My custom 3D Maglite build

[Matt7337]

Drop-In Module for 2-3 D-Cell to fit Mag-Lite
Executive Crenellated Bezel for MagLite - Black
XCape Cap - Black - 2-4 D Cell

They will be going in my 3D black maglite which lives clipped in the boot (trunk) of my car. Should bring it up to date a little, what do you think?

Any tips or info for using this driver?

EDIT: I wanted to order the D sized P7 drop in so badly, but I'm also buying a customized 170 lumen RA Clicky this week which is costing £150, so I thought the 230 lumen, $55 drop in would do. For now anyway ;)

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

After close inspection of my Mag this afternoon, and some cleaning and re-greasing of threads... I got to thinking about the plastic lens that it is fitted with. I would love to get a glass lens for the light when it is upgraded with the above, as well as a lens filter attachment. Does anybody know if such a thing exists? A custom made glass lens will probably be expensive but IMO it's be worth it.

Also, the beam on my 3D LED mags at present is horribly uneven, which is undoubtedly due to the cheap plastic reflector. Has anyone ever changed the reflector in a D size mag to something more rugged or better quality like an alu version?

Pics would really help guys, thank you!

 

[paintballdad]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

You can get glass lenses from flashlightlens.com. They are currently out of UCLs but the Borofloats are in stock. Look for 52.1mm x 1.9 or 2.0 mm lenses. I had a set up similar to yours. Doesn't look impressive indoors, you need to take it outdoors to appreciate this. Good luck.

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

Thanks very much for the link matey, I'll get one ordered up tonight :)

I hope to be able to use my black Mag 3D more often now that it's updated. Before it just stayed clipped in the back of my car in case I needed a light at night time like for changing a wheel or something.

 

[[email protected]]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

I have one of Gene Malkoff's P7 dropins in a black 4C Mag running on 3-18650 Li-Ion bats with MOP aluminum reflector from britelumens.com (recommended by Gene), UCL front glass from flashlightlens.com and black crenelated bezel from Gene. This setup is excellent. Brightest LED light to date in my collection. 3-18650 bats = 4 C cells in length - no conductive spacer required. A piece of schedule 80 PVC pipe provides the correct ID for the 18650s, but I had to sand down the exterior to get the correct OD to fit in the Mag. My only concern per other threads is that my 18650s are not protected, so I will need to be careful not to over-discharge. I have some 26650s on the way to try with this light. Cheers. Johnmh

PS - this is my first post to CPF

 

[qip]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

this place allows international orders but could take a while but this is what you should get

Glass lens for mag, also a 5 pack so you have spares :thumbsup:

MOP detachable cam reflector , beautiful beam

 

[bigchelis]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

lighthound.com

I type in UCL in the search engine on their site and it pops up all the UCL lens they sell. I always purchase the G2 and Mag UCL lens from them.

 

[Bullzeyebill]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

Actually the Mag stock plastic lens is excellent, and cut down works great in Gene's mag drop ins. I have sputtered some for better beam qualilty, reduce artifacts. I use the mag stock reflector cut down in LiIon head for my MrBulk Chameleon. Mag has always been right about the shape of their rerflectors for maximum throw.

I do use a nice high quality MOP aluminum reflector for my incans, and of course, a Borofloat window.

Bill

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

I've already ordered a UCL and a borofloat lens from flashlightlens.com though their site says they are closed until this Saturday so the earliest it will be posted is then.

That just leaves the reflector and the cells to run the new drop in driver on. That MOP reflector looks great, I will order one of those from somewhere as soon as possible so thanks for the info on that.

I'd like to run the light on rechargeable cells but would have no idea where to start. Like I said before I went for the slightly cheaper drop-in emitter because I am supposed to be buying another brand new RA light this week. Would it be feasible to run the 3D light on any RCR cells with the right spacers/ padding?

From the Malkoff website:

This LED is rated at 240 lumens at 1000mA. The current output to the led is 1000mA on 3 D cells, and 600mA on 2 D cells. Full heatsinking of the driver and LED insure that the module can, and will, run at maximum output for extended periods. It operates on 2 or 3 easily available D size alkaline batteries depending on the flashlight body. The runtime is 3+ hours for 2 D-Cells and 6+ hours for 3D-Cells at the rated output. It will continue to operate at reduced output for several more hours.

So, on 2xD cells I make it out to be capable of running at 3V, 600mA and on 3xD cells, 4.5V, 1000mA. I don't believe there's a lithium rechargeable cell out there that it would be worth running in the light even if it was at these values because the reduction in weight that it would have on the light would make it too light to use effectively in emergency situations. I just hate carrying primary cells to flashlights when RCR's exist :rolleyes:

Just to summarize, here is what's being changed on my Mag:

Emitter - 3W LED to 240 lumen malkoff pill.
Tailcap - Standard smooth, flat maglite to black Xcape Cap with tung-carb tip.
Bezel - Standard flat mag to Xcape cap Executive Crenellated bezel.
Lens - Standard maglite plastic to UCL AR coated glass.
Reflector - Plastic maglite reflector to aluminium MOP reflector.

Not bad for ~£120 ;)

 

[Ronin]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

I have a black 3C Mag with a Malkoff 2-3C drop-in. I wasn't sure if I should order it because I bought my wife a 2C new Rebel Mag and I really like it a lot. The beam throws terrifically for $35 bucks. After getting the Malkoff I'm glad I ordered it because it really is better than the Rebel. It's one of my fav lights. Anyways the point of the post was to inform you guys that these work great they are called Quickfists. Perfect for holding a Mag in your trunk. Bigger ones for Mag and smaller for others.

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

Excellent Ronin, thanks for the tip. The official maglite clips are quite good but expensive for what you get. I'll consider one of those next time I change the car ;)

I just ordered from Kaidomain (for this light);

M*g SMO reflector - 52mm/15mm
M*g MOP reflector - 52mm/15mm
KD M*g SMO reflector 52/15mm

I had no idea what the difference in the "M*g" and the "KD M*g" reflectors was so I ordered one of each in SMO just to see. Maybe some of you guys know the difference but whichever one is better quality is the one that I will be using basically. I may just use the MOP reflector like some of you reccomended but I was placing an order for stuff from the US and figured I may as well make it worth my while ;)

 

[Mjolnir]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

You may want to stay with a smooth reflector for the malkoff dropin. It has cirtually no rings or artifacts with the stock maglite reflector, just a sharp, bright hotspot. A textured reflector will probably just kill some throw.
I am using one of the KD MOP maglite reflectors (with an 8.3 mm opening) in my 2D ROP, and it seems decently made. There was a very small bare spot where there doesn't seem to be reflective coating, but it is barely noticeable and doesn't affect the beam at all.

As far as rechargeable batteries go, I think your best bet would be Nimh D cells, which will give way more capacity than a lithium option.

The Malkoff dropin is primarily a "thrower," and it has a tightly focused beam with fairly dim spill, so it isn't really good for close up use. Since it is mainly for throw anyways, I just use the stock smooth reflector in mine, and it works well.

 

[sdlotus]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

matt what is the model no. drop in you ordered from gene? I have a 3 d mag i'm running 4 cs in with the standard bulb.Not led its not bad don't know if i should get a 3 d dropin and use 3 ds or the 4 d dropin and run the 4 cs.Will be glad for any help.Thanks ..........stanley

 

[qip]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

i almost forgot , get the kai gold shorty spring

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

i almost forgot , get the kai gold shorty spring

Why? Is it shorter therefore less pressure required to get the tailcap screwed on? I already placed the order so I don't know if I can add to it now unless I email him and ask nicely.

@ sdlotus - The model is the 2-3D cell drop-in and is on Gene's site here

 

[qip]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

gold plated less resistance...not a big deal really but since your upgrading the mag top to bottom you might as well get all the finishing detail touches :)

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

Very true... I'll email him today and see if he can add it to the order ;)

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Jesus Hernandez head finning?

I have just found the head finning thread whilst searching for other custom mags... MAN I want to get this done to the/ a head for my 3D modded mag. Anyone know if he still does this?

 

[Matt7337]

Re: Just ordered these from Gene!

I still haven't head back from Jesus about finning the head of the light but I have another question;

If he will machine the cooling rings into it could I get it anodised again so that the rings are all black instead of having silver? Is mag instruments' anodising process common and would a third party company be able to replicate it?

Thanks for all your help so far!

 

[Matt7337]

Well everyone I got all the bits and pieces for my maglite mod and I have them installed. Pics to come, my camera is on the charger as I type.

I'm very impressed with the quality of the mods that have been fitted to the light and the output of Gene's emitter is fantastic, but - I now feel like this is a feeble effort at a mag mod after reading some of the posts in CPF's Custom & Mod section.

Things like Mil-spec anodising, custom built emitters using magamods heatsinks and nickel plated mags with finning and 18650 mods by fivemega have made me hungry for more, and I am now itching to mod another large maglite to an even greater extent and turn it into a truly unique light. The thing is though, I am new to modding mags and I know most of you are not. I need inspiration, help, guidance etc on exactly what to use and what to do with the host. What I am looking for is:

Something unique looking - Custom machining, re- anodising, you name it and I want it!

LOTS of output - I know Gene's P7 dropin for D sized mags is supposed to produce 700+ lumens so is this my best bet or can I get more output if I put the time and effort into a custom emitter?

I'll get the pics of my current light up as soon as possible but I would really appreciate help with the next build. Thanks!

PS: If this belongs in the Custom/ Mod forum please move it there.