CREEXHP70LED
Enlightened
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The Official Malkoff Junkie thread - Part 2
- Thread starter Greta
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Jimmyboots
Enlightened
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Has anyone run a first gen mdc 1-3v on enloops? Is the output and runtime worth considering?
gurdygurds
Flashlight Enthusiast
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Those things run like champs on eneloops.
Jimmyboots
Enlightened
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Thanks for the quick answer, I should had been more clear though. I have a cr123 MDC Tac that's 1-3v.
Im thinking of taking it on a trip with a AA body.
gurdygurds
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Anyone run the M31lll 219b on 2xAA? Infrnl's runtime tests just show it on a single AA. Does it keep the same 20ish lumens and just extend runtime??
thermal guy
Flashaholic
Think it's like most of his Dropins. 3 cells will give you higher output and not run quite as long.
gurdygurds
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Thanks Thermal. From his testing it look to me like some of the modules performed better (higher and more consistent output for a longer period) when run on multiple vs single cells. For example the M31L on a single AA Lithium started at 60 and declined pretty rapidly to under 5 lumens in less than 3 hours, while the same module on 2xAA Lithium ran solid at 125 for 3.5 hours. I just wasn't sure if the M31LLL topped out at 20 lumens regardless of 1xaa or 2xaa 3xaa etc.
EDIT- I just nabbed the last M31LLL 219b from Illumn and have a VME and MDC AA body en route from Gene. Everything I've read about this module seems like it will be awesome for single AA and possibly 2xaa.
EDIT- I just nabbed the last M31LLL 219b from Illumn and have a VME and MDC AA body en route from Gene. Everything I've read about this module seems like it will be awesome for single AA and possibly 2xaa.
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I need some guidance please. I have been running a MDC SHO for about 2 years. Absolutely love it. The only problem I have with this light is the high input voltage. With my eyes I cannot really see the drop in output over time, and then all of a sudden - dead. I would really prefer a long taper instead.
Lately I have been looking at a MDC VME with M31. My understanding is that this combo would give very similar performance, but with a much longer taper. Or is this route a total waste of time/money?
I only run primaries in this application.
Lately I have been looking at a MDC VME with M31. My understanding is that this combo would give very similar performance, but with a much longer taper. Or is this route a total waste of time/money?
I only run primaries in this application.
Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
The output curve of the full power M31 variants is very similar to the SHO. I would not recommend that you go down that rabbit hole if you're looking for different characteristics. You might try an M31L if you can live with a reduction in output. The loss of lumens is noticeable, but not overwhelming. Most people appreciate the additional run time. Check out INFRNL's run time thread.
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...Malkoff-Runtime-Graphs-CR123-Alkaline-Comparo
Kestrel
Flashaholic
I have tested my M31 with a number of different cell configurations, and have seen nothing like the output cutoff that FDP is describing for his SHO dropin - that SHO has a minimum voltage limit rather different than the M31, and should behave rather differently. I also seem to recall some folks complaining about the SHO on 2xCR123, with the conclusion that it runs much better with 3xCR123.
I think what is needed is more info from FDP with regards to his xCR123 primary configuration. There may indeed be a better CR123 config possible, including perhaps the 1xCR123 M31.
I think what is needed is more info from FDP with regards to his xCR123 primary configuration. There may indeed be a better CR123 config possible, including perhaps the 1xCR123 M31.
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Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
I was thinking of this graph, which is taken from INFRNL's aforementioned run time thread. I suppose the precipitous decline in output is not a hard shut off, but the L version has a more distinctive taper.
Kestrel
Flashaholic
If the SHO config in question is 2xCR123 (or even 3x), I could imagine how the low-voltage cutout of the SHO driver might be unacceptable.
I do know that the regular M61 has a beautiful long taper with 2xCR123, and would certainly be better than the above M31 in that regard.
Edit: I never really liked the SHO performance on paper; and for reasons such as that (i.e. its design voltage limitations), is the only mass-produced Malkoff I've never tried.
I do like the M91 very much (in spite of its voltage limitations on the low side), but it certainly isn't a substitute for the all-purpose M61 w/ its input voltage flexibility.
I do know that the regular M61 has a beautiful long taper with 2xCR123, and would certainly be better than the above M31 in that regard.
Edit: I never really liked the SHO performance on paper; and for reasons such as that (i.e. its design voltage limitations), is the only mass-produced Malkoff I've never tried.
I do like the M91 very much (in spite of its voltage limitations on the low side), but it certainly isn't a substitute for the all-purpose M61 w/ its input voltage flexibility.
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Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
I believe he was referring to the MDC SHO with the max input voltage of 3.2v? Thus the comparison to the M31?
Kestrel
Flashaholic
If that is the case, then I certainly withdraw much of what I said above, lol; I thought the query was about the M61 "SHO" dropin - which almost certainly has an abrupt output cutout at reduced voltages, compared to a desirable taper.
The Malkoff naming nomenclature over time hasn't exactly been my favorite. :-/
The Malkoff naming nomenclature over time hasn't exactly been my favorite. :-/
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Sorry for not being too clear. Yes, my SHO is the turnkey MDC - not a dropin.
The question is then how much more taper would a M31 on a single primary give over my SHO on a single primary.
Actually the long taper is not a requirement, it is just that currently I cannot tell when the battery is about to drop below the minimum required input voltage.
The question is then how much more taper would a M31 on a single primary give over my SHO on a single primary.
Actually the long taper is not a requirement, it is just that currently I cannot tell when the battery is about to drop below the minimum required input voltage.
GoVegan
Enlightened
FDP
No need to apologize, you were very clear in your first post, only some don't read posts properly.
I was going to reply soon after you posted the other day but I wasn't logged in... anyways...
I have the MDC SHO (XP-G2), I've had it for well over a year and after seeing INFRNL's charts I was very concerned, so about 6 months ago I tested mine on a new primary (Battery Station AFAIR, but may have been a Panasonic brand). I got just over 1 hour before there was any noticeable drop off in output, and again AFAIR by 1hr 20 mins it was about 40 lumens (around the same output as my Protac 1L-1AA on low), and about 1 lumen or less towards the 2 hour mark, I left it going until about the 5 hour mark where it was still possible to read a page close up. At that point I switched it off and then in the morning I turned it on again and it was maybe 5-6 lumens for maybe several seconds before gradually dimming down again. All this is from memory as I didn't take notes and don't have any testing equipment.
Points I took away from the test were:
1). 1 hour of near full output to the eye.
2). Long taper as battery is depleted. (no sudden cut off, i.e. the MDC SHO is a vampire).
3). No flicker at anytime (compared to my Streamlight Protac 1AA, 1L and 1L-1AA (I think they both flicker, again hard to recall, also reports detail Surefire 1 cell lights flickering very early)).
4). No noticeable PWM (at any time).
5). INFRNL's charts are possibly on some of the older emitters therefore could be very different to what is available now.
6). Would be great if Gene made available runtime charts for each model/drop-in. I think this would increase his sales.
Anyway after seeing Malkoff MDCs left in water and also thrown off roof tops I realized that it is a very decent light, and it replaced my Streamlight Protacs and Elzetta Alpha A112.
In saying that due to the lower shorter runtime of the MDC SHO, I ending up purchasing a HDS EDC LE (250 lumens) for my primary EDC, as I get 3 times longer runtime on the default 110 lumens which too the eye isn't actually that less bright as it seems, have momentary high every depress for tactical use, but can also switch to a medium 9 lumens for close up tasks.
So I'm not sure why your MDC SHO is cutting out on you, possibly one of the earlier 300 lumen (XP-G?) models, or old/bad cells? Not sure, but I can also confirm that ForrestChump had tested the MDC TAC model and got a similar runtime as what I found:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...in-the-works&p=4689121&viewfull=1#post4689121
There was one other user here that had tested a MDC SHO also, and I am certain that they stated they got 50 mins (maybe 50-60 mins, can't recall for sure) runtime before they started to notice a drop in output. Not sure where this post is though, I also think they got a long taper too.
Anyway the best thing to do if you want to compare the MDC SHO with some drop-ins such as the M31 is to ask the man himself, I think Gene will be very helpful... or if you absolutely require a light that never just cuts out (as I do) then HDS is the is the way to go as once the battery can no longer keep up with the maximum or high output then the electronics switch down to one step lower giving a quick blink and it keeps doing this, then when it can no longer maintain 50 lumens it blinks twice every 2 mins, while continually stepping down as the battery is depleted. Great output, runtime and UI for me, in saying that I still occasionally carry my MDC SHO as it is pure simple, rugged and slightly lighter, but who'd survive after being thrown off a 5 story window... your guess is as good as mine. lol
No need to apologize, you were very clear in your first post, only some don't read posts properly.
I was going to reply soon after you posted the other day but I wasn't logged in... anyways...
I have the MDC SHO (XP-G2), I've had it for well over a year and after seeing INFRNL's charts I was very concerned, so about 6 months ago I tested mine on a new primary (Battery Station AFAIR, but may have been a Panasonic brand). I got just over 1 hour before there was any noticeable drop off in output, and again AFAIR by 1hr 20 mins it was about 40 lumens (around the same output as my Protac 1L-1AA on low), and about 1 lumen or less towards the 2 hour mark, I left it going until about the 5 hour mark where it was still possible to read a page close up. At that point I switched it off and then in the morning I turned it on again and it was maybe 5-6 lumens for maybe several seconds before gradually dimming down again. All this is from memory as I didn't take notes and don't have any testing equipment.
Points I took away from the test were:
1). 1 hour of near full output to the eye.
2). Long taper as battery is depleted. (no sudden cut off, i.e. the MDC SHO is a vampire).
3). No flicker at anytime (compared to my Streamlight Protac 1AA, 1L and 1L-1AA (I think they both flicker, again hard to recall, also reports detail Surefire 1 cell lights flickering very early)).
4). No noticeable PWM (at any time).
5). INFRNL's charts are possibly on some of the older emitters therefore could be very different to what is available now.
6). Would be great if Gene made available runtime charts for each model/drop-in. I think this would increase his sales.
Anyway after seeing Malkoff MDCs left in water and also thrown off roof tops I realized that it is a very decent light, and it replaced my Streamlight Protacs and Elzetta Alpha A112.
In saying that due to the lower shorter runtime of the MDC SHO, I ending up purchasing a HDS EDC LE (250 lumens) for my primary EDC, as I get 3 times longer runtime on the default 110 lumens which too the eye isn't actually that less bright as it seems, have momentary high every depress for tactical use, but can also switch to a medium 9 lumens for close up tasks.
So I'm not sure why your MDC SHO is cutting out on you, possibly one of the earlier 300 lumen (XP-G?) models, or old/bad cells? Not sure, but I can also confirm that ForrestChump had tested the MDC TAC model and got a similar runtime as what I found:
https://www.candlepowerforums.com/v...in-the-works&p=4689121&viewfull=1#post4689121
There was one other user here that had tested a MDC SHO also, and I am certain that they stated they got 50 mins (maybe 50-60 mins, can't recall for sure) runtime before they started to notice a drop in output. Not sure where this post is though, I also think they got a long taper too.
Anyway the best thing to do if you want to compare the MDC SHO with some drop-ins such as the M31 is to ask the man himself, I think Gene will be very helpful... or if you absolutely require a light that never just cuts out (as I do) then HDS is the is the way to go as once the battery can no longer keep up with the maximum or high output then the electronics switch down to one step lower giving a quick blink and it keeps doing this, then when it can no longer maintain 50 lumens it blinks twice every 2 mins, while continually stepping down as the battery is depleted. Great output, runtime and UI for me, in saying that I still occasionally carry my MDC SHO as it is pure simple, rugged and slightly lighter, but who'd survive after being thrown off a 5 story window... your guess is as good as mine. lol
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GoVegan
Enlightened
BTW I'd really dig a Malkoff MDC SHO AA, maybe 125 or 150 lumens for 1 hour on standard eneloop (with no instant shutoff, and can run on a primary in an emergency), it would have to have "protected against reverse polarity" though, unlike the current 1AA which I also can't stand the UI memory thing with the on/off time.
This would surely be popular for some LE agencies that only provide AA batteries, and also for the US State Department (who I know for a fact issued hundreds of Protac 1AA models several years back, and they also were the ones who requested the Surefire AA weapon light a few years ago too).
Is it worth me creating a Poll to gather interest?
I might not be James Yeager or Travis Haley but I think Gene is probably or lot more approachable than the folks at Surefire. lol
Unofficially I'll give it a catchy nickname too like NB "No Beef"... get it? Well it beats The Tactician or D3FT anyway. haha. And who can afford to run these lights on high often anyways.
A small, simple, pocket-able, rugged, kick-*** tactical light with a decent runtime and with guilt free lumens so extremely economical and environmentally friendly. Also as MDC lights are not that expensive you can afford to buy several, one for every family member too. Similar in functionally and output to a Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA running on a single AA and programmed to High only, only the MDC is way better quality, rock solid and user replaceable switches. rubber boots and lenses with the option of adding a steel bezel too!
150 lumens may not seem that much these, but it is more than enough to identity a threat at 25 yards on the FBI Qualification Course as an example. Hell, in the past I've used a 70 lumen Protac 1AA to blind someone on the other side of the street, and even today top tier SOF instructors are using the 70 and 115 lumen Protac 1AAA lights for the simple fact that these lights provide enough light and are also small and cheaper to run that the larger 2-cell CR123 lights (all their listed reasons not mine). It would also be enough for us and loved ones to carry and easily light up a dark parking lot and light up the inside and around a vehicle etc.
Convinced you need a MDC SHO AA yet?
This would surely be popular for some LE agencies that only provide AA batteries, and also for the US State Department (who I know for a fact issued hundreds of Protac 1AA models several years back, and they also were the ones who requested the Surefire AA weapon light a few years ago too).
Is it worth me creating a Poll to gather interest?
I might not be James Yeager or Travis Haley but I think Gene is probably or lot more approachable than the folks at Surefire. lol
Unofficially I'll give it a catchy nickname too like NB "No Beef"... get it? Well it beats The Tactician or D3FT anyway. haha. And who can afford to run these lights on high often anyways.
A small, simple, pocket-able, rugged, kick-*** tactical light with a decent runtime and with guilt free lumens so extremely economical and environmentally friendly. Also as MDC lights are not that expensive you can afford to buy several, one for every family member too. Similar in functionally and output to a Streamlight Protac 1L-1AA running on a single AA and programmed to High only, only the MDC is way better quality, rock solid and user replaceable switches. rubber boots and lenses with the option of adding a steel bezel too!
150 lumens may not seem that much these, but it is more than enough to identity a threat at 25 yards on the FBI Qualification Course as an example. Hell, in the past I've used a 70 lumen Protac 1AA to blind someone on the other side of the street, and even today top tier SOF instructors are using the 70 and 115 lumen Protac 1AAA lights for the simple fact that these lights provide enough light and are also small and cheaper to run that the larger 2-cell CR123 lights (all their listed reasons not mine). It would also be enough for us and loved ones to carry and easily light up a dark parking lot and light up the inside and around a vehicle etc.
Convinced you need a MDC SHO AA yet?
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etc
Flashlight Enthusiast
There were some "aftermarket" AA bodies, both 1AA, 2AA and 3AA, made by FiveMega. I don't know if he still makes them, they weren't all that popular. You could bolt a standard 6P Surefire bezel to them and enjoy the AA format. I never did have the 1xAA or 2xAA but still have the 3xAA body. I like it. The only thing that slightly concerns me is the tailcap. It's proprietary and built-in and not easily replaceable. I wish they had used a Surefire E series tailcap, or something else common and twisty.
but the 3xAA format works well with low powered Malkoff modules. Like LL and LLL and such. You can run it on Energizer Lithiums for maximum effect. It's wont' be as bright as on 3x123 cells but bright enough, with longer runtime.
The AA body in any format never became popular because the regular Surefire 6P with 2x123 is more powerful and more compact and just makes more sense than either 2xAA or 3xAA or 1xAA. It's also a lot easier to EDC. Hence the 3xAA body is the unicorn in the wild.
I have a gazillion AA cells in various stages of discharge and the 3xAA FiveMega and Malkoff M61LLL 219B makes a fabulous battery vampire.
I think I have enough cells to literally run it for years. Now the lumens are nothing to brag about and you won't get full lumens off half-discharged cells but works it does. For example in a power outage to augment your primary EDC, or use it as a candle.
but the 3xAA format works well with low powered Malkoff modules. Like LL and LLL and such. You can run it on Energizer Lithiums for maximum effect. It's wont' be as bright as on 3x123 cells but bright enough, with longer runtime.
The AA body in any format never became popular because the regular Surefire 6P with 2x123 is more powerful and more compact and just makes more sense than either 2xAA or 3xAA or 1xAA. It's also a lot easier to EDC. Hence the 3xAA body is the unicorn in the wild.
I have a gazillion AA cells in various stages of discharge and the 3xAA FiveMega and Malkoff M61LLL 219B makes a fabulous battery vampire.
I think I have enough cells to literally run it for years. Now the lumens are nothing to brag about and you won't get full lumens off half-discharged cells but works it does. For example in a power outage to augment your primary EDC, or use it as a candle.
thermal guy
Flashaholic
I get over 90 hours from my 3XAA FiveMega host using a M60LL. Great setup
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