Convert D cell -> AA?

[Dan Harris]

My last D cell lights are a 4D Mag and two 2D Mags. To simplify hurricane preparations and supplies, all of our other lights and electronics use either AA's or CR123A cells. While researching Eneloops, I saw they had a D to AA converter that appeared similar to the one at Battery Junction. http://www.batteryjunction.com/bt-5d.html

I acknowledge and accept the limitations of the Mags and own several Surefires and other high quality lights. But the simple UI and form factor make them ideal as everyday users for my family, especially as hurricane lights.

The only mod I would consider would be an inexpensive led replacement.

My question is, would this conversion work and what are the upsides or downsides?

Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions!

Dan

 

[Marduke]

You might want to get some of these
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.7031

To work well in a Mag, you might have to tweak the bottom spring so it's narrower.


I keep about 8 of those adapters around so if/when my rather limited supply of D cells runs out in an emergency, I can use my endless supply of AA's.

 

[Rossymeister]

downsides?

Reduced Capacity=Reduced Runtime

Alkaline D Cells Have About 10,000 MaH

Rechargeable AA`s Have Between 2000MaH and 2650MaH

If These Lights Are Going To Be Used Often, I Strongly Suggest Investing In Some LSD NiMH D Cells.

 

[gswitter]

Another option is the Aventrade 4AA->D parallel adapter.

They take a little tweaking if you want to use them with Eneloops, and you'll probably have to run them with only three cells to fit in a Mag D tube, but if you're dead set on AA's...
​

 

[Dan Harris]

Thanks for the responses so far. I want to use alkaline AA or Eneloops only. Except during a hurricane, these lights would see relatively light duty. I will trade off brightness for low self discharge.

How many AA do I need to approximate 2 D's or 4 D's? What is the formula? If this concept won't work, please tell me!

Thanks for your help.

Dan

 

[Marduke]

You cannot get near the same runtime by putting AA's in place of D's. You only gain economy and versatility.

 

[cl0123]

There is also a Low Self Discharge D-size battery option. It can be pricey but perhaps something that may fit your needs. You're also going to need an NiMH charger for those NiMH LSD batteries. I have quite a small collection of NiMH AA cells for camera flashes and other electronics (well, kids' toys, to name a few, more than a few, ) and have already invested in one their MAHA 8AA-bay chargers. At this point, I am still undecided to whether switch over to the LSD NiMH D-cells

I will trade off brightness for low self discharge.

I cannot believe you're saying that in CPF? Otherwise, I wholeheartedly agree. Well, somewhat, anyway. I was in Tampa when hurricane Andrew hit. I was lucky and nothing bad happened. Nonetheless, knowing Florida's wonderful weather first hand, please consider getting one of those D-sized battery-operated fan as well.

With Aloha,

Clarence

 

[qwertyydude]

The good thing about Nimh batteries is you can get a universal charger, so just get the D cells and enjoy long runtimes. Lithiums are a bit harder to get a universal charger but you can get one that'll do the two most common sizes CR123 and 18650.