Of various Maglite and LED conversions

[DonL]

I've read here of some of the great conversions that are being done with Maglites, bringing them into "modern" times with LED technology.

What I've been wondering, though, is if there's a conversion possible for a 2-D cell Mag that retains the 2 D cells, or is there a mandatory cell conversion necessary as well for any kind of LED work? I've got a "guinea pig" Mag at home awaiting a Franken-makeover and would appreciate any tips or advice.

Thanks.

 

[lambda]

DonL,

Search for 3C cells in 2D Maglite conversion (real easy).

Either it's 3 cells or a DC/DC voltage converter to get enough voltage to run the Luxeon........

 

[EMPOWERTORCH]

There are a number of direct conversions for Maglite torches which involve replacing the bulb with an LED cluster with the correct bulb base. A quick search on "LED Light Bulbs" on dogpile.com will reveal several companies which specialise in LED bulb replacements. To run InGaNi LED's, e.g. cyan, blue and white some conversion kits have a special booster circuit built into the bulb case or use converters allowing a larger number of cells to be inserted into the torch's body to run the 4.5V LED. Red Orange and yellow LED's require a resistor to run on two cells. This is normally contained in the bulb base.
There is a Web site by David Henry (correct me if I've got the name wrong guys) that shows you how to construct a bulb using a Radio Shack superbright 10mm LED.
Alternatively, there are a number of torchaholics who will be happy to advise you on fitting a Luxeon Star LED. The torch would have to be permanently modified. See the Lambda Illuminator for a similar mod...
Most Luxeon LED's will require a booster circuit to boost the 3V to something the Luxeon requires.
Empowertorch

 

[DonL]

Many thanks to the both of you.

I was a little reluctant (for some strange reason) to convert the size of cells being used, but changing the driving power would be interesting.

I'll check the web for other LED conversions to see what I can dig up.

I've also been in touch with Wayne regarding such a project, so we'll see what comes up.

 

[ElektroLumens]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by DonL:
I've read here of some of the great conversions that are being done with Maglites, bringing them into "modern" times with LED technology.

What I've been wondering, though, is if there's a conversion possible for a 2-D cell Mag that retains the 2 D cells, or is there a mandatory cell conversion necessary as well for any kind of LED work? I've got a "guinea pig" Mag at home awaiting a Franken-makeover and would appreciate any tips or advice.

Thanks.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hello Don,

I use 3 batteries in order to get higher voltage and current, and I either use 1 ohm resistance, or sometimes direct drive it, well direct super overdrive the Luxeon. No need of a regulator with these big boys, you'll get 24 hours of bright light with the 3 'C' cells, and days of gradually diminishing light.

By the way, it is possible in most of my Mag Lite conversions to revert them back to stock flashlights (I don't know why anyone would want to, but it is possible).

The Luxeon star bulbs cannot be given very much current (they would burn up), and are not very bright.

It is possible to use the 2 'D' cells, but the Luxeon Star will not be very bright. I have made a few mods with 2 'D' cells and a voltage convertor, but the battery life is not that great.

Wayne www.elektrolumens.com