ive got a mag to play with-ideas?

[bryguy17]

whats up everyone! I'm new here, and im looking to make my 3D mag into something with a bit more oomph. i was thinking going with one of the multi-LED deals, each with its own reflector. also, i was thinking i might be able to make use of 3 of the A123 cells to power it, so that i can have alots of power in reserve and rechargeability.

im a real newb, so i need all the help i can get. as with any redblooded flashaholic, i want the most silly bright thing i can get for a reasonable price. efficiency is also a big one

thanks in advance for any help you can offer me

-Bryan

 

[Nereus]

Welcome to CPF, Bryguy17! Be prepared to get a lot of answers to your question because the 3D (or 2D) mag is one of the most versatile flaslights to be modded. You say that you are a modding beginner so here are my suggestions, easiest first and hardest last:

- Drop in a magled... that is as easy as changing the bulb. Like this you get easily started with the modding and get a nice result.
- Keep the standard reflector, but drop Seoul/Cree led in to your 3D Mag with a hotlips heatsink. No electronics, just a resistor to limit the current. Use still 3*D size batteries.
- Same than above, but with some of the Sandwich shoppe converters (e.g. GD1000). Use still 3*D size batteries.
- 4 or 3 Seouls or Crees, Sandwich Shoppe (or Georges80's) converter, bored out battery tube with 12 AA cells or some other battery configuration with Li-ions. Use reflectors of your own choice.
- The same battery solution than above but go HID, e.g. Wlech Allyn 10 W HID. Use reflector of your own choice, prefelably aluminium.

I have personally focused (pun not intended) to led and hid mods so someone else more experienced may comment appropriate hotwire mods... If you are beginner I suggest that you start with something relatively easy and when your skills develop go with the harder mods.

And above all, learn to use the search function of CPF, do not try to re-invent the wheel. There is incredible amount of info in this forum and lot of people willing to help you. Good luck with your mod! :thumbsup:

-N

 

[bryguy17]

thanks a lot for the pointers nereus

firstly, im looking for something a bit more involved than just throwing in a magLED. i have one in my 4D and i love it

i like the idea of using 3 (or 4) individual LED's and reflectors, so i think that i will go that way. ive been a dedicated tinkerer long before i got into flashlight stuff, so a decent bit of work is no problem. i can also get into my school machine shop if i have to (yay for higher education!)

also, with regard to batteries, i have no problem using rechargeable li-ion or lipoly, since i already have a charger and balancer i use for my rc helicopter