I have an old 6C maglite lying around

[StackNZ]

It's got very dim light output,

so why not modify it?
I have never modded a torch before but I have experience modding computers so a soldering iron is second nature to me.

I was thinking buying something like
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.35241

Then taking the switch apart and wiring this up.
Thoughts? I'm open to other mod ideas

 

[SmurfTacular]

I did a similar mod. I used the same drop in from DX and put it into a 5D Maglite. The thing throws like a beast. Also, the drivers max input is 8.4 volts. Six alkaline's would stress the driver and possibly fry it. I would use a diode to drop the voltage down a bit.

 

[StackNZ]

What Ohm resistor should I be putting in?

 

[StackNZ]

"The average voltage under load depends on discharge and varies from 1.1 to 1.3 V"

for Alkaline batteries,

so I should be sweet without a diode?

 

[SmurfTacular]

If you feel comfortable with it then go for it. I wouldn't though. Also, I forgot to mention this mod requires a bit or grinding or lathing for the "drop in" to fit inside the Mag head. That drop in was not designed for Maglites.

 

[D-LUX]

Hey STACKNZ,

I take it that you're from NZ?

 

[StackNZ]

I have a dremel and lots of time

 

[ElectronGuru]

In the LED world, six cells is just a really long way to get more runtime. With incans the 6C is a rare and special light, capable of runnng an ROP off NIMH or with IMRs, a 10k lumen super bulb.

 

[SmurfTacular]

Yea incandescents are currently the leaders of lumens, but not the king of runtime. I'm an LED guy.

Well if you have a dremel, and you know how to solder I say go for it! The soldering portion of this mod is extremely easy. The only difficult part of this mod is grinding/lathing the drop in to fit inside the Maglite head. But if you have lots of time that should be no problem.

For now order that part, and post back when you receive it.

You'll also want to get this. Its a replacement glass lens for the Maglite. Without it the stock plastic lens might melt.

 

[StackNZ]

Thanks for the help, I've decided to go with the LED mod because I want sometime with very good runtime and wont get so hot that it's untouchable.

 

[SmurfTacular]

It wont get to hot to hold. Especially with LED's. The only time that would happen is if you had triple SST-90's. Or you have a high powered incandescent bulb.

 

[mrartillery]

I want sometime with very good runtime and wont get so hot that it's untouchable.

Not all incans get to hot to hold and it is possible to achieve good runtime. A ROP mod with 3854 L and 6 of these would work nicely. The runtime formula says 108 minutes for the Low and around 50 minutes for the 3854 H. Not to mention this is a cheaper and easier mod than an LED mod, but the choice is yours.

 

[StackNZ]

I was hoping for a runtime of a few hours so I will go with the LED mod

I'm new to flashlights but I'm leaning towards LEDs

 

[mrartillery]

No use to give up on incans :cool:, a few hours is okay too. For that use this and this. Either way, if you prefer LED thats fine too, to each their own.

 

[StackNZ]

Sorry already ordered the LED module :twothumbs

But I am still willing to give incans a shot in my next mod

 

[StackNZ]

I tried to take apart the switch today but I can't, I stuck the long end of a 2mm (5/64ths) through the hole but i don't feel it engaging.

EDIT: This mag is pre 2001, and the 1.5mm allen can sort of engage but is too small

 

[mrartillery]

Thats odd, it should be a 5/64. The shaft of your hex key isnt to large is it? :thinking:

 

[SmurfTacular]

Try the 2mm allen, that tends to work along with the 5/64th allen. You just gotta feel it in there.

 

[StackNZ]

It seems that both of my 2mm allen keys are too big, I'll sand one down today and see if it works

 

[SmurfTacular]

I've encountered a similar problem. Sanding it seemed to work.