Newbie Looking to Mod

[pjreb02]

hello all..just joined...reading for hours on this forum and i am lost...

i have 2 flashlights :

- 2 aaa maglite
- 2 d maglite

i want to upgrade one of them, whichever is easier

i would like to be able to get at least 250 lumens (i am not sure if its possible to do this for under $100 ?). i am also trying to see if there is a way that i can charge the batteries while they are inside the flashlight

i looked in other posts for information but couldnt find anything..so if you could point me in the right direction

thanks in advance..

pj

 

[digitaldave]

This is a good thread to start with. It sumarises most of the available Maglite mod options, both LED and incan. Have a good read through, there's loads of info in that hread, and the many threads it links to .

 

[pjreb02]

thanks for the link...still some questions :

the first thing i would really like to do is mod my 2d mag but putting in a charging jack..any suggestions ? - I saw a flashlight for sale but i would like to make it myself (http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=208078)

looks like you can use different "hosts" with each mod...how would i know/find out which parts i need for my flashlight ? specifically a 2d ? seems like with each mod, u can use numerous bulbs ?

thanks

 

[pjreb02]

thanks for the quick reply...

however, i still have some questions...

1. i want to start off by adding a charging jack (similar to http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=208078)

2. after looking at the thread, it looks like those mods can be for all different flashlights and then u can use different light bulbs ? - i am now totally lost !

 

[nbp]

What you want is to take your 2D and build a ROP (Roar of the Pelican) maglite. You will have 700-800ish lumens for about 100 dollars and if you get member fivemega's battery holder I think you can charge your batteries without taking them all out. It's a pretty simple plug n play mod and you end up with a great light! Here's some reading for you... :welcome:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114375

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=191922

Just search ROP and you'll surely find more info.

Nick

 

[Chrontius]

The charging jack on the Fivemega pack stays under the tailcap; in use, the light stays as watertight as a stock Mag.

You can build the ROP as nbp suggested, which was my first hotwire too. It's great because you can switch from high gear to low and back without much heartache (bulb swap), giving you a lot of flexibility. It also doesn't make you learn how to handle bi-pin halogen lights right off the bat, the ROP bulbs are made just like the stock Mag bulbs, just more sensitive to dirt and fingerprints.

 

[pjreb02]

ok...i think i am getting somewhere :

1. for a bulb - is my only option the 3854 bulb ?
2. for a reflector - my options are Camless M2 Light Orange Peel (LOP) Reflector, Camless M2 Medium Orange Peel (MOP) Reflector, or Camless M2 Smooth (SMO) Reflector - sounds like LOP is the best ?

3. for a lens - should i buy ucl or borofloat ?

i have read posts about the reflectors and lenses but its too high level for me...basically, what i want is a powerful light (sounds like the ROP is about 700-800 lumens) and be able to use the flashlight for at least 1 hr...and charge batteries without having to remove the batteries from the flashlight..

thanks again

 

[nbp]

There are other mods using other bulbs, but by definition, the ROP uses the Pelican 3854 bulb set, which comes with HI output and LO output bulbs. So, for a ROP, yes, you have to use the 3854.

As for reflectors, my understanding is that the heavier the texture, (orange peel) the smoother the beam will be and the less artifacts you will have...however, you will sacrifice throw. A smoother reflector will give you a throwier beam, but you will have more dots and rings and such. A low orange peel reflector is a pretty good compromise I believe. Remember too, if you get a camless reflector, you will not be able to focus. For a focusable beam you need a cammed reflector, such as what fivemega makes. His has a removeable cam for the best of both worlds.

As regards the lens, I don't think it matters one or the other, so long as you get something glass instead of plastic.

Hope that helps

Nick