Simple but bright 4C-1166 mod

soloco · Dec 22, 2004

Just finished a very simple mod that I've been intending to do for a while. It's nothing new; more of a followup on existing hot rod mods.

Hardware:
4C Maglite
length of 3/4" rubber hose
UCL 52.1mm
fivemega's MOP aluminum reflector

Software:
Potted 1166 Welch Allyn bulb
6 123 Surefire batteries

Put it all together, and you get a small 700+ lumens torch! Much easier to carry than the 4D I used to carry for my 1166 host.

KevinL · Dec 22, 2004

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/clap.gif

What's the runtime like? Is it a battery eater? We could think of it as truly the low-cost M6 (six-cell config, 500+ lumens out the front end).

soloco · Dec 22, 2004

Runtime is reasonable. The 1166 has the highest efficacy of the common WA hotwire lamps. Theoretically, it should have a 45min runtime (2A draw, 1.5Ah capacity cells). I haven't done a continuous runtime test, because it gets too damn hot. I have used this set on and off a lot though, and I wouldn't be surprised if the 45min is a very reasonable estimate.

ScubaFan · Dec 23, 2004

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif Nice mod Soloco.

Since I've a couple of WA1166 bulbs from the latest group buy (I don't think too many CPFers brought em), I'm giving this mod a try in the future. I've got everything for this mod except for the reflector. (Still waiting for my modded 1940 reflectors from the group buy.)

JimH · Dec 23, 2004

[ QUOTE ]
soloco said:
Software:
Potted 1166 Welch Allyn bulb
6 123 Surefire batteries

[/ QUOTE ]

Are you sure you didn't mean "4" 123 batteries. "6" 123 batteries would give you 18v on an 11.6 volt bulb. If the bulb doesn't blow that would give you 3200 lumens - same as an X990. Not bad for a 4C.

KevinL · Dec 24, 2004

Voltage sag. The one thing that wasn't mentioned in the overdriving thread was the voltage drop under load, those rerating figures would be great if the bulb was driven by a constant-voltage supply. 6 CR123s will lose a volt each under that kind of amperage, bringing it down to 12V, which is reasonable for the bulb. Wicked bright still.