Head / Bulb for C3

[cfromc]

If I wanted to run a 12V bulb on a C3 (with extender) I know I can run a KL2 head with an MN60 or MN61 bulb. Are there other options? Can I use other KL series turboheads or the "old" style heads? I'd like to have 200+ Lumens.

 

[Size15's]

You mean "KT".

The KT1 and KT2 are the same TurboHead and adapter collar but with the N1 and N2 Lamp Assemblies respectively. Since you'll not be needing either because your C3+A19 has four-SF123As, you can use either as long as you get either the MN60 or MN61 Lamp Assembly.

In the past, SureFire have name a number of TurboHeads that can also be used. The Original "T" Series 3" diameter, the SRTH 2.5" diameter, and the T-62 (TRTH) 2.5" diameter are the three main ones. Note that all of these are discontinued and that none of these were designed for the MN60/MN61 lamps which require a more aggressive disruptive finish on the reflector to create a perfect beam. Individual lamp and TurboHead combinations may work well, or may not (that is my experience).

If you can get hold of a discontinued T, SRTH or TRTH then we can discuss them in more detail. If not then the KT Series TurboHead is your only option.

I hope this helps?
Al

 

[cfromc]

Yes, it did help, and I did mean the KT2. I was looking right at it on Surefire's website but I must have been a little tired when I posted. So, I can use either, which is good since I see a lot more of the KT1s for sale. I can get the extra battery and the 225 lumen lamp and gain a little more output and 3 times the run-time than the P91. Sounds good all the way around except that head seems sooo big.

 

[Size15's]

They are called "TurboHeads" for a reason!
The larger diameter, deeper reflector creates a far more intense beam for illuminating targets in the distance far better than the standard bezels.

Some more TurboHead photos can be found here

 

[InfidelCastro]

Size15's:


The extra resistance you mentioned in a thread awhile back that is caused by the use of extenders has turned me off to their use altogether. I was thinking about getting an extender for my C3 and a rechargeable kit for a 6P, but now I'm not so sure.

Can you tell me how noticable the difference was in output between a 3 cell body with an extender compared to a 4 cell body with same?

Also, do you think different battery conditions or turboheads could have swayed the result you saw in any way?

 

[Size15's]

The difference I noticed was with the 6P and two A19's running N62 - the operation of which I'm very experienced with.
I personally wouldn't worry when using a C3+A19 or similar.
For best results use SureFire or Duracell batteries when powering these high output lamps.
At the ends of the day if the light gets the job done - the light is a tool like any other: Not as important as the job it is helping you achieve.

Al

 

[cfromc]

I wonder if I should just stick with the C3 as-is and add the p91 bulb or an EO-9 since this will primarily be a close-range (<75-100') and (mainly) inside tactical light. If the resistance of the cell extender causes a reduction of the output from the 225 lamp, I may be close to P91 territory anyway. The only drawback will be battery life but the price of the extender and the KT1-KT2 can buy a lot of batteries. It would be nice to run 225 for an hour though, without a heat warning, and having the option of 350.

Another question, if the P91 pulls more amps out of the batteries than the EO-9 (IIRC 2.7A vs 2.0A), then why is there no heat warning on the P91 but there is on the EO-9?

 

[Size15's]

What is "heat warning" ?

 

[cfromc]

From Lumensfactory, regarding EO-9 bulb: "Heat Warning: This lamp produces EXCESSIVE HEAT and should not be operated continuously for over 10 minutes"

From Surefire: Nothing mentioned on website. Also, when I called Surefire, Erik at their tech line said the P91 could run for the entire battery run-time of 20 minutes. (on a G3 no less).

 

[Size15's]

Well that's right - When you run a High Output Lamp Assembly constant-on it will quickly cause the flashlight to get hot - rather too hot for some people. SureFire bezels do have a Caution: Hot Surface on them!
It won't cause any issues with the SureFire Lamp Assemblies though - people have been using them for well over a decade.
Remember the 8NX has a Nitrolon polymer body and it's bezel gets very hot when used constant-on. It's Lamp Assemblies have very long life-spans in my experience and from what I read.

One thing to consider is that these small high output illumination tools are flashlights. If you normally need constant-on light for any length of time perhaps you need a larger flashlight with longer runtime?

Al

 

[cfromc]

One thing to consider is that these small high output illumination tools are flashlights. If you normally need constant-on light for any length of time perhaps you need a larger flashlight with longer runtime?

Al

Good point.

I guess it should be obvious that if the lamp, head, and batteries will survive 20 minutes at a HO 2.7A draw and heat from a 200 lumen bulb, they should also survive the EO-9 for the same or longer. I don't ever expect to need more than a few minutes of operation at a time but I'd like to be prepared for the unexpected. I had an opportunity (need) to use my 9N for an extended period of time last summer but even though the situation seemed longer, it was probably less than 20 minutes and it was not constantly on. That situation started me thinking about getting rid of a rechargable light for tactical purposes because it started to lose power at an inopportune time, since the battery had discharged from sitting on the dresser for a couple of months.

Before I go with the Turbo head and extension, I think I should get the P91 and EO-9 and do some experimenting. If the EO-9 works, I should use that due to the increased run-time.

 

[Size15's]

Note that since the "EO-9" product is not a SureFire product; you should check with the manufacturer regarding whether the EO-9 itself should not be subjected to the heat it produces constant-on.

 

[cfromc]

I've had a couple PMs back and forth with Mark from Lumens Factory and he advises to not use the EO-9 for more than 10 minutes continuously. Although I've seen some posts where people have run it longer, like 15-20 minutes. I can't see a situation where I would need 20 minutes continuously, or even 10 but it is nice to know that the capability is there. Chances are, if I need more than 10 minutes continuously, the situation warrants it and is more important than ultimate bulb life. I know I am putting too much into this, but, like I said, I like to be prepared and not have that "oh, sh*t" moment at the worst possible time.