AA batteries in a 3x123A body

[Phil_B]

My first post! Bless.
I want to put AA batts in a 3 cell tube (HAIII type),to run a KL1 head. Is there a way to easily overcome the different diameters and slightly differing lengths of cell? I heard of springs but this must mean it's always on,no?
I know it's possible to do,has anyone done it,and how bright is a KL1 with just 2xAA to fire it up?
I live in the UK so we pay huge amounts for batteries over here(so why did I buy a KL4 too?!)
Rechargeables the answer?
Thanks chaps,and well done on a superb site. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Roy]

The complete Universial Battery Holder (UBH) kit comes with a 3x123 tube and all the spacers and sleeves for almost any combination of 123 batteries or AA batteries. You just need to supply your own bezel and tail switch.

Here's the thread on my Brass UBH "Spy Kit"!

 

[Phil_B]

Thanks Roy,nice box of tricks there. I had in mind something more er...discrete!
As for the bits,I'm a machinist so make my own gear,I just need the magic formulae if there is one.Size,materials,spring type etc.
Anyone know what Vitalgear do(@TAD),with their adaptor?
My basic questions about runtimes etc remain,ideas?
Thanks folks,Phil.

 

[GJW]

The Vitalgear body has no special tricks -- the AAs just rattle around.

 

[tiktok 22]

I've got the Vital Gear tube(3x123 or 2xAA). It works great either way for a KL1. With the KL1 head, it also runs them 123 batteries down to nothin'. The AA's do rattle a bit though. Vital Gear uses a spring at the bottom of their tube.

 

[HunterSon]

Wrap the AA's in a few turns of paper and they won't rattle.

 

[Phil_B]

Tiktok,how come the spring doesn't make a connection all the time?I assume it's at the bottom of the tube,right?
Thanks people.Phil.

 

[tiktok 22]

Hi Phil,

The spring is pressed in the bottom of the tube and does make a connection all the time. At the top of the tube is where the tube acts as a switch. It connects and disconnects the metal retainer on the bottom of the KL1 by twisting it. Twist it open, it disconnects. Twist it closed and it connects. This happens on the ground side. It seems the positive connection is always connected by the spring.

 

[Pi_is_blue]

It is more expensive, but you could buy some Pila Li-ion rechargeable batteries from http://jsburlys.com.

 

[DSpeck]

Hi, Phil, welcome to the CPF.

I make the UBH, and the tube I make (you can't buy the right size of tube commercially) to adapt the 123 diameter to the AA diameter is 11/16" OD, and 19/32" ID. This allows the tube to fit in the 123 diameter body, and lets the AAs slide inside fairly snugly. 5/8" ID is too big, and 9/16" ID is too tight. The closest metric equivalent is 15MM for ID. I use Delrin (machinable plastic)for the tube. Hope this helps...

Doug.

 

[Phil_B]

Thanks doug,YHM re an E2C adaptor also.
Pi,not sure how to go on rechargeables as I'd then need two cells and a charger,not easy to get here,unless it's AA of course.
The old people still throw stones at cars here...
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif

 

[Raven]

Can I put a KL1 head on an old sure fire 9p body, and use a tube to fit two aa batteries instead?

Raven

 

[GJW]

KL1 won't fit a 9P body without some kind of threading adapter.

 

[Hoghead]

Raven,
PM sent.