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Host flashlights with plenty of room?

Benm

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Many people fit a their lasermodule in flashlight bodies, and i'm planning on doing some myself. I was wondering if people here have tips on flashlights with a lot of room in the 'head', so i can put in a decent regulator.

I'm looking for:
- good amount of inner space (obviously)
- 3xAAA or 2xCR123 batteries
- Metal body
- Case grounded to batteries negative

What are the good deals, preferably from something like DX or Kai, since i don't live in the states and can't get them from the same stores as most of you. Cheap lights preferred, since i'll discard whatever LED or bulb is in there anyways.
 





Kenom

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then your looking for a dorcy metal gear as far as I know. they run off 3 AAA batteries. they have lots of room in the head.. Search the forum for dorcy metal gear.
 
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I've just finished my maglite mini diy red. I'll start a report thread this weekend about it.

But: If you wan't space - dont get a Maglite!
They look damm fine - but are a pain to squeeze everything in.

- good amount of inner space (obviously) No!!!!!!!
- 3xAAA or 2xCR123 batteries  - No (2x AA)
- Metal body - Yes
- Case grounded to batteries negative - Yes


I ended up going to my electronics shop and looking for the smallest componets for a driver circuit. Then hammered them into the back of the Aixis housing and ground the end off!

I made a bezel on the lathe to grip the LD + Aixiz case (press fit), filled the back of the housing full of potting compound and it was done! (after much trial and error)

Now I have a module that is solid, and all you do is just swap out the maglite bulb with it.
More to follow - but don't get a mag - unless you want to spend 90% of the project time tinkering with the dimensions rather than the laser side of things.

It does look very swish now  :D


Dan :)
 
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What about adding a LED to the rear of a 2xAAA laser pointer?
See thread number 1191086661 (today in LaserPointerForums.com » Lasers » Experiments & Modifications)
 

Benm

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Kenom said:
then your looking for a dorcy metal gear as far as I know.  they run off 3 AAA batteries.  they have lots of room in the head..  Search the forum for dorcy metal gear.

Problem is, those arent that easy to get here. They probably are available in US stores, but the only way to get them here is from ebay, with hefty shipping charges - i'd probably end up paying $30 to get one... but thanks for the idea!

Does anyone know how much space is in lights like these: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.79
 
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lots of head space, but they run off 3 AAA's (4.5 V) not my first choice for a host but they WILL work. I have about 10 that I modded to host more powerful LED's.
 
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the metal gear is an excellent host and is easily opened if you have a bench mounted vice and a pair of 12" channel lock pliers. people complain about how hard they are to open, but with the right tools you can open ANYTHING
 

Benm

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Personally i prefer AA's to AAA's, but those are too bulky to find in any 3 piece barrel i guess.

Maybe i'll order one or two of those to give it a try - i'm sure i can rig circuitry to regulate current even with this small a voltage drop.
 

Daedal

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Have you looked at the MXDL that I used? It's got quite a bunch of space in the head... ::)

It uses 2xCR123 and it very cheap... check it out int he DIY Later Torch thread ;)

--DDL
 

Benm

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http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4171 - this host, right?

Just watched it again... did you eventually install the aixiz module including the whole metal back into the flashlight? If so, it probably has plenty of space for me.

I figured it's possible to saw off most of the aixiz back part, esentially leaving you with a nut that allows you to secure the front part to the washer.

Also, is the LED any good? A watt star could be nice for other applications, making this whole operation a good deal ;)

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3357
this would be a GREAT host, but nearly impossible to open without significant damage to the body.... These lights are VERY hard to open I've opened 2 of them and sent one to Greg. all of them have significant body damage...

I looks like a nice light... but am i corrent to assume that there is no way to unscrew the head between the batteries and the LED as there usually is? That would not only complicate taking it apart, but also make it hard to work on any DIY circuitry inside.
 
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Benm said:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.3357
this would be a GREAT host, but nearly impossible to open without significant damage to the body....  These lights are VERY hard to open  I've opened 2 of them and sent one to Greg.  all of them have significant body damage...

I looks like a nice light... but am i corrent to assume that there is no way to unscrew the head between the batteries and the LED as there usually is? That would not only complicate taking it apart, but also make it hard to work on any DIY circuitry inside.

It CAN be opened, just not very easily. be prepared for significant damage to the body of the light...
 

Benm

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Just a quick follow up, i got the http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.4171 delivered, and it makes a really nice host flashlight indeed. It has plenty of space to fit a good driver circuit, and the existing board is good to run connections off.

I've installed a GB diode using a washer to hold it where the oringal (glass!) lens was, and it all fits nicely and conducts heat well too. Set for 200 mA with a 2 PNP transistor driver, it makes a nicely portable scary laser :)

One tiny downside: The host can't stand on its tail, and after fitting the laser, it cannot stand on its face either...
 




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