newbie Question 1st post

[draftaman]

Hi all, I found this forum about a month ago and couldnt believe that there were others out there who like lights too.
Getting to my question: Ive got a couple of mag lights in the collection and Im wondering if there are any mods to make them brighter(more output). Ive got a 3d Id love to be using but since I bought a legend LX I cant seem to put it down long enough to use my tired old mag again. Ive done a search but havent come up with anything yet. Thanks,draftaman

 

[Brotherscrim]

I could be wrong, but I think that Mag lites us PR-based bulbs. Search for that, and I'm guessing that you'll find what you're looking for.

 

[MicroE]

Welcome Draftaman---Your're basic problem here is voltage. Or rather, the lack of it. The 3D cells produce about 4.5 volts. If you want a brighter light you have to get the voltage higher.

There are many, many things that you can do with a 3D Maglite. Unfortunately, most of these changes will require some level of surgery. You could, for instance, pack 4 123 batteries inside and the resulting 12 volts could drive a much brighter incandescent bulb. You could also put 6 or 9 AA NiMh batteries inside and do the same thing. You could also "drop in" a 5W Luxeon LED and a regulator circuit.
If you're not up to modding the light then your options are more limited. There are better bulbs out there but I have never purchased them. I'm sure that someone will chime in with the name of the manufacturer that makes these bulbs.---Marc

 

[draftaman]

Thanks for the answers.
Ive got just one more question, Is there a web site that sells higher voltage bulbs for my mag?
Thanks, Andrew

 

[Roy]

draftaman,
Here is part of the bulb chart in the last Radio Shack big catalog. It should be of great help in your dquest.

I use the xpr-103 in my 3D Maglight!

 

[draftaman]

Ahh ha now Im getting pointed in the right direction. thank you
Roy,Do most people make their own battery holders or do they modify existing holders to suit their needs? thanks,Andrew

 

[Icebreak]

Good job Roy!

Do you think that even though the Zenon XPR103 3.6 v has a higher brightness rating that the Halogen HPR52 2.8 v might be brighter because it is being over driven?

Also, I wrote down that someone had recommended the HPR50 5.2 v as a good choice for a 3D but your recommendation makes more sense.

At any rate, your post will help many people.
Thanks.

 

[Roy]

My rule of thumb:

Two batteries then the bulb should be 3v or less.

Three batteries then the bulb should be between 3v and 4.5v.

Four batteries then the bulb should be between 4.5v and 6v.

This is assuming the batteries are 1.5v each.

 

[Nerd]

In that case, what would be good modding choices for my 4D maglite?

 

[Vikas Sontakke]

XPR113 for the 4D Maglite

 

[EMPOWERTORCH]

Fit a Luxeon Star for ultimate brightness and a very long bulb life!

 

[Nerd]

Ah.... a 5 watter would be nice.... Would like to have one of my own cyclops if not for the price

 

[Monsters_Inc]

Also, 4C cells will fit nicely in a 3D Mag (search for 3C in 2D mod threads), and you can opt for a bright bulb thus making that Mag brighter still!

 

[Vikas Sontakke]

Can you overdrive 3cell bulb with 4cells or do thet blow instantly?

- Vikas

 

[doubleganger]

I use a KPR103 bulb in a 4aa light with nimh batteries with very good results. I've also tried it in my 4D maglight with alkalines but haven't really run it long enough to make any recommendations. They say that the krypton bulbs can take overdriving much better than the xenons.