3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photos

[idleprocess]

QUICK SPECS

• Light source LED - Luxeon III
  
• Type medium-large flashlight
  
• Switch Momentary/latching clicky
  
• Operation dual-mode
  
• Operational sequence Momentary - on | off
  
• Driver Direct/resistored
  
• Power source 3x C
  Alkalines OK
  Rechargables OK
  Lithiums (1.7V) will work with AA-C adaptors OK
  
• Focus Variable
  
• Beam Laser-tight spot to ring-y mag flood
  
• Construction Anodized aluminum
  
• Environmental
  Water resistance: Waterproof (not for diving)
  Shock resistance: Excellent
  Crush resistance: Excellent
  
• Availability CPF member 3rd_Shift, should he ever decide to offer these for sale

PHOTOS

FLat View


Perspective View


The business end


Emitter/heatsink detail


Beamshot at ~15"


Test scene beamshot at ~15'


Test scene with florescent lighting

(Snide) COMMENTS

• Well-executed direct-drive Luxeon III mag mod
• Astonishing output - more than most would suspect from a 3x C light
• Marvelous Luxeon tint
• Light is a throw monster that can project a ~5' (1.5m) hotspot at ~1500' (450m) visible in bright moonlight
• Light works well in "candle mode" due to absent reflector cam
• Focusing is precise if tedius - head movement determines focus, not pedestal cam
• Direct-drive limits power options - recommend use of alkaline cells
• Suggested use: all-around medium-large flashlight

 

[Kryosphinx]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

I don't see any pics...

 

[idleprocess]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

Works for me... my host was down for several days, so it's possible that it will take another day or two for the domain to re-propogate.

 

[BC0311]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

It's difficult to believe the raw performance of this type of mod without seeing it. It is still my favorite modification of a flashlight.

Every CPFer should have atleast one of these. Around the homestead, it can't be beat.

Britt

 

[idleprocess]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

I used to be wary of direct-drive before playing with this light. I didn't play with it for long enough to see the effects of declining cells on the output.

 

[3rd_shift]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

Naww.. go on and play with it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
As soon as it's back in my hands, it's gonna get my spare set of Titanium nimh 4500 c cells back in it.
BTW:
there is about .4 ohms of added resistance in that light.
Any 1.3-1.6 volt battery type should be ok with it.
In fact, I optimized it specially for nimh c cells since alks are a bad deal in the C size.

 

[BC0311]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

Roy ran my Mr. Bulk built "DD3DIII" running 3xD alkys:

DD3DIII Runtime by Roy

It ran to 50% of maximum brightness in 7 hours and 50 minutes.

Then it just ran and ran and ran. Seemed to bottom at 500 Lux for hours and hours. He got bored at 40 hours and stopped the run.

Even after the "bright" part of the run is exhausted, that 500 Lux out of a PMR and UCL equipped big old Mag head is excellent for most around the house and yard uses.

 

[Big_Ed]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

Hey 3rd shift, That looks like a great mod that I might like to try. Do you have instructions, and a parts/cost list?

 

[3rd_shift]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

You are going to need the following:

Hacksaw, or bandsaw
5/64 allen wrench
15-25 watt soldering iron with a pointy tip
Electronics grade solder
24 guage solid core wire (1 red and 1 black spool)
Arctic alumina thermal epoxy
Luxeon3 emitter (not star) last bin digit ending in L (ie. TV1L)
3c magglight
C cell Osink, or Hotlips heatsink.
Nimh batteries and smart charger for best value and performance.
Instructions on how to get this all to work.
And Patience

 

[KevinL]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

These notes cover the process for the D-cell Mag, the C-cell should be similar but the switch may look a little different. I haven't handled a C-cell, personally. I would love to try but I need to sell one of them 4D monsters before I can afford it. Surefire is busy rifling through my pockets (blame that U2 of theirs /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif)

Skip the part about the resistor. Solder the positive and negative wires direct to the LED. Make sure you have a "L" bin Luxeon 3 like 3rd_shift recommended.

I also *HIGHLY* recommend the Ultra Clear Lens (UCL) from flashlightlens.com. Spend the extra money and you won't look back. All of mine have the UCL.

 

[3rd_shift]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

Here's the instructions for the C cell from Mr Bulk.

 

[STEVENT6]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

How much spill does this light have at close range, say 5 to 20 feet.

 

[idleprocess]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

I have no instruments to measure output, but I would say the spill is useful at 5-10' in mixed-light conditions - much like a "stock" mag.

You can always defocus the beam for flood if necessary.

 

[3rd_shift]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

I have the review sample back from idleprocess.


I'm making more of these to sell.
Info is in my 12-2004 signature line link below.

 

[3rd_shift]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

[ QUOTE ]
3rd_shift said:
I have the review sample back from idleprocess.


[/ QUOTE ]

The LedMuseum ended up with this one. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[farmall]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

Where do I find Luxeon 3 emitters?? I am new to this and can't wait to try this.

 

[modamag]

Re: 3rd_Shift 3C LuxIII MagMod mini-review + photo

Try the BST, Klaus, PhotonFanatic & the Sandwich Shop always carry some nice ones.