Rechargeable Options for M3T and M4

[dano101]

Looking for advice on the best rechargeable options for my M3T and M4. I dont care about runtimes at all, but i do want to however be able to run the MN16 and MN61 in either light respectively.

Any opinions as to what i should go with?

 

[Fusion_m8]

I am using AW's protected 17500 for the M3T & 17670 in the M4 using LumensFactory EO-M3T lamp. This setup provides a very bright and intense hot spot that I estimate to be at least 350 torch lumens because its noticeably brighter than the M4 MN61 running @ 12v with 4xCR123 primaries.

The MN16 bulb can be used with 2x17500 or 2x17670 setup, but not the MN60 or MN61. The MN60 & MN61 might be able to run off 3xRCR123s, but that is not advisable as it breaks the 2C rule.

Here's some threads that will be helpful:

http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=161536

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114094

Thread number 161536 explains the 2C rule.

Hope this helps.

 

[mdocod]

Sorry no safe and/or practical rechargeable options for the MN60 and MN61 in the M4, but here's the options I know about.. (copied from the chart)

----------------------------------------------------

for the M4:

Cell configuration: 2x17670

Bulb Options:
SF MN15: 9.5W, 154 - 100 lumen in 74 minutes
SF N2: 9.5W, 154 - 100 lumen in 74 minutes
SF MN16: 20W, 330 - 175 lumen in 31 minutes
SF MN20: 19W, 272 - 160 lumen in 34 minutes
LF HO-M3T: 15.5W, 273 - 172 lumen in 44 minutes
LF EO-M3T: 18.5W, 308 - 175 lumen in 35 minutes

-----------------------------------------------------

for the M3T

Cell configuration: 2x17500

Bulb Options:
SF MN15: 9.5W, 151 - 94 lumen in 52 minutes
SF N2: 9.5W, 151 - 94 lumen in 52 minutes
LF HO-M3T: 15.5W, 268 - 162 lumen in 30 minutes

------------------------------------------------------

The 17500s are limited to less bulb options because they're lower capacity also designates that they have a lower maximum safe current limit. If you have the body bored to fit 18mm cells, and use 18500s, then you can run any of the lamps listed above for the 2x17670 configuration. If you have the M4 bored, you can run 2x18650 for longer runtimes and slightly brighter output.

While the MN16 is potentially the brightest drop-in bulb for a rechargeable M4, it is also going to be the most overdriven, and have the shortest life-span of the bunch. Which is why I would lean towards suggesting the EO-M3T.


IMO run the HO-M3T and EO-M3T in the M3T and M4 respectively, this will give the best performance with good bulb reliability while still being safe. In the M4, you could step down slightly in output to the MN20 (still going to be very reasonably bright), the advantage of the MN20 being that it is not so heavily driven and will have at least 30+ hours bulb life with very low risk of premature flashes.

 

[jumpstat]

Lumens Factory Bulbs are designed to be used with rechargeables. It may not be as bright as the surefires but at least it will be close and can be used with rechargeables without worries.

 

[scott.cr]

For the M4 you can use a Leef body that fits 18650s and run the MN16, MN20 (if you can find it) and MN21. The MN21 pulls about 5 amps so you'll need 18560s with a capacity of at least 2,500 mAh otherwise you run an increased danger of blowing the cells.

The MN60/61 will run on two 18650s but they run dim.

...oh, plus the Lumens Factory lamps others have mentioned.

 

[powernoodle]

M3T + A19(?) extender + 2xPila + MN16.