Malkoff devices maglite LED conversion

[perterra]

http://www.malkoffdevices.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_2&products_id=2


I picked up a 3 D Maglight back before Christmas, the incandescant bulb was okay but harly up to the modern LED lights I own that are half the size and twice the brightness. So I bought a Malkoff drop in LED bulb, not a real drop in because you have to cut the back of the reflector off but other than that, its easy.

Got the bulb in the mail, heavy, solid aluminum for good heat sinking.


So now to dissassemble the head of the maglite for the LED bulb. Just unscrew the head, remove the bulb and its retainer nut (knurled ring)


remove the reflector and cut it off about 1/8" from the base.

Drop the bulb in the recessed socket, tighten down the jam screw.

Reassemble the head with the shaved reflector.

Screw the head back on the barrel.


So how did it work.
The original maglight incandescant beam on a currently vacant house next door, cant really see the light, the house is maybe 125 to 150 feet, camera on tripod manual exposure. It's only slightly better than nothing.

Then with the camera at the same exposure setting we try again.


Big difference, this thing hurts if you even glance at it. Its rated 250 lumens and I dont think their joking, 5 to 6 hour battery life. You can now light up just about anything that attracts your attention.

[austinado16]

Excellent info.  
I haven't used my traditional maglite since I purchased a 32LED replica "maglite" about a year ago.  Like you discovered, makes a regular maglite look like nothing and will burn your eyeballs out of the back of your head if you look at it directly.

[Bluedog225]

Great pics.  FWIW-I thought they were brass.

I have one and they are great for spotlighting things.  It's like the finger of god.

For close work, they are too much.  I tried to work on my engine at night with mine and couldn't because the reflection was too bright. It made my eyes hurt.  I need to find a diffuser cone so it would be easier to use it to change a tire or work on the engine.

Do not look at the light; per the manufacturer, it will cause damage.

I think the maglite brand led insert gives similar performance but it drops off after just a couple of minutes because of heat buildup.  This device transfers that heat to the body of the flashlight where it dissipates.  

I rarely need long term, super bright, but I still enjoy the light.  Good for illumination, good personal protection, high reliability.

For all you ever wanted to know about flashlights:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/

And for the flashlight so bright it catches things on fire:

http://www.wickedlasers.com/lasers/Wicked_Lights-74-0.html

(not an LED, but incandescent)



Tom

[perterra]

They might have changed to aluminum at some point or they might be brass. I was just going by what the web sight said on that point. Looked like it was anodized aluminum from the coating but it could be painted brass I guess.

Mine is the 3D version I should add.

I have a mag 4C with the Mag brand LED, not quite as bright but probably a little more useful as a general purpose light. I compared it also.

[PM3579]

For a diffuser remove your lens from the mag light and trace it on a piece of plastic from a windshield washer solvent bottle. It can be put between the bezel and the oringinal lens. When not in use it can be slipped in with the batteries. It will work fine with LED's but only for a short time with the factory bulb due to heat. :usflag:

[Bluedog225]

For a diffuser remove your lens from the mag light and trace it on a piece of plastic from a windshield washer solvent bottle. It can be put between the bezel and the oringinal lens. When not in use it can be slipped in with the batteries. It will work fine with LED's but only for a short time with the factory bulb due to heat. :usflag:

I'm sorry to say that would have never occurred to me.  Excellent idea.  Thanks!

Tom