What bulb for 4 x 123 in a 2D maglite?

[VOD]

Well i got bored since i had the day off and i made a sleeve that fits 4 CR123 (1300mAh) into my 2D maglite with some tweaking of the spring. I was looking at using an 1185 but im wondering if the voltage is too much?

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!:twothumbs

 

[allburger]

I think the voltage will be too high, and I know the discharge will be too high.

Those are small cells and they can't handle just any power drain... I know that the MN21 in a Surefire M6 is pretty close to the limit of those batteries.

There are people more knowledgeable than me on this, but I would be careful.

I would say that the best you could do with 4x123's is to get a radio shack bulb designed for 10-12v and see what happens.

 

[RyanA]

You're probably going to need a lower amp draw

this is a good thread to reference
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=114094

You might be able to get away with a WA1166 or 1331. or maybe try over driving a 6 d bulb, the amp draw on that should be good for cr123's as it it designed for alkaline cells.

 

[fivemega]

Well i got bored since i had the day off and i made a sleeve that fits 4 CR123 (1300mAh) into my 2D maglite with some tweaking of the spring. I was looking at using an 1185 but im wondering if the voltage is too much?

Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks!:twothumbs

When you asking 1~1.2 Amp from good brand primary CR123 cells, you can expect 2.5 volt per cell or total of 10 volts from 4 series CR123 under load and after few tenth voltage loss in the system, a 9.6 volt, 1.2 Amp bulb will see just enough voltage to drive and not overdrive.
An WA1331 pulls about 2 amps which will sag the cells even more.
You may want to use Carley 809 or WA1306 for just about an hour run time. WA1328 is also another choice.
If you want more brightness WA1166 with 5 cells works fine for about 25 minutes.
Even if you consider $2 per cell, operation cost will be $20 per hour which is a bit too much for majority of people.
I suggest stick with 6xNiMH or 2 protected 18650 and enjoy free lumens with many different bulb choices.
Lastly, if you promiss study and read about danger of high power batteries, I can suggest 3x26500 with sleeve in 2D M*g and WA1166 or WA1185 with soft start switch.
BTW :welcome:

 

[mdocod]

/Agree 100% with FiveMega!

If you've managed to fit 4 CR123s, then 2x18650 should drop into that same place provided you have another 2mm of space for cell diameter in whatever sort of sleeve you are using. IMR18650s and an ROP high (use aluminum reflector and glass lens!) would work nicely.

-Eric

 

[lctorana]

Even if you consider $2 per cell, operation cost will be $20 per hour which is a bit too much for majority of people.

And at $12/cell, that's $120 per hour...

 

[RyanA]

I am curious to know why the choice of Cr123. Perhaps a set it and forget it emergency incan to be left in a car or truck? In that case I think it might not be such a bad idea. If a 6d bulb will hold up then you'd really only need the bulb batteries and some pvc for this mod. It would be kinda cool.

 

[VOD]

I am curious to know why the choice of Cr123. Perhaps a set it and forget it emergency incan to be left in a car or truck? In that case I think it might not be such a bad idea. If a 6d bulb will hold up then you'd really only need the bulb batteries and some pvc for this mod. It would be kinda cool.

Well after frying some spare LEDs for the maglite and prodding it with my multi-meter i noticed that the flashlight and batteries were insanely hot. It was extremely painful to hold them so i threw them outside as quick as possible. I dont think im going to try that again :sick2:.

I guess ill just stick to a Mag 85 or a triple cree set up with AA considering a majority of my other lights are AA (Eneloops FTW!). Later that night i found the batteries in the lawn and threw them in a G2 and noticed they were considerably low. Well i guess thats trial and error for you.