Surefire M3 Questions

[LaxinFish29]

Hi. This is my first post, and I have done a lot of research on this, but cant seem to find what I am looking for. Just bought a used M3, came with a holster, a led lamp (older), both bulbs and an extender to hold 4 Surefire batteries.

1. What rechargeable batteries can I use? Ive seen Pila everywhere, and if thats recommended,

1b. Would I use the 300S or the 600S for the low bulb, and how many?

1c. Would I use the 300S or the 600S for the high bulb, and how many?

1d. Would I use the 300S or the 600S for the LED, and how many?

1e. Where can I get these, and a charger?

if not:

Same questions for a different brand..Just any rechargeable 123a?

Thank you so much for your time and replies. It is much appreciated.

 

[Mags]

Welcome to CPF Lax, your gonna love it here

For your basic 3x123 rechargable needs, I suggest you first buy a few of AW's protected 17500's. Circuit protection is my preference, but its your choice.
http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1299
When using these with the high bulb, I believe you need to double tap the switch in order to run the light because the draw is too high or something like that. I dont know about Pila as Ive never used their products, but their quality is well known and Im sure they work just as well as AW's rechargeables. Also just out of curiousity, what kind of LED bulb do you have for your M3?

 

[LaxinFish29]

This is what I got.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=110246783412&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=001

 

[nobody]

Like Mags said, get 2 of the AW 17500 for rechargeable Li-ion along with a charger (of course). You might want to get more than just one pair.

Recommend getting the appropriate Lumens Factrory EO lamp for the M3 insteed of using the stock MN10 or MN11. MN 10 not bright enopugh, MN11 will require double taps or more with 17500 Li-ions (because the lamp pulls a tad too much current for those batteries).

As for that KL2 LED head, recommend saving a few more bucks and then send it off to Milky Labs for a complete rebuild into a useful LED monster head. The KL2 is feeble and anemic as originally designed.

 

[LaxinFish29]

The batteries ended up being two 17670s because as is I can use 4 123As. From what I have read over the last few days is that two of these should be enouh to power the MN11.

Anyone know if this statement is correct?

 

[ampdude]

The batteries ended up being two 17670s because as is I can use 4 123As. From what I have read over the last few days is that two of these should be enouh to power the MN11.

Anyone know if this statement is correct?

Yes, that is correct. Two 17670's will power the 9 volt MN11 High output lamp assembly.

 

[LaxinFish29]

Beautiful, thats exactly what I was looking for. I bought 4 of them and a charger so I have a set ready to go at all times.

Appreciate your help. I thought the extender that comes with the auction would allow this. I have a feeling this message board could be a bad thing! haha

 

[ampdude]

I think you will really like the output of that light with the 17670's. And it will just cost you the price of electricity to charge the batteries. Just remember that you cannot run that bulb with the extender on 4 regular primary cells because that would equal 12V and the bulb will go *poof*. If you use primaries it will just take three batteries.

 

[LaxinFish29]

Direct. Thanks again.

 

[ugrey]

Wait for SF to release the KL9 LED head. 350 lumens for an unknown runtime, my guess is at least an hour.

 

[powernoodle]

SF M3 Turbo + A19 extender + 2x Pila 600S + HOLA:

 

[mdocod]

for a complete list of compatibility for the M3 and various extenders and cell combinations, the link in my signature (to the incan/li-ion guide) contains all common configurations...

The pair of 17670s is correct for your configuration and yes, you can drive any of the M3 bulbs, including the offerings from LumensFactory which fill the gap between the MN10 and MN11 in total output.

I'm hoping you got AWs 17670s some other brands will not light up the MN11 as the protection circuit prevents it.

Eric

 

[LaxinFish29]

You got it. I used the link Mags posted, but got 4 of the 17670s. Hopefully Ill never be without a fresh set.

 

[Russianesq]

mdocod guide is the ultimate source of incandescent light knowledge :twothumbs

 

[leukos]

mdocod guide is the ultimate source of incandescent light knowledge :twothumbs

+1 required reading for anyone getting into rechargeable incandescents