Following on from the teardown & analysis of the charger, here’s the torch itself under the spotlight.
Here’s the torch itself, it’s a sturdy device, made of aluminium. Power is provided by a single 18650 Li-Ion cell.
Here’s the charging port on the torch, there’s no electronics in here for controlling the charge, the socket is simply connected directly to the Li-Ion cell, and requires a proper external charger.
Unscrewing the lens gives access to the LED core, this also unscrews from the torch body itself, leaving the power switch & the battery in the body.
Unscrewing the aluminised plastic reflector reveals the LED itself. Being a new device, I expected an XM-L or XM-L2 Cree LED in here, but it’s actually an XR-E model, a significantly older technology, rated at max 1A of drive current.
Popping the control PCB out from the pill reveals a lot of empty space, but the back of the LED is completely covered by a heatsinking plate, which is conducting heat to the main body of the torch.
Not much to see on the control PCB, just a bunch of limiting resistors, and a multi-mode LED driver IC in a SOT-23 package. There’s no proper constant-current LED driver, and as the battery discharges the torch will dim, until the low voltage cutout on the cell turns things off completely.
Do you know how to get access to the on/off switch? Ours no longer works.
I’d have to take a closer look, but there should be a circlip in front of the switch assembly – remove the LED module to gain access. Once this clip is removed the switch unit should pop out.
Cheers 🙂
Hi, is it possible to buy replacement LED’s for the 580 Lumens torch?
Hi,
Yes it’s possible to get a replacement LED for this torch, search eBay for “Cree XR-E” & you’ll find them. (Loudartronics has them at the moment). You’ll want the “Star PCB” type, but make sure the one in the torch is indeed 20mm diameter first!
I loaned mine to a coworker, now it’s gone I need a replacement
Hi Pat,
There are plenty of very similar torches on eBay, with Cree XM-L series LEDs fitted – getting a replacement from Maplin would be a little difficult now!
Cheers
I’ve got one here which I am thinking about selling, wot would you give me for it? it’s in great condition, if interested call me ASAP please on 07506608555. thanks
I’ve got one here which I am thinking about selling, wot would you give me for it? it’s in great condition, if interested call me ASAP please on 07506608555. thanks
HI I am looking for a charger cable for the Refrakta torch. Any ideas please
I’ve got one here which I am thinking about selling, wot would you give me for it? it’s in great condition, if interested call me ASAP please on 07506608555. thanks