AA Mini Mag

[Shrek]

Hey guys,

Ive just been given a AAx2 mini maglite which seems to be all there but its not working.
Ive checked the bulb and its fine and the only thing i cant work out is how the twist switch works.
I assume the torch turns ON when you twist the head off (away from the body) and OFF when you tighten the head into the body.
How this twisting in and out action turns the torch on and off tho is abit of a mystery to me.. maybe the switch mechanism is missing a part?
Ive looked at the maglite site and checked out a schematic of the torch and all the bits look about right.
The switch lamp holder thingy appears to be in two parts..a lower black plastic part with a center metal tag that connects to one of the legs of the bulb.
The second plastic part slots into this first plastic piece and has two holes that the legs of the bulb pass through and into the metal contacts held by the first part. the first part also has a metal tag that runs outward toward the perimeter of the plastic piece from the other bulb contact.
Thats about all there is so Im kinda stumped as to how this all works together.
Any advice would be great guys.

Thanks
Shreko

 

[mossyoak]

have you checked the batts? sometimes those bulbs blow but they don't look like they've blown

 

[Double_A]

Wipe clean all threaded surfaces with alcohol. Then reapply a very thin layer of lube.

 

[Cornkid]

I hate the small bulbs in the AA Mags. You should check it out. Also check the tail-cap for any metal chips or cuts. There is a possibility that it isnt closing completely or the metal isnt conducting.

-tom

 

[ACMarina]

The last broken minimag I had lost the copper contact piece from the switch. It must have fallen out during a battery change or something. Now it's where my Lambda pill lives. .

 

[chiphead]

The one thing that got on my nerves with the MiniMag-AA was that after a month or so the inside of the bulb would smoke. I'm guess the output would drop 15%! That's why I now use MadMax and BadBoy drop-ins.

chiphead

 

[dougmccoy]

Shrek,

IMO trying to repair the AA mag is a waste of time. The switch mechanism is reasonably reliable but if it's now broke youv'e only got two economical choices. One, get a LED drop in sandwich like Chiphead has. This doesn't need the Mag switch at all and you'll end up with a versatile and bright AA Mag. Two, get a new AA mag! But, why would you?

I've got two AA Mags which are using Opalec Newbeam modules. Highly recommended for longevity and draining every bit of juice from AA batteries. 'IF'I was going to criticise this setup it would be because the Opalec modules utilise the original switch assembly (albeit very slightly altered)!

Obviously you seem to want to utilise a free gift(who doesn't?)so I'd suggest you get a drop in and save yourself all the bother!

Doug /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[leukos]

Drop in modules are real purdy!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Pydpiper]

Mine was intermittant, on its way to being no good. I took it apart and found the little flimsy brass contacts were green, i cleaned them and it works much better as far a a mag AA goes.
carefull not to lose those little brass contacts when you take it apart..

 

[bwaites]

Shrek,

I've got 3 or 4 MM switches around. I could mail you one if you can't figure out why yours ins't working.

To take it apart, you carefully pry off the bulb end and check the contacts. It slides out the back when you pry it apart.

Bill

 

[Donovan]

[ QUOTE ]
dougmccoy said:
IMO trying to repair the AA mag is a waste of time. The switch mechanism is reasonably reliable but if it's now broke youv'e only got two economical choices. One, get a LED drop in sandwich like Chiphead has.

[/ QUOTE ]

Remember Maglites have a warranty, just contact Maglite and they will send you the switch replacement free! I was pleasantly suprised at the good customer service they provided.

 

[chiphead]

How's the output on those Opalec units?

chiphead

 

[dougmccoy]

Donovan,

Yeah, I forgot about Mags warranty! (duh!) Still Maybe I'll remeber if any of my switches fail!!!

Doug /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[notrefined]

I've had mag switches which were just plain flakey...which seems kinda odd, considering how simple they are. overall, I have to agree that it's just not worth fixing, unless you get a new switch for free.

 

[dougmccoy]

Chiphead,

Well the Opalec beam is NOT a thrower for sure! However, what it lacks in throw it makes up for in useable spill. The colour tint from both the units I own is very good, only a slightly purple tinge and certainly not noticeable for the majority I'm sure. Considering that there are 3x5mm LED's in the unit there is only the slightest hint of a triangular pattern, and then only when shone close up ata wall.
All in all a great aftermarket addition to the AA Mag add ons.

Doug