Drop in MR16 mod

[Chief_Wiggum]

Since some lazy bum finally got off his butt and made me some 4AA to D battery adapters /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I decided to make a 100% (almost) drop in MR16 mod for my 3D Maglite.

No modifications are needed at all to the Mag. You don't even have to remove the switch assembly. You do, however, have to create a custom PR bulb base to bi-pin adapter.

I cleaned out an old bulb, and fit it with 2 female Molex sockets. I then filled the base with epoxy and ran a couple wires to make the connections.

Here's what you need:

- 3 battery adapters
- UCL lens from http://www.flashlightlens.com/
- MR16 bulb w/o front lens (this one's a 20 watt 10 degree)
- modified PR bulb

PR base installed

Bulb and lens installed

Install the batteries and curse a lot while you try and screw the Mag cap back on becuase some retard made them too long /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

All done!

 

[Stefan]

Not bad....but if each battery adapter holds 4AA's (6 volts per adapter w/ alkalines) you would require 2 adapters, not 3. From what you did you are supplying 18 volts (alkaline).

Assuming you use rechargeables, 12x1.2 is 14.4 volts...safe enough for a 12 volt bulb.

 

[Chief_Wiggum]

Yep, it's actually 19.2V. It's a little /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif much, but seems to work great.

 

[PaulW]

Chief,

All right. Now you've got yourself a bright light!

Regarding the tight fit, for a similar job I did a while back, I followed Mr Bulk's example and cut off about half of the spring. Then I deformed what was left so that the tip of the spring was dead center. Now it's easy on, easy off. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'd be interested to know what batteries you're using in your mod.

Paul

 

[Chief_Wiggum]

Oh, they're just Energizer industrial cells I bought from:

http://www.cheapbatteries.com

Great idea on the spring I think I'm going to do that now.

 

[Ginseng]

Nice mod! Very well done. It's a pity my Powerex 2000s won't fit in 4X in a Mag tube.

Wilkey

 

[lemlux]

Chief:

If you wanted to make any extra sockets, I'd be happy to buy a couple. Perhaps you'd rather trade for some of my wide assortment of W/A bulbs -- Unpotted on hand or being potted in Ginsengs group buy.

BTW, 12 @ NiMHs will deliver 14.4 V before voltage drop with the 1.67 Amp or higher current of MR16's. As these are typically 2000 hour rated lamps, overdriving at 13.2 V (1.1 V per cell) will only drop the ewxpected bulb life to about 665 hours.

 

[jtice]

Very nice Chief!
Yet another use for your wonderful batt holders. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Does anyone know how bight this would be, compaired to a DD 5W?
How much is one of those bulbs?

 

[Ginseng]

[ QUOTE ]
lemlux said:
Chief:

If you wanted to make any extra sockets, I'd be happy to buy a couple. Perhaps you'd rather trade for some of my wide assortment of W/A bulbs -- Unpotted on hand or being potted in Ginsengs group buy.

[/ QUOTE ]

lemlux,

I am equipped to make pin socket PR adapter bases. I use JB Weld epoxy. I would be interested in trading a pair for a single unpotted WA01160.

Wilkey

 

[lemlux]

Wilkey:

Done!

I have Carley 912's but am frustrated with their current-handling limitations.

I would be delighted to receive two sockets from you in exchange for one of the two unpotted 01160's you were going to send me.

If possible, please leave room in the center for the S/A bulb tails so the filament height can be made relatively standard.

Thanks again.

 

[Chief_Wiggum]

If we could get one of our in house master machinists to tool up a few dozen I think they might be able to sell them.

Didn't I read somewhere that Carley makes a bi-pin PR base? Not sure if it'd work with these bulbs though.

I think the MR16 bulb cost me less than $10.00 I've seen better beams from them, though. This one's not that even. I may try to buy a Decostar. I've heard those are the best.

 

[Ginseng]

lemlux,

I will try fabbing one up for the MR16 pins in the next few days while the order is processing at Carley. The WA tail hole will not be a problem.

Wilkey

 

[Rothrandir]

ticey, a 5watter would urinate on itself. mr16's are bright

very elegant solution chief!
i've got a 50watt 10degree irc waiting for use ;D

 

[Chief_Wiggum]

Only 50? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif I took a long hard look at a 50 watt bulb. Then I asked myself, "Do I really need that much light?"

I was a fool... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Rothrandir]

you probably made a good choice.

i have no way to run it! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
with nihm or nicad aa's it will only last a <font color="red">very</font> short time /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

i wanted to keep it 3d or less, but i think i might need to bite my unrealistic wants and get a 6d with 12powerstream 1/2d's.

i really need a smart charger for it though /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif (anyone make a cheap smartcharger? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif )

 

[MR Bulk]

Very nice Chief, Paypal sent!

But seriously, for an incandescent-mod-challenged Flashoholic such as myself, would you consider making up a drop-in kit? If you are open to either cash or trade (for a 5W Luxeon mod of some type?), I would certainly be willing. E-mail sent...

 

[Technician]

You can get MR-16's at Home Depot or Lowe's for about $10 per pack of 3. Make sure you get them in the 3-pack or else you don't get the deal! It's $5 a piece otherwise.

Anyway, how is the runtime? Any beam shots? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Rothrandir]

but if you want the good kind, you have to have a friend in europe /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

the irc ones are more effient and brighter /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
so my 50w irc is about as bright as a 75w non-irc /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[soloco]

You know, this thread just reminded me of an old mod I did a while ago. I used a custom Carley 912 base that I asked to have the potted material flush with the flange. Then I just popped in a MR11, filled it with 123s, and was good to go! VERY simple mod if you have the special 912. I'm Carley would make more if I asked, they were good about the first run.

FYI, MR11 is smaller than the 2" diameter of the Mag head, but is held in place fine by the pressure of the pedestal spring and the front glass.

 

[Ginseng]

Soloco,

The MR11s are very nice little lights. I sorta like that size better than the MR16. Carley will make those special PRs, but it'll cost $10 a piece and take some time.

Wilkey