Basic questions

[gcbryan]

This was a longer post but the server went down so now it's going to be a shorter post. I have read a few of the stickies by the way.

I have an old 2D Cell flashlight from the 60's. It has a nice retro look. It is not bright however!

I've read a bit about the ROP mod. Is there any way (just by changing bulbs) to get a little more light rather than a lot? The ROP low seems interesting. Even 65-100 lumens would be nice. I get about 10 lumens with the stock bulb.

This light is just a novelty for me. In general it doesn't have to be useful as I just like its looks. However I would like a bit more light without having to change battery types if possible. Are there any options to get the D cells and just find a slightly better bulb?

If not are the battery converters (3AA to D size) I'm reading about the exact same size as a D cell (work in any 2 D light)? Where do I get them?

One option it seems is to get the ROP low and use 6 LSD AA batteries in two converters.

What are my options for the simplest way to get at least 65 lumens from an old 2 D sized light?

 

[JacobJones]

If not are the battery converters (3AA to D size) I'm reading about the exact same size as a D cell (work in any 2 D light)? Where do I get them?

They're actually a tiny bit smaller than a D battery, I put a bit of paper round them to stop the rattle. High quality ones that can cope with the high current of ROP are available from mdcod, he's got a sales thread somewhere, if you want a cheaper solution kaidomain have some but they need modifying with some copper wire and solder or they melt.

I don't know of any bulbs you can simply drop in and get that output. You could probably build an LED drop in that would produce 65+ lumens but to be honest there's no point, too time consuming for what you get out of it.

If it's got a metal reflector and glass lens I'd do the ROP mod.

Hope this helps

 

[StarHalo]

A common 3D Mag bulb from your local hardware store and a 3AA/D adapter with a spacer would get you right around 60 lumens with no risk of melting anything.

 

[Sci Fii]

Wow, a thread in Incandescent that's not about Surefire or Maglite. Incredible. Knock me over with a feather. Seriously, the short answer is it's not easy. 2D lights just don't have enough volts to get the light you're looking for. I have used one bulb that would probably do the trick but it's so overdriven it's life is likely very short. If you're interested in this option, let me know and I'll fill you in.

I don't have any experience with the 3AA converters but I have heard that they don't work in some lights. I think they do in some older lights though. Perhaps others can chime in with their experiences. If you go this route and it works, you should likely use two of them and then use a Mag xenon 5 cell. It was suggested above to use one and a spacer with a three cell but the difference between a 3 cell and a 5 cell is world's apart. Quite frankly, IMO, a 3 cell at the suggested voltage (which it would be with one 3AA converter) is rather underwhelming. 3AA converters can be purchased from Kaidomain.

I'm going to suggest an approach I've never seen before on this forum. I have yet to try this myself but I will be ordering the pieces to do so this week. I had intended to order them this weekend but your post will certainly encourage me to stop my dilly dallying. My suggestion is to use the 2AA to D converters available from DX or KD. Then, use LifePO4 AA in the converters. LifePO4 batteries are about 3.3 volts but hold their voltage extremely well under load. My understanding is that this set-up would yield about 6.0volts under load. This would be a great voltage for a 4cell Mag xenon. Nicely overdriven my guess it would provide about 120-150 lumens. Additionally, using this configuration you would also be able to then use a Pelican 3754 high bulb. I call it the ROP's little brother. Read about my experience with this bulb under the Dorcy Industrial Lantern thread in the Incandesent forum index. The increase from a Mag 4 cell to this bulb is significant.

Why don't you post a bit more info about your light. Maybe a pic? I just bought an old light but have yet to start work on it. It would be great to hear about others experiences. BTW, if you'd like links to the items I mentioned, let me know. I'll post if it's permitted.

 

[alpg88]

sure you can, but you'll have to say good bye to D cells, swap 2d cells for 18650\26650, and install 5cell maglite magnumstar bulb. or rop if you want more output, but be carefull rop gets hot, will melt plastic pats like lens reflector, and bulb holder.
btw, how is your reflector held up over the years, if it is worn out, faded, don't bother with that light, you wont get much output no matter the bulb.

 

[gcbryan]

Wow, a thread in Incandescent that's not about Surefire or Maglite. Incredible. Knock me over with a feather. Seriously, the short answer is it's not easy. 2D lights just don't have enough volts to get the light you're looking for. I have used one bulb that would probably do the trick but it's so overdriven it's life is likely very short. If you're interested in this option, let me know and I'll fill you in.

.

I'd like to hear about that bulb. Is it just a standard drop-in as opposed to bi-pin? I'm not interested in long bulb life unless it's ridiculously short or expensive or hard to get. I hate ordeing from DX or KD just because of the long wait (regarding the battery converter).

By the way if you Google "Warco Flashlight" mine is the first one that comes up.

 

[Sci Fii]

OK, the bulb I mentioned is a xenon 2.0v 1.2 amp. I purchased several locally at an Ace Hardware. Ace part # 33564. I found this link using Google. It's just to show you the packaging. Note that packaging says it's for a 4.0V lantern. The lantern must use two 2.0 V batteries in parallel or something strange.

http://www.shoplinkz.com/p/Ace-Hardware-33564-Ace-Xenon-Rechargeable-Bulbs-for-4V-Lanterns


I bought these bulbs when I first was first getting into incandescent's earlier this year. I didn't test the bulbs I had very well since I was just learning. I did foolish stuff like to see if the bulb could be used in a three cell light. Quick answer. No. Still, I did use one bulb for quite a while in a 2AA light using NiZN cells that put out about 3.5 volts. It lasted for a fairly long time even though it was being extremely overdriven. Put one in my uncles 2D Mag and it was a pretty nice upgrade over his 2 cell krypton mag bulb. It's not a lot brighter than a 2 cell Mag Xenon but it is a bit. Pretty nice thrower as well.

As to your light, I like. I really like these old lights. I kind of wish some company would do a retro thing and bring back incans with some modern tech. Sort of like they do with some cars.

I'm going to be getting the parts I discussed and will then start a thread on my adventure since I've never read anything about this approach before. As you said, it takes a while to get the stuff, so I hope to have something up early December.

 

[gcbryan]

Thanks. I have an Ace Hardware not far from here. If they don't have it I'll get it online. It's an easy way to start. If that's not enough I'll order some parts from DX. Really, for this particular light I just want it to at least be occasionally useful. As it is even with all the lights out in the house it's still pretty dim!

I agree regarding the retro thing.

 

[fivemega]

If your plan is using pair of rechargeable "D" batteries, try GH88 bulb but if your plan is to use with alkaline AA cells, use same bulb with pair of 2 parallel AA to D adapter from DX. 3 parallel AA to D adapter will work better if you can find one.
There are more options if you plan to use rechargeable AAs such as GH24 with 6 serial AAs

 

[Mr Happy]

OK, the bulb I mentioned is a xenon 2.0v 1.2 amp. I purchased several locally at an Ace Hardware. Ace part # 33564.

I've come across and purchased some those bulbs before. I put them in a 2AA light with resistance mods and run them off eneloops. A decent amount more light than a stock 2AA bulb.

As to the OP's question, I recommend getting some cheap 3AA to D adapters like the ones from KD, put eneloops in them and use a 5 or 6 cell Mag xenon bulb.

 

[gcbryan]

If your plan is using pair of rechargeable "D" batteries, try GH88 bulb but if your plan is to use with alkaline AA cells, use same bulb with pair of 2 parallel AA to D adapter from DX. 3 parallel AA to D adapter will work better if you can find one.
There are more options if you plan to use rechargeable AAs such as GH24 with 6 serial AAs

Will the GH88 not work with 2 D alkaline cells?

 

[gcbryan]

I've come across and purchased some those bulbs before. I put them in a 2AA light with resistance mods and run them off eneloops. A decent amount more light than a stock 2AA bulb.

As to the OP's question, I recommend getting some cheap 3AA to D adapters like the ones from KD, put eneloops in them and use a 5 or 6 cell Mag xenon bulb.

I wasn't able to find those adapters at KD. Have you bought any recently? Also are they stackable (2)?

I went to ACE today and got a Xenon 2.4 V bulb and looked for the other bulb referred to above but couldn't find them.

 

[Sci Fii]

Was the 2.4 V bulb the HPX20? Should be .93 A. If so, it's not bad. Not quite as bright as the other bulb, though. Not a big difference.

 

[fivemega]

Will the GH88 not work with 2 D alkaline cells?

Alkaline cells are capable of 1 Amp drain max. Any higher drain will reduce battery life significantly and voltage drop to unacceptable level.

 

[gcbryan]

Was the 2.4 V bulb the HPX20? Should be .93 A. If so, it's not bad. Not quite as bright as the other bulb, though. Not a big difference.

Yes, that is the one. Good to know that it's almost as good as the one you mentioned.