Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED!!!!

Yes I've used the search function and after about an hour I can't find the answer I'm after.

So here it is: I bought an MD2 with high/low and understand that the M61 module is regulated until voltage drops below 3.4v. However my MD2 on a freshly charged 18650 (tried 3 different AW18650's) only appears to put out about 150ish lumens on a single 18650.

It's all nice and bright with two CR123's, but with the 18650 it appears to be somewhere between the 85 and 206 lumen output of a Quark Tactical. I tested each cell and they're all between 4.18 and 4.20v and they're also brand new.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

To get the full output, you'll need to reach at least 6 volts. So you need to use two cells.
I think you could use two imr16340 to get 8.4 volts (the dropin can take upto 9 volts), but with lower runtime.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

You dont need 2 x IMR batteries for a m61. 16340 IMR is only 550 mAh so you get less runtime, and if you drain them you will ruin them. A single 18650 should give full output. How do you messure the lumens?

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

Ok, there's definately something wrong with this light. I put in a fresh 18650 (4.19v, charged Friday) and it's giving less output than a Quark Tactical on the 85 lumen mode.

I don't have a light meter, but I can assure you there's nothing wrong with my eyes. I have another light that's 150 lumens and it's killing this thing, and the Quark on high is still brighter than when I use CR123's in the MD2. They're all XP-G lights and look to be the same tint.

I've put the same batteries in an Elektrolumens Decree and they make it shine like the sun, so it's not the cells.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

the driver is buck, so it would depend on the Vf of the XP-G.. is it possible this particular XP-G has a extra high Vf?

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

Doesn't matter anymore. It just died. I charged up the battery to make sure it was charged fully and when I put the battery in it was bright for about 1 second, went really blue and then stopped.

Never had a light die in less than a week before, and this is a Malkoff.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

Jash,
Not trying to be smart, but it is on the high setting, right? The switching ring is firmly situated inside the light? If so, I am sure we can figure out what is going on. I look forward to helping out.

Regards.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

Jash,
Sorry. I posted after you. It does seem as though it has died. I am very certain Gene Malkoff will make it right. Perhaps the retailer should be the first call.

Regards.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

This now makes two M61's here lately Ive read about to die without being driven over voltage. What's up with that? Gene will make it right with you. A couple of bad modules out of thousands, not bad odds to me. Dont lose faith in the Malkoff brand.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

I had a M61 that appeared to look not as bright and it also went Mr. Malkoff himself posted on my thread right away. He is probably busy today and just has not logged on CPF but for sure he will take care of you. Call MD (Gene) on Monday. I called and he answered the phone himself.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650?

If you want him to drop by I suggest editing the title to reflect the dead module.............

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED?

Contact Gene for an RMA replacement. He will take care of you. I can only recall 1-2 Malkoff failure reports on CPF since 2005. His stuff is top notch and its fully warrantied by Gene.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED?

Did you say it will still work with CR123 batteries? I have heard people having trouble in other lights with the AW18650 batteries. I have the Redilast 2900 18650 in my MD2 and have not had any trouble with it. I am no expert by any means just did'nt know if you had heard this about the AW's.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED?

Hello Jash,

I think I just emailed you. Please return the defective one to the dealer. We will be happy to send you a complete new flashlight by International Express Mail (about a week or so to Australia).

Thanks, Gene

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED?

And, BINGO!

We have Gene touchdown once again.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED?

Thanks Gene. It's a lovely light in all respects and I have no doubt that this is just one of those few times something goes wrong.

Just letting you know also, there's a really funky, burnt, electrical smell coming out of it now. The same sort when you burn out a model train engine.

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED?

If candlepowerforums had a "like" button this thred would have blow the server with Gene's post.

I knew this one wouldn't take long to take care of...

Re: Malkoff MD2 on 18650, DIED?

Alberta-Blue said:

If candlepowerforums had a "like" button this thred would have blow the server with Gene's post.

I knew this one wouldn't take long to take care of...

Click to expand...

Wouldn't it be great if he made cars.