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Pila_Power said:
Cooooool. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Ok, let me see if I got this straight as its my first mod (I don't include my soli mod as it still has some broken parts):
A) 3W Luxeon but if using tri-sink from modamag it'll be 3 x 3W?
B) George's 80 Board. Is this a regulator too?
C) Can I use Pila 168A rechargeables? I have lots of these but don't know what needs to be altered if I use them...or even HOW to install them... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif
I have a complete shopping list now if I look up a 'nflex mod' right?
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You can probably use the Pilas. Roll a paper "sleeve" to hold them, and use as many as it takes to fill up the 5D Mag. The 5D is not really a popular platform because of the unusual battery configuration. I usually sleeve 3C Mags.
I do recommend the 3xLux3 mod. This is basically the only mod I consider worthy of the Maglite's size. For me, ratio of size to power is important. Get Modamag's Perfect Trisink (PTS) and the IMS SO20XA reflectors. Tell him you want the PTS for a D-cell Mag and 20mm reflectors. I love the 20s, those are really nice reflectors.
You will need to wire all 3 Luxeons in series if you are driving them off a regulator. One configuration I'd recommend is a 3C Mag, with a Fatman (boost converter), 2 x 168A or 18650 cells.
How to tell if you need a buck or boost: total up the forward voltage of your Luxeons. (assume 3.5 x 3 = 10.5V). Total up the voltage of your battery pack - 2 x 168A would be 8.4V max, 7.4V nominal. Since the voltage of your pack is lower than the voltage of the Luxeons you need a boost converter (Fatman). If the voltage of the pack is higher (ie. you are using more cells), then you need a buck converter like the nFlex. For your 5D Mag, you're going to be able to pack a lot of Pilas, so probably an nFlex would be a good idea.
www.taskled.com has assembly and wiring instructions.
I am very surprised AuroraLite did not post his awesome
NFlex walkthrough but I will do it for him /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif yours will be slightly different, but many of the things will still apply.