SF 3P upgrade

[kooter]

I have a SF 3P on the way. I just love the way this light looks, but the output is a tad wimpy to say the least. What is the best way to upgrade to a decent output? DIY or custom.

 

[Glen C]

Kooter, maybe try one of the new Lumens Factory lamps? Or one of the Cree drop ins?

 

[MarNav1]

I like the 3P as well. I used a G&P drop in and a 3.7v Li-Ion will pump it up quite a bit.
Don't know about Cree, haven't tried one. I also put a clickie on mine. I'm alway's
looking for good deal's on a 3P.

 

[kooter]

Hey Marnav, my 3P should be coming this week. Cant wait.

What G&P drop in did you use?? I want to get the most light possible out of it.

Do you know if these cells would be ok??

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=7500806303&rd=1&rd=1

Thanks for your help.

 

[MarNav1]

I bought it from Lighthound and the cells I believe are from AW but i'll check the
ebay site. I'm not sure how much brightness your looking for but these will help
quite a bit. I just checked the ebay site and I think that charger and cell's
would work well.

 

[kooter]

Thanks marnav. I really have no clue on these rechargeables. I was going to get some from AW but he didnt get back to me on a question i asked. Those ones on ebay looked ok, but i couldnt be sure.

 

[mdocod]

ok here's the deal....

for now, the lowest current 3.7V lamp assembly available (that I know of) is the HO-4 from Lumens-factory. On a single R123 cell, it would draw about 1.75amp.

AWs protected R123s will power this lamp, however. You will be pushing the cells beyond what they are designed for. 1.5amp is the maximum continues discharge considered safe for that size cell.

However, I think AW would agree... that when used in a single cell light, and only used for short periods of time, you probably wouldn't have any problems.

I wouldn't be surprised to see LumensFactory start producing a wider assortment of 3.7V (the "4" series) lamps.... we may very well see a lower power version in coming months, that would be more practical for a setup like yours...

runtime on one of AWs protected R123s driving a LF HO-4 would be around 18 minuts.



[EDIT IN] have you considered one of the new Cree Drop-In modules?? this would probably be the brightest, longest running option you could get for that light... kinda pricey, but something like that would really make a 3P scream!

 

[MarNav1]

I'm referring to the G&P Led drop in, not an incan bulb. It works well with a 3.7 LI-ion.
I know another LED drop in that is new that just came out. However I don't have one
and haven't seen the spec's on it so I can't comment on it.

 

[kooter]

mdocod, you mean something like the drop in that lighthound are selling for 40 bucks?? Would it need the rcr123 or would it be ok with normal cr123s??

 

[MarNav1]

Litemania is selling a Cree drop in that is rated 3.7-12volts also. It is in the dealer's
section for sale as we speak, $48. I may try this one later after I see the feedback
on it. Lighthound sells 2 Luxeon drop in's, a 1w and a 3w. I'm using the 3w currently. A regular 123 will run it but not nearly as bright. The 3.7 cell is
the one you want.

 

[blahblahblah]

http://lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=2605
cree drop-in sold at lighthound

 

[MarNav1]

Kooter, don't want to step on your thread. Hey blahblahblah have you tried this drop
in? Might be what Kooter and myself are looking for.

 

[kooter]

Marnav, no worries, your not stepping on it, it all helps.

The lighthound drop in looks good. But can it run on normal 123s, or have i got to go rcr??

 

[MarNav1]

I would definitely go RCR and it's free lumen's. They generally recommend protected
cells in LED lights. Lighthound has them as well and I think his shipping is reasonable.
Lights out for tonight gents.

 

[kooter]

The only thing buying from lighthound, i think he only has US style plugs on the chargers.

 

[blahblahblah]

Kooter, don't want to step on your thread. Hey blahblahblah have you tried this drop
in? Might be what Kooter and myself are looking for.

I have not tried it, but I do have a couple 3Ps and some RCR123a batts.

I was going to order one, but right after I posted, I started to finds some odd research on CPF.
http://candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=1833638&postcount=42

I think I'll hold off for a bit and wait for things to settle. The wolf-eyes/PTS one seems to have possibly a more efficient voltage range for 1xRCR123a.

 

[kooter]

Hmmm, its difficult to know what to do. Cheers for the info blahblah

 

[MarNav1]

For now Kooter I would just go with the 1 or the 3w Luxeon drop in (G&P) from
Lighthound and the charger and cell's you saw on ebay, 3.7 volt rcr123 cells.
I have this setup and it work's well. Hope that help's. I think that is one reason
why 3p is not real popular because to upgrade it is a $45-50 investment. I put
a different bezel and a Z58 clickie w Neko tailguard which added another $75 to
the light. I paid $80 for the light so it is not worth it for alot of people. But for me
it is one of the (old school) lights that I really like or I would not spend the money.

 

[kooter]

Marnav, what bezel did you get? Was it the G&P tactical one? Have you got any pics? I like the sound of what you have done to it. I have a 6p with the p61 LA in it which i have sand blasted, and have always wanted the 3p. I know what you mean by old school.

Think i might go ahead and get the drop in from lighthound. Its tempting.

Just ordered the rcr package from ebay.