Mag 2C Long Runtime Mod

[flight777]

I would like to modify a Mag 2C to accomodate 3 CR123 Lithium cells for the longest runtime possible while still keeping a functional level of brightness. This would be for car and outdoor use. Since lithiums are more cold-weather friendly, I figured this would be a good all-around compromise. Any bulb recommendations? (Note: I would like to keep this an incandescent light project - no LED's)

Thanks.
flight777

 

[leukos]

One of those 6cell M*g LED drop-ins would give you a pretty long runtime.

 

[eshishlo]

If you mean the NiteIze LED, don't use it with 3 cr123 because you will fry it! I burned one of those myself. Now I might try just 1 or 2 batteries. I think that the LED can handle the 9 volts provided by the 3 lithiums. I don't think that they sag under so little load. Try 1 lithium, you will probably get hours and hours of runtime with it.

 

[flight777]

Actually, I'd like to keep this mod in the incandescent realm. I was hoping somebody knew of a bulb that can run at low amperage @ 9 volts. Thanks!

 

[half-watt]

I would like to modify a Mag 2C to accomodate 3 CR123 Lithium cells for the longest runtime possible while still keeping a functional level of brightness. This would be for car and outdoor use. Since lithiums are more cold-weather friendly, I figured this would be a good all-around compromise. Any bulb recommendations?

Thanks.
flight777

i've used a 2C Mag as a host for a brighter incandescent mod.

i've done two similar mods to the one you're requesting with a different hosts, but it would work with the 2C Mag also.

here they are:

1) Dorcy 2AA ==> 3xCR123A (primaries, NOT +3.7-4.2VDC Li-ion cells) using a EverLED 1-6cell (i.e. +1.5 to +9 VDC) LED upgrade.

2) Pelican 2C Pelilite ==> 3xCR123A (primaries, NOT +3.7-4.2VDC Li-ion cells) using a EverLED 1-6cell (i.e. +1.5 to +9 VDC) LED upgrade.


the Dorcy was a very simple direct fit. the Pelilite required some fairly simple and straightforward modifications to the reflector as the bulb/reflector combo, is just that, a bulb/reflector combo, meaning they are replaced together as a single unit.

haven't burned out the EverLED LED upgrade yet.

please note that i did these over a year ago. the Nite-Ize LED upgrade "bulb" at that time (i have a few that are for 2-6cell lights, so +3 to +9 VDC) are NOT very bright. the EverLED version is significantly brighter to my eye when used in these applications - i've tried both of these LED upgrade "bulbs" in the same applications.

 

[SuRgE]

I don't believe there is many options considering that the 123A primaries are only 1500mah. Pretty much limits output to no more than an hour for incand with a low output bulb. Curious, why not just buy a Surefire G2 or G3(cheapest of the SF line)?

Going to Lithium Ion C cells may give you more options and longer runtimes since they are 3300mahs. Not sure about cold weather performance of the Lions. Seems to me that running a 6V bulb overdriven along with the C li-ion cells will give you the best runtime and brightness. My 2C philips 5761 Mag conversion is awesome; but runtime is only about 30-35 minutes.

 

[half-watt]

as far as incand, i've made mods using 3xCR123A and a 6D MagLite bulb in a 2C MagLite host.

 

[Raoul_Duke]

Put a 6C or 6D original mag lamp in there.

I have one, in a small ever ready host, that runs on two RCR 123's

but you could use 3 Cr123's (if you like to throw money away on primaries.)

For that mod you should look into or cheap generic RCR123's or 18500 / 18650's.

As the lamp only pulls 0.6A you could get away with small cell, but you have the length so 18500 or 18650 cells, would offer huge runtimes.


2+ hours on primaries, or 1+ on two tiny RCR123's, more on bigger li-ions

 

[joshg]

Don't mean to hijack but I was thinking of doing a similar mod to a 2C M*g, could you use the the Magnum Star Xenon bulb and if so which one should you use (2,3,4,or 5 cell bulb) with 3 RCR123's. Also, is it possible to do this without changing the stock plastic reflector?

 

[ElectronGuru]

Don't mean to hijack but I was thinking of doing a similar mod to a 2C M*g, could you use the the Magnum Star Xenon bulb and if so which one should you use (2,3,4,or 5 cell bulb) with 3 RCR123's. Also, is it possible to do this without changing the stock plastic reflector?

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=176109

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=142264

The lens/reflector in the 2C is the same as the one found in the 6D/C that the 6 cell bulb is designed for.