Feasibility of adding a momentary side-switch to a C6 host.

I'm looking at laser/flashlight hosts similar to the Laser 301 / LZCS host and am coming up a bit short. I do, however, like the C6 host style, but it is a constant on/off and the switch is in the tail.

For the experienced builders / machinists here, what do you think of adding a momentary side switch to the C6 host that is available from Survival Lasers? Can it be done, and if so, how difficult?

The tailcap constant on/off would remain as it is. It would function as the master on/off for the laser, replacing a keyed switch.

I am not an experienced machinist, but I have used lazereer "x-switch" driver with great success. I would imagine just using the plastic driver retainer that many pointers use with momentary switches, and an x-switch, with a hole drilled for the button and your in business. I used it with a wicked laser e2 build. It wouldn't be much different than a c6, you just need to drill a hole for the button.

I'd say it's doable, but probably not worth it other than building modding experience.

You might want to look into hosts that already have momentary switches in them, such as uh... well, looking at my flashlight collection, I can't spot any, but the Convoy L4 comes into my mind.

I don't see it being something very feasible on a C6 host- simply because they are so small. Tailcap, battery tube, then the head, which will have your pill and driver, and heatsink. The only place there would be room for a switch is on the head area, and that's pretty far forward- would be kinda awkward to use (since you would be basically holding it by the very front). There just isn't enough room on the battery compartment part of the host for a switch- unless you could find a VERY slim push switch (which I am sure you could).

EDIT: I just took a quick look at the inside and outside of my C6, and I think if you put the switch in the first cm or so of the "head" part- right where the body goes from the smaller midsection to the larger top section- you may have enough room.

OK, to see what I am talking about, look at your host- see how you can unscrew the top retaining ring, then another part after that? If you unscrew that second part, you now have the head section (with heatsink), and the rear section (pill/driver+battery tube+tailcap). So, right under that 2nd section you unscrewed is where I'm saying you could put the switch- right below the threads.

Hope that helps, I can post pictures if you don't get what I'm saying

I looked up the dimensions of the C6 host today and have only now realized just how small it really is. At 120mm or thereabouts in length, not even 5 inches long, the C6 is shorter than my 301/LZCS hosts. Adding a switch to the host itself wouldn't be worth the risk or hassle, so that's out.

What I think I will do instead is order a replacement C6 tailcap, remove the switch components from the cap, solder/connect a pair of wires to the contacts, and then connect the other end of the wires to a momentary switch. Run the wires to the front of the host and position the momentary switch where it's comfortable. Then, fasten the switch to the host. I'm thinking something easy, like electrical tape.

I think that will actually work - all I want is a momentary on/off button near the front of the host. It doesn't matter how it's attached, and it doesn't need to look pretty. Nice thing is, it will be easy to fix if the switch comes loose from the host or there is some other problem with it. Just re-tape it. When I'm done using the side switch, simply remove it and swap in the standard on/off clicky tailcap.

I believe that concept is solid; I'll let you know how it goes once the laser and extra tailcap arrive. Should work.

How's your progress?

Meanwhile, here's a P60 host with a side switch. Not sure if it's electronic though.





Solar Force

ryansoh3 said:

Meanwhile, here's a P60 host with a side switch. Not sure if it's electronic though.

Click to expand...

The side switch of the Solarforce L2D might make it an even more popular laser host than their L2P that can be paired with a forward clicky switch (allows momentary press) in the tailcap! But the side switch is stated as reverse clicky so is most likely mechanical (may not be electronic).