led AA m@glite problems

[usmell]

I recently purchased a AA led m@glite (I've learned it's blasphemy for some reason, if someone would like to enlighten me why, I'd appreciate it)

I also got a niteize IQ switch, I thought it was cool, but I quickly learned that the LED version was more different than just the bulb....

The LED one is also longer, to cover the gap, I used a spring between the two batteries, I also shaved the reflector so I didn't have to turn the head to the "on" position and then hit the switch.

However it seems to not work properly, the red LED flashes as though it's ready, however mostly it does not turn on, and also, when it does turn on it usually only stays on for a few seconds.

Is this some problem with my mods or is there something wrong with the switch?

Because I was thinking of buying the terralux tle 5ex and tc1 combo from ebay then giving my IQ switch to my gf who has a standard AA m@glite.

So, what's wrong with my torch?

 

[Jarl]

an LED mag is blasphemy, because it's a mag . More seriously, as someone said "I realise mag do an LED version, but if they do one, then there's probably something better". The "official" LED's mag use are old and very inefficient.

 

[Gunner12]

Swap in a current gen LED and you get at least double the output for the same runtime. Maglites make great flashlight bodies, but they are slow to improve their light's output.

I don't know the problem with you light. Sorry, can't help there.

Try returning the switch for a new one, if that doesn't fix the light, then there is a problem with the light.

Even better, you can return the light and the Niteize switch and get the Fenix L2D-CE Q5. Yes it is pricier but the medium mode on this light is similar in output to the stock MinimageLED(low is similar in output to the stock incan Minimag). 8% off coupon at Fenix Store is "CPF8".

:welcome:

 

[usmell]

That fenix is pretty.

Really pretty.

Infact, if anybody helps me further on this and removes my reason for getting this, I'll damage them.....

 

[kramer5150]

The poor 2AA minimag gets a bad-rap on this forum... the incandescent model takes an outright bashing (deservedly-so IMHO... its worthless in stock form). Lots of reported failures, although the sheer NUMBER of mags out there is going to skew any data to appear like mags have a high failure rate. Still, people don't consider that when they are left in the dark with a bum light.

I like my minimag with the nite-ize 3LED drop in. Its cheap (very), and will run for weeks on a pair of alkaline AAs. Its super floody, no hot spot, will run cells down to nothing and very blue color output:green:. Its a good emergency backup light when all you need is 10-15 lumens.

Sorry I can't help you on that IQ switch, I have no first hand experience with it.

 

[L.E.D.]

It's the AA --MAGLED-- that's the problem. The way the pill and emitter are put together are VERY poorly done. You're better off getting a -stock 2AA incan Maglite- (which is very WELL engineered) and either a Terralux high output dropin or NiteIze 1W. Then you'll have no problems with your IQ switch as well as much better output.

 

[Jarl]

That fenix is pretty.

Really pretty.

Infact, if anybody helps me further on this and removes my reason for getting this, I'll damage them.....

If it's any help, the low mode on the fenix absolutely crushes my mini mag's output, even with brand new alkies at 1.6V each in the mag. Oh, and it gives perfectly flat regulation for two and a half days of constant output, while still maintaining the "haha! blind!" attribute of 180 lumens at a twist of the bezel . It'll also run alkies into the ground for you, so when you take them out, they're dead (unless you own a joule thief )


The only problem is, the fenix doesn't go low enough, so you need a big thumb. Covering the lens completely with a thumb on low mode, enough light gets out for dark adapted trips to the bathroom.

 

[Cydonia]

Yeah, It's the MagLED that has high failure rates not the old original incandescent... the other useless thing about the 2AA MagLED was how it is regulated - it suddenly and without warning dims right out after about 2 hours. Leaving you in the dark :candle:
Get a regular MiniMag and put in a nice SMJLED.

 

[The Shadow]

I recently purchased a AA led m@glite (I've learned it's blasphemy for some reason, if someone would like to enlighten me why, I'd appreciate it)

I also got a niteize IQ switch, I thought it was cool, but I quickly learned that the LED version was more different than just the bulb....

Usmell,

First of all, :welcome:

Secondly, it's OK to call it a Maglite - not a m@glite or some other distortion. Not sure of the reasons, but I understand some folks fear getting sued by Maglite or something silly. But it also screws up the searches when looking for Maglite info.

To address your problem, is your Nite Ize switch designed for the MagLED? Looking at their website, it looks like it only works on the standard Mini Maglite.
http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=28&product_id=125

Maglites are good lights, but you'll also find a lot of Mag bashing here. There are a lot of high-end brands out there, and let's just say the folks here are a little "picky." Stick around and keep reading and you'll form your own opinions.

 

[willrx]

+1

 

[Burgess]

Get yer'self a "classic" (original-style) Mini-Maglite.


Even have your choice of pretty colors.


Then, install an LED upgrade module in it. (very easy & simple to do)


I strongly recommend the units which Cydonia suggested in post #8.


:twothumbs
_

 

[stonehold]

The NiteIze switch works fine in my light, just stretch the spring a bit until it's snug against the cell, and please don't use your teeth. You'll want to be able to smile when it finally starts working for you.

 

[chmsam]

If your AA MagLED doesn't work with any oter talicap it might be as simple as the spring in the tailcap failing to make contact. If I remember correctly the ditsance between the spring in the MagLED and the batteries is greater than in the standard minimag. Does the light work with the original tailcap?