TIR optic, otherwise I wouldn't have bought the light.

 

[THE_dAY]

Googled the light and the old emitter seems to be an XRE.
The XPG would work but would give less of a throwy beam.
You could also try the XPG2.

Even though it will be less throwy you will get more lumens and more efficiency.

There have been some mods to Surefires TIR optic as well (XRE replaced by the XPG).
Here is one example:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?245239-XP-G-in-Surefire-E2DL

 

[jamesbeat]

Oh great, thanks 🙂

I was concerned that the rear of the optic was dished to precisely receive the emitter, and that the resulting air gap with the smaller emitter would cause the optic not to work properly.

Since I can be 90% sure it will work, I'll go ahead and order the emitter. If it doesn't work, I can always throw it in another light.

The flashlight is very well made, and I'll be glad if I can get it up and running. It's a little on the large side for a 1x16340, but with the TIR optic, it should make a good pocket thrower.

Thanks again for the link.

 

[THE_dAY]

Your welcome :thumbsup:

Since you haven't ordered the emitter yet, I would recommend the XPG2 which should give you a little more throw than the XPG.

The XPG2 has a viewing angle of 115 deg opposed to the XPG which has 125 deg and I feel it will do much better in the TIR optic.

 

[jamesbeat]

Yup, that's the plan 🙂

 

[THE_dAY]

Awesome.

Do you think you can possibly do before and after outdoor beamshots.

I want to see how the XRE and XPG2 compare with each other in the TIR optic.

Thanks and good luck!

 

[jamesbeat]

Sorry, no can do 🙁
i took the emitter out months ago, then put the light in the drawer and left it there until now.
I don't even know if I still have the original emitter...

 

[THE_dAY]

Hey no problem, your impressions on it would be great though and appreciated.