First torch mod

[Exitialis]

Hey

So a while ago I saw someone who had a modded maglite D 3 cell and it was awesome, they pointed me in the direction of this forum and I had a wee look but thought it was a bit over my head and left it. Now however I want to do something similar so I have spent a fair while trawling this forum to learn about torches and how to achieve what I want.

I now know that too mod this maglite I have here I will need an LED, a heatsink (preferably hollow to fit the driver in), a driver, a better reflector (my impression is this isn't strictly necessary but I figure I might as well do things properly) and a lens of some description.

The Maglite D mod guide was awesome too whoever wrote that (sorry can't remember the name).

But my biggest problem is finding the right sort of lens, the torch I saw which I thought was awesome and kicked all this off had a massive near spherical lens on it so it could throw it's beam a really long way. This is awesome. However no matter how much I go through the shops on here, google or ebay I can not find a similar lens.

Basically I would like some help in finding such a lens so that I too can build a torch of awesome.

Exit

P.S. I like the whole 3 posts to prevent spam thing, seems like a genius idea.

 

[Old-Lumens]

Search Dealextreme for "optical glass lens". I believe people use the 50mm one.

Also go to Anchor Optics. On the home page click on "Experimental Grade Optics" in the left hand side menu, then on that page look for "Condenser Optics" on the left hand side menu. I think you will find a listing of a 52mm lens there. I do not use Aspherics, but I do know how to do a google search.

You can search for "maglite aspherical lens" both in the CPF search box or google and you will get results. You can also search for "condenser lens" in google and get results. I do know that most of the condenser lenses are higher priced, but they are quality optics, where the chinese stuff is very much hit or miss.

Hopefully someone here who is knowledgeable about aspherics will help you out.

 

[Exitialis]

Ah searching is a lot easier once you know the names of things to search for! =D

Thank you =)

Now I need to find the right LED and heatsink, recommendations would be very appreciated so I don't muck things up =)

 

[^Gurthang]

You can find M@G heatsinks in the Homebuilt & Modified marketplace forum. You'll also want to decide what sort of batteries you'll use and then select an appropriate driver and emitter. I've done several simple M@G mods using a low cost single mode driver w/ home brew heatsink and older XRE emitters driven by 2X 18650s. Plenty of light, will run for hours and rugged enough that I can lend them out w/o worry.

 

[Exitialis]

*goes to have a proper look* Looks like I need to know what LED I want first, so working backwards it would be easier to use D cell batteries so I don't have to fiddle with a battery holder and too keep costs down for first mod. Is this feasible or would swapping the battery source give such a large gain it would be worth it?

 

[Inkidu]

You might want to look into the 3.7v nominal li-ion 32650/326500 cells for a Mag D.
The two differ in their overall length but essential are a similar size to a "normal" 1.5v D battery.
That said my opinion is the best batteries are 18650 size mainly because they are more often used and upgraded.
Hope this helps.

 

[Exitialis]

But surely I would be able to fit much more power in the torch with 32650 cells because they are only slight narrower than a D cell where-as the 18650 is slightly too wide to fit two abreast in let alone a more space efficient layout of 3 abreast. Though granted they do seem significantly easier to get hold of.

 

[Inkidu]

Welcome to the site.
I agree with you unless you do some fairly expensive boring to the mag,
which I might do once the new Panasonic 3400 mAh 18650 are available.
The large cells also soak up some of heat and when compared to there capacity aren't asked to produce much current (I assume that would be a good thing)
This is a Jayrob mod I did. Not all mag can be modified for the 32650

Notice Notice the endcap mod

 

[Exitialis]

Had a look through that post, looks like it will prove valuable =)

I don't want to get into anything mega expensive like boring just yet, want to learn the basics and still make something cool.

Was the endcap mod to compensate for the change in length?

 

[Inkidu]

Was the endcap mod to compensate for the change in length?

Yes
The endcap at the top was for the 32650. I used naval jelly and sand paper to expose the metal and cut the bottom of the spring so it would fit inside.
The endcap at the bottom was for the 32600. I cut the top of the spring.
Hope this helps.