Weak SSC P7 Light

[smokingunns]

Hi,

I took out my batteries on my Aurora AK-P7-3 SSC P7-C
to recharge them however when I replaced the recharged batteries, I only got a very, very week light.

I purchased new batteries, recharged them and put them into the flashlight and same thing...a really weak light. I took out the batteries and put them into another flashlight and worked perfectly.

Anyone know what the problem could be?

Thanks,

SG

 

[joe1512]

You need to search for posts involving "DX" "prepare" or "clean". There was a post that told you how to fix most of your DX lights. It involves a whole bunch of cleaning tips to ensure you are getting a solid electrical connection.

Usually your low mode goes out and you are stuck with a direct drive light when the resistor burns out. In your case, it sounds like your light isnt getting enough power. Especially if the light doesnt even start out bright and dim rapidly (which usually means heat issues).

Other threads can show you how to measure the current across the cap and diagnose what is going on.

 

[Fichtenelch]

There it is click

I would make sure that the pill sits proper, this is the most common problem.

 

[smokingunns]

Well, I followed the link and took the whole flashlight apart.

I even ordered a replacement LED with a new heat sink...soldered the new head sink in and got the same results as the old LED/heat sink....weak/dim light.

Did the paper clip trick and it is still getting a weak/dim light.

I'm not really sure what a "pill" is so I'm not sure what is in it or if it replaceable. Can anyone let me what this is?

Also, anyone have any other suggestions on what the issue might be?

Thanks,

SG

 

[joe1512]

The pill is the top part of the flashlight underneath the glass that has the circuitboard and LED (and maybe the heat sink?).
In theory, you can unscrew the head of the flashlight (though most DX ones are glued, so this is a bit of a challenge). Then, you can adjust and make sure the pill is centered such that you get a good connection.

Still, the flashlight used to work fine so its possible the Driver just got messed up. What happens when you try to switch modes? Are there modes on this light?

I suspect if it is multimode, that it got stuck in Low mode or something. Do you happen to remember if it has a Low, and is what you are getting equivalent to that low?

 

[smokingunns]

It has 2 modes...high and low.

The two modes emit the same light (or it seems so as both are very dim/weak)...the low is also very low compared to what it should be.

Here are some pictures of the lights...

The one on the left is the one having issues...the one on the left is what the light should look like.

Here is another shot showing the difference in light emission...the one on the upper left is what the light should look like...the one on the bottom right is how it is emitting the light.

 

[Fichtenelch]

have you checked the size of the wires and the solder joints?

 

[smokingunns]

The wires are the existing ones and the I don't think the light would even come on if there was a bad connection...or at least it would flicker...their is no flickering, just a very dim light.

I think it may be something to do with the circuit board...I'll check it out.