Hello everyone, I’m new here. I’m trying to heavily modify a 3D maglite to host either an xhp70.2 or and xhp35hi. I’ll be making a copper heat sink, using an aluminum reflector and glass lens, and running 2 26650 batteries with a D spacer taking up the remaining space. What I need help with are 2 things.
1) I have no idea what to do for a driver. 12v boost seems to be what I need, and I’ve read quite a few threads about them, but most seem to be ideas and not production pieces.
2)I’d like to upgrade the switch on the maglite to something that can actually handle the current. Either using the existing switch to control a FET or installing something entirely new. I’d also like to add a small indicator light but that’s not essential.
Yes I know this is not a practical mag mod, it’s purely an experiment. But if anyone has helpful advice or can assist me in any way, I’d greatly appreciate it. Thanks!
I just ordered an H2-C driver that works at 12V https://m.aliexpress.com/item/32804110069.html. You can get it at AliExpress or Kaidomain. Its 22mm but since you are making your own you can probably find other drivers in larger diameters. Lexel should have a nice driver with advanced software. Just ask him by PM once you decide on the size you want.
When I first found BLF, I did one with a 6v 70.2 and this buck driver:
I did a 3 cell light, but you can configure the buck driver to work with 2S instead of 3 if you have a 6v LED.
I had some issues with my “custom” heatsink (bits of copper pipe/fixtures I soldered together) and the stock reflector when I didn’t trim it correctly. In the end it makes a good amount of light, and way better than stock even with the botched mod job I did to the reflector.
I wouldn’t say it is my favorite light though… after the cells I purchased, the emitter, the copper bits, lens, and the driver I spent enough to be in the realm of the Noctigon K1 or the Emisar D18 and would probably prefer either of those to what I ended up with.
I wired the existing switch to the driver, and I have 4 modes I think. I may end up turning it into a triple triple at some point… I do like the way it looks, and how it fits in my truck (it slips into a specific shelf/pocket like it was made for it).
I’m not too concerned with the money side of it, I just like my trusty old mag and want to make something interesting out of it. Something about the form factor of a D-cell maglite has always looked good to me.
