[jakomonster]

My quest to make a light is turning into quite the project. I'm a sucker for light weight and need to beat my Ayup's in all aspects of performance for me to justify the effort of a DIY. Every gram is going to matter to me! I've seen quite a lot of slick switches and connectors on the forum but a lot are pretty chunky and made with lots of steel. Anyone have any suggestions of a minimalist approach towards switches and connectors?

Appreciate the suggestions.

 

[OverTheHill]

My quest to make a light is turning into quite the project. I'm a sucker for light weight and need to beat my Ayup's in all aspects of performance for me to justify the effort of a DIY. Every gram is going to matter to me! I've seen quite a lot of slick switches and connectors on the forum but a lot are pretty chunky and made with lots of steel. Anyone have any suggestions of a minimalist approach towards switches and connectors?

Appreciate the suggestions.

Yeah, don't use any, (seriously).

See the links below to my lights.

 

[bumphumper]

2.5mm dc jacks are weight-weenie-friendly

 

[HEY HEY ITS HENDO]

OTH nailed it, ..dont use a switch!
good connector rated at 10A is the deans micro polarised

........

 

[jbflyfshr]

when I was searching for switches I decided to go with an external tactile like used in a thread about a "micro headlight" started by i think he is called pacifier.

Look at that thread for his switch idea.

The tactile type switches can be super small even with an LED inside. Some are 6mmx6mm square or smaller...that should be light enough. If you use a rubber coating over it you don't even need a housing so that would be light too.

YMWV

JB

 

[tanner72]

Or use a tiny reed type switch inside the case something like this:

http://uk.farnell.com/jsp/search/productdetail.jsp?SKU=1081696

Then just mount a tiny rare earth magnet inside the tip of your glove.

Saves having a leaky hole in the case too :thumbsup:

 

[Vancbiker]

when I was searching for switches I decided to go with an external tactile like used in a thread about a "micro headlight" started by i think he is called pacifier.

Here is the thread JB referenced.

http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=574292

I have ended up being quite happy with this little light. I don't recall seeing anything lighter or smaller with this output and runtime on this forum. I still wish for a bit more throw from the optics, but in all honesty, it works fine for me. I have used this with a single MC-E with a CMC-SS optic on the bars and it pairs quite nicely with that light.

 

[jbflyfshr]

Sorry Vancbiker

was going off a poor memory with names.

I think I am going with the tactle and some sort of seal material weather it is heat shrink or plastic dip. The decision is really based on my lack of tools to mill anything remotely as nice as his housing...

Also, any tricks to soldering those micro deans? I was trying with a crapy iron last night with less than stellar results :madman: :madman:

JB

 

[HEY HEY ITS HENDO]

re the Deans micro, you need to put the two halves together and use something to hold them steady while you solder on the wires
use the thinnest wire that you can get away with
whats up with your iron?? shape up the tip and keep it clean with a small medium file :thumbsup:

 

[jbflyfshr]

Don't remember where I got the iron but it is not an expensive one I know that. started with the pointed tip first. Began with the battery leads and got a reasonably good connection visually. I wasnt sure if I should put the wires below or slightly to the side for space.

Second connector was a different story. 18gauge wire tinned and the deans then couldn't heat enough so switched to a wider tip and then it was too wide I guess and that is when I got frustrated to say the least...

I nearly bought one of the $25ish irons with the stand and everything but didn't, should have I guess.

 

[bncrshr77]

How are the deans Micro's working out for you guys? Been looking all over the net for m-8 connectors and it's nearly impossible to find any snap lock small connectors that are in stock. Thanks..

 

[quazzle]

I'm going to use these ones for my portable powerbox project (rated up to 5A):

 

[bncrshr77]

What are they??

 

[Itess]

I'm going to use these ones for my portable powerbox project (rated up to 5A):

Oh, yeah... I am waiting for them since December

 

[Itess]

What are they??

Lemo connectors

 

[jbflyfshr]

My tactile switches cost me 5$ for 4 of them so cheap each really.

The deans micro plugs were 1.55 a set or so from a local hobby store. Once I got things soldered up they work great. I would not suggest them for other newbs since they are tiny and hard to work with...at least for my inexperienced lack of soldering skills.

The tactile switches are crazy light so if you are going to switch your light, that should be the way to go IMHO.

JB