Upgrading a Streamlight TL-2

[dirtech]

Hello,

Since my flashlight buying spree and general enthusiasm for flashlights has been ignited because of this forum, I've become curious about making my own flashlight. I would like to start with a more simple problem of upgrading my TL-2 into something brighter with longer runtimes. Currently, the TL-2 is about 40 lumens with a runtime of 1 hour I believe. I'm not even sure it is regulated.

So, in the interests of playing around with this light to learn about making a new light, can anyone point me to some options with this model. It doesn't seem like a popular size of light with many aftermarket options, but I'm open to modifying something currently available or buying a separate LED and driver board and doing my own soldering.

Bottom line is I want to experiment with the TL-2 and hopefully have a much brighter light with either the same UI or adding options with a different tail switch.

The current UI is momentary on and twist for permanent on. It's a pretty simple UI.

Any suggestions, links, tutorials, or part #'s to guide me?

TIA

 

[ozner1991]

you can try swapping the emitter. i believe that the tl2 had an luxeon led in it. if you're good enough at sodering you can replace it for an seoul p4 led. same runtime only twice as bright.

 

[eyeeatingfish]

be careful the emitter and engine are encased in a little glued aluminum item. I damaged it beyond the point of repair when i tried to upgrade mine.

 

[dirtech]

Thanks for your responses.

I suspect I should have started this thread in the homemade and mod forum. If this needs to be moved, then please do Mr./Mrs. moderator.

I have been looking at this Cree XR-Q5 on a star board here and maybe this circuit board here to run it with two cr123 primaries or rechargables. Am I on the right track here? I think I need a regulator that goes up to 6v if I'm going to use 2 lithium ion cr123's.

Maybe I don't need the regulator and I should try to use whatever is already on there? Are these two items things that I can fit onto my existing housing or pill to replace my existing hardware?