Confirm Mag85 Plans?

[tomcat017]

Hello all -- been here for a few years, and am finally ready to try my first incan mod. I figured I'd start simple with a Mag85, esp. since there is already so much info here. I searched, and found quite a few mag85 recipe threads. Some had several ways to go about business, and a few were from >1 year ago. Since it's my first build, I wanted to post here in the hope that someone would be willing to give the recipe a thumbs up. Here's what a I have so far.

1. Mag 3D host
2. New lens: UCL or borofloat (seems like borofloat is required for me since it will see winter use?)
3. New aluminum LOP cammed reflector (from light-edge?)
4. Fivemega 9AA>3D battery holder.
5. Fivemega bi-pin holder (seems this one eliminates the soldering requirement, and unlike the lower-resistance options like KIU, will not instaflash bulbs, though it may cost you a few lumens -- is that right?)
6. Universal pack charger -- any recommendations?
7. AA NiMH batteries. Seems the concensus is that CBP1650s are the way to go. Has that changed in recent years? I use eneloops for everything, but not sure if they will work in this application.
8. WA-1185 bi-pin bulbs.

Seems it's as simple as taking out the old parts and putting in the new. I know there are lots of additional mods to make a solid top-shelp Mag85 (progold, etc.), but for now -- and for it's application -- a light with a few missing lumens but easier assembly will be perfect for this newbie.

Thanks!

 

[tomcat017]

Where have all the incan folks gone?

 

[Lightdadark]

I can't help you with the Mag85 but I just did the ROP to my 2D and it's awesome. I can help you a little by recommending the bi focal reflector from Five Mega for your build.

 

[tomcat017]

Awesome, thanks -- fits the stock mag 3D body? I'll use that reflector instead of the deep then. Thanks!

 

[Stephen Wallace]

Cheap Battery Packs now have the Elite 2000 AA NiMH.

Yes, the FM bi-focal reflector fits the stock Mag head.

I'd suggest a hobby charger that can be used for both NiMH cells and lithium-ion cells - may as well get something that you can use for other purposes.

Everything else looks fine.

 

[eebowler]

Don't know if CBP cells are available anymore but, I do believe most incandescent gurus will recommend Li Ion cells instead. I've never built a Mag85 but do have a sweet ROP powered by two 18650 cells. Best of all, if you already have them available, you don't need to buy more.

There are switch mods and spring mods you can do to reduce overall resistance. I'll look around to find links... http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?99710-Mag-Switch-Resistance-Fix..-1-6th-stock!

Fivemega isn't the only one making 9AA-3D adapters. Just saw a thread by modamag.

I have an Icharger 106b+ from my RC habbit so that is used to charge EVERYTHING! If you want to charge AA cells only, there are 10bay AA/AAA chargers out there that work well. I've had an 8 bay charger for years and it's still going strong.

Bulbs, reflectors: http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sh...OSRAM-Bulb-amp-Reflector-Sales-Thread-(part-4)

In fact, there is a mega thread about ROP builds. You might get additional information there. 🙂

 

[tomcat017]

Thanks guys -- I'll pick up the new window and reflector now, and wait to get some more advice regarding batteries. I thought LIons couldn't handle the amperage draw of the 1185? I'll search for LIon mag85 versions, but if anyone has a thread, or advice on which battery type to go with, that would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[alpg88]

my advice use deep reflector ver2 by fivemega, pefect beam, throw very far, a lot better than others reflectors, i tried few, nothing beats deep reflector, also forget about AA use 3x 26650, the best combo, they are only $11 ea. at battey space, and have 4000mah.

 

[Illum]

bought my eneloops here: http://www.thomasdistributing.com/
and had very good results with this charger if you are going the 9AA route: http://www.batteryjunction.com/ch-un180.html

There is a lamp, WA1164,, not sure if it has been discontinued, that behaves alot like the WA1185 but driven by 8AAs. Look up mag64 for info on that.
I have shelved the mag85 for a very long time now, in retrospect I would have charged the cells in singles as opposed to a pack because it minimizes the need to balance the pack as the cells age. I opted the WA1164 because the cell count was even, all that was needed was a dummy AA.

 

[tomcat017]

my advice use deep reflector ver2 by fivemega, pefect beam, throw very far, a lot better than others reflectors, i tried few, nothing beats deep reflector, also forget about AA use 3x 26650, the best combo, they are only $11 ea. at battey space, and have 4000mah.

Thanks -- looks like deep reflector is sold out, at least in black (I'm guessing part of it shows? I've got a black host).

ETA: looked into the 26650s, and I guess it's been a while since I've bought LIon cells. Didn't even know these existed. Would I be better off using a 3C mag with these than the 3D? How would one charge them? Are they protected? And I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but does anyone make a D-sized LIon cell?

Thank you!

 

[tomcat017]

I have shelved the mag85 for a very long time now, in retrospect I would have charged the cells in singles as opposed to a pack because it minimizes the need to balance the pack as the cells age. I opted the WA1164 because the cell count was even, all that was needed was a dummy AA.

Illum, so you'd find an 8 or 10 cell charger and charge them individually anyway? Gotta say, the FM setup with the charger right into the battery carriage looked pretty sleek -- but does it run into pack balancing problems eventually?

 

[fivemega]

Either 3D or 4C M*g can accommodate 3 protected (2900mAh) 18650 cells with some automotive heater hose to center batteries and some tail cap mode. It's safe for bulb, light weight, cost less, longer run time per charge, easy to build and less batteries to deal with.

 

[Stephen Wallace]

The 26650s are likely to be a fraction wider than the internal bore of a C cell body tube, and it would need to be bored out a little for them to fit.

Both protected and unprotected versions of the 26650 exist, as well as IMR versions.

Ultrafire produce a 2-bay consumer charger that can charge most common sizes of li-ion battery, including 26650s and 32600s and 32650s. Not the best charger going though. 4Sevens produce a single bay charger that can accept up to a 26650 cell, but not the D cells. You can of course use a hobby charger for any of these.

KD doesn't seem to be selling the protected 32600/32650s anymore, but they are available from Novae Products.

The Elite 2000mAh AA NiMH batteries I mentioned are said to be able to sustain a current draw of 15-25A, so would have no issues powering a WA1185 - I'm using them at 10+A to power a Osram 64623 without issues. They would represent the safest power option, but do obviously fall behind in terms of capacity (and hence run time) in comparison to the 26650s or 32xxx.

 

[alpg88]

Thanks -- looks like deep reflector is sold out, at least in black (I'm guessing part of it shows? I've got a black host).

ETA: looked into the 26650s, and I guess it's been a while since I've bought LIon cells. Didn't even know these existed. Would I be better off using a 3C mag with these than the 3D? How would one charge them? Are they protected? And I'm pretty sure I know the answer, but does anyone make a D-sized LIon cell?

Thank you!

yea black ones are sold out long time ago, looks like only gold and red, chrome are left, i use red with black c mag host, imo red stripe in the middle of the head makes the host look less borring, but it is just me, benefit of deep reflector outweights different color stripe, imo.

3x26650 will fit in 3d, but c mag needs to be borred out, and you'll need 4c host, (that is what i have 4c host), i think there were borred out c host sold here somewhere.

i use unprotected imr 26650, i charge them with single cell charger from battery space in homemade cradle, but those cells you can charge in any charger that works with 18650, wf139 fits 1 26650. there is really no need for protected cells with 1185 bulb, before voltage drops to unsafe level, the bulb will go so dim, you will know it is time to charge the cells. also imr is safer chamistry, they don't really blow up like normal li ion cells.

 

[tomcat017]

Thanks for the info guys -- please do forgive me for being slow here, but here's what I got so far...

1. The deep reflector is worth it over the bifocal. Was hoping for a completely stealth mag, but if the increase in throw is worth it, I'll spring for it. What are the chances of catching an LOP reflector in the BST threads?

2. Seems these day LIon cells are the way to go over NiMH. I can use 3x26650 or 3x18650 in a 3D mag, and both combinations will not instaflash an 1185 bulb? Also, protected cells are not critical b/c the 1185 will be clearly dim before they run out. I am more worried about the charging end, however -- don't want to over charge the cells. What are IMR cells? Would you guys recommend the 18650 route, or the 26650 route? Thanks!

Lastly, if I'm missing an option that's clearly better than the mag85 (eg. the FM1909), please let me know. Thank you for the help!!