SST-50 in Mag 2xD (how)

I've seen threads for mods, but:

Assume I've got an SST-50 and proper heatsink (brightlumens) along with a 2xD Maglight. If I use 3 alkaline C's in it (which I have in now with a P4), can I direct drive it, without even using a resistor?

If I must use a driver or current limiting resistor, can you steer me in the right direction for options? I'd like to keep it as simple as possible, and as long as I use only alkalines, will I blow anything up with a straight direct drive?

John F

With alkalines, direct drive should be fine (the drive current will make the batteries sag in voltage). Don't quote me on this but it should be fine with rechargeable C cells too.

JohnF said:

I've seen threads for mods, but:

Assume I've got an SST-50 and proper heatsink (brightlumens) along with a 2xD Maglight. If I use 3 alkaline C's in it (which I have in now with a P4), can I direct drive it, without even using a resistor?

Click to expand...

Yes, but it will be pathetic.
3 NiMH C cells will probably give you less than full drive, but decent enough.

If I must use a driver or current limiting resistor, can you steer me in the right direction for options? I'd like to keep it as simple as possible, and as long as I use only alkalines, will I blow anything up with a straight direct drive?

Click to expand...

No, nothing will blow up, the alkalines will sag and deliver too little current.

With alkalines, this will look no brighter than a luxeon MagLED from 2-3 years ago.

The alkalines can't deliver more than about 1 amp to the LED.

The nice thing is, rechargeables (NiMh, Li-ion) can. The SST-50 can handle a couple amps and will really shine on that.


I recommend getting 3 C cell Nimh's and use a rubber tubing to "shim" the batteries.

You may have to trim up the spring.

THIS WILL BE A NICE LIGHT!!!

allburger said:

With alkalines, this will look no brighter than a luxeon MagLED from 2-3 years ago.

The alkalines can't deliver more than about 1 amp to the LED.

The nice thing is, rechargeables (NiMh, Li-ion) can. The SST-50 can handle a couple amps and will really shine on that.


I recommend getting 3 C cell Nimh's and use a rubber tubing to "shim" the batteries.

You may have to trim up the spring.

THIS WILL BE A NICE LIGHT!!!

Click to expand...

OK then, 3 C Nimh's it'll be for now. In the future, maybe 3x26550's with a buck driver? Would this be able to provide more current than 3 Nimh straight direct driven?

John F

3 X NiMh work well. You have to be careful hot off the charger will give you over 5A. I just finished a build exactly like this in this thread:
SST-50 2D Mag Mod **29 Pics now**

One of my favorite lights, well my Dad's now...