*fixed* WL Torch Tailcap Died - Help!

Here is my post I made on CPF in case anyone is interested. This is all copied in case anyone needs the info.

*Fixed* Wicked Lasers Torch. Help with tailcap..

Today I managed to get it apart with some brute force. When I say force... I mean FORCE!

Heres what I did in details.

WARNING! LARGE PHOTOS!

So I got it in my mind that I would either fix or break this flashlight. There was no other thing on my mind.

I went searching around for a hex key that fit into the hole that is in the PCB. After about 15 minutes of prying at it the PCB finally popped out. It took a lot of force and the PCB is surprisingly strong!

The spring and PCB are attached to each other with the riveted copper contact. The PCB sits on a aluminum retainer ring that just slides into the cap. Under the retainer ring you can see a aluminum mounting plate for the ground and the tailcap switch. (see photos below)

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3240.jpg
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3242.jpg

Here you can see how the switch and ground are attached.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3243.jpg
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3250.jpg

These next photos show the switch and ground wire detached from the mount. The ground is only attached by a small screw.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3251.jpg

Since the flashlight worked fine when I bypassed the tailcap, I knew for sure it was the switch or wiring. I then proceeded to check for shorts. After seeing no sign of a short I then proceeded to take apart the switch.

Here is a photo of the switch's internal components. Pretty simple. There was no sign of any damage anywhere in the tailcap. So After I took apart the switch i stretched the spring a little bit to give it more *click*!

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3252.jpg

I then proceeded to make sure all connections were tight and everything was properly connected.

The next photos only show how much damage the tailcap components received after I forced them all back. I must mention. The PCB was JUST as hard to put back as it was to take out. I had to use my body weight and a screwdriver to force it back in. I carefully did so and it worked like a charm.

http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3253.jpg

Finished product!
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk98/jeffreythe00/CIMG3254.jpg

Problem?: Well my guess is there was something loose whether that be the switch itself or a component.

Solution: Manpower.

Anyway thanks for reading!
Jeff

Updated!

Your pictures are broken!

Pontiacg5 said:

Your pictures are broken!

Click to expand...

Fixed!

Sorry XD

Glad you got it fixed. I sure hope it does not fail again on you. If so, you at least know what to do.

rpaloalto said:

Glad you got it fixed. I sure hope it does not fail again on you. If so, you at least know what to do.

Click to expand...

Not only will I know the problem. Others can pinpoint the problem too without waiting 45 years for wickedlasers to respond to a warrenty claim.

Nice work and write up. :beer:

Now, can you tell me how to get the switch out of an Arctic tail piece?

Peace,
dave

daguin said:

Nice work and write up. :beer:

Now, can you tell me how to get the switch out of an Arctic tail piece?

Peace,
dave

Click to expand...

Ill see if I can get mariomaster to let me tinker with his

Just a small update.

Ive had this issue again today and I am unsure why it keeps happening. However I quickly fixed the issue by unthreading the tailcap from the flashlight and smacking it a few times on the table. Seems to be some sort of connection issue obviously. Not sure what is causing it though.

This update is just a note for any person who may be having the same issue and needs/wants a quick fix.