Hotwire bulb selection (2x C-cell power)

So I'm on build number 2 after my initial ROP build using the Pelican Big D high bulb.. I guess the next logical choice would be the WA bulbs or the Philips 5761.
Which bulb on the market right now would be as bright or brighter than the ROP High but give me longer runtime? The 5761 sounds nice but the ~30 min runtime is not what I'm looking for. I'm running 2x AW C-cells.

if you are trying to increase runtime AND brightness, then you are trying to improve efficiency. Problem is, all the lamps in that range, are going to peak at around the same efficiency. So in essence, you are asking for cake that doesn't exist. It's like asking for bottle that holds more water but weighs less when full...

If you want to get more efficiency, You might lookup some of the magmods that utilize IRC lamps. There is a 35W version, but I think you have to come up with ~18-20V power supply to run it hard enough to be worth it. At that drive level it becomes more like 60W light instead of a 35W light (if I recall correctly). But you can get the efficiency up to around 50lm/w (instead of the 30-35lm/w that bulbs like the ROP and 5761 are going to deliver) Maybe they will come up with some 6V versions of these lamps some day. (cross fingers)

petrev pointed out there is a 25w Halostar IRC (still 12v) available now. The 35w model uses 67w when driven at 18v (but delivers 100w-class lumen output) so I'd expect the 25w model would use somewhere around 48w, which would be quite manageable.

Yes, a 6v IRC would be ideal for 8AA but the current 12v ones need 5xLi-ion or 15-16AA to deliver this kind of efficiency so only fit in a large light.

2 Lithium D-cells will run the 5761 ~45 min and the ROP Hi for over an hour. Or if you are willing to accept slightly dimmer than the ROP high there are many choices for improved runtime, from 1274 to 64250, FM Axial, or Hikari 20w.

I'm asking for too much I suppose. :mecry: I guess the 5761 is out of the question. From further reading it seems like the WA1111 is a level below the ROP high and above the low with improved run time over the high.
Where does the 1185 fall into place? Less run time but brighter with 2x C-cells? I'm trying to find the middle ground..

The 1185 needs 3 cells and runs for about 50 minutes. It is brighter than the ROP high and very similar in output to the 5761. Though the 5761 can be brighter on fresh cells, it quickly drops below the level of the 1185 as the cell voltage drops.

So I'm guessing the WA1111 is the compromise..

The 1111 may be more likely to instaflash than 1274 at that drive level so (like the 5761) resistance is your friend. This means that in practical use, the 1111 isn't likely to fully deliver the much higher efficiency expected vs. the 1274, unless you use AW's soft starter or are willing to change bulbs more frequently. The 1111 may be a good choice for potted or FM bipin adapter (which would also let you swap in 5761 or ROP bulbs), while the 1274, 64250, FM or Hikari would be better used with a low-resistance Kiu. Remember the 1111 has traditionally been paired with 6AA while the 1274, ROP hi and FM bulbs frequently were used with 7AA.

Actually, AW's incan driver would allow multiple levels using just the 5761 if you didn't mind the lower (high-runtime) levels being somewhat more yellowish.

You can try the Philips 7388 ( 6V 20W ). It has a nicer beam than the WA1111 and run bright and white on two C cells.

AW said:

You can try the Philips 7388 ( 6V 20W ). It has a nicer beam than the WA1111 and run bright and white on two C cells.

Click to expand...

Estimated runtime on this bulb?

50-55 minutes on two C cells.

AW said:

50-55 minutes on two C cells.

Click to expand...

Very nice. Once my Kiu high temp socket arrives, I'm going to try out an assortment of bulbs. Time to make a list.. 50-55 is definitely nice.