I jsut bought a Black Diamond Zenix Iq for $20, unopened! I don't know much about lighting terminology. But I know how to mod electronics. I see that the stock lamp is a luxeon 1watt. What is a good 3 Watt to swap it out with? How to I know if it is an optic or reflector model?
Upgrading Zenix IQ to Seoul questions
- Thread starter mitaccio
- Start date
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Welcome to CPF!
This headlight is easily upgraded with a Seoul SSC P4 premounted on a star heatsink. It's a direct replacement, using the existing optic. You get about twice the light output and a smoother beam pattern.
Some folks like changing the optic to a reflector and glass lens, but I did not want to take the time to find them and fit them.
Member Photonfanatic (in Boston) sells the stars in the CPF Marketplace, as do other vendors outside the USA.
This headlight is easily upgraded with a Seoul SSC P4 premounted on a star heatsink. It's a direct replacement, using the existing optic. You get about twice the light output and a smoother beam pattern.
Some folks like changing the optic to a reflector and glass lens, but I did not want to take the time to find them and fit them.
Member Photonfanatic (in Boston) sells the stars in the CPF Marketplace, as do other vendors outside the USA.
acourvil
Enlightened
The optic is a piece of plastic or glass that focuses the beam as it travels through the material of the optic; a reflector shapes the beam by letting it reflect off of mirror-coated sides. You generally will lose a little light in an optic, but might end up with a beam shape that might be more usefu. In the Xenix IQ, it doesn't make a huge difference; it's really a matter of personal taste. I like the optic a little better, but either one works fine.
Where did you find the Xenix IQ on sale? I'd like to pick up another one, but don't want to pay retail.
Where did you find the Xenix IQ on sale? I'd like to pick up another one, but don't want to pay retail.
I got the lamp at Backcountry.com, their warehouse is 2 blocks from where I work so I didn't have to pay shipping.
Has anyone used the PhotonFanatic reflector in this headlamp? I would prefer not to have to do any filing or sanding and want the throw, not spill. The stock optic seems to have a lot of loss and I would like more throw.
Has anyone used the PhotonFanatic reflector in this headlamp? I would prefer not to have to do any filing or sanding and want the throw, not spill. The stock optic seems to have a lot of loss and I would like more throw.
schiesz
Flashlight Enthusiast
They still want $31 for it online, and my current coupons for them don't work because "Discount is not as good as current sale price"
If it was $20 online i'd get one.
schiesz
If it was $20 online i'd get one.
schiesz
beautifully-stupid
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 29, 2005
- Messages
- 116
The photo on backcountry.com looks like it might be a reflector version, but if you've got the optic version I would also suggest the SSC Star Swap.
It would be an easier mod and might save you some time hunting for glass and reflectors.
Just to help narrow your search...
How much throw are you looking for?
It would be an easier mod and might save you some time hunting for glass and reflectors.
Just to help narrow your search...
How much throw are you looking for?
It occurs to me that BD may have changed the design. Mine uses an optic, not a reflector. If you have the optic, changing the optic for a reflector will entail some fitting work and the addition of a flat lens. The optic (chunk of plastic) is the ONLY thing in front of the LED, functioning as the beam shaper and actual front, fitting onto a frame that sits on the star. Take it apart and look. I'd try it first with an SSC star and the original optic. Note that there isn't really any waterproofing to the light, too.
If yours has a reflector and flat lens, I'm not much help for fitment.
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The headlamps are on geartrade.com
http://www.geartrade.com/item/53754
( I jsut notices someone bought this one, so go to geartrade.com and search for Black Diamond Zenix IQ and some for $18 will pop up)
I just got it without shipping since I paid the gas.
Mine is the optic version. I run quite fast ( 7:30 or less per mile) and need the throw, I only want to see what is in front of me. I could care less about the periferal stuff. 100 Feet would be nice.
http://www.geartrade.com/item/53754
( I jsut notices someone bought this one, so go to geartrade.com and search for Black Diamond Zenix IQ and some for $18 will pop up)
I just got it without shipping since I paid the gas.
Mine is the optic version. I run quite fast ( 7:30 or less per mile) and need the throw, I only want to see what is in front of me. I could care less about the periferal stuff. 100 Feet would be nice.
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acourvil
Enlightened
Once you upgrade the emitter, even with the optic you should have enough throw. I use mine almost entirely for running in the dark, and I find the upgraded emitter/optic to be almost the perfect combination. The extra spill provides better perspective on road contour, obstacles, path direction, etc. 7:30 is at the low end of my pace, but but once you upgrade the emitter these really light up.
hopkins
Enlightened
the zebralight is a 120degree wide beam. has no throw.
- have you looked at the Rayovac 1AA headlamp. Lots of CPFers
are jogging with this small HL.
- have you looked at the Rayovac 1AA headlamp. Lots of CPFers
are jogging with this small HL.
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A Zenix with a P4 is a great headlamp for the money and time it takes to upgrade. I use mine every morning to run, but now the sun is almost up at 5:30 so it will probably sit until fall, sniff...
Earlier mod thread:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=182768&highlight=zenix
:ironic:
Earlier mod thread:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=182768&highlight=zenix
:ironic:
PhantomPhoton
Flashlight Enthusiast
Yes it is a great mod. Later versions of the Zenix IQ have a reflector from what I can tell. I have an old Zenix with an optic and a Zenix IQ with a reflector. They're both more than decent with SSC's. I also upgraded the 5mm LEDs on my Zenix IQ. I used wider andgle 5mm LEDs with a warmer tint. So far no other headlamp has come close to matching this mod for versatility and usability for me.
