Photongun
Newly Enlightened
Firstly, has anyone reviewed one of these puppies and if so where might I find the review hopefully with runtimes.
Cheers
Cheers
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TerraLUX TLE-300M
- Thread starter Photongun
- Start date
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StarHalo
Flashaholic
Re: TerraLUX TLE-300M Runtimes
I own one of these and have done brief blurbs when recommending one to other CPFers, which goes something like this:
The drop-in that I use in my Mag is the TerraLUX TLE-300; ~550 lumens at the emitter for about 2 hours in a 4D Mag.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/tle-300.html
It's essentially just three LEDs, each with its own optic, all in a self-contained drop-in puck with all the necessary circuitry. It's a minimal difficulty install, you remove the stock Mag reflector and bulb, put the TLE-300 in the socket, done.
Optic lenses mean *serious throw* and the TLE-300 doesn't disappoint, projecting a big fat hotspot with no corona or spill to speak of. You lose the Mag's focusing ability, but when you've got a glaring hotspot that's over two feet across from only ten feet away, you don't need it. The only con is that the hotspot looks a bit like a round, multi-pointed star (the optics to some degree project the square shape of the LEDs) but in normal use, especially outdoors, you don't notice it.
The TLE-300 is my fave Mag drop-in based on its ease of install, use of standard batteries, and good old "damn that's bright"-ness. I've always liked the idea of an LED hotwire/ROP that doesn't require any modding, and this certainly fills the bill.
I own one of these and have done brief blurbs when recommending one to other CPFers, which goes something like this:
The drop-in that I use in my Mag is the TerraLUX TLE-300; ~550 lumens at the emitter for about 2 hours in a 4D Mag.
http://www.batteryjunction.com/tle-300.html
It's essentially just three LEDs, each with its own optic, all in a self-contained drop-in puck with all the necessary circuitry. It's a minimal difficulty install, you remove the stock Mag reflector and bulb, put the TLE-300 in the socket, done.
Optic lenses mean *serious throw* and the TLE-300 doesn't disappoint, projecting a big fat hotspot with no corona or spill to speak of. You lose the Mag's focusing ability, but when you've got a glaring hotspot that's over two feet across from only ten feet away, you don't need it. The only con is that the hotspot looks a bit like a round, multi-pointed star (the optics to some degree project the square shape of the LEDs) but in normal use, especially outdoors, you don't notice it.
The TLE-300 is my fave Mag drop-in based on its ease of install, use of standard batteries, and good old "damn that's bright"-ness. I've always liked the idea of an LED hotwire/ROP that doesn't require any modding, and this certainly fills the bill.
StarHalo
Flashaholic
Re: TerraLUX TLE-300M Runtimes
Good choice, hope you enjoy your powerful new toy :thumbsup: As a rule of thumb with new lights and add-ons, wait until night to use it - once it's thoroughly dark, take it outside and then try it out for the first time (indoor whitewall comparison during the day makes any light seem dull, the outdoor throw is a true test of how bright your new light actually is).
The TLE-300 is good out to about football field distances, the most remarkable aspect being again the size of the hotspot; I recently did a distance-specific 40 meter test against a white wall (outdoors), and I would estimate that from that distance, the still-brightly-concentrated hotspot was *over 15 feet across*.
I've made the comparison to a car headlight in another blurb:
I mainly use my TLE-300 Mag on night walks down our suburb street to the area mailbox. Any time a car drives by going the same direction, it's a perfect side-by-side comparison of light output, and you can't miss it - the Mag is putting out just as much light as the car (the cars don't miss it either, as they usually slow down). It's still impressive every time I see it.
Good choice, hope you enjoy your powerful new toy :thumbsup: As a rule of thumb with new lights and add-ons, wait until night to use it - once it's thoroughly dark, take it outside and then try it out for the first time (indoor whitewall comparison during the day makes any light seem dull, the outdoor throw is a true test of how bright your new light actually is).
The TLE-300 is good out to about football field distances, the most remarkable aspect being again the size of the hotspot; I recently did a distance-specific 40 meter test against a white wall (outdoors), and I would estimate that from that distance, the still-brightly-concentrated hotspot was *over 15 feet across*.
I've made the comparison to a car headlight in another blurb:
I mainly use my TLE-300 Mag on night walks down our suburb street to the area mailbox. Any time a car drives by going the same direction, it's a perfect side-by-side comparison of light output, and you can't miss it - the Mag is putting out just as much light as the car (the cars don't miss it either, as they usually slow down). It's still impressive every time I see it.
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Photongun
Newly Enlightened
Re: TerraLUX TLE-300M Runtimes
Thanks for the feedback guys.
If this module runs for 2 hours on 4 D sized alkalines why is it my current terralux module that emits about 140 lumens runs for about 20 hours?
If the 300m is roughly four times the lumens output running similar leds shouldn't it run for roughly 5 hours on 4 D alkalines?
What is the equation to work out how long a given set of batteries will last running a particular led? I know I need the mah of the batteries and I think the current draw of the led but if someone could substitute the specs of the 300m and mah of D size alkalines into an equation that would be extremely helpful to me.
Cheers
Thanks for the feedback guys.
If this module runs for 2 hours on 4 D sized alkalines why is it my current terralux module that emits about 140 lumens runs for about 20 hours?
If the 300m is roughly four times the lumens output running similar leds shouldn't it run for roughly 5 hours on 4 D alkalines?
What is the equation to work out how long a given set of batteries will last running a particular led? I know I need the mah of the batteries and I think the current draw of the led but if someone could substitute the specs of the 300m and mah of D size alkalines into an equation that would be extremely helpful to me.
Cheers
StarHalo
Flashaholic
Re: TerraLUX TLE-300M Runtimes
The math is baffling to me, but here's CPF user Roland's math work for a 6D cell/TLE-300 setup:
Hope that makes sense to you, 'cause I need a chart or Cliffs Notes or something.. I just like the idea of a hotwire-bright LED Mag, and hotwires are known for poor battery life, so anything over an hour with that kind of output is gravy to me. My TLE-300 Mag is a 2D powered by 6 LSD rechargeable AA's, which economically removes battery replacement from the equation..
The math is baffling to me, but here's CPF user Roland's math work for a 6D cell/TLE-300 setup:
Hope that makes sense to you, 'cause I need a chart or Cliffs Notes or something.. I just like the idea of a hotwire-bright LED Mag, and hotwires are known for poor battery life, so anything over an hour with that kind of output is gravy to me. My TLE-300 Mag is a 2D powered by 6 LSD rechargeable AA's, which economically removes battery replacement from the equation..
Photongun
Newly Enlightened
Re: TerraLUX TLE-300M Runtimes
Thanks for that starhalo I appreciate your efforts.
I'm not totally confident in Rolands equation as he himself doesn't seem that confident. Initially he calculates 9 hours on 6 D's but then halves it. I'm going to see if I can get someone else to corroborate this.
I simply want to know what I should expect on 4 D alkalines and also if running 4 x D 12000mah NIMH's is feasible.
I see that you using 6 aa's starhalo. Are you using fivemega D-3AA adapters? Also is this the configuration that gives you 2 hours on the TLE300m?
Thanks for that starhalo I appreciate your efforts.
I'm not totally confident in Rolands equation as he himself doesn't seem that confident. Initially he calculates 9 hours on 6 D's but then halves it. I'm going to see if I can get someone else to corroborate this.
I simply want to know what I should expect on 4 D alkalines and also if running 4 x D 12000mah NIMH's is feasible.
I see that you using 6 aa's starhalo. Are you using fivemega D-3AA adapters? Also is this the configuration that gives you 2 hours on the TLE300m?
StarHalo
Flashaholic
I'm using Kaidomain adapters because Fivemega no longer makes 2D/6AA units. I'll probably get an Mdocod adapter when the money's available.
My estimation of the runtime comes from the Batteryjunction listing I linked to in my initial response:
Specifications: [FONT=arial, helvetica]Initial Light Output: >600 Lumens initial output
Steady State Light Output: >500 Lumens
Power Consumption: Approximately 12 Watts
Light Regulation: Electronically regulated via a DC-DC converter.
Runtime: Approx 1.5hrs on alkaline 4 D Cells
Operating Voltage: 12 VDC
Optics: 3 pieces 6 degree TIR lenses; Non-adjustable Focus.
LEDs: 3 Luxeon K2 with TFFC "flip chip" LXK2-PWC4-0200 rates at 200+ lumens at 1A. 6500K, Lambertian.
Country of Origin: Made in USA
[/FONT]
I've never done a runtime test on my 6AA config, I tend to only use it in short few-minute bursts; I can say that I've used it that way for over a month now and still haven't needed to recharge the batteries yet.
My estimation of the runtime comes from the Batteryjunction listing I linked to in my initial response:
Specifications: [FONT=arial, helvetica]Initial Light Output: >600 Lumens initial output
Steady State Light Output: >500 Lumens
Power Consumption: Approximately 12 Watts
Light Regulation: Electronically regulated via a DC-DC converter.
Runtime: Approx 1.5hrs on alkaline 4 D Cells
Operating Voltage: 12 VDC
Optics: 3 pieces 6 degree TIR lenses; Non-adjustable Focus.
LEDs: 3 Luxeon K2 with TFFC "flip chip" LXK2-PWC4-0200 rates at 200+ lumens at 1A. 6500K, Lambertian.
Country of Origin: Made in USA
[/FONT]
I've never done a runtime test on my 6AA config, I tend to only use it in short few-minute bursts; I can say that I've used it that way for over a month now and still haven't needed to recharge the batteries yet.
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houtex
Enlightened
Could the TLE-300M be made to work in a 2D mag with primary CR123's?
StarHalo
Flashaholic
I thought about CR123s, and it should work since all the TLE-300 needs to light is 6V min, but the runtime would be remarkably short versus multiple AAs, especially considering you can use Energizer Lithiums with the AA option..
PeteBroccolo
Enlightened
Here's my thread on my TLE300M in a 2 D with 18650 cells:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=200619
I played with it in my basement, then took it out into my yard, last night, and was VERY impressed. I have no light-measuring gear, so I have no specifics but I likey!
This light will be rotated amongst my other lights (Pila GL3 with W-E 9 v on 18500, W-E M90 on 18650, LED Logic Striker VG on RCR123A 3.0 and Mag 3 C with potted 809 on 18500) June 30 & July 1, then again July 9 to 14, while I work 18:00 - 04:00 on traffic enforcement.
Lighter, smaller, brighter AND rechargeable - what's not to like?!
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=200619
I played with it in my basement, then took it out into my yard, last night, and was VERY impressed. I have no light-measuring gear, so I have no specifics but I likey!
This light will be rotated amongst my other lights (Pila GL3 with W-E 9 v on 18500, W-E M90 on 18650, LED Logic Striker VG on RCR123A 3.0 and Mag 3 C with potted 809 on 18500) June 30 & July 1, then again July 9 to 14, while I work 18:00 - 04:00 on traffic enforcement.
Lighter, smaller, brighter AND rechargeable - what's not to like?!
StarHalo
Flashaholic
For current and future TLE-300 owners: If you're interested in upping your output just a bit more for $7, get yourself a UCL Ultra Clear Lens (http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?...OD&ProdID=1542), which allows far more light through than the stock Maglite lens. The difference is small, but so is the price. I think it makes the Mag and TLE-300 look better also, as you can much more clearly see the drop-in; from most angles it looks like there's no lens at all.
If you're working around traffic, you might check out Glo-Toob's Flash-Cap, seen here on my TLE-300 Mag:
This basically makes your Mag a complete traffic-compliant lighting system - a headlight up front and a taillight in back.
If you're working around traffic, you might check out Glo-Toob's Flash-Cap, seen here on my TLE-300 Mag:
This basically makes your Mag a complete traffic-compliant lighting system - a headlight up front and a taillight in back.
PeteBroccolo
Enlightened
I have 2 spare Borofloat lenses, and may install one later.For current and future TLE-300 owners: If you're interested in upping your output just a bit more for $7, get yourself a UCL Ultra Clear Lens (http://www.lighthound.com/index.asp?...OD&ProdID=1542), which allows far more light through than the stock Maglite lens. The difference is small, but so is the price. I think it makes the Mag and TLE-300 look better also, as you can much more clearly see the drop-in; from most angles it looks like there's no lens at all.
If you're working around traffic, you might check out Glo-Toob's Flash-Cap, seen here on my TLE-300 Mag:
This basically makes your Mag a complete traffic-compliant lighting system - a headlight up front and a taillight in back.
I don't have a Flash-Cap, but I do have 2 Dorch 41-1060 9" traffic wands. However, after 32+ years of "playing in traffic", I have found that even with traffic cones, flares, LED wands, director cones on my lights, hi-vis vest, and roof lights flashing, I still have "clients" that figure NONE of it applies to them!
"Client": "Can I drive through?"
Me, blocking the road so the Coroner can view the dead and the EMT can treat the injured without any of them waking up dead: "Sure, in about 5 hours!"
Darkpower
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2007
- Messages
- 185
I just got my TLE-300M this Saturday. I really like this drop-in. This is perhaps the only drop-in that is worth every cent. The previous Terralux drop-ins for my maglites, the TLE-100's was mildly disappointing, since it offer little improvement over the MagLed Dropin.
I also bought a 5 D-Cell maglite from amazon.com for about $17 just for this puppy since all I had was 3 D Cell maglites (about 6 of them). Anyhow the total cost was $16.82 + $81.57=$98.39 (including shipping). That quite a deal for a 500 lumen thrower that runs for 3 hours or more. I ran mine on 5 Tenergy NiMh 10,000 mA-hr D cells and I lost track of the time but I will repeat the run time later this week.
Anyhow this puppy is really worth it and I may buy another. I did a ceiling bounce and it lit up the room like if I had room lights on...better then some of my Flourescent Lanterns that I have around.
I was wondering if anyone has tried this 5X 1/2D cell NiMh stick from Battery Junction and if anyone knows if that battery stick will drop into a 3 D cell maglite without fussing with spacers and springs. Run time?
This TLE-300M really makes a $17 maglite come alive. I mean I was looking at buying a Microfire for $400-500 hr but I wasn't happy about the price or the run time. I want a bright light 500 lumens plus at least a 3 hour run time.
Next thing I need to get are some mineral glass lenses.
I also bought a 5 D-Cell maglite from amazon.com for about $17 just for this puppy since all I had was 3 D Cell maglites (about 6 of them). Anyhow the total cost was $16.82 + $81.57=$98.39 (including shipping). That quite a deal for a 500 lumen thrower that runs for 3 hours or more. I ran mine on 5 Tenergy NiMh 10,000 mA-hr D cells and I lost track of the time but I will repeat the run time later this week.
Anyhow this puppy is really worth it and I may buy another. I did a ceiling bounce and it lit up the room like if I had room lights on...better then some of my Flourescent Lanterns that I have around.
I was wondering if anyone has tried this 5X 1/2D cell NiMh stick from Battery Junction and if anyone knows if that battery stick will drop into a 3 D cell maglite without fussing with spacers and springs. Run time?
This TLE-300M really makes a $17 maglite come alive. I mean I was looking at buying a Microfire for $400-500 hr but I wasn't happy about the price or the run time. I want a bright light 500 lumens plus at least a 3 hour run time.
Next thing I need to get are some mineral glass lenses.
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needforspeed
Newly Enlightened
I used the 5, 1/2D stick out of a mag charger to power mine in a standard 3D mag light.
Works fine.
Bill
Works fine.
Bill
Darkpower
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2007
- Messages
- 185
Thanks Bill, That's the information I needed. I guess I'll be buying those 5x 1/2D sticks!
MattK
Flashlight Enthusiast
Glad to hear that you're happy with your purchase.
That battery pack is a straight, no fuss drop-in. The primary motivation for us to build those packs was for 3D Mag owners to be able to use the TLE-300M.
We haven't tested run time but i'd guesstimate ~50 mins to 50%.
Darkpower
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 11, 2007
- Messages
- 185
Thanks Matt.Glad to hear that you're happy with your purchase.
That battery pack is a straight, no fuss drop-in. The primary motivation for us to build those packs was for 3D Mag owners to be able to use the TLE-300M.
We haven't tested run time but i'd guesstimate ~50 mins to 50%.
I just ordered 3 battery sticks, another Terralux TLE-300, and a charger!
I have so many Maglites just sitting around because they are so cheap, plus costco and BJs often has them on sale that I often can't resist buying another. Literally every room of my house and every car has its own Maglite. This drop-in really turns it into a major flame thrower!
Oh...and did I mention its Hurricane season down here in Florida...I can't be too prepared. :twothumbs
gallonoffuel
Enlightened
How far do these sit into the bezel? Can they be pushed in further? The reason I ask is I'm wondering if you could stick a plano-concave lens in the front and have it recollimate any of the diverging light and have an even tighter hotspot.
