Maglite 3d single P7 need help.

[claustro]

I need help for modding my Maglite for diving purpose 'cos at the moment I am very confused

My needs
Maglite maximum 3D length better 2D
Light output comparable to a 30-50 W halogen
Preferred battery NimH AA safer and cheaper then Lithium Ion.
Burning time at least 60 minutes better 90 minutes

I am planning to use a single P7 can someone comment this setup?

Batteries ( AA 2400 mA 8 x 1,2 Nimh)
Driver http://www.kaidomain.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductId=1866
Reflector http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.12229
Heatsink HAIII http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=160483
I am planning to use a reed contact switch

I should use also a canister with an external battery pack ( I own it already ) but I would like to take the light compact.

Thank you

 

[StefanFS]

That should work. But the driver will get really hot with 8 x NiMH cells. I recommend going with 6 NiMH in a 2D to 6 AA holder in a 2D Maglite. User mdocod sells these battery holders in the Custom BST section. Be prepared to do some filing and grinding with the reflector.

 

[claustro]

Thank you for the answer
Do you think I'll be able to reach at least 60 minutes burning time with 6 AA batteries?:candle:

Thx.
Andrea

 

[StefanFS]

I haven't tested this but you 'should' have over 60 minutes of runtime. A guess would be at least 90 minutes, maybe more.

 

[Changchung]

I am going too to make a mod with a P7, what is the best driver in sale in DX?

 

[Packhorse]

Have you seen this?

Using a separate battery canister offers some great advantages.

1. The light head can be small so its easy to use a goodman type handle.
2. You can get as much run time as you want (within reason).
3. It gives you something to route your long hose under (if you use one).

A single P7 will not give you the output of a 50w halogen but it will give you a tighter spot, better colour and much longer run time (5X).

That driver was not avaliable when I built mine but I have one on order so I may change it over.

That reflector is similar to the other DX one I used. The only diffrence MAY be that the other has a heatsink already mounted to it which IMHO is too small.

I used a similar heatsink. Problem was that the heat sink was not long enough to reach down to the handle after I had cut the switch part from the handle. I simply cut the threaded part off the discarded switch section and threaded it into the light head.

 

[claustro]

Have you seen this?

Using a separate battery canister offers some great advantages.

1. The light head can be small so its easy to use a goodman type handle.
2. You can get as much run time as you want (within reason).
3. It gives you something to route your long hose under (if you use one).

Thank you very much for your answer.
You are right regarding the advantages of the canister , but I need a very light compact setup we are 2 divers me and my wife and I have always problem with airline weight limits during our trip.
this is my current setup , one lead acid and one 16V Nimh battery pack.
Switching on AA battery I'll be able to use the same kind of battery and charger for all my electronics devices during holiday.
I'll try this setting , I need only 80 minutes of continuous light after all.
If I'll be unsatisfied I'll roll back on canister.

Have you ever thought about using a Piezo switch ?

Regards
Andrea

 

[Packhorse]

Piezo? Not yet. unsure of how to use one in a circuit.

My can does not weigh much. It hold 4 D cells and the rest is light weight PVC. Its bulkier than just the Mag but probably only 50% heavier if that. Its 100% better at least.