No NiMH?

[Irishsentry]

I recently had to switch out my NiMH D Energizer Cells for Duracell Alkaline D's to fix the problem of a factory drop-in Mag LED. Flickering no constant beam, etc.

How many flashlights out there will not take Ni MH? I was planning on buying some new cells in D size but dont want to waste money...

I bought the terraluxe module to replace this HOPING I can use NiMH.....does anyone know?

 

[Mr Happy]

Check the contact spring at the positive end of the batteries inside the light. In a MagLite sample I have, this spring was recessed too much and I also had poor flickering light. I eventually fixed it by dismantling the light and stretching the spring so it protruded more. (Actually I pulled too hard and the spring came right out. Don't do that, 'cos the spring won't go back without a special tool.)

Otherwise, normally NiMH cells are a drop-in replacement for alkalines. The only problem that may sometimes happen is that NiMH cells can overdrive bulbs tuned for alkalines and they may burn out more quickly. Could possibly happen with unregulated LED modules too.

 

[Irishsentry]

I thought you could get them back in place or else why would they put the spare bulb under there?.....just trying to figure this out...Is a Terraluxe considered regulated? I know the Mag probably isn't....but it got me hooked on modifying...just that one simple thing.....

 

[Stress_Test]

Well, I've got a Mini Led, and it says alkaline only and no rechargeables, but I've been using NiMH with no problems at all. You'd think the module for the D size light would handle it as well.

Mr. Happy's comment about the spring in the tailcap (edit: I just saw that he's talking about the head-end spring) reminded me of back when I put NiCad cells in my 3D mag. The Nicad D cells had a small negative terminal area which the spring didn't always hit. I think I ended up putting a quarter on the bottom of the battery and then screwing the cap on. In hindsight, bending the end of the spring over a bit towards the center would have been a better solution!

 

[Mr Happy]

I thought you could get them back in place or else why would they put the spare bulb under there?

As Stress_Test noted I'm talking about the little spring at the other end of the light in the switch module. You can't reach that spring unless you take the light apart.

 

[Irishsentry]

I will take it apart if I need to...the light has special meaning for me. I Have a Terralux 2w in my mini mag and that will take anything I feed it....but the mag brand LED is a fussy SOB

 

[cave dave]

I recently had to switch out my NiMH D Energizer Cells for Duracell Alkaline D's to fix the problem of a factory drop-in Mag LED. Flickering no constant beam, etc.

Slightly off topic but the Energizer D NimH are just AA capacity sized Nimh in a mostly empty shell (thats why they are so light weight).

http://www.theinquirer.net/gb/inquirer/news/2007/11/07/energizer-rechargeable

 

[Mr Happy]

I will take it apart if I need to...the light has special meaning for me. I Have a Terralux 2w in my mini mag and that will take anything I feed it....but the mag brand LED is a fussy SOB

I don't know if that spring is your problem or not, but there is no need to be scared of taking your light apart to check. MagLites can be disassembled and reassembled as many times as you like without damage. They come apart and go back together sweetly like a well oiled machine. Here is one good web page with instructions: http://rivergum.net/page/48

The main thing to remember is never to force anything. If ever you feel you need force, you are doing it wrong.

 

[Irishsentry]

Do you know where I can buy a spanner wrench? I am rebuilding my first patrol light and another smaller C cell but both are old style.

Thanks a lot :twothumbs

 

[SafetyBob]

Have you tried those D sized NiMH cells in another flashlight? That certainly will prove if the problem is with the flashlight or the batteries.

I have not been sorry yet that I spent some good money on Accupower D NiMH batteries from Thomas Distributing yet. Do you have a good charger too? I have not yet regretted putting out good money for my Triton2 which can charge just about everything.

Bob E.

 

[Stress_Test]

On a different note...

I'm all for rechargeables in flashlights for economical and "guilt free" use and everything, BUT...

In the case of a Mag D cell LED light, since it runs SO LONG on alkalines (20+ hours before it drops, then many more hours in a "moon mode"....see Flashlight Reviews site) it seems kind of pointless to worry about using rechargeables in one of these lights. That was one thing that really appealed to me about the led upgrade for my 3D. Load it up with fresh alkalines and I'm good to go for quite a while. Even in a long poweroutage, cells that happen to be half depleted will still suffice.

 

[Stress_Test]

Let me try somethin' here..

Sweet, it worked! Ok, here's a good runtime comparison plot that I mentioned before.
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