Anything I Can Do with a Mini Maglite?

[recDNA]

I just found a nice looking 2 X AA Mini Maglite in my drawer at work. It looks nice and still works despite being about 20 years old. I still light its "tight is on - loose is off" twisty UI.

Of course the light output is pathetic. Is there anything I can do with it to allow it to put out more output?

I don't want to spend a fortune and of course I'm only interested in EASY mods that are available now. I don't care for waiting for a mod to become available.

Thanks

 

[bansuri]

I got an inexpensive, single LED that replaces the stock bulb from Lighthound for a few bucks. Huge improvement.
Here's a link:
http://www.lighthound.com/ArcMania-...for-Mini-Maglight-Flashlight-SMJLED_p_83.html

 

[recDNA]

I got an inexpensive, single LED that replaces the stock bulb from Lighthound for a few bucks. Huge improvement.
Here's a link:
http://www.lighthound.com/ArcMania-...for-Mini-Maglight-Flashlight-SMJLED_p_83.html

Nothing about output though.

 

[bansuri]

Definite improvement. I'm on my mobile, if no one offers up anything I'll post some beamshot comparisons tonight.

 

[apontes]

You can also check the Nite Ize and Terralux options. Same concept.

 

[bansuri]

Recdna, your pm is disabled so I have to post it here.
I'll send you my old 3LED niteize dropin for free, the performance is nowhere near the one I posted the link for, but if you've got a second minimag it's worth it just for the runtime improvement. Pm if you're interested.

 

[parnass]

If all else fails, you can cut the Minimag's head off and use it as a large "spy capsule" or pill carrier. I used a tubing cutter.

 

[Rocketman]

Really, just keep it for the memories. The money spent on it to make it a better light would be better spent on a new light like a Fenix LD10, as an example. I was using a drop-in a few years ago until I bought a Streamlight Strion and I haven't tried since to do anything with a Maglite. Anymore I figure that's Maglite's job.

 

[LEDninja]

It is probably cheaper to buy a brand new LED minimag than to upgrade an old one.

The TLE-5EX is the brightest.
The ArcMania SMJLED the most value.
When you crank down on the upgrade with the minimag reflector, it is easy to twist the module and break the pins. So buy a tailcap switch for on off and leave the reflector for focussing. That way you can leave the reflector in the best focus position as well.

TLE-5EX
TLE-20
TerraLUX Tail Cap Switch

MJ 2-AA Module kit
Kroll switch

ArcMania Super MJ LED
TCS-1 Tailcap Switch
Nite-Ize 1 Watt LED Upgrade

 

[Ksailork]

If all else fails, you can cut the Minimag's head off and use it as a large "spy capsule" or pill carrier. I used a tubing cutter.

What is the (looks like soft plastic) cover on the severed head?

 

[Brian321]

I got an inexpensive, single LED that replaces the stock bulb from Lighthound for a few bucks. Huge improvement.
Here's a link:
http://www.lighthound.com/ArcMania-...for-Mini-Maglight-Flashlight-SMJLED_p_83.html

+1, I have that and the output isnt alot but the beam is way smoother and looks alot nicer than stock.

Plus it is a little brighter and the batteries will last longer.

Cant beat it for $4.

Brian

 

[Locoboy5150]

You might want to do what I did and just use your Mini-Maglite as a back up EDC light. Mine has been upgraded with a Terralux TLE-5EX drop in LED, but you don't have to spend that much for a simple back up light. If your main EDC light also uses the same batteries as your Mini-Maglite, as is the case with my EDC lights arrangement, then all the more reason to keep your Mini-Maglite as a battery carrier.

Sure, the Mini-Maglite's days as a top notch EDC light are well in the past, but you'd be amazed at how even one of those classics can be a life saver when your main EDC light has dead batteries. I've had to rely on my old Mini-Maglite a few times in those situations and believe me it sure came in handy.

 

[cm_mtb]

I have an SMJLED in my 2AA Mag. I'd guess the OTF output is somewhere between 20 and 30 lumens. I like it; it's definitely not my most used light, but it has its uses. The beam is fairly floody, so for me, it is a nice light for walking around my house at night and nighttime walks where a ton of lumens aren't necessary. Tint isn't the greatest (it's a bit blue), but not terrible. The TerraLux dropins are another option, but get closer to the price of a decent new light.

If bansuri doesn't get around to posting those beamshots, I'll go take a few pictures once it gets dark.

 

[Jash]

I'm stunned that someone who has made over 1800 posts on CPF has to ask such a question.

Not having a go or anything. It's just that I would think that someone who spent that much time in CPF would know in their sleep the answer to that question.

Put it in your pocket and leave it at a bus stop. You will make someones day and it won't have cost you a cent.

 

[bansuri]

If bansuri doesn't get around to posting those beamshots, I'll go take a few pictures once it gets dark.

Well it's still bright out but what the heck. In person the output from the Maglight is sickly and bloblike. Man, you can never go home. I used to love my Mini Mag when I was a kid, now it's obscene to look at that beam in person and feel all the energy wasted as heat coming off that little bulb.
I haven't seen any twisting of the emitter but it sounds plausible. I baby my lights so I can't imagine ever having a problem. You could put some 2-sided foam tape under the assembly to keep it from twisting.
I included the other beamshots for fun, so no flaming! :tsk:


ArcMania Super MJ vs Maglight

ArcMania Super MJ vs Novatac 85 w/K2 emitter

ArcMania Super MJ vs Nitecore SR3

Nitecore SR3 vs Standard Maglight

Novatac 85 w/K2 emitter vs Standard Maglight

Standard Maglight vs Liteflux LF2XT

 

[OCD]

I put one of the Nitize 3-led drop ins in my Mini mag. It may have upgraded the run time, but the output is less than stellar. The tint is very blue/purple (I'm partially color blind, but can tell it sucks! :sick2. I live with it as this is the light in my work shop that only gets used when I'm working on something close up with dirty and oily hands. I have my EDC light(s) on me if I need good light.

 

[sol-leks]

I don't think any of the minimag upgrades are worth it. The 5mm upgrades are really dim, which is fine for a AAA keychain light but silly for a 2xAA light. The more powerful ones like the terralux are ok, but really for that price you could buy a romisen or similar budget light with much higher performance. Now there are upgrades for the 2xC and 2xD mags that are interesting, but that's a different story.

 

[recDNA]

Thanks Bansuri! Nice pics.

 

[metlarules]

One of my favorite mods for mini-mags is to cut a red 5mm led to the same length as the stock bulb and plug it in the socket. It is good for night-vision preservation. It also runs a long time. Without a resistor you are overdriving the led but who cares. They are only 60 cents apiece.
http://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail...=sGAEpiMZZMs4quMj8r4lml0GZsaK/vRILswrr9Lrg2M=

 

[kramer5150]

My nite-ize3-LED has BY far the worst color tint I have ever seen from an LED. Mine could sell as a purple colored led. Pics below are misleading, there is no white spot in the middle... its all puke-purple.

L to R
-TIP-A3 on Medium (18L)
-Nite-ize 3 led drop in
-5 emitter showerhead junk light

-ITP-A3 on medium
-Nite-Ize 3 LED drop in