I'm pretty sure the TerraLux DB-3 is the same as the "normal" DB-3 that is also marketed under the Diamond name. There was some guy that claimed to be from Diamond who claimed to supply that module to TerraLux rather than vice-versa. You might want to take a look at
flashlightreviews.com to take a look at the numbers from the Diamond Mag (DB-3) and those from the Mag LED. There really doesn't appear to be any difference that would be detectable by the eye (as opposed to be obsessed by numbers.) While some may continue to promote the Diamond or Terralux product, I suspect that Mag's ability to mass produce the product and offer it more affordably, and stand behind it, gives the mainstream consumer a bit more security (not to mention convenience, since you can just go to the store and pick one up without having to fool around with mail-order.)
With regards to the 6AA incandescent, you can do it with whatever you want, within reason. The 2D Mag is a good host if you need something that is going to be reliable and can be abused (e.g. a public safety situation.) Just to prove a point, I've also done it with a 50¢ Garrity 2D that is sold in bulk (i.e. no batteries, no packaging) from Frys ($2.99 in retail packaging), and a $1.68 Eveready 2D from Wal-Mart (which I kinda like for it's compactness). The whole thing came out to be about $10 (or less if you don't use Krypton bulb instead of the Xenon.) Best of all, if you use a cheap 2D body, you don't have to adjust the spring like you do on the Mag switch.
You can get the adapters from Litemania in the Dealers corner. I don't think that the adapters that he is selling were ever intended to be a D sized adapter, they just happened to be close to that size by dumb luck. The adapter looks like it was intended for use as a round 3 AA battery holder for some device that needed a 4.5V DC input. In anycase the diameter of the holder is actually smaller than a D sized battery, so you won't need to bore anything out, and just to reiterate, you can do this with many 2D flashlights, not just the Mag. And yes, you can use AA alkalines though it is probably pretty close if not fully at the limit of it's ability to deliver current (it'll work.) I use NiMH because they can deliver more current, and because I can recharge a set of them in a car in about 20-25 minutes (using 2 15 minute chargers for 6 batteries.)
I think you're thinking of some of the 4AA to D homemade adapters that some members are selling here that require boring of the Mag body.
jsr said:
Thanks guys. Some questions:
1. Is TerraLux MaxStar DB-3W regulated? It sounds like the normal DB-3W/DB3 isn't.
2. How much brigther is the XPR103 bulb?
3. Brighteyez - that Mag-Num Star 6cell bulb sounds very interesting. I'm just looking to do something with my existing Mags, so don't really want to purchase additional ones. Some questions:
3.1 Can it be run on 6 alkaline AAs? Or does it need NiMH?
3.2 I was under the impression fitting 3 AAs requires boring the body. Can the 3AA->D adapters fit w/o boring?
Thanks.
.
