Is there an option to use another type of batteries in the 2D maglite ? D batteries are kinda expensive and I only use rechargeables in my home and the last item that needs rechargeables is the 2d maglite. I would like to use 18650s but if that isn't an option than what is ? I use a nitecore d2 & d4 so would like to use something in the maglite that the chargers can charge.
Any help and ideas would be greatly appreciated:thumbup:
It is certainly possible, but it also depends on what you want to achieve overall.
Remember a D cell = 1.5v while an 18650 is 4.2v, that's quite a difference, so you can't just use the same bulb with 18650's.
I have a couple of 2D Mags that I run 2x26650's in. Very easy mod, just trim the tailcap spring down as the 26650's (and 18650's) are longer and bend the end over a little to make contact with the battery. No other modes and it will work. 26650's don't even rattle too much, although you could easily make a battery tube spacer from plumbing tubing, wood or even cardboard.
18650's will probably need something to keep them in place as they are narrower. Although personally I think a 2D is physically way too big to just use two 18650's in. 26650's will give more runtime and means you aren't just carrying around a mostly empty bit of aluminium tubing with you.
2x Li-ion = 8.4v so you can then run a bulb from a Mag that uses more D cells. A 6 cell or maybe even a 5 cell D Mag bulb.
Or other cheap upgrades are a simple LED drop in for the correct votlage. The Torch Site in the UK sell these, they look like a normal bulb and fit like the standard bulb does, only they have a driver and LED where the glass bit would normally be. They are not the most powerful, but will totally transform an old Maglite.
http://www.thetorchsite.co.uk/TTS-3WCR90_Maglite_CNC_Fit.html
Of course you could just run rechargeable D cell batteries if you have a charger. But they aren't the cheapest. You'd also want to make sure they were Low Self Discharge ones, else they'd go flat in a couple of weeks of storage. And last up, there are plenty of 1, 2 or 3AA to D cell converters about. So you could use Eneloops in these. An AA doesn't have same capacity as a D cell, so that's your trade off, but a quick simply and easy mod. Although again I feel if you use a 1AA to D converter, you are not really gaining anything over a Mini Maglite (throw due to the reflector size). But it makes for a big heavy torch vs ability.
3AA to D will at least give reasonable runtime. Remember if you want to retain the same voltage you'll want parallel adapters.
Series adapters will up the voltage. But would give options to run different LED setups or higher powered bulbs. e.g. a 3AA series adapter would give you 6 x 1.2v with Eneloops (7.2v) which is enough to power a fairly beefy hotwire incan Mag setup.
