modding the XM-2

Remember the XM-2 ? Has anyone successfully fitted a reflector and a glass lens to the XM-2 ? Would sure like to hear how you went about it.

thanks

It takes a lot of work and would probably require the use of powertools at least.

Take a look here

Billson - thanks for the link, the Guy did a beautiful job on modding the XM-2, I especially the kroll switch mod. The basic mod of fitting a lens and reflector doesn't look too complicated but the absence of clear steps will make this mod a bit more challenging. I've got an XM-2 that has an excellent tint, only let down by the optic and crappy plastic lens.
Anyone else care to share their expereince of modding the XM-2 with a reflector and glass lens ?

I'd like to know how to remove the optic.
I could'nt find any info on that one step.

Theepdinker

Red dot,

I removed the plastic lens so as long as you're careful not to scratch the optic, the light should be fine. Unless you have tools to bore out the head, I don't think there's an easy way, if there actually is, to retrofit a reflector and a lens. A rather easy mod I did was installing a DB1000 to make the light regulated and swapping out the led with a TWOJ. I think the stock led is just an S bin.

Theepdinker,

Just remove the oring holding the optic in the head and the optic should drop out easily.

I thought I had to unscrew an internal ring or some such.
That was easy.
What an improvement in the beam though.
The reflector I have doesn't allow the head to screw down all the way.
Looks like I'll have to put it in the lathe tomorrow.
After that I just need a lens the right size .97"?

Theepdinker

[ QUOTE ]
theepdinker said:
I thought I had to unscrew an internal ring or some such.
That was easy.
What an improvement in the beam though.
The reflector I have doesn't allow the head to screw down all the way.
Looks like I'll have to put it in the lathe tomorrow.
After that I just need a lens the right size .97"?

Theepdinker

[/ QUOTE ]

Theepdinker - what reflector did you use ? was it a SO20XA ?

I managed to get the optic out and also poped out the plastic lens, but Billson is right, to get a lens in would take some lathe work to which I have no access. Anyway, do update us on how your mod is getting on.

thanks

I've been quite busy so short on details here.

I used an IMS 20mm from photonfanatic.
Removed the legs & placed the reflector on the led.
Turned the bezel on the lathe. Bored as deep as bezel design allowed in order to screw down as far as possible.
Also turned it with a small rim to center the reflector in the bezel.
I left the stock lens in place for now.
Time permitting I'll replace the lens with something better.
I'll rebore the bezel when I get the new lens so it can be installed & retained simply by screwing the light head back together.

As it stands now the bezel cannot screw down far enough to cover the head o-ring.
I dealt with this by fitting a larger o-ring in the grove.
Everything fits close enough to contact this larger o-ring.
The o-ring looks just like a third metal ring on the head so it does look finished & adds some water resistance.

The beam is greatly improved at this point.
Not finished yet though.


Theepdinker