Chicago X
Enlightened
- Joined
- May 6, 2010
- Messages
- 439
While the iTP A6 Polestar is a great performer for the money, there have been several reports of switch/UI problems. The most common complaint seems to be the unwanted switching from any mode to low caused by a small impact or bump.
My example developed this issue after a couple months of ownership. It had been getting worse lately, to the point of being removed from active use rotation.
Upon further investigation, this failure comes from the battery carrier momentarily losing touch with the contact in the head. The gold-plated tab serving as contact is held down by a plastic-welded spot. Once this spot is removed or melted, the tab springs up slightly, providing a more positive contact with the battery holder.
Below is a step-by-step instructional how-to for those similarly affected.
The patient:
The tab in question:
Top of battery holder:
Tools used. The straight tool needs to be heated.
Heating the tool:
After touching the heated tool to the plastic nipple holding the tab, it popped up slightly:
Height can now be adjusted with one of the other tools. After this fix, the torch works GREAT ! I have dropped it from about three feet (1 meter) and no switching occurred.
I hope this encourages those owners who are considering selling or returning their A6s to repair and enjoy them instead.
-Chicago X
My example developed this issue after a couple months of ownership. It had been getting worse lately, to the point of being removed from active use rotation.
Upon further investigation, this failure comes from the battery carrier momentarily losing touch with the contact in the head. The gold-plated tab serving as contact is held down by a plastic-welded spot. Once this spot is removed or melted, the tab springs up slightly, providing a more positive contact with the battery holder.
Below is a step-by-step instructional how-to for those similarly affected.
The patient:
The tab in question:
Top of battery holder:
Tools used. The straight tool needs to be heated.
Heating the tool:
After touching the heated tool to the plastic nipple holding the tab, it popped up slightly:
Height can now be adjusted with one of the other tools. After this fix, the torch works GREAT ! I have dropped it from about three feet (1 meter) and no switching occurred.
I hope this encourages those owners who are considering selling or returning their A6s to repair and enjoy them instead.
-Chicago X