INFRNL
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hello to all of the Malkoff Fans,
I have started this thread on behalf of peer pressure/help from my fellow Malkoff family
.
The purpose of this thread mainly started because there are always repeated questions of what runtime is on a given Malkoff device/module, and/or particular setup. I decided (w/testing) to try to help out where i can and ended up where we are today.
This thread will be a one of a kind thread providing factual data of actual runtime results, graphed for almost every currently available Malkoff module in just about every configuration possible. this will allow anyone interested to be able to find runtime graphs for the various Malkoff device/modules all from one location (no more hunting through the Junkie thread).
These graphs I have made and will be making, will show you exactly how each particular module/device will behave.
Many people ask, "what is the runtime for this light?". Well the answer is not that simple. There are many variables accounted into the runtime of a given module/light. You cannot just say, this light will run for 1.5 hrs. Some multi-cell modules will run near full output till the protection circuit kicks in, some will have a constant declining output, or some may have good output for a given amount of time, then have a fast decline, etc.
Then there is the case of everyone's opinion on what usable output is. This will be more apparent when you see the graphs.
I was turned onto Malkoff Devices at the beginning of 2017 from a fellow member during a simple search for one or two lights that could provide me with more light/output than I currently had from other lights. This snowballed into a quick journey of a small collection of Malkoff devices. I eventually figured out what i wanted to stick with and sold off the rest of my collection. During that time I had done some runtime tests without the proper tools. I then purchased a reasonably priced light meter (Extech easyview 30) and began manually logging the entire runtime of a few certain lights.
As time went on, I kept noticing people asking about runtimes on lights/modules we recently discussed. So at this point (which was just several months ago now) I bought a light meter with data logging capabilities and started data logging my tests on the lights I still had. Okay, that's nice, but people are asking about lights I do not have or no longer have...what to do. In the last few months or so, I believe i have purchased just about every available Malkoff module/device and have been running all kinds of tests on different modules/configurations. A lot of tests have been from requests.
One last thing before we get started. I do not claim that the lumen ratings given in my graphs are spot on accurate. They are within the ballpark of rated output and are close enough for accuracy for what we are looking at. Also do not focus on the curve of the graphs, you will need to pay close attention to the actual time increment because some of the runtimes are so long that I cannot properly graph the entire run. Which means depending on how I increment the graph, I can change the way the graph physically looks.
thank you for hanging in there with me as i rambled on.
Most popular Primary Cells; Which you will see comparison graphs on. and 3 popular Alkalines along with Energizer Lithium and Eneloop Pro which you will also see a comparison graph on.
CR123A Runtime Comparison:
All cells are Brand New and bought just before this test to help assure the most accurate results.
2x primary comparison graph.
Here is the Alkaline (AA) graph:
After all my testing, I have chosen to use rayovac 1400mah primaries, rayovac AA, and Eneloop pro's AA, for all my runtime graphs. the reason why i chose rayovac primaries is because they are one of the top performers but the cheapest of the bunch (besides the cheap chinese titanium cells). Rayovac aa's are the cheapest and offer the best performance. Eneloop pro's offer great performance and i just like them over the standard eneloop's.
Rough breakdown of the process involved in me making a graph
Hope you are enjoying this so far. This is just so i did not leave you hanging with nothing but an opening statement
Decided to do a refresh on primary runtime comparison using Malkoff devices
All cells being tested: Results are a bit different this time...
I have started this thread on behalf of peer pressure/help from my fellow Malkoff family
. The purpose of this thread mainly started because there are always repeated questions of what runtime is on a given Malkoff device/module, and/or particular setup. I decided (w/testing) to try to help out where i can and ended up where we are today.
This thread will be a one of a kind thread providing factual data of actual runtime results, graphed for almost every currently available Malkoff module in just about every configuration possible. this will allow anyone interested to be able to find runtime graphs for the various Malkoff device/modules all from one location (no more hunting through the Junkie thread).
These graphs I have made and will be making, will show you exactly how each particular module/device will behave.
- Here is NotRegulated's Malkoff Specs List showing the specs for most every module made since the beginning. His thread has a wealth of info on Malkoff devices.
Many people ask, "what is the runtime for this light?". Well the answer is not that simple. There are many variables accounted into the runtime of a given module/light. You cannot just say, this light will run for 1.5 hrs. Some multi-cell modules will run near full output till the protection circuit kicks in, some will have a constant declining output, or some may have good output for a given amount of time, then have a fast decline, etc.
Then there is the case of everyone's opinion on what usable output is. This will be more apparent when you see the graphs.
- A little History of my adventure:
I was turned onto Malkoff Devices at the beginning of 2017 from a fellow member during a simple search for one or two lights that could provide me with more light/output than I currently had from other lights. This snowballed into a quick journey of a small collection of Malkoff devices. I eventually figured out what i wanted to stick with and sold off the rest of my collection. During that time I had done some runtime tests without the proper tools. I then purchased a reasonably priced light meter (Extech easyview 30) and began manually logging the entire runtime of a few certain lights.
As time went on, I kept noticing people asking about runtimes on lights/modules we recently discussed. So at this point (which was just several months ago now) I bought a light meter with data logging capabilities and started data logging my tests on the lights I still had. Okay, that's nice, but people are asking about lights I do not have or no longer have...what to do. In the last few months or so, I believe i have purchased just about every available Malkoff module/device and have been running all kinds of tests on different modules/configurations. A lot of tests have been from requests.
- Here we are a few months later and many many hours of testing/graphing later. It has taken me at least a month to get the courage/time up to start this thread.
- This will be a long drawn out process as it takes a lot of time and i am very limited on the time I have available. Please be patient as I will be making a lot of changes along the way to make this experience the best I can.
- As always, I am always open to opinions, suggestions, etc.. and for anyone curious, I am in no way affiliated with Malkoff; I have purchased most everything brand new from Malkoff/Illumn, and have only purchased some items from the marketplace. I have purchased 3 different extech light meters, DMM's, 100's of various primary cells, etc; all out of my own pocket. I have not had any help in getting where I am (with equipment/modules/devices), and i am just doing this in good faith/kindness to My family here and any future members that join the Malkoff community. The only help I will ask for is for advice, suggestions, opinions to help make this as good as it can be for everyone that appreciates what these graphs actually provide.
One last thing before we get started. I do not claim that the lumen ratings given in my graphs are spot on accurate. They are within the ballpark of rated output and are close enough for accuracy for what we are looking at. Also do not focus on the curve of the graphs, you will need to pay close attention to the actual time increment because some of the runtimes are so long that I cannot properly graph the entire run. Which means depending on how I increment the graph, I can change the way the graph physically looks.
thank you for hanging in there with me as i rambled on.
- Here is what i initially started out with for test equipment/tools and the SDL 400 which is what i currently use. I have not yet played with the HD450 for testing.
- Here is a quick setup/equipment showing current draw on a MDC head. Second pic showing accuracy of meters
- Here is my current Malkoff Family.
Most popular Primary Cells; Which you will see comparison graphs on. and 3 popular Alkalines along with Energizer Lithium and Eneloop Pro which you will also see a comparison graph on.
CR123A Runtime Comparison:
All cells are Brand New and bought just before this test to help assure the most accurate results.
2x primary comparison graph.
Here is the Alkaline (AA) graph:
After all my testing, I have chosen to use rayovac 1400mah primaries, rayovac AA, and Eneloop pro's AA, for all my runtime graphs. the reason why i chose rayovac primaries is because they are one of the top performers but the cheapest of the bunch (besides the cheap chinese titanium cells). Rayovac aa's are the cheapest and offer the best performance. Eneloop pro's offer great performance and i just like them over the standard eneloop's.
Rough breakdown of the process involved in me making a graph
Hope you are enjoying this so far. This is just so i did not leave you hanging with nothing but an opening statement
Decided to do a refresh on primary runtime comparison using Malkoff devices
All cells being tested: Results are a bit different this time...
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