What is MagLite Multi-Mode?

[rasmasyean]

Hello,
What is this?

MagLite LED Conversion Upgrade Bulb 700LM Flashlight Torch 2 3 4 5 6 D C Cell

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It says you can use your "existing switch" to change the mode. Mine only has one round rubber push-button switch that latches ON and OFF.

Thanks.

 

[bykfixer]

You just half press through the modes you don't want to use and click on the one you do. The circuitry for modes is in the LED "bulb".

 

[knucklegary]

From what I've read, those multi mode drop-ins have some terrible reviews on Amz..

If you're located in USA, check out Litt Industries products, you'll get most bang for buck with them. Imo

 

[kerneldrop]

From the looks of that dropin the OP posted....that LED can be swapped out.

 

[hamhanded]

I’d expect 20hz PWM on low if I bought that

 

[sween1911]

The LED module knows when you switch it on and off, it cycles the modes when you turn it off and on. Some of those are a pain to use, having to cycle through modes and not knowing which one will come on if you grab it. For general usage though, it is a cheap way to elevate an old incan Maglite. I'd try one of those single-mode ones though. I have a couple that I use in various Mags, just around the house stuff. I hang onto my Mags more for nostalgia. I have a single-mode drop-in like that in my old 3D with spacers and a single 18650 lithium ion battery. Works pretty well.

Standard Mag Warning: As always, BEWARE ALKALEAKS! Don't leave Alkaline batteries in a Maglite indefinitely. Someday, maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe seven years from now, you'll open that Maglite to check the batteries and chunky white stuff will fall out, and the batteries will be permanently fused to the inside of the body, entombed forever.

 

[Monocrom]

From what I've read, those multi mode drop-ins have some terrible reviews on Amz..

Yeah, they're not the most reliable.

 

[rasmasyean]

The LED module knows when you switch it on and off, it cycles the modes when you turn it off and on. Some of those are a pain to use, having to cycle through modes and not knowing which one will come on if you grab it. For general usage though, it is a cheap way to elevate an old incan Maglite. I'd try one of those single-mode ones though. I have a couple that I use in various Mags, just around the house stuff. I hang onto my Mags more for nostalgia. I have a single-mode drop-in like that in my old 3D with spacers and a single 18650 lithium ion battery. Works pretty well.

Standard Mag Warning: As always, BEWARE ALKALEAKS! Don't leave Alkaline batteries in a Maglite indefinitely. Someday, maybe today, maybe tomorrow, maybe seven years from now, you'll open that Maglite to check the batteries and chunky white stuff will fall out, and the batteries will be permanently fused to the inside of the body, entombed forever.

I just cleaned out an old "alkalined Mag". What you can do (in my model at least), is:

1. Remove the rubber button cover.
2. Use a small Allen wrench to insert into the button hole and loosen the setscrew holding the bulb assembly in place.
3. Pry out the retaining ring in front of the assembly.
4. Drop the assembly out the front.
5. You can use vinegar if needed to neutralize some of the acid and shove the batteries out the back with a broomstick or something.
6. Then you can brush it or whatever and lower the retaining ring slowly back into place (I used the assembly itself as an aligner of sorts while lowering it).

 

[bridgman]

Here is an example of a multi-mode drop in that works pretty well:

FireFly 800 lumen LED Upgrade for Maglite

Shop now. High power LED upgrade for 3-6D cell Maglites. Multi level brightness.

lumencraft.com

As bykfixer said, you use the momentary function of the standard switch to cycle through modes then push a bit further and latch when you have the mode you want.

 

[rasmasyean]

What's wrong with the "bulb drop-ins"?
Does it go bad because it doesn't have that heat sink if you run it too long at > 300 lumens?

 

[bykfixer]

At 700 it probably cooks itself inside out due to lack of heat sync. At 300? Maybe not so much. If you put in a metal reflector it will heat sync better than the stock plastic one.
But often those inexpensive bulb replacers aren't built very sturdy.

 

[735]

I’d add that I have this drop-in and several others from the same seller, here in the UK. They’re just as intuitive as the newer electronic Mag switch (except, if memory serves correctly the drop-ins start with low). My preference is the 375lm warm white - as an industrial electrician, I use it daily in an ex-police Mag 2C and it is not treated gently! I also have one in a chrome 2D for working on the car and that too has held up fine.

 

[knucklegary]

I’d add that I have this drop-in and several others from the same seller, here in the UK. They’re just as intuitive as the newer electronic Mag switch (except, if memory serves correctly the drop-ins start with low). My preference is the 375lm warm white - as an industrial electrician, I use it daily in an ex-police Mag 2C and it is not treated gently! I also have one in a chrome 2D for working on the car and that too has held up fine.

Don't think I've seen a chrome plated 2D offered from Mag.. Photos ?
... and, while your at it, how about a few beam shots of that warm led ?

 

[bridgman]

What's wrong with the "bulb drop-ins"? Does it go bad because it doesn't have that heat sink if you run it too long at > 300 lumens?

Not sure it will go bad, but you will have a tough time getting more than200-300 lumens without more heatsinking.

In other words don't think it will fail but it will probably throttle to lower brightness. That said, for the power and the price it seems OK to me although I have not read through the reviews.

 

[735]

Don't think I've seen a chrome plated 2D offered from Mag.. Photos ?
... and, while your at it, how about a few beam shots of that warm led ?

You are quite right, I should say silver! 🤦‍♂️ I’ll grab a shot when I’m next in work, I’ve been using a cheap, partly-frosted, convex-centre lens (for lack of a proper name!) which gives a tidy flood for panel work.

 

[735]

In other words don't think it will fail but it will probably throttle to lower brightness.

Couple this with using 2 cells, and you won’t get those claimed figures at all (unless you use adapters)

 

[735]

Don't think I've seen a chrome plated 2D offered from Mag.. Photos ?
... and, while your at it, how about a few beam shots of that warm

white

warm

lens used

flashlights

Fingers crossed for first image post.

 

[knucklegary]

View attachment 32996 white
View attachment 32997 warm




View attachment 32998 lens used
View attachment 32999 flashlights

Fingers crossed for first image post.

That's a very interesting lens (aspheric?)
Do you know what is the lens original intended use?