Mag 2c 3x CR123 mod - Please advise

[firefly99]

After reading so much on this combination, I went out to pick up a 2C Mag and a Xeon bulb for 5 cells. After returning home, I replace the bulb, put 3 fresh CR123 in a tubing and put the stick into the Mag and click on.

It seem that the throw is pretty impressive, it even out throw the Pelician M6 LED. However the beam on white wall show a lot of rings and dark patches.

Is the beam normal ?
Any idea how many lumen is coming out of this combination ?

The rubber boot on the click on switch feel very thin and there is some marks/ symbol on the rubber. Is this normal ?

Please advise. Thanks.

 

[carbine15]

http://www.flashlightreviews.com/reviews/maglite_2c-123a_mod.htm

Also Mag seems to have changed their rubber boot switch cover to include the mag symbol. Problem is that it makes the light no longer water tight and old button covers no longer fit. I stuck mine in with plumbers putty to re-waterproof the light.
Okay maybe Mag has been doing this for a while on the C-mags. I can't find any C mags without that symbol.

 

[Strauss]

The crappy beam is common with the stock smooth reflector. You can try purchasing a new reflector(which isn't necessary) or you can do a search for "sputtering" the stock reflector. If niether of those two look appealing, you can also try frosting the bulb....

 

[fishx65]

Firefly, I just did the same project. The beam is horrible but works for long throw. A fellow member hooked me up with some frosted 5 cell kryptons and it made all the difference in the world. I've had good luck wet-sanding the 5 cell bulbs with 400 grit wet/dry sand paper to get the frosted effect. A heavily frosted bulb will make the beam perfect but you will lose throw. The tailcap of mine holds a non-frosted spare.

 

[Cribbage]

Congrats on your modding effort!

Yup, you found the one big issue with Mags; artifacts.

Sputter the reflector, buy one from FiveMega (a worthwhile investment in its own right), or use frosted bulbs. I've never tried the frosted bulb thing myself.

I love my 2-C/3x123 Mags. Once you get a FM reflector and a glass lens from flashlightlens.com, get a couple of potted Carley 1499's. Man, you talk about throw! And whiter light like I've never seen from a Mag!

Enjoy all the possibilities!

 

[Lighthouse one]

You can get crystal clear Krylon spray- and spray the reflector...mist it once or twice from 18". Does a good job....you may end up doing this to lots of your lights!

 

[carbine15]

I use harispray to sputter reflectors. It's reverseable.

 

[swampgator]

I had good luck with a stock Mag 4 cell Kryton bulb that I frosted with sandpaper. Worked really well.

 

[firefly99]

Thanks everybody for your responses and suggestions.

I am going to try the easiest stuff first, like the sand paper and clear spray.

 

[cratz2]

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=97000

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=73615

Also, one of the reasons the much less bright Mag Mod may out-throw the radically brighter M6 is because of that smooth reflector. But, Mag reflectors are cheap so I'd try one or two and see how you like it. I'd guess there's about a 40% reduction in throw, but the Mag as some of the longest throw of any flashlights.

As far as lumens, I think it's probably about 120. It definately is brighter than a P60 bulb... Maybe about the same as the P61 which is 120 and definately not as bright as the Streamlight TL-3 which is about 180.

 

[lastdefender]

You can get crystal clear Krylon spray- and spray the reflector...mist it once or twice from 18". Does a good job....you may end up doing this to lots of your lights!

Do you run the risk of the Krylon melting and catching fire if you leave the light on for any period of time?

 

[swampgator]

Do you run the risk of the Krylon melting and catching fire if you leave the light on for any period of time?

I wouldn't think so, but I've never used Krylon. I just don't think this mod would get hot enough to worry about that.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I'll put in yet another good word for Frosting.

I have frosted bulbs in the vast majority of my incandescent lights, at least those using PR or Bi-Pin bulbs!!!

But then I value beam quality over all out throw in any case!

 

[lastdefender]

Regarding the Krylon Crystal Clear, does anyone have a suggestion on which version to get? It comes in standard and satin?

Thanks,
Gary

 

[swampgator]

Regarding the Krylon Crystal Clear, does anyone have a suggestion on which version to get? It comes in standard and satin?

Usually satin paints have more of a matte finish than gloss paints. I would probably go for the satin.

But I'd try frosting the bulb with sandpaper first. I usually start out with 100 grit then go up to 300 grit. So far that alone has smoothed up the beam enough that I haven't messed around with the reflector.

 

[pizzaman]

Regarding the Krylon Crystal Clear, does anyone have a suggestion on which version to get? It comes in standard and satin?

I would definitely use gloss and not satin krylon paint. The trick is to texture the reflector without destroying too much of the high reflective finish. Gloss paint when sputtered correctly will do just this. You want every lumen possible reflected, but having the textured finish it will break up the beam artifacts.

Satin paint will lead to more of a dull finish that does not reflect as well. I don't think you will be happy with the results.

That said, I have fully converted to frosting for incan bulbs. It is much quicker, easier, and near fool proof. Just go a little at a time till you get the amount of frosting that you want. When I was learning my sputtering skills, I did mess up a reflector or two. If you go too light on the sputtering, the finish can be too dull and un-reflective. Go to heavy and you end up with a drippy mess and goofy beam artifacts. My biggest heartache was destroying the reflector on ony of my prized lanterns (that cannot be replaced). The krylon actually melted the silver finish on the reflector. It was sickening. I finished it up best as I could, then put a nice contact paper diffuser over the lens to hide my mess and shame. It now functions as a fine "super flood" work lantern. It's just not what I needed or wanted, and I can't replace it or undo the damage. You can see why I am now a big fan of frosting (be sure to wear disposable gloves and eye protection when you work with this stuff. Nasty, yet amazingly effective).

I still sputter the mag reflectors in all my converted MagLEDs. I like the output much more after the conversion.

Good luck, TR

 

[ACMarina]

pizzaman, how about re-chroming your reflector with some chrome paint?? Would that be possible??

 

[swampgator]

pizzaman, how about re-chroming your reflector with some chrome paint?? Would that be possible??

I've used chrome paint on a trashed Mag reflector with good results. I'd give it a try on one that's a lost cause.

 

[pizzaman]

AC and Swampgator,

I think that is a good call. I saw some of the hi-gloss chrome paint at the craft store when I picked up the frosting paste.

Reading the instructions, the stuff seems to be a bit harsh and I was worried that I might just end up with the chrome paint dissolving and destroying the plastic reflector entirely. I just couldn't bring myself to try it.

Hearing Swampgator has done a maglite reflector is reassuring. I'll pick some up next time I am near the craft store. I may even try putting it on "sputter" style. That will limit any heavy coats that might dissolve the plastic and may end up with a nice textured finish to boot.

Cheers, TR

 

[swampgator]

pizzaman,

I'd avoid the sprays at the craft stores. In my (limited) experience the craft store paint doesn't have enough reflection. Comparing it to the automotive chrome spray (bought at PEP Boys-not an endorsement, just where I got it) the craft paint is almost a matte finish.

I don't think it would be too harsh on the reflector, but it might. I know that it hasn't eaten the plastic of a stock Mag reflector though.