How to change the resistor in the Blaster VI:

Remove the rubber switch seal

Remove the head

Unsolder the wire

Remove tailcap, batteries, slide out switch holder

Remove existing resistor

Replace with resistance of your choice. Okay down to .5 ohms. Will not void warranty. Use at least a 2 watt resistor. I prefer a 5 watt wire wound resistor, for maximum accuracy. But a 2 watt will work okay.

Solder about a 10" wire lead onto the resistor, feed the wire through the body, and through the hole in the sink for the positive wire, push the switch in, pulling on the wire. Cut wire to length, and resolder.

Replace rubber switch seal. Use a little moisture, and the seal goes right in fairly easy.

This increased light output approximately 1,000 lux on the unit I modified. Noticably brighter.

I measure a temperature of 127 degrees at junction point, after 10 minutes. This is well below the 205 degree upper limit of safety for the Luxeon Star 5 watt LED. This is without the head on, which adds addtional sinking quality. For rechargables, this may or may not be enough resistance. You may not want to go less than 1 ohm with rechargables. I have not tested for rechargables, but only CR123 batteries. Direct drive I measure about 1.5 amps, so direct drive is not recomended. Direct drive voids warranty.

As this is a new product, I am seeking to find the best balance of high brightness, long battery life, and reliability, and long LED life. Thanks for you patience and understanding. I initially put in 2 ohms resistance in the Blaster VI.

Since the Blaster VI has such superior heat sinking qualities, even if the 5 watt white Luxeon Star is overdriven a bit, it is kept at a very safe temerature. Heat is the thing that reduces light output, and causes the 5 watt white Luxeon Star to expire early.