Mule. Size, output levels, any info?

[jk904jk]

I have been trying to find some stats for McGizmo's mules. I am curious.

1. What are the dimensions

2. with the three level light engine from the sandwich shop...what kind of
light output can I expect with one of the newest cree led's.

I basically want the mule because of the pure flood output and also because they are very high quality. The only other thing that I really must have with the Mule is.

1. an extreme low. (think cell phone screen output) for walking around at night/ using on a dark set on stage without disturbing performances.

2. a high mode also. anything between .75 and 1 amp with cree p4 or q5
kind of led.

3. UI that will allow the light to come on at extreme low mode first.

4. run on cr123 primaries.

thats about it. I have just not been able to find the info I need about it so far. Any response is greatly appreciated.

thanks,
Jeff K.

 

[paulr]

There are several models. The PD is about 3" long and 1" diameter, not the tiniest 1x123 light but easily pocketable. The low as normally configured is maybe brighter than you want, but Don or a modder could possibly set one up a dimmer one for you by changing a resistor. However, as much as I love these lights, I think a white flood light is not really what you want for your stage performance requirement. You are best off with a red light. In fact you might check out the Rigel Skylite, which was made for astronomers. It has deep red leds and you can dim it to near-nothingness using a radio-like "volume control" dial or crank it up to reasonable brightness as such things go. I think there were some discounts offered to cpf members a while back though I don't know if those are still available.

The high mode (non-mizer) of a PD is something like 525 mA, bright enough for most purposes I think. This is never going to be a long reaching light. It's not made for that. I think some of the aleph mules are set a little higher.

Don't let this dissuade you from buying a Mule though. Mules are great. The PD interface is beauty itself, a two level spring loaded piston that you press for low, press harder for high, or twist the bezel to lock at either setting.

 

[jumpstat]

Best advice here is to do a search for Mule Ti-Pd or Aleph Mule. There are many pictures and specifications.

 

[yaesumofo]

The key to the mule especially the Aleph version is that you can assemble a light which operates at just about any level you choose to set the light up at.
There is even a Light engine available which has 3 levels at the shop.
With the aleph version it is all about what light engine you install into the light.
OK that said. The important thing about the Mule is that it is a pure WIDE ANGLE beam.
There is no reflector or optical which alters the beam in any way. the Mule is designed to be a pure from the emitter light source.

IMHO this is definitely NOT the kind of flashlight which lends itself to stage work.
A multi level light with a tighter beam would definitely be a better choice.
If you are looking for a McGizmo flashlight I would recommend a PD of just about any variety.
They can be found on the BST on a somewhat regular basis for between 200 and 300.
This is a 2 level light. If you get a mixer version you can get a very low low and a high which will give good run time.

To be frank a light like the HDS EDC or NovaTak may be better choices for stage work.

As a film worker I have used a PD very successfully on many shows. These are not live events so the actual use is different. Finding your way around a dark set is very similar to working an active stage.


Another consideration is mode of carry. all three lights can be adopted for lanyard carry (My preferred mode at work since the light is right where I need it when I need it right around my neck).
Based upon what you have said in your posting the the PD may be a great choice it will start at a low and with a slightly harder push or more twist will move up to a higher level.


IMHO a single cell multi mode flashlight is probably what you are looking for and if true your choices are virtually endless. you can spend as much or as little as you like here. If quality is important to you find a PD these are as good as they get.
Your other choices are something like the new Surefire the E1B around 100 2 levels single cell pocket size.
Good luck let us know which way you go.
BTW a little bit of reading will yield all of the answers to your questions in the stickys at the top of the McGizmo forum. just about everything you would ever want to know about the MULE and Pd's as well as don't other lights is there including all kinds of specs. You may want to start there before asking questions of this nature here. I see that you a new but not that new.
On the other hand a P1DCE would be considered by many to be the perfect stage work light. It all depends on budget and desire.
Yaesumofo

 

[da.gee]

I would echo Y's thoughts. When I saw your thread I got out my Mules and I don't think it would be what you would want on stage. The brightness is fine but the beam is very wide. Three feet from the wall the beam is six feet across (estimated). Additionally, light pollution from other sources limits the Mule's utility even on high because of the wide dispersion.

If you want a McGizmo the PD-S or even a PD would be a better choice. The low is low enough and if you need throw and bright it will do the job within the confines of your work environment. I don't have any of the other McGizmos so can't comment on those.

You might want to consider a Surefire A2 Aviator. You can find these in B&M store and test which LED combo might work for your low light situations. You then have the low light option as well as something with more throw. The A2 with the Strion mod is a fantastic combo and Lumens Factory is also coming out with an A2 replacement bulb if the stock bulb doesn't do it for you.

Downside of the A2, 2x123 and doesn't take rechargeables but I see you don't mind primaries. A great light I would think for what you describe particularly the UI (two stage cap operates like a PD)