Proper Cells for 1185 Bulb ?

[Bob96]

I know the 1185 works fine with 3 X 18650 cells. Is it safe to use 2 X IMR 18650 cells?

 

[kramer5150]

I have a 3D MAG1185 that I run 9x Eneloops and a low resistance mod tailspring it did ~600L in bigchelis's sphere. He tested this setup with 3xIMR26500 and it didn't... and did ~900L.

I am not sure what tailcap spring he used, or if it had a resistance mod.

 

[fivemega]

I know the 1185 works fine with 3 X 18650 cells. Is it safe to use 2 X IMR 18650 cells?

2 X IMR 18650 will underdrive WA1185
Beam color will be yellow and much dimmer compare to 3 protected 18650.
Another choice is 9AA
Some people use 3 IMR 18650 with soft start in M*g host while some others will never do that again after flashing few bulbs.
If you are going regulated, then it's different story.

 

[kramer5150]

2 X IMR 18650 will underdrive WA1185
Beam color will be yellow and much dimmer compare to 3 protected 18650.
Another choice is 9AA
Some people use 3 IMR 18650 with soft start in M*g host while some others will never do that again after flashing few bulbs.
If you are going regulated, then it's different story.

I am starting to think that a 3xD-LiIo setup would be perfect for me. it wont drive the lamp as hard as 3xIMR.

Do you think it would be significantly brighter than my 9xeneloop setup?

thanks!
:twothumbs

 

[fivemega]

I am starting to think that a 3xD-LiIo setup would be perfect for me. it wont drive the lamp as hard as 3xIMR.

Do you think it would be significantly brighter than my 9xeneloop setup?

thanks!
:twothumbs

If you mean "D" size lithium cobalt protected cells, they are lottery and may not perform as you want.
The best set up (regulated) 1185 will be brighter than your 9AA Eneloop but not SIGNIFICANTLY .
If you want significantly brighter than 9AA Eneloop then 3x26500 with 1909 will produce twice the light but shorter run time.
My favorite 1185 is a tri bored 1.25D powered by 3x17670
Small, bright, light weight and reasonable run time.

 

[Billy Ram]

For a m*g85 that gets used I can't think of better batterys than 9xAAs. I have one with eneloops and one that's used almost daily with Titanium 2700s. Only takes 2 hrs to charge and the one with 2700s will burn for 45 mins.
Billy

 

[hammockjockey]

I just put together a mag85 w/ 3 imr 26500 & aw soft start. I run the light on low setting until the batteries give me 12volts then I'm good to go. It is the most beautiful light I've seen come out of a flashlight yet. I can't help turning it on & staring at it.

 

[RichS]

My Mag85 is probably my most used light. It is in a Mag3C, running 3xAW 'C' Li-ions with the AW 3-mode switch. The C li-ions push it nicely with almost an hour of runtime on high, and the multi-level switch makes it a lot more practical. The soft-start sees to it I almost never have to replace the bulb.

 

[gswitter]

I love the 1185, and I've built a half dozen or so (always looking for a better host):

• 3D Mag w/9x Eneloop AA
• 3C Mag w/3x AW protected "C"
• FM 700L w/3x AW protected 17670
• M6 w/3x AW protected 17670
• FM Prince w/3x IMR 16340
• FM Megalenium w/3x AW protected 18650

I never tried larger IMR cells, and I never had any problems with any of the cells in the above set-ups. I was never entirely comfortable with 17670's, but they seemed to perform fine.

My favorite's still the 3x "C" as well, but I also dig the pocketability of the Prince. My incans are mostly retired at this point, but I still keep the 3x "C" ready to go if I want/need it.

 

[curtispdx]

I just set up my Megalennium to run a 1185. What kind of runtime are you getting?

 

[hammockjockey]

45-55 mins. I put in an AW soft start too, so those runtimes are not purely at 100% at the time though.

 

[gswitter]

I haven't done a run time test on 3x 18650 - never bothered since my protected cells are only 2200mAh, and a few years old now.

 

[jcvjcvjcvjcv]

It's also easier to carry spare batteries with the 18650 setups. Carrying around a 9AA batterypack... hmm. Carrying around 3x18650 is rather easy.

 

[bigchelis]

I am going to assemble my WA1185 with FM bi-pin kit for this Saturdays night hike.

I will power it with topped off IMR 26500's, but I have an extra lamp just in case it I kill it instantly.

I would advise only to use IMR C cells with 3.9V~4V max for safety or get the FM1909.

 

[jslappa]

I am going to assemble my WA1185 with FM bi-pin kit for this Saturdays night hike.

I will power it with topped off IMR 26500's...

Sounds like a nice light! I am still trying to figure out what to run my FM 3 x 18650 Parallel body with. Apparently the business end will need to be able to handle +- 15 amps. 3 to 6V and 15amp draw. Any suggestions Jose?

 

[bigchelis]

Sounds like a nice light! I am still trying to figure out what to run my FM 3 x 18650 Parallel body with. Apparently the business end will need to be able to handle +- 15 amps. 3 to 6V and 15amp draw. Any suggestions Jose?

From litho's sales thread:
>>>>>Popular MagCharger upgrade<<<<<

** LAST CHANCE! Being Discontinued ** Bi-Pin WA 01160: 5.0v 3.45a @ spec (327 b-lumens) / 6.0v (618 b-lumens)
... only (3) for 15.00 .... or (4) for 20.00 .... or (11) for 50.00 .... plus shipping
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?t=197754

 

[Mettee]

If you mean "D" size lithium cobalt protected cells, they are lottery and may not perform as you want.
The best set up (regulated) 1185 will be brighter than your 9AA Eneloop but not SIGNIFICANTLY .
If you want significantly brighter than 9AA Eneloop then 3x26500 with 1909 will produce twice the light but shorter run time.
My favorite 1185 is a tri bored 1.25D powered by 3x17670
Small, bright, light weight and reasonable run time.

I have to second your favorite FM...That is my favorite as well and probably my most used light(with soft start). I keep a few extra battery carriers if I know I need more run time. I think its a great balance between bulb and battery, neither are too hard on each other. It is very bright and I have never flashed a bulb...which is good cause I rather not.