NexStar (2)AA 1 Watt LS Mod

Let me start by saying that the DC to DC step-up converter used in this mod was not made by me. It was salvaged from an older AA M*glite that I got from ebay a while back so I don't really know who made it.

By the pictures below you can tell that its not a hard mod to do. The guts of the NexStar had to be removed but other than that I didn't have to do any modding to the actual flashlight body. The tail cap spring had to be cut down a bit in order to fit properly and not smash the batteries.


I added an aluminum heat sink with a Q3 LD 1 watt luxeon emitter.


NexStar (2)AA flashlight gutted out completely.


Heat sink fits nice and snug against the flashlights body in order to help tranfer any heat.


Now my NexNeedle has a little brother. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif


NexStar AA (Left) Arc LS (Right)

The NexStar AA produced a very nice white beam and brighter hot spot.

do you what to sell any????

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dpr said:

do you what to sell any????

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Actually I wouldn't mind making more of these to sell but I currently don't have a source for the DC-DC step-up converters.

looks good, i'm looking into making my own nexneedle and microdragon =), i have 4 nexstar 2C's and 2 nexstar 2AA's coming, now i just have to befriend the local machinists =)

Did you made that heatsink? Or it's made by your friend.

It looks very round and perfectely fit as well. I hope someone shed some light on how to make one using regular home power tool.

moraino,

Yes, I made the heatsink. I used a grinding wheel, a dremel and a lot of patients.

Wow, it sure looks like it's done by a machine.

I guess it's a 1/16 alu and you draw a circle and cut a rough plate close to the line. Then you patiently place the plate against the grinding whell untill it meets the line.

Please share the detail. I haven't got the guts to made plates for my two MAG 3D. Is it enough thinckness for 1/16"? thanks for sharing your work. Boy, I still think it's done by machine cause it's so ROUND.

Henry

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif
very good looking mod. agree, it looks like the heatsink was machined. Very good job.

Did you have any issues fitting the optics in there?

As to a source for pre-made step up converters, the micro pucks are (I think) the cheapest option right now. If you're not already aware of them check www.ledsupply.com.

Very clean mod Joe! And it looks bright as heck, wonder who the board maker was?

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StoneDog said:

Did you have any issues fitting the optics in there?

As to a source for pre-made step up converters, the micro pucks are (I think) the cheapest option right now. If you're not already aware of them check www.ledsupply.com.

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I used a standard NX-05 lens, it fits nicely and gives a tight beam. I also cut down the original reflector which works well and produces a flood type beam but not as bright.

Thanks for the info on the Micro Puck.

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Mr Bulk said:

Very clean mod Joe! And it looks bright as heck, wonder who the board maker was?

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What can I say? I was inspired by the master. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Mr Bulk's Mods RULE! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif

Thanks,