The All Purpose Flashlight CHAT Thread

[EBuff75]

I've got a bunch of pictures now, of a number of different lights.  This included some pictures against the headlights of my car, to show how a powerful flashlight can overcome even very bright direct light to light up an area that is beyond or beside bright lights.  I also took thermal readings of the new Zebralight (spoiler - it gets HOT!) compared to my older one. 

It'll take a bit to do a write-up and I'm tired right now.  You'll have to wait until later this week!

Oh, and the new clamp worked out quite well for holding the lights while I took pictures.  It opens up wide enough that I can even fit in an old-school D-cell Maglite.  Here it is holding my Wurkkos TD02 during the testing tonight. 

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I have that exact tripod.  I use it for my Nikon B600

I was pleasantly surprised when I bought it last year.  Fairly inexpensive, but it's got a lot of adjustments, is well-built, and even comes with a really sturdy case/bag.  

My old tripod dates back to the mid-90s and this one is much sturdier, even if it is missing a few features the older one has (levered cam lock for the tripod head plate, crank handle for height adjustment, and a pan handle).  But the greater adjustability (including having a ball head, which the old one lacks), and increased height (I got the 81-inch version, whereas my old tripod is something like 55-inch) make up for it.  I've only used a few times so far and I always forget how nice it is until I get it back out. 

[EBuff75]

I'm a weak, weak person...  Well, there's yet another flashlight on the way.  This one is a Sofirn SC33, which is currently on sale on Amazon.  *sigh*

Oh, and given that this one is 5200 lumen, it only took a week for me to break the 5000 lumen barrier.  And the 4900 lumen Acebeam hasn't even arrived yet! 

[NT2C]

Sometimes a flashlight is just a flashlight... and sometimes it's a 6 D-Cell red Maglite for $38 

[EBuff75]

Sometimes a flashlight is just a flashlight... and sometimes it's a 6 D-Cell red Maglite for $38 

I didn't realize that they still sold the old incandescent lights!  The sad thing about those is that even one like this is only a little brighter (178lm vs 107lm) than my 16 year old single-AA Fenix L1D-CE Q5 flashlight!  Of course, you're probably not buying something like this just for the light output, but for it's secondary use as a light-up baseball bat! 

[NT2C]

Sometimes a flashlight is just a flashlight... and sometimes it's a 6 D-Cell red Maglite for $38 

I didn't realize that they still sold the old incandescent lights!  The sad thing about those is that even one like this is only a little brighter (178lm vs 107lm) than my 16 year old single-AA Fenix L1D-CE Q5 flashlight!  Of course, you're probably not buying something like this just for the light output, but for it's secondary use as a light-up baseball bat! 

I might also have a drop-in 800lm LED for it too. 

[EBuff75]

Sometimes a flashlight is just a flashlight... and sometimes it's a 6 D-Cell red Maglite for $38 

I didn't realize that they still sold the old incandescent lights!  The sad thing about those is that even one like this is only a little brighter (178lm vs 107lm) than my 16 year old single-AA Fenix L1D-CE Q5 flashlight!  Of course, you're probably not buying something like this just for the light output, but for it's secondary use as a light-up baseball bat! 

I might also have a drop-in 800lm LED for it too. 

Now that's more like it!  EBuff approves!

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

Sometimes a flashlight is just a flashlight... and sometimes it's a 6 D-Cell red Maglite for $38 

If they made that with a tail cap switch, I think it'd be hilarious to mount one to an AR.

[NT2C]

Sometimes a flashlight is just a flashlight... and sometimes it's a 6 D-Cell red Maglite for $38 

If they made that with a tail cap switch, I think it'd be hilarious to mount one to an AR.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/m-g-d-tail-cap-mcclicky-switch-by-fivemega.340218/

[12_Gauge_Chimp]

Sometimes a flashlight is just a flashlight... and sometimes it's a 6 D-Cell red Maglite for $38 

If they made that with a tail cap switch, I think it'd be hilarious to mount one to an AR.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/m-g-d-tail-cap-mcclicky-switch-by-fivemega.340218/

Looks like I stand corrected.

[Raptor]

Anyone know where to get adapters for converting d cells to 18650 batteries. I am thinking specifically about converting some maglights to use 18650 batteries.

[flybynight]

Anyone know where to get adapters for converting d cells to 18650 batteries. I am thinking specifically about converting some maglights to use 18650 batteries.

I put a couple 14500's into a mag light with a led adapter fitted. And it burned out the circuit immediately 

[NT2C]

Anyone know where to get adapters for converting d cells to 18650 batteries. I am thinking specifically about converting some maglights to use 18650 batteries.

A piece of Schedule 80 3/4" PVC has the right inner diameter and I think with a coupler on each end might be the right diameter to match a D cell.  Pretty close at least.  Just remember the voltage difference between the two.

[EBuff75]

There are sellers on eBay who offer 3D printed adapters for both C and D cell lights to use 18650 cells.  Since 18650 cells are longer than D or C cells, you would replace two of them with a single 18650.  If you have a 3-cell light, you'll either have to look for an adapter specifically for that, or get/make a blank spacer to take up the extra space of the 3rd battery. 

But, keep in mind that the bulbs might not last as long, due to the increased voltage.  For the C or D cells, voltage is between 1.2 and 1.5v, for a total of 2.4 - 3.0v.  But an 18650 cell is 3.7v, so it will be overdriving the bulb.

There are some threads on candlepowerforums, budgetlightforum, and reddit about this if you want to do some digging.  There's even an Instructables page about doing it yourself, by stretching the springs on the light and wrapping the 18650 battery to fill in the extra space.  Not sure how well that will really work, but it's an option.

[Raptor]

Anyone know where to get adapters for converting d cells to 18650 batteries. I am thinking specifically about converting some maglights to use 18650 batteries.

I put a couple 14500's into a mag light with a led adapter fitted. And it burned out the circuit immediately

14500 are each 3.6 volts which is equal to a bit more than 2 AA batteries.  So if you put two 14500 in then you are way over volatge.

There are sellers on eBay who offer 3D printed adapters for both C and D cell lights to use 18650 cells.  Since 18650 cells are longer than D or C cells, you would replace two of them with a single 18650.  If you have a 3-cell light, you'll either have to look for an adapter specifically for that, or get/make a blank spacer to take up the extra space of the 3rd battery.

But, keep in mind that the bulbs might not last as long, due to the increased voltage.  For the C or D cells, voltage is between 1.2 and 1.5v, for a total of 2.4 - 3.0v.  But an 18650 cell is 3.7v, so it will be overdriving the bulb.

There are some threads on candlepowerforums, budgetlightforum, and reddit about this if you want to do some digging.  There's even an Instructables page about doing it yourself, by stretching the springs on the light and wrapping the 18650 battery to fill in the extra space.  Not sure how well that will really work, but it's an option.

It is the spacer I am having issues with that and matching voltages to the replacemnt LED bulbs. I have one that works with "3 or 4" cells (so 3 volts to 4.5 volts) and does work with the 3.7 volt 18650 but I am playing around with it. 

I found a great youtube video but for the spacer the guys gets out his $50,000 cad operated lathe and machines that peice.  kinda overkill for me.

Anyone know where to get adapters for converting d cells to 18650 batteries. I am thinking specifically about converting some maglights to use 18650 batteries.

A piece of Schedule 80 3/4" PVC has the right inner diameter and I think with a coupler on each end might be the right diameter to match a D cell.  Pretty close at least.  Just remember the voltage difference between the two.

I will try that I have simply used duct tape for the trial.

[Z.O.R.G.]

There are sellers on eBay who offer 3D printed adapters for both C and D cell lights to use 18650 cells.  Since 18650 cells are longer than D or C cells, you would replace two of them with a single 18650.  If you have a 3-cell light, you'll either have to look for an adapter specifically for that, or get/make a blank spacer to take up the extra space of the 3rd battery.

But, keep in mind that the bulbs might not last as long, due to the increased voltage.  For the C or D cells, voltage is between 1.2 and 1.5v, for a total of 2.4 - 3.0v.  But an 18650 cell is 3.7v, so it will be overdriving the bulb.

Anyone know where to get adapters for converting d cells to 18650 batteries. I am thinking specifically about converting some maglights to use 18650 batteries.

I put a couple 14500's into a mag light with a led adapter fitted. And it burned out the circuit immediately

14500 are each 3.6 volts which is equal to a bit more than 2 AA batteries.  So if you put two 14500 in then you are way over volatge.

There are sellers on eBay who offer 3D printed adapters for both C and D cell lights to use 18650 cells.  Since 18650 cells are longer than D or C cells, you would replace two of them with a single 18650.  If you have a 3-cell light, you'll either have to look for an adapter specifically for that, or get/make a blank spacer to take up the extra space of the 3rd battery.

But, keep in mind that the bulbs might not last as long, due to the increased voltage.  For the C or D cells, voltage is between 1.2 and 1.5v, for a total of 2.4 - 3.0v.  But an 18650 cell is 3.7v, so it will be overdriving the bulb.

There are some threads on candlepowerforums, budgetlightforum, and reddit about this if you want to do some digging.  There's even an Instructables page about doing it yourself, by stretching the springs on the light and wrapping the 18650 battery to fill in the extra space.  Not sure how well that will really work, but it's an option.

It is the spacer I am having issues with that and matching voltages to the replacemnt LED bulbs. I have one that works with "3 or 4" cells (so 3 volts to 4.5 volts) and does work with the 3.7 volt 18650 but I am playing around with it.

I found a great youtube video but for the spacer the guys gets out his $50,000 cad operated lathe and machines that peice. kinda overkill for me.

Anyone know where to get adapters for converting d cells to 18650 batteries. I am thinking specifically about converting some maglights to use 18650 batteries.

A piece of Schedule 80 3/4" PVC has the right inner diameter and I think with a coupler on each end might be the right diameter to match a D cell.  Pretty close at least.  Just remember the voltage difference between the two.

I will try that I have simply used duct tape for the trial.

Don't forget current.  Standard "D cells can't put out all that much.  18650 batteries are higher voltage and can put out up to 40 amps.  

[EBuff75]

Today I received a Wurkkos DL70 dive light that I'd ordered.  It's taken the top spot (output-wise) in my collection at 13,000 lumens!  First light I've ever had with a magnetic switch too, which is really weird.  There's no resistance or click, just a spongy button that's easy to bump.  I'll get some pictures and do a review at some point, but wow that's a lot of light!!

It runs on 26650 batteries, which I have several of for another light.  When I tried the old ones in the light on turbo mode, the light shut off after less than a second.  I looked up the specs for my older batteries and they max out at 10a draw, whereas this light takes closer to 12a on turbo.  Looks like the battery's protection circuit knows its stuff! 

With the included batteries there's no problem and it just throws out an absolute wall of light on turbo.  But if I want to use my other batteries, I won't be able to use the turbo mode (other modes work fine).  Of course I could also buy some higher drain batteries as backups, but I'd hoped to use the batteries that I already had on hand. 

Still, it's nice to see that those protection circuits in the batteries really do work the way they're intended to!

[NT2C]

Before you run it for extended periods, especially on high or turbo, check the owner's manual.  Some dive lights (BITD at least) run really hot and count on being immersed in water for cooling.

[EBuff75]

Before you run it for extended periods, especially on high or turbo, check the owner's manual.  Some dive lights (BITD at least) run really hot and count on being immersed in water for cooling.

It's got built-in thermal regulation.  If the temperature at the driver exceeds 55C (131F), it cuts back the output until the temperature goes back down.  Of course, that's still pretty toasty to hold without gloves, but it's supposed to be enough to keep the light from damaging itself.

ETA:  And that was something I checked before ordering it.  I wanted to make sure that it was able to be used without being in the water, for exactly the reason you mentioned.

[NT2C]

I picked up a couple of Sofirn lights during the current sale and one of them is the SD06 dive light (review and beam shots coming soon as my wrist heals) which is a nice light that uses a 21700 cell.  What it does not have or do, however, is any way to charge the cell in the light.  This has caused me to realize that I have a hole in my preps that I need to fix.  I don't have a proper charger for 21700 cells.

Now, to be clear, the light does come with a single-cell charger and cord, identical to several others that I have, and which can take (barely) the 21700 flat top (wouldn't take a button top) and very slowly (0.19A) charge it (if you think this is less than ideal for charging a 5,000mAh cell you win the Internets today).  Looking at the backs of all of my chargers (including two very nice Nitecore 4 slot units) none of them can take a 21700, and the Nitecore chargers (which would have charged much faster) can't even physically take a 21700, flat top or not.  This is a problem because more and more of my lights are coming with 21700s these days, and while most can charge the cells in situ, that's less than ideal if you happen to need the device being charged and you have some spare cells.

I am, therefore, shopping for a new charger that can handle 21700 cells... and larger.

My wife will understand the necessary impact on our end-of-month budget, right?  Right?

Fuck it, I'll tell her I got myself a birthday gift.

[EBuff75]

I picked up a couple of Sofirn lights during the current sale and one of them is the SD06 dive light (review and beam shots coming soon as my wrist heals) which is a nice light that uses a 21700 cell.  What it does not have or do, however, is any way to charge the cell in the light.  This has caused me to realize that I have a hole in my preps that I need to fix.  I don't have a proper charger for 21700 cells.

Now, to be clear, the light does come with a single-cell charger and cord, identical to several others that I have, and which can take (barely) the 21700 flat top (wouldn't take a button top) and very slowly (0.19A) charge it (if you think this is less than ideal for charging a 5,000mAh cell you win the Internets today).  Looking at the backs of all of my chargers (including two very nice Nitecore 4 slot units) none of them can take a 21700, and the Nitecore chargers (which would have charged much faster) can't even physically take a 21700, flat top or not.  This is a problem because more and more of my lights are coming with 21700s these days, and while most can charge the cells in situ, that's less than ideal if you happen to need the device being charged and you have some spare cells.

I am, therefore, shopping for a new charger that can handle 21700 cells... and larger.

My wife will understand the necessary impact on our end-of-month budget, right?  Right?

Fuck it, I'll tell her I got myself a birthday gift.

I bought a Wurkkos DL70 which also uses 21700 cells.  Same situation as you - none of my existing chargers can handle that size cell because they're just a touch too long to fit and because it's a dive light, there is no onboard charging (no way to put a charge port on it that would be watertight to the IPX8, 100m depth rating).  Fortunately, the "kit" included a charger for the batteries.  It's fairly cheap, but it does work and it gives me the ability to charge them for other flashlights as well. 

I might get a higher-quality charger that can fit them sometime, but it's not that high on the list since I have one that I can use for now.