Mini Maglite upgrade on a budget - please don't run away :)

I'm trying to upgrade, on a budget, my Mini Maglite AA LED.

Although there are many mods posted on the forum for AA M@gs, I really didn't find any recent post on the subject. Another problem will be explained in a couple of lines.

So I disassembled the thing to see her guts.

The first upgrade I thought of was a battery upgrade, replacing the AAs for 14500s. That would up the voltage and give me more light - if I understood correctly what I've been reading.
Now, the emmitter/driver/heatsink combo (drop-in?): I can't find any information on it - this is why I don't know what mods can be done (drop-in, de-dome, heatsink, etc.). It is all enclosured in metal and has a few inscriptions: "TMP-2 Mag-Lite ®" clearly marked on its mid-side, "B09-" very faded on the upper-side, and on the very top, on the board next to the emmiter, "-090". The only access is, I think, from the bottom, removing a plastic tailcap.

So, my questions would be:
1. Does anyone know this drop-in and can point me to it's specs?
2. Can 14500s be used safely?
3. Would anyone suggest other updated upgrades, on a tight budget? For this last question I understand I should be giving you a price tag, but I'm soooo noob at this I wouldn't know how to realistically set one.

I have no electronic experience whatsoever, but I can read a learn

Thanks everyone!

(this post was redacted in accordance with the "CPF Acronyms/Terminology (NEWBS/NOOBZ, Look Here!" thread):twothumbs:twothumbs:twothumbs

SardaoVoador said:

I'm trying to upgrade, on a budget, my Mini Maglite AA LED.

Although there are many mods posted on the forum for AA M@gs, I really didn't find any recent post on the subject. ....

Click to expand...

Then take a look at my recent MiniMag mods here.

Hi Icarus, thanks for replying so quickly,

I was actually hopping you would see this thread.

I had seen this upgrade but at very late hours (I think I read all your mods), somehow didn't register it was this recent - I am sorry for that. I can't track all the listed parts's, or their price, but the ones I did find I got really surprised at the low cost of the mod. Thank you, I will try to build something as close to this as possible, I'll just have to study this a little bit harder.

Would anybody know anything about the drop-in I mentioned?

I have no idea about the drop-in you mentioned but posting a picture might help.
PM me if you need help with the missing parts.

I don't believe there is such a thing as a drop-in for the LED Mini Mags (of any generation).

I think they use a press fit Led/driver assembly. Although there have been changes over the different generations.

This means anything to upgrade it, will be very custom.

Old Lumens over on BLF has done a number of great Mag mods over the years. All I hasten to add above my skill level.

My favorite of which is the nichia 219 solitaire

Match on BLF has a good tutorial for modifying a mini mag to use a p60 pill. I'm waiting on some custom p60s from mtnelectronics to complete mine.


Sent from my iPhone using Candlepowerforums

I think I still have an account for one of those image hosting things. LOL.
I'll post it later, already have the shots.
Thanks guys!

Got it! My camera is a simple point and shoot and these were the best macros I could take.

I have one of these but I do not know who made it. I have a bunch of mini mag mods. both 1 and 2 battery versions. most made by VOB here on the forum. I never use them. so look for them on the mall soon.

LOL. Funny something made by a big manufacturer is lo little known.

Thanks for helping out!

SardaoVoador said:

LOL. Funny something made by a big manufacturer is lo little known.

Thanks for helping out!

Click to expand...

I have the same minimag. I added a single 14500 4.2v, and a long socket as a spacer. Super bright !!!!! It gets hot but I added copper to the drop in for thorough heat dissipation. Also dedomed the led for a tighter hot spot

Mr. Nobody said:

I have the same minimag. I added a single 14500 4.2v, and a long socket as a spacer. Super bright !!!!! It gets hot but I added copper to the drop in for thorough heat dissipation. Also dedomed the led for a tighter hot spot

Click to expand...

hi there! Thank s for replying!

Do you have any idea if it will hold 2x14500?

SardaoVoador said:

hi there! Thank s for replying!

Do you have any idea if it will hold 2x14500?

Click to expand...

No! Don't do it or you'll see the flash of doom. Dun dun dunnnnnnn

LOL! Ok, OK,... I got it...

Thank you!