Phillips 3AA Flashlight Mod
 
 
 
White LEDs
         

This is another great mod sent in by Ying Chee L. of Melbourne, Australia. YC has taken an older Philips flashlight and added 3 Nichia white LEDs to the incandescent reflector set-up. This light is perfect for mods as it has 3 AA batteries in the case below the lamp assembly - 4.5 volts. In my opinion this is the best kind of mod as it keeps the incandescent option available for when you need a really bright light.

 The orange cover is slid downward to reveal the reflector and lamp assembly. The case is designed so that when the cover is moved downward the light comes on automatically.A switch was added to allow the selection of either the LEDs or the incandescent lamp. Above you can see a closeup of the switch added to the side. Below is the finished product.
Below you can see all of the components laid out in the case prior to being placed in the reflector assembly. Components included a SPDT swtich, 3 LEDs, several lengths of wire and an appropriate amount of resistance. See my Tips Page for resistance calculation help. YC carved out the LED holes by hand - a very time consuming operation. He suggests using a drill if you have one. A rectangular cut-out was made in side of the case for the switch. The 3 LEDs are wired in parallel with the resistors at one end. The switch is wired into the LEDs, incandescent bulb and battery contacts such that when the cover is opened the switch selects either the LEDs or the incandescent bulb depending on the direction it is pushed.

Tip from YC: Use epoxy, NOT superglue to attach the LEDs to the reflector - superglue leaves a flim on the LEDs and doesn't stick well.

This light was bought about 10 years ago, so he doesn't know if they are available any more. (I vaguely remember seeing one fairly recently - if I see it again, I'll post where to get one. - DP)

Thanks to YC for sharing another great mod with FlashlightReviews.com and its visitors!

 
 
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