Is it feasible to retrofit lights with the latest LEDs (CREE/Seoul)?

[Roostalee]

OK, I'll admit it's a noob question, but I'm a cyclist, not an engineer. I have a Princeton Tec Switchback 3 system that has three 3W LEDs, and puts out an OK amount of light. With newer emitters (CREE, Seoul, etc.) coming out, is it possible to retrofit my light system to boost the lumen output? The Switchback 3 has a fairly nice aluminum case with heatsinks already on it, so it would be nice to be able to use it again.

[netbug]

In theory you can do this, but you have to open it up and determine which type of LED that is used. I guess it will be a luxeon led and if it is the replacement led would be:
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1445

There should be no changes to the optics or any of the electronics/driver inside.

[Roostalee]

I don't think they're Luxeons, but rather something called Maxbright LEDs (I think they're made by Philips). Does anyone know of a replacement/upgrade from these bulbs?

[EXCALIBUR]

I upgraded the LED's in my Cygolite DualCross 300 with the information provided in this thread: Cygolite Dual Cross 300 upgrade finished (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=355221&highlight=cygolite+300+dualcross)It used the Cree XR-E Q5 Emitter on Premium Star (228LM at 1A) from DealExtreme (http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2394).

[Zero_Enigma]

From all my researching on the LED's I've found that if the company (your item you wnat to retrofit) uses Luxeon LED's then the Seoul SSC P4 U-bin is a direct replacement for that LED because the SSC is a clone of the Luxeon.

[netbug]

Maybe this can help ?
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=176550

[Roostalee]

Cool, thanks guys! Now does anyone know a thread (or site or blog) on how to actually perform a LED replacement like this? I'd like to think it's just taking the old emitters out and soldering the new ones in, but I really have no idea what I'm getting myself into.

I did a search but didn't find anything along these lines. Perhaps because it's too rudimentary to most DIYers, but I'm definitely a neophyte with electronics.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can assist.:)