Mag85 on 8 high-output NiMH batteries?

[Hookd_On_Photons]

I'd like to try running a Mag85 in a 2-D host, using an 8AA-to-2D adapter. I realize that it won't be nearly as bright as overdriving it with 9 AA NiMH batteries. I suspect that the 1185 lamp needs to draw from 9 consumer-grade NiMH cells in order to compensate for voltage sag. Would using cells more capable of delivering high current compensate for the decreased nominal voltage? (The output on 8 2100 mAH Energizer NiMH cells is somewhat brighter than what I get with a Pelican Big D SLA Rechargeable high-output bulb, and a bit brighter still than a cheapo KPR20 from Ace Hardware).

Would there be any significant advantage to using a high-output battery, such as CBP 1650s, vs. the Energizer/Sanyo 2100s I'm using now?

(The website claims "15-20 amps no problem")

http://www.unipros.com/cbpsite/loosecells.asp?session_id=282539

Pre-emptive rebuttals:

1) I know I'd probably eventually try to run the 85 with 9 CBP 1650s anyway. I was just wondering if anybody had tried it with 8 high-current cells, and compared the output to using consumer-grade cells.

2) I know the Ultimate Stealth Light offers extreme brightness in a 2-D package, but I can't justify purchasing one right now. My wife would give me the cocked eyebrow of disapproval...

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

I am a somewhat hogged out 2D body of being able to easily answer that question...

Wait! I can fairly easily add a dummy in my '85.

Be back in a minute!

Okay. This was not a perfect test. I have 6 E/S 2100 and 3 Quest with "HWAAC1400U" on them and no other marking of mAh. I replaced one with a homemade aluminum dummy. It's still pretty bright and white...

But my 6 Panasonic and 1 Quest driven 1274 is brighter.

When I get done charging and cycling them, I have 16 more 2100 to use...

But I have to get around a milimeter out of the 2D to use them on the 1274.

Conclusion? I think you'd be ok with 1185 on 8. But you might try 1274 on 7 in the same host. I LIKE mine!

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Take a look at Silver Fox's NiMH Shootout. He tests CBP 1650's, and they look outstanding. Ginseng recommends no more than 8 of those cells with WA01185 due to their ability to deliver high current with minimal voltage sagging.

Bill

 

[js]

If you want to run 8 cells, go with the CBP 1650's for excellent voltage under load = good brightness. BTW, you CAN run 9 high current cells, such as the 1650's or GP 1100 2/3A's (but not high current 1/2 D's), and it's really, really bright, but you have to be careful not to turn on the light right after charging. i.e. you have to let the batteries cool for at least 15 minutes. The Tiger85 runs the WA1185 on 9 high current 2/3A's, for example, and there are something like 16 of them out in the field, and while there have been about half a dozen instaflashes or so, there are still no dissatisfied Tiger85 owners. Once you learn to take the necessary precautions, it's pretty workable, and, as I said, VERY bright. Not recommended for LEO or rescue personell, though, unless there is a backup light available. Same goes for Tiger11.

 

[Hookd_On_Photons]

Thanks for the information! This forum is a font of flashaholic wisdom!

Looks like I'll have to get in on modamag's bored-out Mag groupbuy...

 

[fivemega]

You will get good result if you solder 8 high current AAs is series and make a pack. Any battery holder has some resistance and will cause voltage drop in addition to resistance of switch, tail cap spring and other connections.
If you are going to use battery holder, 9AA for 1185, 7AA for 1274 and 6AA for 1111 will give you better result.

 

[Lightedge]

I've run my Mag85 on 9 Energizer Nimhs and 9 CBP1650's. No comparison. To my eyes, the CBP's appear to be 30% brighter. I'd guess that 8 CBP1650's will probably perform relatively close to the 9 Energizers. I'm speculating somewhat here, but I bet there won't be that much difference between the 2.

Good luck.

I'm interested in your results if you try this.

 

[Donovan]

I run my 2D Mag85 on 8 NiMH Rayovac 1800's. These cells seem to handle the high current better than my other higher capacity cells. Maybe because they were made for the quick charger? I'm sure they are no match for true high current cells but not bad for typical consumer AA's...

I would love to overdrive on 9 cells but I like the 2D form factor too much! I guess one plus is my bulb should last much longer on close to stock voltage than a highly overdriven one. I am still VERY happy with the output!

 

[Luna]

Which energizers Lightedge? I tried 9 of the 2500mah yesterday and they flashed the 1185.

 

[Lightedge]

I use 1850's. They are blazingly bright initially but start sagging pretty materially after a few minutes. It's conceivable that these cells could flash a bulb especially if they are fresh off the charger.

The CBP1650's maintain peak or near-peak brightness until they almost run out. You definitely cannot use these fresh off of the charger.

 

[3rd_shift]

Ummmm.
The cpb 1650's may not fit 4 across in a 2d.
I'm using 8 Rayovac 1800's in mine at 3 amps.
I love it.

In it's current form, it's outpowering a household 40 watt GE soft white bulb and almost matching a 60 watt soft white GE housebulb. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

I know it can do more at 3.3-3.6 amps, but, with the small underdrive, the bulb isn't cooking the bipin assembly, or anything else yet.
Plus less worry of it quitting when I need it most at work.

Here's a couple pics of my 2D mag85 bipin.

 

[paulr]

The CBP 1650's appear to be flat top cells. Can you use them in the EL v2 3-to-D's? Any idea where to get some? Cheapbatterypacks.com is out of stock.

 

[mdarby]

[ QUOTE ]
paulr said:
The CBP 1650's appear to be flat top cells. Can you use them in the EL v2 3-to-D's? Any idea where to get some? Cheapbatterypacks.com is out of stock.

[/ QUOTE ]

FWIW, Mike from CheapBatteryPacks.com said he is expecting CBP1650s this week.

 

[paulr]

Oh great, and I got confirmation on the EL forum that flat-tops work in the 3-to-D's. 3rd_shift, how did you get 8 cells into the 2D body? Did you have to bore it out?

 

[3rd_shift]

The Rayovac 1800's have a smaller diameter than most of today's nimh batteries do.
Same in fact as Everactive brand AA batteries.
True AA form factor replacement size.
Just a nice, loose, rattle free fit.
No boring required at all. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif
They also are designed for fast charge/discharge.

 

[KevinL]

40-watt GE soft white - is that a bipin bulb? What are the specifications on that one?

BTW, I hear for that ten bucks modamag will bore your Mag to fit any kinds of cells. Shipping to/from him is extra.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

How can you form ANY sort of comparison with a housebulb?

We have a much smaller area of light, and out of a reflector can't even compare to ANY household thing I've ever seen.

I've warmed up nicely to the 7AA 1274. It's quite bright without the smoke and such of MY 9AA 1185.

 

[3rd_shift]

Oh, I did that by putting a household bulb into a large reflectored clamplight and aimed it at the ceiling.
Then aimed the mag85 at the ceiling a few feet away from it.
This is how I got the side by side comparison.
I'll see about getting some pics of this soon. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Luna]

Those 9 Energizer 2500s were showing 12.68v off the charger . AFter my Second flas, I've decided on two things:

1) Run 8cells for now(no real visible difference)
2) I think I'm gonna regulate this puppy.

Oh and just to say it. The stock Magcharger cradle appears to be topping up the cells given it flashed that second bulb. The LED on the charger isn't lighting up much but it doesn't appear to be a problem.