Mag 6D needs some juice up its butt.

[Freax]

Hiya!

Short time reader, Small time poster, Long-time Solderer, Long-time electronics enthusiast, and very very far away from civilization it seems...

Yes its another lonely Mag 6D owner! , but with a few more challenges, I am an Australian, which that means that I would have to import all of the Globes that I would like/love to use in an Incan Mag 6D mod, like the lovely Super-Bulb Bi-Pins and cheap ROP-Hi drop-in globes.

Which means that I've got a few requirements for this mod which are NOT working with my Location limitations /at all/:

The globes that I use must be available in Australia, or /very/ cheaply imported.

I can get:
Osram 64625 (100w 12v)
Osram 64623 (100w 12v, Longer lifetime 64625)
Osram 64610 (50w 12v)
Osram 64663 (400w 36v)
or
Phillips 5761 (30w 6v) (If I spend $20 AUD on each bulb!, too expensive for me.)
or
Any cheapo 12v MR16 globe (With reflector).

It seems I am limited to 12 volt globes, I CANNOT go lower than that... which is totally working against the Mag 6D's design. :-(


Ok...

Here is my plan of attack, as of now:

I'm going to use:
1x KD SMO Reflector V3.1 with 15mm Opening off Kaidomain.com
1x FLLBF52mm 52.1mm Borofloat Lens for Mag C & D Size Flashlights off lighthound.com
1x Mag D Incan Driver from AW (Basically a FET switch)


Problem #1:
Ok, Batteries, here is where my main problem lies, how do I get 12 volts or more out of a 6D Maglite WITHOUT grinding it or sanding it down internally to fit larger cells side-by-side?

Can I use battery adaptors? If so, what types would give me slightly-over 12 volts?

If I go ahead and buy all of that stuff, Will it just be a waste of time and money? Because I can't get 12 volts out of a Mag 6D?

I'm wracking my brain over this entire forum for a solution reguarding the best way to power a 12 Volt Bi-Pin globe in a Mag 6D, which only gives me 7.2 Volts with 6xD-Cell NiMH's, but so-far I haven't found one.

Is my only solution to go with RC Toy car batteries and make my own battery pack that could possibly fit in a 6D Body?

Problem #2:
The Phillips 5761 globe that is run at 7.2 volts, is horridly expensive in AU and available from only 1 source, are there Group buys running for this globe on CPF for Australian members?

Is there another source for this globe in Australia that doesn't charge $20 each that I don't know about?

I've looked into buying off bulbconnection.com, but the main killer is postage cost, up-to $30 for just 4 globes! because they also take into account the box of the globe..


Are www.replacementlightbulbs.com cheaper in postage for International orders?

Have I hit a brick wall?

Thanks!

 

[325addict]

FiveMega and/or Mdocod has/have the famous XX AA-cell to YY D cell adapters. Where XX and YY are the numbers of cells. There are many, many different versions.

Litho123 sells those Philips Bulbs if I remember correctly.

So you CAN get 12V out of your Mag 6D - and I think, way more! I think you may need an 18AA to 6D adapter, this will give (18 *1.2) Volts!
Put in an incan-regulator and you're done!

Timmo.

 

[Sgt. LED]

So have you ever used an ROP HI or do you want more than 1000 lumens?

 

[Tony Hanna]

The globes that I use must be available in Australia, or /very/ cheaply imported.

Kaidomain has some 6v bi-pin bulbs from 5w to 20w for around $1.50 USD and I think they ship worldwide for free. The downside is that I don't think anybody here has tested them yet to see how well they do on a 7.2v overdrive. I've got some on order and will give them a try @ 7.2v when they get here. Another 6v bi-pin option that might be worth looking at is the Phillips Focusline 7388 that DealExtreme sells. I think they might ship worldwide for free as well. Of course if you decide to go with AA to D adapters or "1/2 D" nimh cells, this opens up other possibilities for bulb choices.

 

[alpg88]

you can use 12v mr16 50 w would be max I would use, but it is your call, head tend to get quite hot with 50w, use mr16 with already build in glass.

4aa bats taped together do fit in unbored d mag body, iirc there were threads here that sold aa holders for unbored mags, 3aa for 1 d, or 4aa in 1 d for a bored out body, i used radio shack holder that i had to mod. to make 4 cells fit, it was a tight fit, so you can fit 24 aa cells in 6d body, 14.4v at 4000-4500 mah.
12s2p.
the higher the bulb wattage to more will voltage drop be, if you connect 10 aa, to get 12 v you will, but not under load.

if you want to get run time greater than 10, 15 min don't go above 50w,

but the best way is to get malkoff p7 drop in, and use 6 d nimh cells, that will be very bright light, with a great run time,
just my 0.02c

 

[lctorana]

I've just powered a 64640 with 21AA in my 6D.

 

[^^Nova^^]

If you want to go with the Phillips 5761, have a look in the Marketplace section. They are sold there by Litho123 for $22 for 4 with $3.50 (I think) shipping. That is the best option for those globes.

I would look seriously at trying a ROP high using the 3854 bulbs. These run really well from 6 D sized NiMH batteries and should net you close to 2 hours use from each charge.

Other than that, you need multiple AA's in a holder to get the voltage higher. You could also look into rechargeable lithium batteries, although these waste a bit of space in a mag (less of a problem in a 6D though :duh2.

Cheers,
Nova

 

[Chodes]

I would not bother with the 6D , I'd get a 3D or 4D and put some AW IMR26500 cells in it.
4 IMR26500s fir in a 3D , 5 in a 4D.
That allows most of the common big Osrams to be used.

Instead of using the AW driver , use a JimmyM regulated driver.
Now a 4D with 5 IMR26s could be used for a 64458 at around 18v and 180W or you could use a Philips 5761 at around 7V and 40W.

The JimmyM driver costs less than AW driver. You will need a Kiu high temp socket kit and need to do some assembling and soldering though.

I buy small bulbs from Litho123.
For the big Osrams I use bulbconnection.com. I don't believe you'll beat their prices locally.

I have built hotwires using lots of the big Osrams. You can search for posts for details and my beamshot thread showing results.

 

[Freax]

Ok, so the general concensus is this.

Path #1:
I go along with Importing Phillips 5761's or ROP bulbs or some other equivalent 6v bulb and using 6x1.2v NiMH D-Cells in my 6D Mag.

Path #2:
I get a Programmable Hotwire Regulated Driver Drop-in for D-M@g and run the Mag with 24xAA cells in 6 4xAA to 1xD adaptors (Total: 28.8v) and make a Mag623 using the Osram 64623, I wonder what the runtime would be on that many cells?

The cost of the regulator + programming kit is rediculous IMHO.

Path #3:
I use less cells, and use the remaining space in the base of the Mag as a pot stash.


Path #4:
I stick with the 6x D-Cell 1.2v NiMH's and use lower voltage rated Mag brand Xenon and Krypton globes which are meant for the 3D Mag to get more lumens.

So.....

Thanks guys for your help!, I'll get back to you on this one, need some time to think.

Edit:
I think I've made a descision, I'm going to stick with Importing ROP-Hi & Lo Bulbs and 5761's off Litho123 and using 6x D-Cell NiMH's, at least then if and when I blow a 5761 or ROP I can always roll back easily to using older globes that the Mag is intended on using, because I intend upon keeping the stock Mag switch and just using a Pot to Bi-Pin drop-in adaptor.

I might dip the Mag switch contact terminals in a pure silver solder tho, to give it some more conductivity and hotwire it.

 

[Freax]

I just bought 2 packs of Pelican 3854's from lighthound.com, they charged me $5 for First class international USPS.

http://www.lighthound.com/Pelican-Big-D-Rechargeable-Lamp-Set-FL-3854_p_1506.html

And I bought 2x Borofloat lenses: http://www.lighthound.com/521mm-Borofloat-Lens-for-Mag-C-amp-D-Size-Flashlights_p_43.html

Seems to be the cheapest place to get them from...

All I need now is a Reflector from kaidomain.com and 6x D-Cell NiMH's, and a charger for the batteries....

Geez this is costing a lot even just for a ROP.

 

[Freax]

Totally awesome, Kaidomain.com ROCKS!

I just bought:
2x:KD M*g SMO Reflector V3.1 15mm Opening
http://kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=5631

and

1x: D-Cell universal digital NiMH charger
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9513

I am LOVING this almost 1:1 ratio USD to AUD exchange rate at the moment!!!! *HUGS* kaidomain.com It seems that I can have my caek and eat it too.

And relax, i've got a 240v to 110v Stepdown transformer so I don't have to buy an expensive local D-Cell charger which are usually $100 or more.

I will keep an eye on that cheapo charger though and maybe charge only 1 cell at a time at first to equalize the charges, it might do something weird later down the track because its so cheap.


So I've got /everything/ except for batteries to turn my Mag 6D into a Roar of the Pelican!!!

ROCK ON!!!

 

[^^Nova^^]

If you run the 5761 make sure you rest the batteries before you fire it up or you will blow the bulb.

A reflector with a smaller opening will also give you a brighter and better shaped beam, the bigger the opening, the more light escapes out the back (into the light, not out of it). For the ROP bulbs (and WA as well), 8mm opening is fine, for the 5761 you need about 10mm.

Cheers,
Nova

 

[Freax]

Yes, I will follow guidelines when powering any bulb and rest the cells before firing it up, and make sure the shroud is fully installed because Xenon globes are very high pressure and can fail quite spectacuarly!

Yes, I made one mistake, I bought the 15mm Reflectors for future upgradability, but I should've bought 1x 8mm and 1x 15mm reflector instead.

Infact I could've just bought 2x 8mm reflectors and bored them out when I needed to.

Oh well live and learn!

 

[xeonsaga88]

Ok, so the general concensus is this.


Path #2:
I get a Programmable Hotwire Regulated Driver Drop-in for D-M@g and run the Mag with 24xAA cells in 6 4xAA to 1xD adaptors (Total: 28.8v) and make a Mag623 using the Osram 64623, I wonder what the runtime would be on that many cells?

The cost of the regulator + programming kit is rediculous IMHO.

.

If you really wanna go brighter in the future an easy way and cheap way would be JimmyM regulator with 7-8 IMR 26500 from AW(I can fit 5 in my 4D with a shorter spring, not sure about 6D) .Also No boring or battery holder required.

 

[Chodes]

Ok, so the general concensus is this.

Path #1:
I go along with Importing Phillips 5761's or ROP bulbs or some other equivalent 6v bulb and using 6x1.2v NiMH D-Cells in my 6D Mag.

Path #2:
I get a Programmable Hotwire Regulated Driver Drop-in for D-M@g and run the Mag with 24xAA cells in 6 4xAA to 1xD adaptors (Total: 28.8v) and make a Mag623 using the Osram 64623, I wonder what the runtime would be on that many cells?

The cost of the regulator + programming kit is rediculous IMHO.

Path #3:
I use less cells, and use the remaining space in the base of the Mag as a pot stash.


Path #4:
I stick with the 6x D-Cell 1.2v NiMH's and use lower voltage rated Mag brand Xenon and Krypton globes which are meant for the 3D Mag to get more lumens.

So.....

Thanks guys for your help!, I'll get back to you on this one, need some time to think.

Edit:
I think I've made a descision, I'm going to stick with Importing ROP-Hi & Lo Bulbs and 5761's off Litho123 and using 6x D-Cell NiMH's, at least then if and when I blow a 5761 or ROP I can always roll back easily to using older globes that the Mag is intended on using, because I intend upon keeping the stock Mag switch and just using a Pot to Bi-Pin drop-in adaptor.

I might dip the Mag switch contact terminals in a pure silver solder tho, to give it some more conductivity and hotwire it.

JimmyM driver is $40. Adjust with screwdrivers.

I hope you are not thinking of 4 individual AA adapters? If so , not a good idea.

 

[Freax]

JimmyM driver is $40. Adjust with screwdrivers.

I hope you are not thinking of 4 individual AA adapters? If so , not a good idea.

No, I chose Path #1, 6x D-Cell 10,000mAh NiMH's with ROP-Hi. For now that will have to do, ran out of money. And i've still gotta buy a decent charger, the cheapo chargers I bought aren't smart chargers, I'm thinking Maha C808M, bloody expensive charger though.

 

[Chodes]

No, I chose Path #1, 6x D-Cell 10,000mAh NiMH's with ROP-Hi. For now that will have to do, ran out of money. And i've still gotta buy a decent charger, the cheapo chargers I bought aren't smart chargers, I'm thinking Maha C808M, bloody expensive charger though.

Cool (regards the 6 x D / ROP)

Good battery chargers are worth the money IMHO, these days even more so. I spent about $400 in around 1996 for a good NiCAd/NiMh charger. It's still going well today.
Last year, I bought an e-station BC610 - $189 with far more capability than my previous charger. I added balance leads and software so I can connect to a PC.
You can discharge up to 5A which is really good for checking cells under load. Not just to evaluate capacity , for me , much more important is to be able to measure voltage sag under load.

I purchased here:
http://www.wattsuprc.com.au/product_list.asp?cid=10_87
The charger:
http://www.wattsuprc.com.au/product_detail.asp?pid=ESBC6-10

The have other chargers. I was really happy with their service as was a friend who also bought one from them.

With the e-station , I charge cells for lights, cordless power tools , Digital Camera and Flash etc. Mobile phone is the only thing I use supplied charger.

You said you ran out of money doing the ROP so you're probably in need of a cheaper solution. I will suggest Aussie R/C hobby shops - battery chargers are one item that can be sourced locally unlike so many other things that are better to source overseas. R/C shops will beat Tricky ****y and JayCar too for price.

 

[KiwiMark]

1x: D-Cell universal digital NiMH charger
http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=9513

And relax, i've got a 240v to 110v Stepdown transformer so I don't have to buy an expensive local D-Cell charger which are usually $100 or more.

What do you use the 240v to 110V stepdown transformer for? The charger you linked is 220V which will probably work fine from 240V power. I have bought several chargers from overseas, some from the USA and all work fine on 240V. I have this which takes a while to charge the batteries, but otherwise works well.

 

[Hack On Wheels]

What do you use the 240v to 110V stepdown transformer for? The charger you linked is 220V which will probably work fine from 240V power. I have bought several chargers from overseas, some from the USA and all work fine on 240V. I have this which takes a while to charge the batteries, but otherwise works well.

I've ordered from Thomas Distribuiting before, and while they aren't necessarily cheap, they do sell pretty good stuff. Taking a look on the site showed this: http://www.thomasdistributing.com/s...html?SP_id=&osCsid=a98rm8a91donrsllit8gi3gna7
I wish I had seen that when I ordered my charger a while ago! I have the AA only version, which is quite the nice charger IMO. Its great for loading up a camera flash with 5 eneloops, and it can charge some more batteries for a couple of flashlights at the same time. Wish I had an excuse (and the funds) to pick that up...

 

[KiwiMark]

I've ordered from Thomas Distribuiting before, and while they aren't necessarily cheap, they do sell pretty good stuff. Taking a look on the site showed this: http://www.thomasdistributing.com/s...html?SP_id=&osCsid=a98rm8a91donrsllit8gi3gna7

Ooh, nice!

For my AA & AAA cells I have 2 of these La Crosse chargers. They are really good and can charge from 200mA to 1000mA for 4 cells and 1800mA for 2 cells. The charge rate can be selected separately per cell, so you can charge 2 AA Eneloops at 1000mA and 2 AAA Eneloops at 500mA at the same time on the one charger.