I feel a Bevis and ButtHead comment coming on



I'm still running on the stock rechargeable

I've got a UK SL6 backup light as well. The 'new improved' LED blows it into the weeds and it's about 1/3rd the size

What model???



Dont use 3.7 v in a stock IST. They dont like it.
But the Q5 module will take up to 18volt apparently so 2x3.7v (2x 4.2v at full charge) cells will be fine and if anything may give you a longer run time than the same capacity 3 volt cell.
When I get my lathe I may try boring out an IST and using a 18650 Li Ion cell. They are 3.7v 2500ma.
It may not stay at full brightness for the whole burn time but it should go for 3 hours +.
A 18650 is 18mm diameter and 65.0mm long (exactly the same length as 2 CR123a).
Most also have a built in protection PCB that protects against over charge and low battery cut out.

[/quote]

What model???

[quote="blee017"]


I use Ikelite PCA

I will have 2 modified IST's for sale next week.

PM me for details.

Not easy.
Will not fit with out modification and will not dissipate heat as its plastic.

I wouldnt bother.

Alright. I got Cree modules.

I see what look like retainers at both the LED and driver end.
Plus it feels like there is a spring inside the heatsink of Intova.
Can I just crack it open with a long-nose plier?
No parts to be reused except for the heatsink itself?

I tied moding the IST module with little success. The new drive will not fit in there. In the end I just dremeled down the Q5 module and a little in the ISt barrel and slid it in with some thermal paste.
You need to be carefull that you file it down just enough so it slots in nice and tight so it will still coduct heat to the barrel. and the barrel will conduct the negitve of the battery to the module.
If you really want to get the IST module apart just push on the driver really hard near the edge with a screwdriver.

I just cant leave well enough alone!!

I just bored out the barrel of a IST so it will take a single 18650 LI Ion cell 3.7v 2500ma.
I thought it would be an easy job with my lathe but alas no. My boreing tool was too short so I had to do it by hand with a adjustable reemer.

Anyway the mod will now give me an even brighter light (just) on a fresh charge and then slowly dim down as the batter goes flat. Aprox run time has now jumped to 2.5 hours though. If I can find a LED with a lower Vf (this one is 3.7v at 1000ma) I can make it go brighter still.

I can see you'll be buying more tooling then..

Tho of course if you're only turning soft alloys you can make your own boring bars....

Yeah. I just need a quick change tool post with 3 different toll holders.....


I been playing around with aspheric lenses. These are usually flat on one side and have a dome on the other. This one im using has a dome on each side.
Anyway the idea is to tightly focus the light coming out of the LED.
These 2 pics show an aspheric lens on the left and a standard reflector on the right. Same LED same.
The aspheric is out of focus. When focused it will be a perfect square just like the die of the LED.

I know I should stop. I just cant. I think I may have a problem. I am becoming a flashaholic!!

Anyway the latest IST mod is a 10watt LED P7. Yeah thats right same as i use in my can light.

OK its not actually run at 10 watt. Its more like 7 or 8 watt.
What I did was bore out the body so it will take a Li Ion 18650 battery 3.6v 2500mah
I "direct drive" the LED. In other words there is no current control circuit. Anyway It consumes about 2.3 amps on a full battery and runs for an hour to hour 20.

Left P7 standard reflector centre Q5 Aspheric right Q5 standard reflector



To be honest the aspheric lens is my favourite by far but the P7 does give a nice flood of light.

Fark, I think you might need to join a support group.
You'll become the idol of all those on CandlePower forums.

Where did the IST and aspheric lens come from.
I've looked on TradeMe for the torch but no one seems to have any at the mo.

You the man.

IST came from TM. I have a couple of there people after some. PM me if you want some and I will try and cut a deal for bulk.
All other parts are from DX. Aspherics come in a 10 pack so if you only want a couple once again let me know.

Parts list

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.11621 LED Modual

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13903 Aspheric lens

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5646 Replacement glass lens. You may have a few problems with these cracking if you over tighten the bezel. You will see rainbowing of the glass as you tighten it up. Dont tighten too far!!!

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.8683 Batteries. You will need a 3.6v Li Ion charger too. Plenty on the site but I used the Mystery multi charger.


http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4579 Thermal glue


http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.13301 And this may Keep wife happy while you are busy modding (no guarantee)

And I thought I successfully finished upgrading my IST...
Seriously that aspheric lens is unreal.
So aspheric lens goes with a replacement glass lens?
Why can't the stock plastic lens be used?

The stock lens seals against the Oring on its front edge and on the back it is pressed into place by the reflector. When you remove the reflector the lens is not held in place. This can be remedied by cutting the top lip of the reflector and using that behind the lens I suppose. I will try it.

But by using 2 glass lenses they are thick enough to make it seal.
Glass is also more scratch resistant and more light transparent.