Development/Discussion/Interest thread: Battery Adapters for popular LED flashlights

[mdocod]

Hello folks...

Over the last couple years, numerous larger format hand-held flashlights have come on the market that use battery adapters, or D cells. I have been contacted by owners of some of these lights regarding the construction of battery adapters for use in these flashlights. I have in the past intended to build adapters for some of these lights, but the plans and time fell through. I'd like to re-visit the issue here.

I currently have a handful of battery adapters for sale, but they are limited in compatibility to primarily mags and M6s. As far as I can tell, it is unlikely that the adapters I currently offer are going to fit and work properly in this new breed of larger format LED lights coming out.

The following lights and configuration ideas are just some examples of what I have in mind:

LED Lenser Coast X21: A possible 12AA adapter so folks could use their preferred AA size cells. Is body tube large enough for 16AA cells? Not sure.

Olight SR51: possibly a 4AA adapter if anyone were interested.

iTP A6: Lots of possibilities depending on the tube diameter.. 2x17670, 4x17500 or 6xCR123 all possible options.

Sunwayman M30R: Can't think of anything...
Sunwayman M60R: 2x18650, 4xAA, 3x17670 might fit...

Fenix TK41/45: Not sure what would fit... maybe 4x18500 or 6x17500?
Fenix TK50: 6AA 2.4V
Fenix TK60/70: 12AA 4.8V


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If you are interested in a particular battery adapter configuration for a particular flashlight, please make mention in this thread. I'd like to gage which configurations would have enough demand to warrant batch production vs 1-off customs for individuals.

I basically need pictures and accurate dimensions/properties of the battery containment area of a given flashlight in order to work on an adapter for the flashlight. If you can help with this and are interested in the resulting adapter options I will try to arrange a reasonable compensation in the form of perhaps a discount or free prototype unit. Keep in mind that depending on the level of perceived demand, I may or may not move forward with a particular design so any dimensions/pictures offered that are not used may go un-rewarded besides a "thank-you."

Eric

 

[samgab]

Thanks for the link in the other thread to this one. I'd be interested. As the tube of the TK70 (for instance) just takes 4 standard sized D cells in a line, like a single tube, I guess any adapter that has the same outside dimensions as 4 D cells in a row would work, so long as they are in 3P/4S format, with the + and - contacts in the same place as they would be with 4 end-to-end D cells.
So a length of ~240 mm, plus a "button" protruding from the + end by ~1-2 mm, and an OD of 33.2-34.2mm, and it should fit perfectly, just as 4 D cells in a row make a shape of those dimensions.
Cheers!
PS, I'm fairly sure if it fits in a 4D mag it will physically fit in the TK70, it's just a matter of it having the 3 parallel in a series of 4 battery layout.

 

[notrefined]

actual measurements might still prove helpful I would think...never know but you might be able to cram 16 AAs in there if the ID happens to be on the generous side. actual allowable length may vary a bit as well.

 

[mdocod]

Thanks for the link in the other thread to this one. I'd be interested. As the tube of the TK70 (for instance) just takes 4 standard sized D cells in a line, like a single tube, I guess any adapter that has the same outside dimensions as 4 D cells in a row would work, so long as they are in 3P/4S format, with the + and - contacts in the same place as they would be with 4 end-to-end D cells.
So a length of ~240 mm, plus a "button" protruding from the + end by ~1-2 mm, and an OD of 33.2-34.2mm, and it should fit perfectly, just as 4 D cells in a row make a shape of those dimensions.
Cheers!
PS, I'm fairly sure if it fits in a 4D mag it will physically fit in the TK70, it's just a matter of it having the 3 parallel in a series of 4 battery layout.

I would need to see pictures of the tailcap and spring to see if my current adapters have a chance at working... I suspect the tailcap/spring will interfere with the thumb nut and rod that protrude (normally into the valley inside the large mag tailspring and cap).. I am pretty sure the design will have to change slightly to accommodate for this.

 

[samgab]

I would need to see pictures of the tailcap and spring to see if my current adapters have a chance at working... I suspect the tailcap/spring will interfere with the thumb nut and rod that protrude (normally into the valley inside the large mag tailspring and cap).. I am pretty sure the design will have to change slightly to accommodate for this.

You're probably right. A flat end plate would be best. maybe something in brass with a countersunk screw?
See this youtube video (not my video) at 3m 10s:

and here at 57s for a good closeup:

 

[Jackasper]

Sorry to dig up an old thread but I'd be interested in the same setup for the VaraPower 2000. Same requirements as samgab has for his TK70 except in a 3D Mag body. I have the same thing going, the light requires I stick to the 3D/4C NiMH format. Obviously I'd like to go the higher voltage route of the 4C config. I too have a million Eneloops of either size laying around and would love to have an adapter that ran 3P/3S or 3P/4S or... whatever you'd recommend as long as ending voltage was right at 4.8 (ish)... Thanks, Derek