Rechargeable Torch Repair

I rebuilt my rechargeable torch following the advice given in "Timm's BMW E31, E32 and E38 Torch Repair" to be found at http://www.meeknet.co.uk/e32/Torch/Index.htm

I managed to find a two cell battery so did not have to cut down a three cell one as he did. The supplier I found was http://www.goodsstall.co.uk/rechargeable-393-c.asp Order Code BT01060 and the price after postage was £10.79.

The LED bulb which transforms the torch and makes it a much more useful item is available http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/Universal_led_upgrades.html and the one you need is TTS-1WCREE (Non Polarity) 120 lumen 1 to 9 volts 1 watt Cree XP-G2 LED bulb (MES E10).The cost after postage was £10.45.

The battery comes with a green plastic sleeve but this is easily cut off and the cells are fixed together by other means. Unlike the torch photographed, mine had a contact spring underneath the cell, so the negative terminal simply had to be broken off. The positive terminal was welded on to the old battery so I broke that off but could not solder it on to the new battery, so I cut a strip of brass to the same shape and soldered that on. I actually used an olive from an old plumbing fitting cut open. It is not necessary for it to be very springy because the bulb can be screwed down to make a good contact even after assembly.

I hope this helps anyone thinking of doing the same.

Article compiled by ChrisHC

[u]Comment from Brian Moore:[/u] Interestingly, the order code for the battery is a CPC Farnell one, where the battery is both slightly cheaper, and postage is free.