mdocod
Flashaholic
Here's a quick and dirty run-down of all the new IMR bulbs from LF and the battery/host/switch options that could be used. I've thrown in my own commentary in each area. This should help get the ball rolling and get a lot of questions answered.
For more in-depth information about the cell types mentioned here, please refer to the following threads:
Rechargeable Options for popular flashlights
LuxLuthor's safe chemistry shootout
LuxLuthor's Li-Ion Categories
------------------
This thread is designed to be more of a quick reference dedicated to the new IMR series of lamps from LumensFactory. For a more complete listing of compatability options please refer to this thread:
MDs li-ion/incan guide
------------------
Before I say anything further, Lets make sure we have this important distinction pointed out. I am going to point out configuration options I believe to be safe and reasonable when used with certain precautions, some of my suggested configuration options are not approved by LumensFactory and should be used at your own risk. LumensFactory will maintain that the IMR series lamps MUST be used with IMR (LiMn) chemistry cells, and twisty ONLY switches. If you assemble a configuration that is not LF approved and have problems, it would not be fair to LF for you to go wining to them, you may however wine to me if you'd like, but I won't be doing anything about it, :nana:
------------------
Considering that these lamps are specifically designed with LiMn cells in mind, the best possible performance, especially on those higher current ones, is going to be on 18650 size LiMn cells. Switching to LiCo chemistry will reduce the output slightly of any of these options, but in some cases, a protected LiCo cell may be preferred to gain some runtime.
------------------
IMR-E2 - 7.2V, 2A, 20 hours life, 3325K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (most protected cells in these sizes should light this up without a problem)
2x18500 (untested but should work fine)
2x17670 (untested but should work fine)
2x18650 (untested but should work fine)
Hosts:
E2E/E2D and equivalents will only work with the 2x16340 option listed.
There have been various E series compatible bodies made over the years by Leef, FM, Aleph, and probably more. You'll need to have an after-market body of the appropriate size to use any of the 2x17500 and larger configuration options.
Switches:
push/twist switches are going to be more reliable here but "clicky" style switches should work provided you don't use them for continuous runs. The increased internal resistance of the "clicky" style switch could cause a heat build-up that could permanently destroy the switch if left on for more than a couple/few minutes. You've been warned!
Comments:
My belief here is that the bulb has been designed to run optimally on a pair of 16340 size IMR cells, with that in mind, using larger cell sizes may reduce bulb life below an ideal minimum, this should be considered speculation at this time until confirmed.
The E series don't have much girth or room to move much heat. Configurations can get too hot to hold in a few minutes. Please use caution and keep your Li-Ion cells under 140F.
------------------
IMR-9 - 7V, 2.4A, 25 hours life, 3325K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
2x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (most modern protected cells designed for flashlight applications should work)
2x18500
2x17670
2x18650
2x "AW C"
Hosts:
18mm bodies are available from FM/Leef/Nite and probably other sources out there. Stock SF bodies will not fit the 18mm cells. The IMR-9 is a standard D26 size lamp, so it will fit in "C/P" series SF bezels. For more information about host options please refer to the complete li-ion/incan guide linked above. For "AW C" cells or other 26mm diameter cell options, check out Leef and FMs "big" body options out there, as that's the only way to do it.
Switches:
I personally don't see there being a major issue with this lamp for most of the clicky switches, but do be aware that the Z59 and other forward clickers are prone to having higher than ideal resistance, which, if run for extended periods of time, could very well heat up to the point of permanently damaging the switch, the same warning could be assumed for anyone running a SF HOLA lamp, as the SF HOLA lamps in the C/M series actually draw slightly more current than the IMR-9. The use of an after-market switch or a standard push/twist (Z41 or equivalent) switch may be best for reliability.
Comments:
This lamp should be a nice all around alternative to the EO-9 and P91s out there. It may be important to limit continuous runs so as not to overheat the batteries! If it's too hot to hold it's too hot for the cells!
------------------
IMR-M3 - 7V, 2.4A, 25 hours life, 3325K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
2x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (most modern protected cells designed for flashlight applications should work)
2x18500
2x17670
2x18650
2x "AW C"
Hosts:
You'll need to use the Z46 (M3 head) on body sizes that match with cells listed above as being compatible. Leef offers some M-head bodies that would be ideal for these builds, but C to M series adapters are available on and off, and would work on any C compatible body that accommodates a cell configuration listed above. For "AW C" cells or other 26mm diameter cell options, check out Leef and FMs "big" body options out there, as that's the only way to do it, remember it will need a Z46 attached! M4's and M6's with the Z46 are also good options here, (2x18650 adapter for M6 required).
Switches:
I personally don't see there being a major issue with this lamp for most of the clicky switches, but do be aware that the Z59 and other forward clickers are prone to having higher than ideal resistance, which, if run for extended periods of time, could very well heat up to the point of permanently damaging the switch, the same warning could be assumed for anyone running a SF HOLA lamp, as the SF HOLA lamps in the C/M series actually draw slightly more current than the IMR-9. The use of an after-market switch or a standard push/twist (Z41 or equivalent) switch may be best for reliability.
Comments:
Definitely need to see 17500 size LiMn (IMR) cells for this lamp to have a more viable "niche" in the world. As it stands currently, the only way to run this lamp in an M3, would be to run a pair of IMR16340s, and waste valuable space with a "dummy" CR123 cell in there. I think a logical offering in this lineup would have been a "10.8V 700L" style lamp for use with 3xIMR16340s in a stock M3.
------------
IMR-M3T - 7V, 3.4A, 25 hours life, 3350K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
2x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (AWs are probably the only protected cells that are going to fire up this lamp)
2x18650
2x "AW C"
Hosts:
This bulb will fit in most of the full size SF turboheads, that includes the turboheads included with the KT1, KT2, KT4, M3T, M4, and M6. Many older 3" Turboheads from SF may also fit this lamp. You'll need to mate a body that meets a recommended and available cell size above to a turbo-head (taking special note of C or M style threads required). AW "C" and other 26m, body options are occasionally available through FM and Leef and possible others. A neat little pocket rocket options is a KT2 on a 6P/Z2/C2 and a pair of IMR16340s.
Switches:
If there is a lamp in the lineup that is most likely to insta-kill your clicky, this is it! I would avoid the use of SF clicky switches here all-together. AWs soft-start or an alternative reverse click or a standard push/twist are all going to be much better options. I will be testing the viability of using a SolarForce Reverse clicky with this lamp when I have the equipment available to do so. If you use anything but a push/twist or AW soft-start-switch, and it dies, I won't be surprised. You've been warned!
Comments:
Definitely need to see 17500 size LiMn (IMR) cells for this lamp to have a more viable "niche" in the world. As it stands currently, the only way to run this lamp in an M3T, would be to run a pair of IMR16340s, and waste valuable space with a "dummy" CR123 cell in there. If you have an M3T and are looking for for a drop-in option without going to a different body size look to the IMR-M6 and HO-M6R bulbs from LF, which should run fine on 3xIMR16340s in an M3T.
------------
IMR-M6 - 10.8V, 3A, 25 hours life, 3350K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
3x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
3x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
3x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
3x17670 (cell size not available yet)
3x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
3x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (AWs are probably the only protected cells that are going to fire up this lamp)
3x18500
3x17670
3x18650
3x "AW C"
Hosts:
This bulb will fit in most of the full size SF turboheads, that includes the turboheads included with the KT1, KT2, KT4, M3T, M4, and M6. Many older 3" Turboheads from SF may also fit this lamp. You'll need to mate a body that meets a recommended and available cell size above to a turbo-head (taking special note of C or M style threads required). AW "C" and other 26m, body options are occasionally available through FM and Leef and possible others. This bulb actually makes a lot of sense for turning an M3T (or equivalent) into a compact "flame thrower." Bulb should run reasonably well on 3xIMR16340 cells.
Switches:
This lamp is also very likely to kill clicky switches. I would avoid the use of SF clicky switches here all-together. AWs soft-start or an alternative reverse click or a standard push/twist are all going to be much better options. I will be testing the viability of using a SolarForce Reverse clicky with this lamp when I have the equipment available to do so. If you use anything but a push/twist or AW soft-start-switch, and it dies, I won't be surprised. You've been warned!
Comments:
It's like having an 1185 alternative with a lower risk of instaflash and slightly more reasonable drain rate when used on 3 li-ion cells. Great option to have available IMO!
------------
Possibly more to be added later: Enjoy
Eric
For more in-depth information about the cell types mentioned here, please refer to the following threads:
Rechargeable Options for popular flashlights
LuxLuthor's safe chemistry shootout
LuxLuthor's Li-Ion Categories
------------------
This thread is designed to be more of a quick reference dedicated to the new IMR series of lamps from LumensFactory. For a more complete listing of compatability options please refer to this thread:
MDs li-ion/incan guide
------------------
Before I say anything further, Lets make sure we have this important distinction pointed out. I am going to point out configuration options I believe to be safe and reasonable when used with certain precautions, some of my suggested configuration options are not approved by LumensFactory and should be used at your own risk. LumensFactory will maintain that the IMR series lamps MUST be used with IMR (LiMn) chemistry cells, and twisty ONLY switches. If you assemble a configuration that is not LF approved and have problems, it would not be fair to LF for you to go wining to them, you may however wine to me if you'd like, but I won't be doing anything about it, :nana:
------------------
Considering that these lamps are specifically designed with LiMn cells in mind, the best possible performance, especially on those higher current ones, is going to be on 18650 size LiMn cells. Switching to LiCo chemistry will reduce the output slightly of any of these options, but in some cases, a protected LiCo cell may be preferred to gain some runtime.
------------------
IMR-E2 - 7.2V, 2A, 20 hours life, 3325K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (most protected cells in these sizes should light this up without a problem)
2x18500 (untested but should work fine)
2x17670 (untested but should work fine)
2x18650 (untested but should work fine)
Hosts:
E2E/E2D and equivalents will only work with the 2x16340 option listed.
There have been various E series compatible bodies made over the years by Leef, FM, Aleph, and probably more. You'll need to have an after-market body of the appropriate size to use any of the 2x17500 and larger configuration options.
Switches:
push/twist switches are going to be more reliable here but "clicky" style switches should work provided you don't use them for continuous runs. The increased internal resistance of the "clicky" style switch could cause a heat build-up that could permanently destroy the switch if left on for more than a couple/few minutes. You've been warned!
Comments:
My belief here is that the bulb has been designed to run optimally on a pair of 16340 size IMR cells, with that in mind, using larger cell sizes may reduce bulb life below an ideal minimum, this should be considered speculation at this time until confirmed.
The E series don't have much girth or room to move much heat. Configurations can get too hot to hold in a few minutes. Please use caution and keep your Li-Ion cells under 140F.
------------------
IMR-9 - 7V, 2.4A, 25 hours life, 3325K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
2x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (most modern protected cells designed for flashlight applications should work)
2x18500
2x17670
2x18650
2x "AW C"
Hosts:
18mm bodies are available from FM/Leef/Nite and probably other sources out there. Stock SF bodies will not fit the 18mm cells. The IMR-9 is a standard D26 size lamp, so it will fit in "C/P" series SF bezels. For more information about host options please refer to the complete li-ion/incan guide linked above. For "AW C" cells or other 26mm diameter cell options, check out Leef and FMs "big" body options out there, as that's the only way to do it.
Switches:
I personally don't see there being a major issue with this lamp for most of the clicky switches, but do be aware that the Z59 and other forward clickers are prone to having higher than ideal resistance, which, if run for extended periods of time, could very well heat up to the point of permanently damaging the switch, the same warning could be assumed for anyone running a SF HOLA lamp, as the SF HOLA lamps in the C/M series actually draw slightly more current than the IMR-9. The use of an after-market switch or a standard push/twist (Z41 or equivalent) switch may be best for reliability.
Comments:
This lamp should be a nice all around alternative to the EO-9 and P91s out there. It may be important to limit continuous runs so as not to overheat the batteries! If it's too hot to hold it's too hot for the cells!
------------------
IMR-M3 - 7V, 2.4A, 25 hours life, 3325K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
2x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (most modern protected cells designed for flashlight applications should work)
2x18500
2x17670
2x18650
2x "AW C"
Hosts:
You'll need to use the Z46 (M3 head) on body sizes that match with cells listed above as being compatible. Leef offers some M-head bodies that would be ideal for these builds, but C to M series adapters are available on and off, and would work on any C compatible body that accommodates a cell configuration listed above. For "AW C" cells or other 26mm diameter cell options, check out Leef and FMs "big" body options out there, as that's the only way to do it, remember it will need a Z46 attached! M4's and M6's with the Z46 are also good options here, (2x18650 adapter for M6 required).
Switches:
I personally don't see there being a major issue with this lamp for most of the clicky switches, but do be aware that the Z59 and other forward clickers are prone to having higher than ideal resistance, which, if run for extended periods of time, could very well heat up to the point of permanently damaging the switch, the same warning could be assumed for anyone running a SF HOLA lamp, as the SF HOLA lamps in the C/M series actually draw slightly more current than the IMR-9. The use of an after-market switch or a standard push/twist (Z41 or equivalent) switch may be best for reliability.
Comments:
Definitely need to see 17500 size LiMn (IMR) cells for this lamp to have a more viable "niche" in the world. As it stands currently, the only way to run this lamp in an M3, would be to run a pair of IMR16340s, and waste valuable space with a "dummy" CR123 cell in there. I think a logical offering in this lineup would have been a "10.8V 700L" style lamp for use with 3xIMR16340s in a stock M3.
------------
IMR-M3T - 7V, 3.4A, 25 hours life, 3350K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
2x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
2x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
2x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
2x17670 (cell size not available yet)
2x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
2x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (AWs are probably the only protected cells that are going to fire up this lamp)
2x18650
2x "AW C"
Hosts:
This bulb will fit in most of the full size SF turboheads, that includes the turboheads included with the KT1, KT2, KT4, M3T, M4, and M6. Many older 3" Turboheads from SF may also fit this lamp. You'll need to mate a body that meets a recommended and available cell size above to a turbo-head (taking special note of C or M style threads required). AW "C" and other 26m, body options are occasionally available through FM and Leef and possible others. A neat little pocket rocket options is a KT2 on a 6P/Z2/C2 and a pair of IMR16340s.
Switches:
If there is a lamp in the lineup that is most likely to insta-kill your clicky, this is it! I would avoid the use of SF clicky switches here all-together. AWs soft-start or an alternative reverse click or a standard push/twist are all going to be much better options. I will be testing the viability of using a SolarForce Reverse clicky with this lamp when I have the equipment available to do so. If you use anything but a push/twist or AW soft-start-switch, and it dies, I won't be surprised. You've been warned!
Comments:
Definitely need to see 17500 size LiMn (IMR) cells for this lamp to have a more viable "niche" in the world. As it stands currently, the only way to run this lamp in an M3T, would be to run a pair of IMR16340s, and waste valuable space with a "dummy" CR123 cell in there. If you have an M3T and are looking for for a drop-in option without going to a different body size look to the IMR-M6 and HO-M6R bulbs from LF, which should run fine on 3xIMR16340s in an M3T.
------------
IMR-M6 - 10.8V, 3A, 25 hours life, 3350K
LiMn (IMR) Options:
3x16340 (Only source: AW IMR16340)
3x17500 (cell size not available yet!)
3x18500 (Only Source: AW IMR18500)
3x17670 (cell size not available yet)
3x18650 (AW IMR18650 or they can be manually removed from certain tool packs)
3x26650 (must be manually removed from certain power tool packs)
Protected LiCo options (AWs are probably the only protected cells that are going to fire up this lamp)
3x18500
3x17670
3x18650
3x "AW C"
Hosts:
This bulb will fit in most of the full size SF turboheads, that includes the turboheads included with the KT1, KT2, KT4, M3T, M4, and M6. Many older 3" Turboheads from SF may also fit this lamp. You'll need to mate a body that meets a recommended and available cell size above to a turbo-head (taking special note of C or M style threads required). AW "C" and other 26m, body options are occasionally available through FM and Leef and possible others. This bulb actually makes a lot of sense for turning an M3T (or equivalent) into a compact "flame thrower." Bulb should run reasonably well on 3xIMR16340 cells.
Switches:
This lamp is also very likely to kill clicky switches. I would avoid the use of SF clicky switches here all-together. AWs soft-start or an alternative reverse click or a standard push/twist are all going to be much better options. I will be testing the viability of using a SolarForce Reverse clicky with this lamp when I have the equipment available to do so. If you use anything but a push/twist or AW soft-start-switch, and it dies, I won't be surprised. You've been warned!
Comments:
It's like having an 1185 alternative with a lower risk of instaflash and slightly more reasonable drain rate when used on 3 li-ion cells. Great option to have available IMO!
------------
Possibly more to be added later: Enjoy
Eric
Last edited:
