Best Bulb for 3x123 Modded MAG-2C

[this_is_nascar]

My modified Mag 2C is one of my most used lights around the house and in the back yard. It also rests on my nightstand for those little noises that go bump-in-the-night. I've tried quite a few different bulbs to handle the 3x123 SureFire cells. Up until recently, I used the RS KPR112 pretty religiously. Over 3-months ago, I started with a different bulb from Reflectalite. I use the GH24 and also have the GH24F (frosted), although I've never tried the frosted ones. The GH24 produces the best light as far as I'm concerned, with the least amount of hassle. No PR-Base modules needed for this bulb. Just plop it in there.

Here's the specs from the box that each bulb is contained in:

GH24 - 6V - 10W
GH24F - 6V - 10W

These bulbs are great and I now only use these exclusively in this configuration. Along with the UCL and PMR, this is one of my "best" lights. If you do decided to order, please tell them that Ray from CPF sent you. It won't get you anything, but I'd appreciate the referral anyway.

 

[raggie33]

stupid radio shack here has no kpr 112 . they suck so bad. i think they must be thge dumbest people on this planet

 

[this_is_nascar]

raggie33, since I no longer use them, I'll send my extra KPR112's to ya' if you want them. I'll have to dig around and see if I have any left.

 

[paulr]

RS has the KPR118 for $1.29. I'm using one in a cheap plastic 2C light with 3x123 and I'm very happy with it. But that GH24 looks incredible and I'll have to try one even though it will probably melt the lens/reflector of this cheap light. I'm amazed that the 6V bulb doesn't pop with 9V going into it. I think the GH24 might also be a great choice for a 6AA light (2D host plus EL 3-to-D V2 adapters) powered by rechargeables.

 

[bwaites]

TIN's combo is great!

I had forgotten this combo until I saw his post. I've been running 5 cell Xenon Mag lamps in my 2C with 3 123's, but the GH24 is whiter AND produces more light.

Bill

 

[_mike_]

Maybe TIN and Bill can answer this question. What kind of run time are you getting with the 3X123/GH24 combo?

And for Bill,
How does this combo compare (runtime and light output)to the Allyn Welch 1185/Carley aluminum reflector/3AA-to-D mod?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[cue003]

I was wondering the same as Mike. I think I will put together a couple of these to give as gifts but I want to be sure that all will be fine without things melting etc.

Do not need to change the reflector or lens to run this setup do I?

Thanks

Curtis

 

[bwaites]

I haven't a clue to runtime, my guess is 40-60 minutes.

There isn't a comparison to the 1185 combo.

The 1185 is simply THE brightest, hottest relatively simple Mag mod going.

Nothing else is truly comparable. the 1185 puts out something over 1000 bulb lumens by spec. Assuming a 60-70% reflector efficiency, thats like 600-700 out the front.

The GH24 is specced at 201 lumens at 6v, so assume 300-400 at 9 volts. Reflectalite doesn't publish overdrive tables. Assuming those numbers, thats about 200-300 lumens out the front, or less than half.

The frosted bulb does make a nice smooth beam, but isn't quite as bright, for obvious reasons. (Quality vs Quantity AGAIN!)

The GH24 has been added to the bedside arsenal. Tonight I'll check it against the WA1318 with 4 123's and against the 1111 with a high drain pack.

Bill

 

[_mike_]

Bill,

Again, excellent information. I'm sticking with the 1185 mod. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Though this one sounds like a possibility to do some time as well.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[this_is_nascar]

Sorry, I don't have any runtime details. Does that WA-1185 already come potted in the base socket? I'm assuming the 1185 is for 3x123, correct?

 

[bwaites]

No, the 1185 is pretty strictly a 9 cell NIMH mod. It MUST be run in an aluminum reflector.

You could, I suppose, run a triple stack of 123's in parallel to get enougn current to make one run, but it really needs more current than 123's will provide.

The GH24 is probably the brightest 3 cell bulb out there, though there is a Carley that some people think highly of, but I can't remember which.

Bill

 

[litho123]

Re: Best Bulb for 3x123 Modded MAG-2C *DELETED*

Post deleted by litho123

 

[bwaites]

I actually get better than 40 minutes of intermittant runtime on my Ginseng built 1800 MaH pack of AA's running the 1185.(I goofed, its actually a 2000MaH pack!)

Straight up better than 35 minutes, thogugh I will admit that I don't have to do that often.

The coolest though is running the 1185 on 9 4Mah 1/2 D's in a 6D mag. That is one bright sucker!!!

Bill

 

[litho123]

That Carley bulb you're thing of is the CA1499. RE: runtime info on CA1499, GH24, and others ... I've got all the calculations at home which I'll post this evening.

Having compared the GH24 and the Carley 1499, my preference is the 1499. It's , brighter, whiter with a tighter spot.

Specs on the bulb: CA1499 7.2v 1.84a / 30.7 MSCP (bulblumens @ 385 / torch lumens @ 250)

(edited - completed the bulb specs)
=================================================

RE: The 1185, I run it on two stacks of 4.5x123 with an estimated runtime of just under 40 minutes in a M@g 3D.

With Wayne's 3AA - D adapters, I'll be able to convert this light into a rechargable light and save myself the estimated 17.00 per hour it costs of running this bulb on Lithium batteries.

RE: in a rechargable format: From what Ginseng has posted, the estimated runtime is around 25 - 30 minutes of acceptable light before needed a recharge.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

I tried 3x123's with WA01160 and popped it with fresh 123's. GB24's didn't work too well for some reason. Too much sag to batteries. GB24 runs about 1.75A's, and can pull 123's down quite a bit. I probably was not using SureFire batteries.

Bill

 

[raggie33]

that will be cool tin i can send money for them. lol every time i go to radio shack they dont have em or even know what im talking about but then i found part number.and ordered em but i went back to pick em up and they didnt know what i was talking about again.i have no clue how them people keep there job.

 

[bwaites]

Litho,

This is from Ginsengs add for his ultimate Magcharger, I didn't post the whole add to save a little space! My experience is as advertised. (Some of it will depend upon which AA's you use, obviously. There has been quite a bit of discussion on which are best):


4. MC85
This is the ultimate upgrade in this ultimate upgrade package. The eye-shattering WA01185 bulb is overdriven on a 9-cell, 2Ah battery pack that pushes output to an incredible 5+ times over stock! Expect nearly 40 minutes of light output that well surpasses any other rechargeable, tubular duty light in existence. In fact, the only competition will come from torches such as the Vector 1-2 million candlepower handheld spotlights.

The individual components are listed below:
1. Pristine Magcharger body. Tailcap modified to accept an internal spring for the MC11+ configuration. Absolutely stock appearing.
2. Stock 2.5Ah nicad battery pack
3. Custom UMP 3.5Ah nimh high current battery pack
4. Custom 6-cell, 1.7Ah nicad high current battery pack
5. Custom 9-cell, 2Ah nimh high capacity battery pack
6. Stock mineral glass lens
7. UCL ultra clear lens from FlashlightLens.com
8. Pure mica heat shield for the bulb socket
9. Two stock Magcharger bulbs
10. Two WA01160 bulbs
11. Two WA01111 bulbs
12. One WA01185 bulb
13. Modified charging system that will safely charge all of the above battery configurations.

Bill

 

[this_is_nascar]

[ QUOTE ]
raggie33 said:
that will be cool tin i can send money for them. lol every time i go to radio shack they dont have em or even know what im talking about but then i found part number.and ordered em but i went back to pick em up and they didnt know what i was talking about again.i have no clue how them people keep there job.

[/ QUOTE ]

PM me your mailing address and I'll send you a couple at no charge.

 

[this_is_nascar]

I don't think the CA1499 is easily available, is it? Doesn't it also require a PR-Base?

 

[kubolaw]

I really like the CA1499, but it is definitely not an "off the shelf" item. Basically, you have to order it from Carley with potting if you want to drop it in to a Mag - so the main issues are the $50 Carley minimum and the delays in getting it potted. Although it probably would work in their 912 bipin socket (tho the current is over the socket rating).

But there is a lot to like about the lamp. At about 29 lumens per watt, it is on the high side of lamp efficiency and is very bright. The small size makes the resulting beam very nicely focusable. The high color temp makes the beam very white. And the fact that it is designed for 3x123 makes it very robust in that setup. I've given away a few modded Mags with this lamp, and there have been no reports of flashing (unlike my experience with the CA808 @ 4x123).

Someone really should buy a huge lot of these carry them as a regular item for purchase (hint, hint, Flashlightlens /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif)

John