Power source for my mod'ed Mag D-cell?

[cgv69]

Hey guys,

I finally pulled the trigger on one of those Malkoff drop in's for the Maglite D-cell lights but now I'm wondering what options I have for alternate power source rather then standard Alkalines? Why are there no lithium batteries in anything other the AA and AAA size? Are there any good CR-123 conversions (BTW - I have both a 3-cell and 4-cell mags lights bodies to use)

Kind of on the same note, I pulled my 4-cell out of my truck to use for the conversion and found that once again, one of the Alkalines leaked and all the batteries where stuck in there. Is this because of the heat in my Truck or what? With enough banging and some brake cleaner I was able to get them out but there is still some residual crap stuck in the tube. What's the best way to get that out?

Thanks

 

[swampgator]

Why are there no lithium batteries in anything other the AA and AAA size? Are there any good CR-123 conversions (BTW - I have both a 3-cell and 4-cell mags lights bodies to use)

Do a search for "AW C Lion" and see what comes up. Don't know if he's got any currently for sale. You can stuff 3Cs into a 2D and 4Cs in a 3D. But I don't know how much voltage those Malkoff drop in's can handle.

With enough banging and some brake cleaner I was able to get them out but there is still some residual crap stuck in the tube. What's the best way to get that out?

If you haven't aready done so, take out the switch assembly. Also take out the "C" clip that sits forward of the switch. Mount the tube horizontally in a padded vise. Get a brake cylinder hone and hone the tube. Every so often shoot a blast of Liquid Wrench or WD-40 into the tube. Continue until smooth enough to slide cells in and out without resistance.

Check/Remove/Replace akaline batteries often.

Oh yeah, Welcome!

 

[NA8]

Hey guys,

I finally pulled the trigger on one of those Malkoff drop in's for the Maglite D-cell lights but now I'm wondering what options I have for alternate power source rather then standard Alkalines?... I have both a 3-cell and 4-cell mags lights bodies to use...

The Malkoff has a 6 volt upper limit. You don't want to go over that. You can put 4 C cells in your 3D. You can also go with NiMH batteries (4.8volts with 4 cells). Don't know much about the Li-ions, but remember it can't go over 6 volts.

 

[cgv69]

Thanks for the info and welcome guys

Check/Remove/Replace akaline batteries often.

How often is often? Quartly, bi-annually, etc.? Does leaving the light in the truck add to the problem (because of the heat)?

Thanks again

 

[swampgator]

My truck light is 3D Mag with 4 akaline Cs with the batts in a PVC tube. I check most of my lights about every two weeks. Just pull the end cap and slide out the batteries. Temps inside a vehicle in Florida can get up to 120 but I didn't have any problems this summer.

BTW my truck light was my dad's old patrol light from his last uniform assignment. When he gave it to me the cells had leaked. That's how I know about the brake hone. I got it up and running. It's a cool light with his name, Badge/ID#, and date he got it engraved on it.

If I notice the light going dead I replace the batteries.

With a 6V limit I'd go with 5 1/2D NiMH cells. That'll put you right at 6V and make the most of a 3D Mag's tube.

 

[ICspots]

Heat and batteries don't mix. I left a brand new UPS (UninterruptablePowerSupply) or battery backup if you wish in my car for 3 months and the battery swelled up and partially leaked. I am glad it didn't leak through to the carpet in the trunck!

 

[2xTrinity]

With a 6V limit I'd go with 5 1/2D NiMH cells. That'll put you right at 6V and make the most of a 3D Mag's tube.

When freshly charged that would be over 6V which might be a problem, most NiMH cells I have start off at arond 1.35V fresh off the charger. For 3D, I'd go for regular NiMH D-Cells -- those will have more energy than 5 half-cells anyway, and since the light is regulated anyway I don't see much advantage in pushing the voltage higher.

With NiMH cells you will probably get over double the amount of regulated runtime compared to alkalines. The real advantage though of rechargeables IMO is you can "top them off" any time you want to, rather than swapping out cells that aren't yet completely spent if you anticipate needing the light for a long runtime (camping, or whatever). NiMH are not a good choice though for say throwing into a car and forgetting about them -- especially when heated, they will tend to self-discharge and be left with a lot less than full charge the next time you go to use them.

 

[Gene43]

He's correct, don't do 5 cells.

 

[BigusLightus]

My generic five 1/2 D cell sticks often read just over 7 Volts hot from the charger. My oldest stick has been cycled maybe a hundred times and will still read 6.8 Volts after resting for a day.

If only...