this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2023
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Hello, first post here :D

A few month ago I modded a FW1AA with boost-buck driver for NiMH/li-ion and with RGB LEDs.
I used a TIR lens for the aux led to shine through, unfortunately it had artefacts in the spill that ended up a bit too distracting so I went back to the original reflector and used a thin flex PCB under the reflector with tiny LEDs that fit in the opening. I’m very satisfied with the result, plus the beam with the 519A+ SMO reflector is surprisingly good.

Edit : putting the video in the text since it didn’t create a YouTube thumbnail : https://youtu.be/u6aYa8FEt3s

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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Great work man! I knew you had a 5050 flex aux PCB, but didn't realize you also had a 3535. Is that on oshpark?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Awesome! Do you think if I can fit these RGB leds under an original FW1A reflector with the smaller opening (not the crappy FW1A Pro reflector)? If I can eventually find one that is.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

What's the diameter of the opening ?

Edit :

If I can eventually find one that is.

Oh you don’t have one, measuring from a picture I get 5.9mm, if that’s right then it will be very close.

I can try making a version with the LEDs closer to the 3535 cutout.

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yea I don't own one yet, but it should be around 5.6mm to 5.7mm.

I can try making a version with the LEDs closer to the 3535 cutout

That would be great if you could, thanks.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

So this should work for the original FW1A?? That is exactly what I need!

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I guess it should. Unless the corners of the flex boards overlap with the MCPCB solder pads, since it was designed for a smaller MCPCB.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Awesome. I'll order some soon and let you know. Thanks so much!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Glad to see you here!

And that flashlight is AWESOME!!! 😎

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I am looking into sourcing some of these RGB leds to try, and discovered that there is an even smaller model available.

B36S3RGB is 0.69 x 0.69mm. These are the ones you are using.

While

B36L3RGB is 0.65 x 0.65mm. Have you thought about using these?

I have not studied the datasheets in detail but from a quick glance, apart from the size, they seem to be identical otherwise.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

I don't remember exactly but I probably chose the 0.69mm ones because they cost half as much. The 0.04mm difference being pretty negligible. I also have the 0.9mm ones that I use when the classic 0606 are just a bit too big, they are easier to handle.

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