New member intro. and surefire 6P build question

[Grizzman]

In addition to not being able to send PMs, it's possible that you can't receive them either. If you posted in the sales thread, then that's one. You can post two more times in the Wine, Cheese, and Cigar Saloon to get up to the required three posts.

Unfortunately, this hobby isn't quite as simple as we'd like.

It is not safe to mix different battery types, sizes, or even capacities, in a light.

Using three RCR123s will deliver over 12 volts to the drop-in, 4.2 volts when fresh off the charger each X 3, which is beyond what the drop-in is able to accept. Other Malkoffs, like the M61SHO and M91 are designed to accept the voltage delivered by three RCR123s, but they won't run at all from a single 17670.

The rechargeable solution for the unbored 9P is two 17500 cells. One 17500 is the same length as 1.5 CR123s. Luckily, the i4's design doesn't require spacers to charge RCR123s or 17500s.

 

[Grizzman]

After 30 minutes, the M61 fed by two RCR123s still appears only slightly brighter than the one fed by a 17670.

The temperature difference, though, is significant. The increased voltage from RCR123s creates more output, which generates more heat. The drop-in's driver also converts the excess voltage it can't use into heat. The light is still comfortable to hold. Since Malkoffs are designed to be run full term in a 6P, this heat is not an issue.

There is no visible difference at 45 minutes, compared to 30.

At 47 minutes, the Z2 with RCR123s shut off. After the cells recovered for five or more minutes, their resting voltage was 3.14 volts.

At the 1 hour point, the output difference between 17670 and fresh RCR123s is now easily visible when compared side by side. I'm not sure I'd be able to tell a difference without a direct comparison.

After an hour and 15 minutes, the output is, again, a little lower than it was at the hour mark. I wouldn't be surprised if this sucker doesn't shut off till near the two hour point.

After an hour and 40 minutes, it is putting out less than an M61LL. My estimate is 85 usable but no longer impressive lumens.

I ended the test at one hour and 47 minutes. It was still putting out usable light, but the house is bright enough that it's difficult to estimate really how much is was.....maybe 45.

 

[Fahrvergnügen]

Added posts i should have over 3 posts now, okay awesome i will get 2 AW 17500 protected lions soon. I understand how the rcr123's work as well now! im glad i spent a tiny bit more for the nitecore i4. so if the standard cr123a's give 3.0v can you run 3 with the m61? its max is 9v correct/ or is that just pushing it?

learning a ton in a short time its all starting to fall into place hehe.

asking about batteries so much because i want the option of having full power with smaller run times for weapons light use, and then longer runtimes with decent output for walking the dogs/ working on things at night maybe when you need to see very well.

 

[Grizzman]

It really is a lot to learn.

The M61 is fully compatible with three CR123s.

 

[Fahrvergnügen]

asking about batteries so much because i want the option of having full power with smaller run times for weapons light use, and then longer runtimes with decent output for walking the dogs/ working on things at night maybe when you need to see very well.

edited post don't know if you caught it.

im sure i will be able to test the safe battery combos and see what works the best for any given situation/time-frame. once i get all these goodies from the snail mail that is.

 

[Grizzman]

The M61 fed by RCR123s shut off right at the 47 minute mark. I will put a couple other mostly full ones in it so I can continue to compare the output of 17670 to full output from two Li-Ions.

I'm not sure if you're aware, but the standard rule is that protected cells aren't a great idea in a weapon-mounted situation when the light absolutely must work. It is possible for the rifle's recoil to damage the protection circuit, therefore turning off the light. For this use case, either primary CR123s or unprotected IMR cells are preferred. I guess I forgot to add this scenario to the IMR info in my previous post.

 

[Fahrvergnügen]

I'm not sure if you're aware, but the standard rule is that protected cells aren't a great idea in a weapon-mounted situation when the light absolutely must work. It is possible for the rifle's recoil to damage the protection circuit, therefore turning off the light. For this use case, either primary CR123s or unprotected IMR cells are preferred. I guess I forgot to add this scenario to the IMR info in my previous post.

oh okay that works perfectly fine then! since the primary or IMR cells should run the m61 at full output for mounted limited duration use. and the protected batteries will be for everything else

 

[Grizzman]

oh okay that works perfectly fine then! since the primary or IMR cells should run the m61 at full output for mounted limited duration use. and the protected batteries will be for everything else

That sounds like a good plan to me.

 

[Fahrvergnügen]

awesome sounds like i should have plenty of runtime especially with that a19 extension and some 17500's or 3 cr123's, and have the standard 6p size options and batteries. looks like im off to a good start. i will have to post updates and pics. on how everything goes together and performs. maybe in a new thread or here too since there's been a bit of views, someone will get some information out of it (i have gotten tons) thanks Grizzman you the man.

 

[fivemega]

When you need super long run time, excellent performance, less stress to cells and less frequent recharging, 2x18650 body with pair of 3400mAh 18650 will be your choice.

 

[Fahrvergnügen]

everything came in finally, even the tactical head from china! haven't tried the tactical head yet as the surefire head just looks right. got the a19 extender works great with the 3 primary surefire cells, the malkoff drop in in absolutely superb, great throw and a very wide spill for such a small light. The charger and batteries all work great i suppose, no problems there, still need to order a couple 17500's.

what does it normally cost to bore the surefire to fit the 18650's, can any machinist perform this with the proper equipment? and iam sure there is some dimensions for boring yourself to be found here on the forum? or is it just more practical to get a chinese host body for running 18650's and such?

If i did get it bored or another host body, i could get the extender bored as well or get the pre-bored ones from oveaready, but then with the extender what battery combination would be used?

 

[Grizzman]

I'm glad everything arrived and should work to your satisfaction.

I've only used two of the typical CPF boring services, Oveready and PrecisionWorks.

Oveready's cost is currently $19 for each 6P body, plus $5 for shipping. These are done in batches, and the current batch is now at the machine shop. Unfortunately, it will be quite a few months before the next batch will have enough bodies to be worthy of taking up the machine shop's precious time.

PrecisionWorks doesn't use the same batch method as Oveready, and you would ship the light now and receive it after it's been bored....which will have the light out of your possession for at least a couple months, maybe more. Barry does excellent work, and specializes in bodies that Oveready doesn't bore, like LX2s, C3s, etc. The cost for PrecisionWorks to bore a 6P is somewhere around $45 plus shipping.

Considering how common it is for individuals to do this themselves with a band drill, a socket-type device, some duct tape, and sandpaper (with positive results) any machinist should be able to easily bore the 6P to the appropriate 18.65 mm diameter.

Bored Surefires show up in the MarketPlace fairly regularly, and Fivemega sells 18650 sized bodies as well. On the cheap front, I've got a Solarforce L2P that lives out in the truck's tool box, that while not in any way up to Surefire quality, is quite good considering the bargain price.

It should be possible to also have the A19 bored to 18.65 mm as well. A bored 6P with bored A19 is roughly 100 mm long, so the best dual Li-Ion setup would be two 18500s, with each having a capacity of 1500 mAh. 17500 Li-Ions also exist for non-bored bodies, with a capacity of 1100 mah.

 

[Fahrvergnügen]

awesome thanks again for great info grizzman, I think i will try the two 17500's before boring or getting another host. i have only used the light in testing and currently using it as an inspection light for Volkswagen's i might buy (helps a ton to have a bright light for this during the day) i would like to go on an extended walk with the dogs at night and see if it could be used as a walking light (kinda wish i had both low-med-high and standard m61 malkoff drop-ins now) but i think i will just get another light system for walking and extreme length use (something a bit cheaper and power settings for longevity's sake)