I am waiting on an overdue quote for a Ti 2xAA McClickie pak. I know it will be expensive and a PITA for the machine shop because of the deep bores involved. I am interested in this as an option because there are times one would appreciate a longer light in their hand, the availability of AA batteries and the extended run time of 2xAA VS a single CR123 or R123. Key in my interest and decision to pursue this is the fact that the SunDrop and Haiku heads with their LE's could run on a 2xAA pak with no problem. For myself, any 2xAA paks I have will be loaded with lithium AA's because I do appreciate the long shelf life and desire to avoid a leaking Alkaline battery if left unattended for too long. Additionally, there are UL approved and easily obtained rechargeable AA cells that can also be used. The platform has merits that can't be denied although it might not be appropriate or everyone's cup of tea. :shrug:
-
You must be a Supporting Member to participate in the Candle Power Forums Marketplace.
You can become a Supporting Member.
What improvements would make McGizmo's even better?
- Thread starter tino_ale
- Start date
Help Support CPF:
Help Support Candle Power Flashlight Forum
scout24
Flashaholic
+1 for a Ti 2xAA McClickie pack!!!
tino_ale
Flashlight Enthusiast
You must have no idea of how much a CR123 costs in my country. Ok, since you ask : about 10E ($14 USD :sick2🙂 for a single CR123. Of course I am used to buy online, but I also have nice Eneloops that I could use for guilt-free lumens. I also use R-CR123 but I still consider them more hazardous than Ni-MH (no matter if they are supposedly protected).
AlecGold
Enlightened
hehehe, I have every idea how much a 123 costs here, netherlands, it's around 8,50E for a non-brand and the same 10E for a branded.
but, there are several shops that sell cheap 123's that are as good IMHO as the brands that cost 10E.
As a courtesy I can ship some (10 or 15) 123's for around 1E each.
Also take a look at batterystation.com/cpf9.htm I'm not affiliated with them, but have a good history of doing business with them. Their 123 costs $1.25 each. You will have to ask them to make a price for shipping to europe, but so far I've been happy.
PM me if you want some 123's
but, there are several shops that sell cheap 123's that are as good IMHO as the brands that cost 10E.
As a courtesy I can ship some (10 or 15) 123's for around 1E each.
Also take a look at batterystation.com/cpf9.htm I'm not affiliated with them, but have a good history of doing business with them. Their 123 costs $1.25 each. You will have to ask them to make a price for shipping to europe, but so far I've been happy.
PM me if you want some 123's
scout24
Flashaholic
I liked Don's point that it wasn't just about AA availability, cost, or choices of cells, but also of form, sometimes a longer light is preferable. Versatility as far as power sources with the same head is also a good thing! I'll take one, please!
AlecGold
Enlightened
I understand there are people that will like a longer light.
My ideal is still a size like the sundrop. I've had a XR19-C and it was just a tad to long. You can't pocket these long lights easily in your 5th pocket in a pair of jeans.
A Ni-MH AA light has it's advantages: AA's are everywhere available, but for enough current and power I think you need two AA's, which makes it way to long for my taste. But there is a niche for almost everything, so it would be strange if there wouldn't be people that long for an 2xAA.
Then again, size-wise I think a 2xCR123 would be a good size if you want something longer?!
My ideal is still a size like the sundrop. I've had a XR19-C and it was just a tad to long. You can't pocket these long lights easily in your 5th pocket in a pair of jeans.
A Ni-MH AA light has it's advantages: AA's are everywhere available, but for enough current and power I think you need two AA's, which makes it way to long for my taste. But there is a niche for almost everything, so it would be strange if there wouldn't be people that long for an 2xAA.
Then again, size-wise I think a 2xCR123 would be a good size if you want something longer?!
kaichu dento
Flashaholic
I never understand how so many can say that AA is 'bigger' than CR123. AA are longer, but also noticeably slimmer, and for me the thickness of the light is much more of an issue than the slight difference in length.
AlecGold
Enlightened
Clearly each his own (dis)likes and uses, that for sure!
But as I said, for me the length is often a "problem" so I prefer the 123's. I like to be able to stow the light in my 5th pocket. (I've also got shorts that have a 5th pocket, rather unique, but handy in my case as it is hot and humid these days in Holland).
What is it for you that makes the need/want for a slim light? where does the thickness become a problem? I'm not even thinking of "defending" 123's over AA's, but I'm always curious why people would prefer them. And wanting a slimmer light, then AA's help indeed a little bit. And while I'm nitpicking, does 14,5mm (AA) or 17mm (123's) make such a big difference for your use?
But as I said, for me the length is often a "problem" so I prefer the 123's. I like to be able to stow the light in my 5th pocket. (I've also got shorts that have a 5th pocket, rather unique, but handy in my case as it is hot and humid these days in Holland).
What is it for you that makes the need/want for a slim light? where does the thickness become a problem? I'm not even thinking of "defending" 123's over AA's, but I'm always curious why people would prefer them. And wanting a slimmer light, then AA's help indeed a little bit. And while I'm nitpicking, does 14,5mm (AA) or 17mm (123's) make such a big difference for your use?
RocketTomato
Enlightened
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2008
- Messages
- 475
Don currently offers a 2xCR123 McClickie Pak. In this case, he is just offering up another option, which would work particulary well with the Sundrop and Haiku heads.
Another interesting and extremely versatile option would be a 2x18500 size battery tube. It could use a variety of different battery combinations including 3xCR123 (9 V), 3xRCR123 (12.6 V), 2x18500 or 2x14500 (8.4 V) and 2xAA (3-3.4 V). In an emergency you could even use an 18650 (4.2 V) with a dummy CR123 or 2xCR123 (6 or 8.4 V) with a dummy CR123.
souptree
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2005
- Messages
- 1,175
I must admit I am a lot more interested in the 1xAA form factor than the 2xAA. But I'd be all over a 1xAA McGizmo, especially a PD, if one ever materialized. I do understand the reality is that there are many 3v heads and no 1.5v heads though, and that a slimmer PD would require further additional engineering so I'm not holding my breath. But it would sure be sweet if it ever became a reality.
On a totally off topic subject, my Sapphire went missing for the last month. It finally turned up in the laundry. Lit right up. No problems with the seals on that sucker!
On a totally off topic subject, my Sapphire went missing for the last month. It finally turned up in the laundry. Lit right up. No problems with the seals on that sucker!
jchoo
Enlightened
Oh my, that must have been one nerve wracking month, offset of course by the joy of finding it rattling around the bottom of the washer, to turn it on and find it in perfect order, and all is well with the world for a few moments until you realize you still need to finish doing the laundry.I must admit I am a lot more interested in the 1xAA form factor than the 2xAA. But I'd be all over a 1xAA McGizmo, especially a PD, if one ever materialized. I do understand the reality is that there are many 3v heads and no 1.5v heads though, and that a slimmer PD would require further additional engineering so I'm not holding my breath. But it would sure be sweet if it ever became a reality.
On a totally off topic subject, my Sapphire went missing for the last month. It finally turned up in the laundry. Lit right up. No problems with the seals on that sucker!
fyrstormer
Banned
You forgot the moment where he realized the scallops on the Sapphire's head had chipped all the enamel off the bottom of his washing machine, and he had to get a new one. 😛
Th232
Flashlight Enthusiast
Personally, I'd be very interested in a 1xAA PD form factor if it had an input voltage range of 0.9-4.2 volts. Given that capability, I'd use 14500s as standard, but in a pinch, regular alkaline AAs would do as well. Like what the Nitecore D10 or the Quarks do.
kaichu dento
Flashaholic
Alec, just going over old threads and saw that I never answered!
I can understand what you're talking about when it comes to putting a light into your watch pocket, where length really matters the most and I've got a very slim selection of lights that fit in mine! One of my primary carrying spots is my back pocket next to my wallet though, and in that case slimness rules!
Still hope that someday there will be at least a couple lights that fill the gap between full sized McGizmo's and the Sapphire, and I can't think of a better way to do it than to have a 1x14500 twisty with the 3speed inside. 😉
jblackwood
Enlightened
I know what you mean, kaichu. That's where my LS20 lives, except it's in the back pocket where I carry my coin wallet. Could I live with a slimmer version? Sure. Could I live with a version that only has one beam profile . . . HECK NO! :devil:
kaichu dento
Flashaholic
We've become accustomed to some pretty exotic stuff when you compare any of these lights to the red plastic EverReady Lights of yesteryear, and I'm glad!
No more smacking the light to get it to come on, and now instantly selectable beam profiles and output levels! So we're in agreeance about a 14500 LS20? :naughty:
Simon520
Newly Enlightened
Excellent! I'd be in for one at least!
How about a 1x123 or a 2x123 double ended (PD) Pak? You could put 2 different twisty heads on it.
fisk-king
Flashlight Enthusiast
:thinking: how would you make the light come on. two heads on a battery pack w/ a button on the side...could be interesting.
I would say that Don, in his infinite ingenuity, have some type of small reactor to harness the power of nuclear fission. yea, yea...thats the ticket:tinfoil:
