maglite mod

jason van kirk

Newly Enlightened
Joined
May 13, 2010
Messages
1
I am new to this forum and was wondering if someone could help me out I need to know where I can get a 21 volt bulb that will fit in a 4 d cell maglite that I want to modify. Thanks jason
 
I am new to this forum and was wondering if someone could help me out I need to know where I can get a 21 volt bulb that will fit in a 4 d cell maglite that I want to modify. Thanks jason
why 21v bulb??? what batteries are you planning on using?
to be honest i don't remember ever seeing 21v bulb.

my guess you could pbly run 18v bulb at 21v, if it drops enough v off the cells it wont burn.
there are flashlights that use power tool batteries, brands like dewalt, makita, milwaukee..ect all make those flashlights.

i actually use 12v porter cable bulb in my 4d mag with 12 eneloops, it is a lot brighter than stock 4d mag bulb, i like the results very much, (i had it in my 4c until i turn it into mag 85) so far it didn't flash, if it does, i'll buy 14,4v one.
 
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The Osram 64458 can be run at 21.0V. But it is very close to the instaflash point of about 21.5V. And that is with Lux Luthor's manual voltage adjustment method. So you'd need a soft start if you really plan to run at 21.0V delivered to the lamp.

Another issue is the heat generation from these bulbs. Even using ceramic fiber insulation on top of a Kiu socket/base can do only so much. I think you risk melting a plastic Mag switch body unless you have some sort of overtemp sensor that can throttle back the light.

The current draw is yet another problem to deal with. At over 10A draw, the Mag switch isn't going to be happy dealing with that amount of current.

AW's soft start D Mag switch might work, although the ~215W bulb draw is going to stress the switch. Plus, the D Mag switch is sold out.

The JimmyM D Mag regulator is another approach, but it too is sold out. A Version 2 hopefully will be available eventually.

AlanB's complete, regulated D Mag switch is available, but you have to get in a long line with what appears to be a long wait.
 
I'm using a 64458 in a quad bored 4 D with 16 Elite AA's, after charging I've put them back in the light reading as much as 22v and never any :poof:. It draws enough current to pull the Elite's down fast enough to keep it from flashing. As for the heat, it is a heat producing monster! I never go much over 30 second bursts with it, when the body starts getting warm it time to cut it off for a few minutes. I use the rocker switch mod in it, works great and can handle all the current you can throw at it.
 
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I'm going to buy Maglite 4D and have a plan to change 4D cell to 7 CR123A cell
It's easy to image :)
D cell:
L = 61.5mm >> 4D L = 246mm
(D = 34.2)
CR123A cell:
L = 34.5mm >> 7 CR123A L = 241.5mm
(D = 17mm)

So, I plan to create a plastic tube with dimensions:
L = 246mm
D = 34.2mm(outer) and 17mm(inner)

With this plan, I can have a touch brighter than Maglite 4D
And here is problem: can I get 21v bulb ^^ and how long it can take, may be 1 hour ?
 
idk if you can get 21v bulb i,ve never seen it. maybe yes maybe no.
runtime you can calculate when you know bulb specs.

if you don't find 21v bulb try 18 dewalt bulb.

you can fit 14 cells in there, 2 a123 will fit side by side, use cells in 2p7s or 7s2p and you'll double the run time.
 
I'm going to buy Maglite 4D and have a plan to change 4D cell to 7 CR123A cell

123A cells will not like the 10A draw from an Osram 64458, which is one 21V candidate. Those cells barely like 2.5A.

The approach I'm taking is a 6D Mag, powered by 7xIMR26500. Add a JimmyM regulator set for Vbulb=20V and a medium speed soft start to avoid any issues of instaflashing. About 7000 bulb lumens.
 
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123A cells will not like the 10A draw from an Osram 64458, which is one 21V candidate. Those cells barely like 2.5A.

The approach I'm taking is a 6D Mag, powered by 7xIMR26500. Add a JimmyM regulator set for Vbulb=20V and a medium speed soft start to avoid any issues of instaflashing. About 7000 bulb lumens.

I just came across this while looking for something else. I was wondering if you have built this yet?

My input:
This will work VERY well. I have an Elephant II body with a 3" throwmaster head and a 64458 bulb running up to 20.2V regulated with an Alan B driver. I power mine from 8 x IMR 18650 cells. At the bulb 20.2V would pull around 10.5A which means 212W of power. The output has to be seen to be believed, ~7000 lumen is VERY VERY bright! The light also makes a good hand warmer as well as a good fire starter.
 
I decided to go with a more practical setup for now. I can always revisit the 6D Mag458 simply by adjusting Vbulb and Vlow on the JM-PhD-D1 regulator. But I already have a regulated 4D Mag623 and a regulated 4D Mag440 (both powered by 5xIMR26500), so I'm more inclined to go the other direction in terms of hotwire lumens output.

What I went with is a 4D Mag1909, with Vbulb set to 11.8V. The light is powered by 5xIMR26500. I am using a KD MOP reflector, although I may try either an FM Ver2 Deep Reflector or a Bi-Focal Reflector. The KD reflector produces a nice beam.
 
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Im working on something similar.

4D mag
5xIMR 26500
Homemade MR16 socket

no idea how bright it will be, so far test up to 18V no poof with a portable drill power pack, (waiting on IMR in the mail)

MR16 have 20 35 50 watt version i have seen, i hear 100W also.
 
Im working on something similar.

4D mag
5xIMR 26500
Homemade MR16 socket

no idea how bright it will be, so far test up to 18V no poof with a portable drill power pack, (waiting on IMR in the mail)

MR16 have 20 35 50 watt version i have seen, i hear 100W also.
you wont be disappointed
 
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