AA NiMH Cell Diameter

[chuckolson]

First of all - - why? - - I'm working on a 2D Maglite mod using a 5 watt LED and a Fatman converter with a dimming control. I hope to put in a couple of 4AA-D holders I'll make myself. The D Maglite can only take cells in a 4AA-D holder with O.D. that are smaller than DIAA in the equation DIAD = DIAA X (SQRT(2) + 1) where DIAD is the I.D. of the battery tube (measurable at the head end after removing the reflector). My 2D Maglite measures 1.345" I.D. which says I can't use AA cells larger than 0.557" O.D.

I have a few AA cell diameters I can put on the record:

Powerex 2200 mAh NiMH 0.560" Too big.
Nomem 2300 mAh NiMH 0.557" Too close, won't work.
Nomem 1800 mAh NiMH 0.554" OK
Nomem 1600 mAh NiMH 0.554" OK
Nomem 1500 mAh NiMH 0.550" OK
Creative 1800 mAh NiMH 0.555" OK
Nexcell ??? mAh NiMH 0.548" OK
Sanyo-GE ???? NiCd 0.546" OK

The more brands we can measure and post here, the easier it will be for future modders to plan around their resources. In fact, if any of you can measure I.D. of other worthwhile brands of C-cell or D-cell flashlights, posting those measurements would also be useful.

Thanks for all your help.

Chuck

 

[kongfuchicken]

I know energizer (rebranded sanyos) 1850mah work perfectly in my mag 2D with a homemade holder 4aa.
Greats from Cupertino, Chuck! Didn't know there were cpfer's so close... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink2.gif

 

[fivemega]

Also, dont forget that NOT all M*g Ds has same inside diameters.
I glued 4 GP 2000 together and put them inside a M*g barrel to dry without problem, next day I tried to put them inside other M*g D did <font color="red">NOT</font> fit. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/bowdown.gif

 

[4sevens]

Rayovac 15 minute IC3's rated at 2000mah are too big. I tried to
stuff 4 parallel into my 2d and they got jammed.
Mine was the newer 2d version. I've heard the older ones are a bit bigger. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

Has anyone tried those new energizer 2300mahs?

 

[udaman]

[ QUOTE ]
4sevens said:
Rayovac 15 minute IC3's rated at 2000mah are too big. I tried to
stuff 4 parallel into my 2d and they got jammed.
Mine was the newer 2d version. I've heard the older ones are a bit bigger. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon3.gif

Has anyone tried those new energizer 2300mahs?

[/ QUOTE ]
I do not have super accurate calipers. I measure an inside diameter from the head end of the bodytube(no threads) as 34.3mm- in my 5+yr old M*g.

Energizer 2300ma measure the same as Lenmar Nomem Pro(light & medium blue plastic wrapper, not newer blue/orange lettering) at 14.2mm. This about the same diameter as CostCo branded Kirkland AA alkaline. However, the Energizers will not fit into 34.3mm as loose set of 4 without getting stuck. LenMar Nomem 2300ma at 14.2mm also, must be a µm or less thinner as they do fit snug. I would suppose the newest 2450ma Lenmar AA's will be as large or larger in diameter /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[chuckolson]

Thanks, Udaman, that confirms the older D-Mag is 0.005" larger in diameter, and the formula says AA cells can be up to 0.559" dia in your Maglite. But 14.2mm is also 0.559", which is too close - - no fit.

Chuck