MagLite Solitaire LED Upgrade Mod

[scion]

Here is the Solitaire taken apart.
Here are the Cheapo LEDs i picked up at RadioShack ( I DONT Recommend these!)
Pic for Size comparison, I got to file down the "stoppers" on the leads, then cut them down to size.

 

[FireMyLaser]

LOL hahaha, it's nothing wrong about with them LEDs, those are indicator lights.

Some tips for you: A 3mm LED can be just as bright as a 5mm LED, the die inside can be just the same, the package is just a package, don't get fooled.
Also use the correct current limiting resistor to your LED with a LED calculator for single LEDs

Good luck.

 

[scion]

LOL hahaha, it's nothing wrong about with them LEDs, those are indicator lights.

Some tips for you: A 3mm LED can be just as bright as a 5mm LED, the die inside can be just the same, the package is just a package, don't get fooled.
Also use the correct current limiting resistor to your LED with a LED calculator for single LEDs

Good luck.

Sweet! Great Calculator! =D That will be handy!
I bought the LEDs and they come with a resistor but as it shows, it depends on the voltage source. So I will have this handy! Thanks man!

Also, I agree with you and the 3mm vs 5mm, I could have some really bright LEDs that are 3mm, they are rated at 15,000mcd. I know there are some 26,000mcd 5mm's out there, but again, from what i've seen this is the highest mcd for 3mm i could find and at a very low price.

Great tips! I really appreciate it! Thanks!

Also, I dont recommend them cuz they prolly arent going to be really bright, they are in fact only indicator lights, they didnt have any others there in 3mm. I recommend high power leds, i dont think these are going to be very bright. And The downside to these, the pins are spread wider than the stock bulb. Makes them have to bend a little to get it the holes/socket.

 

[scion]

I have 10 battery packs made, however i test fit them today and they are TOO snug inside the body of the flashlight, i'll going to have to try not wrapping them as many times or use different material. I thought of shrink wrap material, but that may be too thick? Im not sure, never used it. lol.

 

[nikokapo]

I have 10 battery packs made, however i test fit them today and they are TOO snug inside the body of the flashlight, i'll going to have to try not wrapping them as many times or use different material. I thought of shrink wrap material, but that may be too thick? Im not sure, never used it. lol.

You could use two and one neodymium (small) magnet.

 

[scion]

Sounds good idea but little crazy when u got bunch to make LOL. And I don't kno how much $ that would run me. LOL.I'm coin to try less tape

 

[scion]

Test fit my slotted Spacers. (The slots are for the resistors)
Also picked up some cheap indicator LEDs and test fitted them.
I didnt like that because the prongs were much wider than the stock bulb. So I had to bend them to arrange to fit the socket holes as well as filing down the base of the LED to allow the head assemble to completely screw on.

 

[nikokapo]

Nice work man, keep it up

 

[scion]

Well, I have NOT gotten my LEDs from Hong Kong yet, lol... prolly another week.

BUT, I DID order 2 blue LEDs elsewhere just to help get the project rolling.
And of course, I got them in today and within an hour I got them both into some Maglites! :drool:

I also tested out the Indicator lights and WOW, they arent nearly as bright at all haha!!! so dont get any flashlight ideas with indicator bulbs!! haha!

NUFF said, Here!

Resistor in Spacer

Blue LED and comparison

Another Comparison *Keep in mind, different color bulbs will change how you see things, Even tho this LED isnt as bright as the ones I ordered, this is still about as bright as the Stock Bulb

Green Indicator

Few Extras

 

[scion]

I hate the Countdown..
I'm still waiting for 100 LEDs to arrive!! lol...

I already have 3 Solitaires being mailed to me for LED upgrade kits!
I'll post pics when i get them!

 

[nikokapo]

Nice stuff, man. It's surprising that nobody else is posting here.

Thanks for posting so many pics

I can't wait to see the bright LEDs inside those little babies


Also, have you ever seen those colour changing LEDs? DX sells them for cheap inside keychains, you could make a crazy mod with them

EDIT: See these 22cd LEDs: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1100

 

[culexor]

Those look really cool! I'd definitely be up for buying one (if the price is right, of course). Would I be able to just buy a fully modded flashlight from you or would I have to buy my own and then buy your kit? Either way is fine with me.

 

[scion]

Those look really cool! I'd definitely be up for buying one (if the price is right, of course). Would I be able to just buy a fully modded flashlight from you or would I have to buy my own and then buy your kit? Either way is fine with me.

I plan on offering both. The kit will be $5
If you want complete Flashlight and kit it will prolly be about $12
The color of flashlight is limited to what I can fond in stores. I believe I can get Silver, Black, Pewter, Blue, Red, and for +$2.00 I can get Pink.

 

[scion]

Nice stuff, man. It's surprising that nobody else is posting here.

Thanks for posting so many pics

I can't wait to see the bright LEDs inside those little babies


Also, have you ever seen those colour changing LEDs? DX sells them for cheap inside keychains, you could make a crazy mod with them

EDIT: See these 22cd LEDs: DealExtreme: $4.58 White Flashlight Keychain 22000mcd 10-PACK

Oh I know. Maybe when I make thread in For Sale forum, it will get more attention. I will when kit ready to ship.

And yes I've seen color changing and strobing/Flashing LEDs and thought bout adding that option once these become successful.

I'm hoping to see the LEDs arrive next week and ill start putting kits together asap!!!!

 

[Gryphon]

Whoa those look sweet!, Where the heck has this thread been hiding, i just found it and its already on the second page!

 

[FireMyLaser]

They look great! Hey maybe one of these can make an awesome light lol.