So what do I need for a Mag85?

[paulr]

I think I have almost all the stuff together now. M*g 3D body, check. Fivemega LOP reflector, check. Borofloat lens, check. Three EL v2 3-to-D's, check. NiMH 2500 mAH cells and chargers galore, check. Magcharger switch slug, check. WA01185 bulbs (unpotted), check. 2mm allen key to install the switch slug: just got this at the hardware store, can't find it now, may have to get another one, but no big deal.

Missing: heat shield to keep the switch slug from melting: any suggestions? I've enter the group buy for Kiu's replacement socket, but am wondering what alternatives there are (mica disc group buy fell through, I think).

Also possible issue: CBP 1650 high current AA cells. These are finally available again and I'm wondering if I should order some in preference to the 2500 mAH Sanyo HR-3U's. But the Sanyos did test ok at 3 amps.

This is real real close!

I also have a Mod-a-mag 8AA-to-2D adapter and some Pelican Big-D bulbs and am wondering what 2D host to put them in (preferably not a M*g).

 

[nexro]

It seems that you have everything to get started already /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
You will just need to put the bi-pin slug in place and install the bulb. Then power it up with 8 or 9 AA NiMHs. I use mine with 9x Sanyo 2300mAH (rested a few hours after charging).

For now, just make sure you don't run it for long, probably 2 - 3 minutes at a time. My bi-pin slug only deformed a little (no mica shield in mine).

 

[wasBlinded]

Go to the hardware store and see if you can find some fiberglass heat shield for wiring. It is tubular, but you can cut it with scissors and make your own heat shield. This is working very well for me, using two 1/2 inch disks of the stuff between the bulb and the slug. Its easy to make holes in the woven fiberglass for the bulb pins with a toothpick.

 

[Lightedge]

Go with the CPB1650's. Stinkin' bright! They also hold their voltage very well. They are my new gold standard for super bulbs.

 

[paulr]

Fiberglass heat shield? Hmm, I'll check the hardware store.

There was a thread a few weeks ago about someone melting the plastic parts of a Magcharger slug in just 30 seconds or so with no heat shield.

I wonder if it's possible to make a ceramic heat shield like in pottery class. Just mold it from clay, poke holes with toothpicks, dry it, and fire it in a kiln.

 

[wasBlinded]

My plastic slug very quickly began melting and smoking under the bulb before I installed the fiberglass shields. Now there is no sign of further melting or smoking with prolonged use.

The ceramic shield would need to be pretty thin, so wouldn't it also be very fragile?

The most robust approach at present is KIU's ceramic bipin socket, he's taking orders now.

 

[paulr]

Yes, I have an order in for Kiu's socket. It requires taking the switch apart and soldering to it, so it's less easily reversible than the Magcharger slug approach. I guess I don't care that much.