JayS_CT

No LED change.. Just added the bridge wire.. Perhaps there was an LED change in newer versions?? Have you tried the bridge wire to see if it will work? You don't need to solder it to test first.. Jay S.

EmuHead, Sorry for the delay.. Don't think it's a bypass but adding a better grounding (which I felt was lacking) back to the battery attachment to the case.. Seems to work! Glad you were able to make the connection! Jay S.

Davide, First. This is very precise soldering and wiring. If you don't have experience with doing circuit board wiring, or have the right equipment, you may want to see if there's a friend who can do it for and with you. Also, doing this will void any warranty from SkyWatcher. OK that said. See my images above your pictures.. Start by pointing the LED itself the same direction it is pointed in mine. Pay attention to the R0 and R1 notations on the board. You have to attach (solder) a very small (preferably solid core) thin wire as I describe in the instructions. I tried to make the instructions very very precise. In theory, it would likely work soldering a wire to the back as well.. just make sure it's the same connection spot on the front. Jay S.

All, Came up with an alternative method, but requires you taking the illuminator apart (not difficult - screws are under Max-Min label) and have some fine soldering skills. In the first pic, assembly on the left is fully illuminated with stock illuminator, the unit on the right is after the mod (sorry color balance is off).. Dimmer works fine and light will go "off" when turned to Min position. The second image is the modification. Note the wire (actually an old LED leg) running alongside the upper side of the LED. It is soldered to the positive (+) connector of the LED on the circuit board and hooked over the top of the circuit board. This makes better contact with the casing (which carries positive (+) ). It doesn't fix any issues with falling off (but someone above said they got a velcro assembly to work with the stock light). This is a "do at your own risk" project and I very strongly suggest you not attempt it if you're not comfortable soldering in very tight small areas. I can only attest that it worked very well for me. YMMV... I'm also sure it would also void any warranty you may have on the light.. There may be other variants of bringing more power from the positive (+) casing to the LED that others may come up with. Clear Skies