mesa232323
Enlightened
I'm looking for information differences between the 4 versions of mag charger
I'm specifically looking for the differences in chargers if any.
I'm specifically looking for the differences in chargers if any.
I'm looking for information differences between the 4 versions of mag charger
I'm specifically looking for the differences in chargers if any.
Well here's what I know about the various versions.
VERSION 1 The original MagCharger released in 1982 made up to a much higher standard than conventional C and D Maglites Incorporated some revolutionary features for the time. Fully anodised inside and out. Custom designed aluminium reflector, soda glass front. 20000cp output. NiCad charger 2hrs approx continuous output. 16 hr charge but could be recharged at any time as it was using old school 'slow' trickle charging technology. Unique insomuch it incorporated two charging rings allowing placing in the charging cradle without having to line up the torch body at a particular point.
VERSION 2 Released about 1992.Changed packaging. Everything stayed essentially the same apart from the bulb which gave a substantial increase in light output to about 33000cp.
AFAIK the charger never changed. Yes Mag Instuments could probably introduce an 'Intelligent' charger tomorrow if the mood took them. But it would result in increased costs and would be hard to justify. Thats not to say I wouldn't like it to happen because I would. And I'd also be delighted if they introduced Low Self Discharge NiMH technology.Finally the charger, it is a slow charger type and it is known to be... Well not as smart as some smart chargers.. I think they never changhed it
I have v4 of the magcharger. the charger unit is voltage independent, - i.e. can take either 110-230Vac input without needing to be changed. output is 12Vdc +centre, rated current is 0.45A. I suspect the difference in the internal charger circuitry boils down to the stepdown transformer and rectifier circuit. I'd expect it to be modernised every few years.
Torch has the multimode switch and all previous features of earlier versions, a 5 cell NiMH battery (I haven't investigated beyond the heatshrink) and by all accounts is not a bad unit.
Back to the OT though, the only thing really different about the new magchargers is a absolute bollox quality reflector, compared to the conventional mags and earlier mag chargers.