cheap chinese video light review

[Addison Snyder]

Going to look deeper into this, might throw 20 bucks at it to just see if this will fit:
https://www.amazon.com/ONPOW-Momentary-Waterproof-Stainless-PS161P10YSS1/dp/B07SLWV8XY/
I'd love to be the guy that finds a way to turn dirt-cheap mostly-reliable lights into dirt-cheap lights that last 10x longer than they once did with a minor modification. Especially if every other chinese light has the same issue with the same switch.

 

[Gone for diving]

A 2 wire peizo sw will not work.. you need one that has 3 wires. It has a latching SW in it.

Edit
I guess it depends how the SW works.

 

[Addison Snyder]

I guess it depends how the SW works.

I am no circuit specialist, but the switch under the silicone "seal" sure looks like a momentary switch to me. Not saying that the best way to wire/hack this thing would be a direct replacement of that switch (vs the board or whatnot), just saying what I could somewhat simply do without tearing into the real interior of the light.

 

[Addison Snyder]

 

[Gone for diving]

Yeah it looks like you are right... it should work.

 

[Addison Snyder]

My main fears are A) the threading won't be compatible and B) soldering/fitting all the wiring will be difficult. The plan is to (assuming it threads nicely) solder the wires on, fit it in, test it. Once the connections and button are verified, I'm going to throw a bunch of epoxy or resin or whatnot to completely fill the inner hole (and coat the electronics) before closing it all up one more time.

Edit: I've checked and the threading on that piezo switch is m16x1, whatever that means. If anyone knows a reliable way to check the threading on the existing switch, I'd love to hear from you.

 

[Gone for diving]

Means 16mm dia x 1.00 its metric sizing. 16mm out size of the Male thread...
Best way to measure the thread that came out of the lite. With a vernier and pitch gauge.

 

[Gone for diving]

You will have a problem soldering on the wires then threading it in....
Unless you can solder it after its threaded in....

Or solder it then epoxy the switch in...

 

[SlugLife]

I'm thinking about attaching one of these lights to a helmet. What kind of mounting should I look at?

 

[Addison Snyder]

Means 16mm dia x 1.00 its metric sizing. 16mm out size of the Male thread...
Best way to measure the thread that came out of the lite. With a vernier and pitch gauge.

Gotcha. I already measured the outside diameter as 16mm, and am going to optimistically eyeball the threading as 1.00. I've contacted the actual manufacturer of that switch I posted in the amazon link, and they're gonna send me two samples for testing. Gonna advertise the crap outta it if they work.

You will have a problem soldering on the wires then threading it in....

If you'll note the wiring on that switch, it's wound up quite a bit. My plan is to have it twisted to counter the screw direction a few times. I think that's how these are supposed to be fitted, but wish me luck.

Also, as a note, I confirmed with a sales rep that the stainless steel switches are 316L.