Advice needed in upgrading my 3D Cell Maglite

[Dr Phil Panter]

Hi, my name Dr Phil Panter,

Currently I own several torches (flashlights) the one I use the most is a small Cyba-Lite Auro Torch and a Maglite 3D Cell,

What I'm interested in is any suggestions on getting more power out of the Maglite 3D Cell.

According to the manufactures the 3D cell version averages 76.8 Lumens. I would like to get a bit more out of the torch without two much fiddling with components.

I have looked at upgrading the Standard Krypton bulb to one of the new Xenon bulb, however I can't find any information on the average lumens on or it effect on battery life.

I've also explored the option of upgrading the Maglite to an LED using a universal in one from Niteize.

However I mainly use the Maglite 3D when I'm out walking the dogs at night and have been informed that the LED although energy efficient aren't very eye friendly.

So the questions,

1) If I simply put a Xenon bulb in to the Maglite 3D what would be the likely lumen's output and effect on battery life in my Maglite 3D

2) Does anyone have any simple no complicated methods of boosting the power output of my Maglite 3D Cell torch?

3) Are the LED upgrades safe to use, as I don't want to degrade the eyesight of my pets?

 

[Paul520]

For 1):
http://www.maglite.com/lampspecs_dcell.asp
Not much increase.

 

[Gunner12]

The Maglite 3D is around 37 lumen out the front, not the 70 something that Maglite claims.

Check this thread for Maglite drop-ins/mods.

1. The Xenon is not too much of an upgrade from what I hear. Something simple would be to overdrive the 3D bulb with 4 C batteries..

2. Well the easiest would be an LED drop-in. Current gen LEDs can hit over 200 lumen but since most drop-ins(especially lower priced ones) either don't use a current gen LED or don't have enough heatsink(yes, high power LEDs need heatsinks to prevent them for burning out, the best LEDs are only around 60% efficient at most), the output is usually limited to under 200 lumen. Still a good bit more then stock though.

3. They shouldn't be any problem. They have much less light density(I don't remember the technical term for light emitted per area) then the sun or lasers so they will be fine. Unless you let your pets or you stare into the light for hours or days on end.

:welcome:

 

[PhantomPhoton]

:welcome:

There are many, many upgrades available for M@gs. I should first point out that M@g is lying about their lumen outputs. You'll find the M@g company doesn't hold very much respect on these forums for their flashlights in stock configuration. However we use the basic mag body for a great deal of "modding" around here so you'll find a lot of references to M@g hosts.

If you want to keep a pretty basic setup, you're going to be forced into the LED upgrade path. Bar none the best currently available simple M@g upgrade is from Malkoff Devices. While most of us flashaholics don't even flinch at spending that much on light, the average Joe thinks it's ludicrous.

A cheaper (in money AND quality) alternative is a Terralux dropin. The installation is slightly more simple on these too.

These are completely safe electrically and in terms of shining it at others. A young child (or other such idiots of similar mentalities) could in theory decide to keep their eyes open and stare into the light, which over a certain period of time will of course cause damage. But in general these will still trigger a blink reflex in humans. As for how pets deal with light I'm not entirely sure, but I have seen zero reports of pets being blinded by our creations thus far, and we certainly mod lights that have orders of magnitude more output around here.

 

[Dr Phil Panter]

Something simple would be to overdrive the 3D bulb with 4 C batteries..

Hi Gunner,

How long would the standard 3D Maglite Torch Krypton bulb last, if you overdrive it by pushing mover voltage through it..?

Also out of interest what is the voltage and amps of the Maglite 3D bulbs..?

How about cramming the 4 C batteries then replacing the bulb with a 4c Xenon..?

According to Maglite website, in theory the torch then would then produce 124.3 lumen's.

However like you I'm not to convinced by the claims of Maglite lumen ratings.

Can anyone advise me HOW to cram the 4 C batteries in to the torch as I have some rechargeable C batteries that I can utilise.

 

[Gunner12]

I'm not sure about how long they will run or what the specs for the 3D bulb is. I know that people have done it and it works with more and whiter output(at a shorter bulb life). I've seen info about the bulbs and over driving them around here but I can't find the thread right now.

From the data I see about over driving much more powerful bulbs, the bulb's life seems to be drastically shortened when over driven that much.

Rechargeable batteries run at a lower voltage then alkalines so the a 4 cell bulb running on rechargeable batteries would have less output then the same bulb running on alkaline batteries.

Since rechargeable batteries run at a lower voltage, 4 C rechargeable batteries won't overdrive the 3 cell bulb as much as 4 alkaline batteries. The bulb's life will also be a good bit longer then if it is overdriven by 4 alkaline batteries.

I think you can either just put 4 c batteries(space would be good to keep the batteries lined up or you might have to cut down or flip the spring(the spare bulb would have to be removed though) in the Maglite.

 

[GPB]

The Nite Ize replacement bulb is not as bright as your current bulb. If your goal is a brighter light, that's not the way to go. I also have the Mag LED bulb for a 3 cell light. It is much brighter than the incandescent bulb, but it has some heat issues. If you run it for an extended period, it gets too hot and becomes self dimming to keep from damaging itself. If you use your light sporadically for a few minutes here and there, you might be OK with that. For me the only advantage it had over other LED drop ins was that it was available at a regular store ( I am not too keen on mail ordering stuff ) For only slightly more money than the Mag LED, you could get the Terralux and it would be worth it. For considerably more money you could go with the Malkoff. That might also be worth it, but I haven't taken that leap yet. Good Luck !!

 

[Darkpower]

Hi, my name Dr Phil Panter,

Currently I own several torches (flashlights) the one I use the most is a small Cyba-Lite Auro Torch and a Maglite 3D Cell,

What I'm interested in is any suggestions on getting more power out of the Maglite 3D Cell.

According to the manufactures the 3D cell version averages 76.8 Lumens. I would like to get a bit more out of the torch without two much fiddling with components.

I have looked at upgrading the Standard Krypton bulb to one of the new Xenon bulb, however I can't find any information on the average lumens on or it effect on battery life.

I've also explored the option of upgrading the Maglite to an LED using a universal in one from Niteize.

However I mainly use the Maglite 3D when I'm out walking the dogs at night and have been informed that the LED although energy efficient aren't very eye friendly.

So the questions,

1) If I simply put a Xenon bulb in to the Maglite 3D what would be the likely lumen's output and effect on battery life in my Maglite 3D

2) Does anyone have any simple no complicated methods of boosting the power output of my Maglite 3D Cell torch?

3) Are the LED upgrades safe to use, as I don't want to degrade the eyesight of my pets?

Maglites are a lot of fun, cheap, readily available and there are lots of upgrade things you can do.

I have about 9 maglites in C and D cells, 2, 3 and 5 cells configurations. No two are alike and its like a lego system where I can mix and match. I have the Malkoff C and D dropins for 2 or 3 cells, Terralux TLE-6ex for 2 or 3 cells, TLE300 and the MagLED dropins.

The upgrade that I recommend for sheer luminosity and throw is the Terralux TLE300. It's a 3 LED 500-600 Lumen monster and it will run for 4 hours in a 5 cell Maglite. It is designed for 4 cells. It requires 6.0 volts (up to 12 volts) so I bought a 5 cell maglite for under $20. Then I wanted to use the TLE-300 in a one of my 3 cell Maglites and so I bought a battery stick that BatteryJunction sells that is 5 cells of 1/2 Dcells in shrinkwrap. The battery stick is a perfect form factor for 3 D cells but puts out a little more voltage 5x 1.2 volts = 6.0 volts. That sticks comes off the charger at 7.0 volts and will run the TLE 300 at 600 lumens for 1 hour 20 minutes followed for another 1 hr of 200 lumens or more.

The Battery stick will run you about $25 each plus you'll need a charger, and the TLE-300 runs about $75. But for about $150...maglite and charger included, you'll have a 600 lumen device that requires no hodge-podging, soldering or machining. Everything is just a perfect drop-in.

 

[lctorana]

OK, here are the specs:

3D WhiteStar Krypton LWSA301: 3.7V 0.7A 76.8 claimed bulb lumens (probable output roughly 40 bulb lumens)
3D MagStar Xenon LMSA301: 3.8V 0.84A 82.5 claimed bulb lumens (probable output at 3.8V roughly 47 bulb lumens)

The only 3-cell PR-based incan bulb that can beat the LMSA301 by a worthwhile margin that I've ever heard of is the Japanese H-26P Krypton bulb from RS Components (597-526). This draws a little more current (1A @ 3.6V), but at 80 lumens, represents the upper limit of conventional 3-cell PR-based bulb development.

Wouldn't it be lovely if the bulb out of the Lumens Factory EO-4 (190 lumens) could be potted into a PR (or MES/E10 for that matter!) base?

 

[BlueBeam22]

One thing I know of that you could do is put a 2D bulb in your 3D Maglite, it should overdrive the bulb and be noticeably brighter than the stock bulb.

 

[djenkins]

definatly a malkoff drop-in hands down!!! Ive got the 3d single drop in its like 240 lumens and i love it! it will run like 6hrs. he's also making a triple now that is like 700-750 lumens for like 2.5-3hrs runtime i think.

 

[metlarules]

I purchased a Magled 4d off of amazon.com and I have to say for the money it's quite the value. It puts out more light than the incandesent version and according to flashlightreviews.com runs for 43hrs20min till 50% light output(http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/maglite_mag-led.htm).The next step up would be the terralux tle-6xb for 3 cell mags(http://www.batteryjunction.com/tle-6exb.html).It has slightly better heatsinking than the mag and puts out more lumens at a decrease in battery runtime.After that it get a little to alot more expensive.The previously mentioned terralux tle-300 puts out 500 plus lumens and from there you go into the custom and modified realm. Since you already have the 3d I would suggest going with the Terralux tle-6exb for starters. That should give you plenty more light. Hope this helps and:welcome:.

 

[Dr Phil Panter]

Hi,

I spoken to a friend of mine at local university and he's making me a 4 AA battery holder that I can slot in to the 3D cell Maglite.

Then I can either overdrive the bulb that's already in it or pop in a 4.8 V Krypton bulb or the 4C Xenon Maglite bulb.

Personally I can't see the battery's lasting to long, however I'm going to use 4 AA 1300 mAg rechargeable instead or 4 AA alkaline.

But my friend says I will get for a short period of time better brightness (40 to a possible 50 lumen) and considering I would only be using the torch for an hour at a time it may be the solution.

What do you think..?

 

[Gunner12]

Don't you mean mAh?

1300 mAh seems a bit low, most batteries that I see have 2000-2500 mAh.

4 AA batteries in parallel or 4 AA batteries in series in the light?

I think you should try a high power LED drop-in. 5mm LEDs don't count as high power and the MagLED ones can be better, especially at the prices I hear they sell for in Europe.

 

[PhantomPhoton]

You can easily fit 3 AAs into the size of 1D battery. So you're far better off putting 4C's into a 3D than 4 AAs. Also those rechargeable AAs are very low in capacity. The best ones for general use are Eneloops which are ~2000mAh in capacity. For frequent use you can find Sanyo 2700mAh or Duracell 2650mAh NiMh AA cells pretty easily too. Good C NiMh cells are 5000mAh to 6000mAh.

 

[Dr Phil Panter]

Don't you mean mAh?

1300 mAh seems a bit low, most batteries that I see have 2000-2500 mAh.

4 AA batteries in parallel or 4 AA batteries in series in the light?

I think you should try a high power LED drop-in. 5mm LEDs don't count as high power and the MagLED ones can be better, especially at the prices I hear they sell for in Europe.

The AA batteries will be in series I believe, as it will power a krypton bulb 4.8 v from another torch that runs off 4 AA batteries.

The rechargeable batteries I've got are 1300 mAh.

Also LED bulb replacements in the UK are expensive, so are batteries hence why torches running of CR123 aren't popular.

 

[Gunner12]

They are probably a good bit cheaper to buy online and have it ship to your country.

 

[shakeylegs]

Welcome to CPF Doctor Phil!

Tell us, what is Oprah really like?

Doc, given your unique qualifications you are in an enviable position. Almost any CPF member would love to be able to hypnotize their significant other - implanting the suggestion that flashlight expenditures are important and necessary for the health and well-being of the relationship. Any tips would be welcome.

Regarding your 3D, with all due respect, you are heading down the "penny wise, pound foolish" path. You can nickel and dime your 3D as much as you want and you will not achieve any visually significant increase in power. A gross rule of thumb - you need to double the lumen output or your light to notice a significant difference. You'll end up sending more and more on small fixes without much to show for it. Go for a drop-in.

Use your talents on yourself if you must. "Save your pence", "Save your pence", "Save your pence", and get yourself one of the drop-ins mentioned.

If you are unable to hypnotize yourself, send me your m@g. I've got some extra parts and I'll build you a Seoul P4 led multilevel mod that will run on 3 or 4 alkalines of any size and will far outperform what you have now ( see this thread by StefanS - he provides beam shots of some of his mods, including a 3D m@g P4 Seoul). I'll cover the cost of the parts and labor. Your only cost, cover the postage. IF postage is prohibitive, perhaps we have a UK CPF'er who can help out. But for goodnessakes, don't settle for a krypton bulb driven by 4 aa nimh's.

 

[Gunner12]

Welcome to CPF Doctor Phil!

Tell us, what is Oprah really like?

Doc, given your unique qualifications you are in an enviable position. Almost any CPF member would love to be able to hypnotize their significant other - implanting the suggestion that flashlight expenditures are important and necessary for the health and well-being of the relationship. Any tips would be welcome.

Regarding your 3D, with all due respect, you are heading down the "penny wise, pound foolish" path. You can nickel and dime your 3D as much as you want and you will not achieve any visually significant increase in power. A gross rule of thumb - you need to double the lumen output or your light to notice a significant difference. You'll end up sending more and more on small fixes without much to show for it. Go for a drop-in.

Use your talents on yourself if you must. "Save your pence", "Save your pence", "Save your pence", and get yourself one of the drop-ins mentioned.

If you are unable to hypnotize yourself, send me your m@g. I've got some extra parts and I'll build you a Seoul P4 led multilevel mod that will run on 3 or 4 alkalines of any size and will far outperform what you have now ( see this thread by StefanS - he provides beam shots of some of his mods, including a 3D m@g P4 Seoul). I'll cover the cost of the parts and labor. Your only cost, cover the postage. IF postage is prohibitive, perhaps we have a UK CPF'er who can help out. But for goodnessakes, don't settle for a krypton bulb driven by 4 aa nimh's.

Amazing gesture shakeylegs.

Dr Phil Panter, I think you would like an LED mod much better then what you have now.

 

[nick9]

As a newbie here, I have been gleaning as much info as possible. My first purchase was a Fenix E20 that I really, really like. My next purchase is going to be a Malkoff drop-in for my 3D Maglite. From what I have seen it gives the biggest bang for the buck. I had 'foolishly' bought the Maglite 3wattLED upgrade module. I can't tell much difference in it from stock.

For now, just waiting on a few more dollars to pay for the Malkoff.

Nick