Unable to run Mega-Illuminator directly from 12V DC

[petegas]

I have a Mega-Illuminator that has always worked fine off of battery - I tried to run it off 12V DC today (which the specs says it supports) for the first time, and it would not light. I tried both turning it on when plugged in to the cigarette lighter (nothing), and and plugging it in while the light was on (it shuts off). The 12VDC source definitely has power as the light goes into 'charging' mode.

Any suggestions?

 

[Larry237]

I have the same problem with mine. The red charging light comes on, but the spotlight won't come on when plugged into 12v. I also noticed that when charging on 120, it buzzes and jumps back and forth between that red and green charge lights for a few minutes before going to steady green. I don't know if that is actually a problem, since it does seem to charge fully on 120v. I have looked at mine and I can't see any broken wires or loose connections. It would be nice if the 12v direct drive worked, since that would be the only way to run it for longer periods of time. Do you have any kind of a manual with yours? I only have a single sheet of paper that says almost nothing. Maybe if Battery Junction gets these back in stock and starts selling them again, they will put out a manual or at least a little more info on how they are supposed to run.

 

[Illum]

I have a Mega-Illuminator that has always worked fine off of battery - I tried to run it off 12V DC today (which the specs says it supports) for the first time, and it would not light. I tried both turning it on when plugged in to the cigarette lighter (nothing), and and plugging it in while the light was on (it shuts off). The 12VDC source definitely has power as the light goes into 'charging' mode.

Any suggestions?

What is the on board battery voltage?

Automotive cig sockets aren't 12V...they are more like 13.8V, with the occiasional 18V spike if you tried to start the car in the process

Also...it might not work if the current allowed through the receptacle is too small to start it up, but it would facilitate charging.

I don't own an Mega-Illuminator, just considering suggestions

 

[fhenixlynx]

what is your take on this light ? would you buy another? are you happy with the lights output,myself i have not seen a HID that the beam is a solid round spot they seem to be discolored/uneven.i bought the 25,000,000 million candle power sunforce i did not like the beam it threw. are all HIDs that way? thanks

 

[Larry237]

What is the on board battery voltage?

Automotive cig sockets aren't 12V...they are more like 13.8V, with the occiasional 18V spike if you tried to start the car in the process

Also...it might not work if the current allowed through the receptacle is too small to start it up, but it would facilitate charging.

I don't own an Mega-Illuminator, just considering suggestions

I have an extra outlet in my Dodge pickup that is supposedly good for up to 20 amps. My Mega Illuminator still doesn't turn on when plugged in to that. I haven't tried running the light when the truck is running, so maybe that's worth a try.

 

[Patriot]

what is your take on this light ? would you buy another? are you happy with the lights output,myself i have not seen a HID that the beam is a solid round spot they seem to be discolored/uneven.i bought the 25,000,000 million candle power sunforce i did not like the beam it threw. are all HIDs that way? thanks

It sounds like you need to make some adjustments. Try adding or removing a washer or two as well as making sure that you bulb is centered an on axis. HID's don't always ship perfectly focused but neither do incans. A properly adjusted HID will throw a cleaner beam than any incan bulb with the same reflector.

 

[BlueBeam22]

what is your take on this light ? would you buy another? are you happy with the lights output,myself i have not seen a HID that the beam is a solid round spot they seem to be discolored/uneven.i bought the 25,000,000 million candle power sunforce i did not like the beam it threw. are all HIDs that way? thanks

The Mega Illuminator is an awesome light. It is actually brighter than the SunForce in overall output, and throws just about as well. The Mega has a warmer color beam which will give much better rendition, and a wide corona which will make it more practical than the SunForce for close range use. I highly recommend the Mega Illuminator.

IMHO; The SunForce is the best choice if you just want an extreme throw toy, but the Mega Illuminator is higher quality in all ways and is better for practical use. I personally prefer my SunForce over my Mega Illuminator, however.