Maglite "sputter"?

[Bhustan]

Maglite \"sputter\"?

Hello everybody. I have a 3D Mag that I recently put a Magnum Start Xenon bulb into and I must say "wow!". It's pretty bright with a lot of throw. I can get a pretty nice tight spot out of the beam, but still have the typical Mag artifacts in the spill. I had originally put an Everled in this light a few months ago thinking I'd be done with it, but found that I didn't like the beam color at night and it just didn't have the throw I wanted, so I'm interested in switching back to incandescent for the time being. Hence the Magnum Star bulb.

I've had this light for years in my truck for general purposes (flat tires, spotting things at night, protection if need be). I know that there have been hints on using methods to modify the reflectors or lenses to alter the beam to get rid of the "donut" effect. I couldn't find any documented technique for how this is done. Can anyone explain in better detail how I might be able to do a poor-man's sputter job on this light to smooth out the beam? Is that Palm-Pilot screen protector (can't remember the name) film a good idea? If so, how would one apply it to be effective? I'd rather try something reversible if possible. I do have an old Brinkman 5-3-2 (now just a "3 cell" due to an alkaline battery corroding out the 2 cell tube) that I could use as a guinea pig if need be.

Has anyone out there done this to one of their Mags with any luck? Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Shine on,
Mike

 

[AuroraLite]

Re: Maglite \"sputter\"?

One of the methods used is to put on semi-transparent scrotch tape over the lens, it is reversible and would smooth out the beam somewhat(although it will reduce the throw for sure, and might even reduce the output).

Flashlightlens also carry the LDF UCL lens(which is a lens that has a diffusing film on top).

Good luck! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[dougmccoy]

Re: Maglite \"sputter\"?

Bhustan

The scotch tape idea works really well at smoothing the beam and I guarantee you'll see no Mag artifacts but you will loose throw big time as well as output. However I used an Everled bulb in a 3D Mag with scotch tape and it is now (as far as I'm concerned) a really useful area light. I use it at night for walking the dog and it is my preferred light for that purpose.
Somehow I think you are being over optimistic at trying to turn the 3D Mag into a thrower without spending a lot of money on the conversion. The sputter technique works well (but only if you do it right first time) and involves spraying a clear acylic varnish onto the reflector from a distance in such a way as to obtain an orange peel effect. (it may need a few coats to get this effect)and will need a few days to harden fully before use.

Personally I would just use some cheap scotch tape to try the diffusion technique first to see if you can live with the reduced output?

Doug

 

[sween1911]

Re: Maglite \"sputter\"?

Bhustan, my 3D Mag rides in my truck 24/7 for the same reasons you describe /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

I haven't messed with the reflector on it, but I have on my 2C. Right now it has 2 NiCad C-cells in it, but I occasionally swap in a KPR112 from RatShack and 3 x 123 cells. That reflector I did sputter, and with the KPR112 and some judicious focusing, it throws beautifully and has a nice tight hotspot.

It is not reversible, but you could buy an extra reflector, and swap it back for stock beam.

You want clear, gloss finish spraypaint. I used Krylon. Just sit the reflector in a cup or something that keeps it straight up (cam side down). I did short sprays from about a foot or so away to get an even coating. You can always add more (I ruined an older reflector trying to wipe out the paint when I added too much and took the silver finish right off). Light sprays and kind of let it settle onto the reflector. Then LEAVE IT ALONE. Let it dry and try it out. Beware, too much will give you a flood light. Just a tiny bit will just take out most of those artifacts that are a pain.

FWIW, search on posts by Lambda for "sputter". He has some great info on it.

 

[BIGIRON]

Re: Maglite \"sputter\"?

The PDA screen stuff if "Writeright". Use the type for a non-color display. The type I found is for a Palm Zire. It's pretty expensive, but I've seen it several times on clearance at Office Depot for a couple of bucks.

The Scotch transparent tape works well also. It seems to be the consensus that the "Satin" type works best.

Both methods reduce throw somewhat, but really work well in cleaning up the beam.

I've done the Krylon sputtering and like it as well. The instructions in the earlier posts are great. Just take it easy at first. Suggest first apply a very light bit and then test it and do more in small increments till you find the balance you like. You can do too much very easily. One good tip that someone posted was to practice on a paper cup first.

 

[nemul]

Re: Maglite \"sputter\"?

What about taping off the top half of the reflector then sputter it. give it that Streamlight TL-2 LED look.

 

[Bhustan]

Re: Maglite \"sputter\"?

Thanks everyone for their suggestions so far...

I think I might go pick up a can of clear Krylon and try the sputtering method this weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

Peace,
Mike