V3 Regulated Triple Discussion Thread

[John N]

Misc. tips using the triple XPG V3 in a Surefire 918FA.

1) I had to make a ring out of 12ga copper wire to put between the lamp assembly and the "flashlight" body before it would work (trick seen elsewhere on CPF but I don't have a source).

2) The "shock" head on the 918FA doesn't put enough pressure on the lamp assembly for it to make positive contact after sitting over night. I did purchase the spacer, and that would probably work, but it crushes the shock material to the point I suspect it would probably deform over time.

Short term I stuck a G2 head on there and that works fine, so I've ordered a Z44 to replace the shock head.

3) The 918FA is a 3x123a configuration. Since it holds two cells in the "tube", or body of the light, and one cell in the fore-arm, it isn't really practical to go to a bored configuration. Since it doesn't look like I can run 3x123a, I decided I would go with 2x17670. Of course to get there I need to extend, so I ordered an A19. I guess I could have replaced the existing 2x123a length body with a 9P body and have one-piece, but the A19 is a fair amount cheaper.

Later, I found Dereelight has an extention tube that might work and is cheaper, but I had already ordered the A19 and I don't know for sure if the Dereelight part would mate correctly. It is EXT500 and $10. Shipping is like $2, so it is a good deal. I actually ordered a full CL1H V4 host with tubes, so I'll see if it fits when it gets here.

4) I had to order some protected 17670 cells because of #3.

So this was a bit more painful (and more expensive!) that I had anticipated, but now the 918FA is as bright as it deserves. Quite an upgrade from 200lm and 19 mins. runtime on 3 cells!

-john


Edit: One remaining outstanding item is my concern about recoil using the 2x17670s. Surefire actually sells a "battery pack" of 3x123a cells shrink wrapped together with some sort washer between the cells to prevent crushing. I figure I might need to do something like that to prevent the buttons (and possibly the protection circuits) from being crushed. If anyone has ideas about this, I'm all ears. Thanks.

[ElectronGuru]

Is it really not OK to use 3x123A cells? I can understand that 2x123 would be asking for trouble, but SF uses the P91 in 3x123a configurations which draws almost 2.5A. Obviously it is important to use cells that can handle high draw applications.

Hi John,

Great question (and example). There are two things going on here. P91's are measured on fresh cells, at peak output from activation, until not much into decline. As the cells (which are running crazy hard) decline, so does the output, pulling less and less power from the cells. In effect, because the bulb is not regulated, the cells can self regulate. The less they are able to push, the less power is available.

The regulated V3 isn't so gentle. As the cells decline, the regulator needs to compensate for declining energy (to keep the same output), so it pulls more and more power from the cells. In effect, these same cells that before could 'decide' how much to give are now having the life sucked out of them. And the lower the voltage goes, the less they are able to take this abuse, and the hotter they get (over 150F).

Bottom line, CR123A's should be run on high (med/low are fine) only for short periods (emergencies) and only with the highest quality cells.

[John N]

Thanks.

-john

[easilyled]

I have noticed that my L3N Triple is not behaving as I understand it is meant to.

It only resets itself to the high level after a really long time of being switched off, otherwise it just goes to the next level.

So even if I wait for about 20 seconds after having had it on high and then off, it will come on in medium next time.

Its only if I leave the light for about half an hour, that it will default back to high again.

Therefore, to make absolutely sure it comes on high next time I need to use it, I need to cycle it to low.

[Rat]

Thanks guys got my V3 Triple XPG today great service only days to come all the way down here. I must say a very big thank you to the team at Oveready they went overboard in helping me out.
The 18500 are charging as we speak and it just getting dark. My wife & I are getting ready to do a night rainforest walk tonight. She has already claim the new C3 with the Triple but she’s dreaming she has no chance that’s mine tonight she can have her favorite ElektroLumens EDC XM-L.

I have one question I purchased a ceramic C3 host in white & the Cryos Bezel (JUST AMAZING). When I add the cryos bezel there is movement with the drop in what can I use as a spacer ?
Will a standard o'ring be ok to put in the bezel behind the glass ? I am not sure if it will get to hot ? Better still does Oveready make something just for the job that I missed? As I am sure I will be ordering something again in fact I have some more Oveready goodies on their way now.

cheers

[Rat]

All sweet this is my first SF so it's all new to me. But Dan got me on the right track just needed to remove the clip.
Just got back from our night walk it was amazing more on that later.
This light is perfect for this type of use it puts out a really large bright center that does not burn out all the detail in the center like a lot of other lights do. This makes it a great walking light. It lights everything up so bright in front of you like day light but does not over do it if you know what I mean. My wife got hold of it at about the half way mark and I never got it back she has claimed it as her new torch. The only problem I have is it looks too good to use.
The walk was magic never seen so much wildlife in one night before. It was a full moon the night before and was still pretty bright tonight so maybe that’s why there was so much action tonight.
The highlight was a big owl eating what looked like a bat plus kangaroos, a deer and even an echidna he was cool he did not mind us being there at all and just keep on digging for food. We also seen a massive eel in the Cristal clear water and plenty of yabbies (crayfish) all in all it was a great night out with a great new torch. The Royal NP we were walking in tonight is only about 1hrs drive from the main city of Sydney pretty amazing when you think about it.

One very happy customer here guys totally love it and the big bonus is my wife loves it that much she has claimed it as hers that’s only good news for me more torches

[pnwoutdoors]

One very happy customer here guys totally love it and the big bonus is my wife loves it that much she has claimed it as hers that's only good news for me more torches

You'll love the L3N Neutral that's coming. It's got just enough warmth to it to bring out the colors of the plants and animals on nightly walks. If you've got bat, 'roos, echidna and others to light up, you'll soon have a pair of lights for your outings.

[FONT=Arial][SIZE=2]I have one question I purchased a ceramic C3 host in white & the Cryos Bezel (JUST AMAZING). When I add the cryos bezel there is movement with the drop in what can I use as a spacer ?

Along with the L3N that I've sent you, it comes with a length of decent copper "foil" strip. If you're noticing a bit of slop between a module and the host, you might find that some of this copper strip might help snug up the module and assist with heat transfer. I purchased it here: Paul at ProofTech, over on CPFmarketplace.

Enjoy the new module.

PNWoutdoors

[Rat]

If you're noticing a bit of slop between a module and the host, you might find that some of this copper strip might help snug up the module and assist with heat transfer.

Enjoy the new module.

PNWoutdoors

The V3 Triple XPG drop in is a perfect fit it was my fault I did not read the cryo's cooling bezel page it clearly states the clip needed to be remove for the cryo on the C3 body. I do not use the clips so worked out perfect.

I have always been a fan of cool white but after reading other peoples post I thought I would give one ago then your one came up for sale and I could not help myself. I have a new body on its way from Oveready so should be good to see how it goes on our next night walk.
thanks for all your help I am new to the world of Customs but really starting to get into it. We do alot of night bush walking so I will like to see how this netural goes.

cheers

[Captain Spaulding]

This answer was in relation to my query about using 2 Ultrafire 18350 (1200ma) cells in a C2 with the Oveready triple drop-in.

I don't think that they are IMR batteries, just li-ion rechargeable cells that have a considerably higher capacity than standard R123 li-ions because they're much wider and don't have the protection PCB taking up space either (they're unprotected)

So, my question is, should I be a guinea pig and try out 2 18350 1200mahs in the C2 (bored for 18650) that will be arriving soon?

These cells seem to be halfway between standard RCR123s and 18500s in terms of capacity, so if 2 18500s work ok, then maybe these would too?

So wait, do 2 X 18350's fit in a bored C2 / 6P / Z2 without the A19 extension?

[Dsoto87]

2 18350s should be able to fit where ever 1 18650 would

[Eric242]

So wait, do 2 X 18350's fit in a bored C2 / 6P / Z2 without the A19 extension?

Yes, that´s how my triple is powered since the last two weeks (bored M2 body).

Eric

[ElectronGuru]

Here's a visual:

[Captain Spaulding]

Perfect thanks!

For some reason I was thinking it was 5mm difference but I guess its only 2mm.



EDIT: ok, so 5mm difference than an 18650 but only 2mm difference than 2 x 16340's.. math still sucks

[rudy]

What is the approximate run-time of a single mode triple running on 2 x AW IMR 18350's? I'm guessing that if 18350's give ~30% more capacity than 16340's, then the run-time would be about 26 minutes (given that 2 x 16340's is about 20 minutes).

[mfrey]

Any idea if or when the L333 modules with the input-voltage monitor (with LED indicator) and programmable temperature management will find their way into the L3 modules? The last projection that I heard was "summer."

How about the 1400 lumen direct-sink models? Any news on those?

[Kestrel]

Just ing for a very good thread: the idea of actually really using these bad boys.

I'm starting to get reduced runtime from my second set of (used) AW 18500's that have been paired with my V3 (& subsequent V3.10) triples. This module hasn't missed a single beat through I can't even guess how many battery cycles.

One thing I like about this module is that near the end of the run, the low-voltage cutoff kicks on just a little before the AW protection circuits trigger on the 18500 LiIons. This way, I can power the light back on & immediately cycle it to medium to 'get me home' with ~250 lumens or so, providing me the extra runtime I need before the 18500's are fully depleted. I doubt that the module was designed this way, but it's a very nice coincidence.

[Kestrel]

Well, it looks like I've worn out my second set of AW P18500's with this dropin. Estimated runtimes from two new cells, 1h 15min, but the runtime from my current set is now down to 30-35 minutes. I'd say that I got my money's worth from this set and I'm starting to get nervous every time I charge them.

The triple hasn't even skipped a beat once.

[Moddoo]

Thanks a ton for the feedback man,

I've been up to my eyeballs in production work lately.
Haven't had much time to chat on the forums.

More new triples coming to you guys soon.

[Glock 22]

Just got my TorchLAB L1N XPG the other day. This is just completely awesome, flawless beam, perfect color tint with the 4500K Neutral XPG. It lights up my whole front yard. I'm really impressed, worth every penny. Words just can't describe it!

[kyhunter1]

Question for Tom or Dan here.

I have a triple XPG marked L1N and 1 mode regulated with the voltage specs. Which version is this triple?

[Moddoo]

Question for Tom or Dan here.

I have a triple XPG marked L1N and 1 mode regulated with the voltage specs. Which version is this triple?

Replied to your sales thread in cpfmp

[kyhunter1]

Thanks for the help, you guys are the greatest!

[mocha_jo1]

Has anyone tried the v3 in a Malkoff MD2?
This is my first post, but have been lurking around the forums for a couple months. I think I'm hooked!

[ElectronGuru]

Has anyone tried the v3 in a Malkoff MD2?

Sorry. The triple is designed for maximum thermal contact with SF bodies. Malkoff drop ins are smaller and MD hosts are likewise smaller to maximize contact with them. A few have reported success with enlarging the MD socket, but it's not proven.