3C Maglite w/ XPG R4

3C Maglite mod w/ XPG R4 2B tint

Why XPG in a maglite?

1. Big and sturdy MAG body.
2. XPG is cheaper then other multi-die or SST LEDs but very efficient.
3. 3c body can accommodate 18650 and other lithium cells with spacers.
4. Can run off 3xAA alkalines in a pinch.

Parts
3C Maglite (Black)
Shiningbeam 1.4amp 3mode 4xAMC7135 regulation circuit (2.8v to 6v)
Shingingbeam CREE XP-G R4 2B tint LED
Britelumens C Mag deluxe Heatsink
Used 3xAA Rayovac alkalines for the beamshots.

(Comparison light:2D D bin P7 Mag 8xamc7135 had 3xSub-C NIMH cells.)

Third mag build, here we go.


Opened her up


Removed switch cover.

Unscrewed the sliver barrel and remove switch guts.


Cracked the remove the brown plastic.

Cut the reflector.



The Britelumens heatsink was designed for the SSC P7. Sanded down ridges until it's flat and smooth.

Cleaned heatsink and bottom of LED with isopropyl alcohol.

Cut the metal thingy from the switch and solder wires to it.

Soldered up LED, trying not to fry it with too much heat.

Soldered wires to the circuit.

Classic mistake!! heatsink goes in from top and switch from the bottom of the body, so I had to un-solder assemble, then re-solder switch.

Nice fit! Tight heatsink fit using aluminum foil to take up space.

SHOWDOWN! 2D P7 Mag vs. 3C XPG Maglite


Ambient light in driveway.


3C XPG Mag on LOW 70 mA

3C XPG Mag on MED 420mA

3C XPG Mag on HIGH 1200mA

Somebody tripped the lights on the other side so didn't get a chance to compare P7 and XPG in the yard.
++++++++++

Hallway ambient light

3C XPG R4 Maglite on MAX 1.2amps at tail w/ 3xAA alkalines

2D P7 D bin Mag on Max about 2.5amps at tail.
++++++++++

The AA alkalines measured 1.2amps max at the tail, using sub-C I got 1.4amps. I know alkalines suck with high drain rates but it's good to know they can still be used for emergencies.


I am pretty happy with this project, I will do extended runtime tests for heat tomorrow.:tired:

Nice mod, Ajay! I follow and agree with your logic with respect to the use of the XPG and multiple battery sizes. While Mags are certainly great platforms for higher power mods, there is no denying the practicality of your approach. Thanks for sharing your work.

How about using 'C' alkaline (or nicd, nimh) as back-ups. If you didn't dice the body then it still retains the ability to take stock cells.
Excellent mod, thanx for the pics. I fully support the xpg in a m@g and have done one for my mother's 3D m@g: It is incredible the performance jump from the little 3cell krypton bulb

Have you done any runtime tests ?
I would be interested to know how long the light
stays regulated for with 3 alkaline cells @ 1.4A

saltytri said:

Nice mod, Ajay! I follow and agree with your logic with respect to the use of the XPG and multiple battery sizes. While Mags are certainly great platforms for higher power mods, there is no denying the practicality of your approach. Thanks for sharing your work.

Click to expand...

Thanks!

Linger said:

How about using 'C' alkaline (or nicd, nimh) as back-ups. If you didn't dice the body then it still retains the ability to take stock cells.
Excellent mod, thanx for the pics. I fully support the xpg in a m@g and have done one for my mother's 3D m@g: It is incredible the performance jump from the little 3cell krypton bulb

Click to expand...

I hope somebody will make mag heatsinks for XPGs one day.

It's for my brother in law and he will be using C alkalines with the light but I just wanted to test it with AA alkalines too.

tx101 said:

Have you done any runtime tests ?
I would be interested to know how long the light
stays regulated for with 3 alkaline cells @ 1.4A

Click to expand...

Well I don't have a proper clamp on meter just a regular DMM. I'm not too interested in the runtimes with alkaline AA's because I know they will suck bad. It's just good to know they can be used if needed.





With proper sleeves this light will run with 3x C and AA cells, 1x18650, 1xcr123, 3 SUB C etc.:tinfoil:

Thanks for the kind words fellas, long live CPF!

Ajay