Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature death

[BillBill]

My PT blast module quit a few weeks ago when running on NiMH's. The bulb had only 3-5 hours on it. This can't be right. With NimH's, the bulb is driven at spec. What happened?

Does anyone know where to get a Blast module without ordering online? The PT Blast is a fine little light when the bulb is working. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[Hoghead]

If you have a R.E.I. near you you might check there. REI lists the Princeton Tec B-2 Blast Bulb for $4.50

 

[paulr]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

I had one burn out on NiMH too; I emailed Princeton Tec and they sent me a replacement at no charge.

 

[artar]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

isn't the lamp underdriven with the nimh ?

 

[paulr]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

I think it's driven about to spec with NiMH, and overdriven with fresh alkalines. NiMH cells have low internal resistance though, so the inrush current when you first turn on the light may be harder on the filament than when you use alkalines. The one that I burnt out blew during a runtime test, so it had been on continuously for about 1/2 an hour; it didn't pop at the instant I turned it on. Mine had also had 3-5 hours of use on it already.

 

[BillBill]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

Paulr: Are you still using NiMh in the Blast? Thanks for the info.

 

[paulr]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

Yes, still using NiMH, but might go back to alkaline. Main problem with NiMH is that you get very little warning when the batteries are going flat. The light just stops working rather suddenly. With alkaline, it gets dimmer over a long period and you eventually get around to changing batteries.

Actually I haven't been using Blasts very much lately, because I've been EDC'ing an Arc4+ Second. I never was crazy about the Arc LS as an EDC, but the Arc4 pocket clip makes a big difference.

 

[BillBill]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

No, there's no REI around where I live. Might get a Mag 2AAA or Rage/Tec 40! Right about NiMh's

I need more standardized bulbs or LEDs

 

[paulr]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

Radio Shack has some tiny 2.4 volt bi-pin bulbs that you should be able to put into the Blast if you have a soldering iron. Really, I'd suggest just writing to [email protected] and asking about getting a replacement lamp. I wrote asking how to buy one and they sent me one for free.

The Rage uses a similar lamp assembly to the Blast so will have the same problem. The Attitude uses LED's, so maybe that's the one you want.

 

[BillBill]

Re: Princeton Tec Blast Lamp Assembly--premature d

Email Sent. Thanks for precedent, Paulr. If it doesn't work out, I'll settle for a minim6g aaa.

Thanks for your expertise. (Do you ever get tired of posting?)