Modding the Defiant 3C and 3D lights with Maglite parts. Beam Shots in Post #32

Now that I have the 3C and 3D lights, I want to mod them. For me, both of these lights are way too bulky and that 3D is a heavyweight. I need to get them lighter and shorter.

1d

It is amazing that the switch from a D Maglite is a perfect fit in the body of this D Armormax light. I guess I can use a Mag switch and cut the body down, for a 1D.

2d

All I have to do is make a hole and shape the body like a Maglite switch hole.

3d

1c

If I remove the switch section of the C Thrower, it makes for a shorter light. Maybe even shorter than that, if I use 3 Sub-C cells. Also, a C Maglite switch will go in the body tube, but it will need a little "massaging".

2c

Or, I could use a cut down 2D body, to make it into a 1D. I like that idea.

3c

I will be modding both of these lights, but it may take some time till I do. These are just some ideas for these two lights.

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02-23-13 I decided to use a 2D body on the Defiant "D" size light. I think it really was way too heavy and with a 2D body, it cuts down a LOT of weight. Also, I wanted to do it with some simpler tools, where others might be able to adopt it to something else.

dd1a

The body of a 2D fits in the head. Once you shove it all the way in, it's almost snug... almost.

dd1b

But with three set screws evenly spaced around the head, it stays snug and won't come back out. The set screws go through the head and press against the Mag body. They will be flush when screwed down.

dd1c

I'm using one of the regular Aluminum heat sinks that I use for the Mags. I will put the led on a 20mm star on the heat sink and using the stock centering ring, it will all go together like stock.

dd1d

I will add a Mag O Ring between the head and the Mag body. There's a little gap there, but the O ring is a tight fit.

dd1e

I will use the stock switch and have cut off the horn on the Mag housing. Direct solder the wires to the Pos and Neg terminals and add a NANJG driver. I will not be using the stock LED. I have a couple of XM-L2 T6 3C LEDs coming to put into this D light and the C light too.

dd1f

From the front, it will look stock. That is, until I stipple the reflector.

dd1g

I added a couple extra chips to the driver, to give it a little more than 3 amps.

That's all for now. I have to wait for the LED and I have to figure out what battery or batteries to use. I don't have any 3AA holders at the moment, but I will probably just set it up where someone can use a 26650 and a dummy.

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03-01-13 Updates

I haven't forgotten these builds. I was just waiting for parts.

I got the XM-L2 T6 3C leds in today.

cd1a

I am not sure if I am going to De-dome the one for the Defiant "C" or not.

I also got the "lens" for the "D" Defiant.

cd1b

It's a photographic filter. 62mm UV filter. It only cost about $4.00 with shipping. Some of the least expensive ones are single coated and this one looks like it is.

cd1c

cd1d

99% of these filters can be taken apart easily. Usually there are two slots and you just unscrew the hold down ring.

I also got the batteries for both lights. The "D" light will use three of the Sub-C NiMHs and the "C" light will use three of the 4/5 Sub-C NiMHs.

cd1e

I have already added magnets and shrink wrapped them.

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03-02-13 3C is DONE.

1

The XM-L2 T6 3C, is in place and wired up.

1a

12x7135 driver is ready. I went back after this and put the copper braid mod on the gold plated spring.

1b

The glass lens is in.

1d

The finished light is 40mm shorter than the original and it's lighter too. The NiMH battery pack is in and it's time for Beam Shots.

The beam shots for the 3C are in Post # 23.

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03-02-13 Defiant "D" is now finished.

dd1a

dd1b

Not much to say. The "D" version of the Defiant light is done. It is using an XM-L2 T6 3C and has a NANJG driver with 10 chips on it. I will do beam shots tonight and I will compare the two.

This version has the stippled reflector and sports a glass lens now. It has a larger hot spot and a much brighter spill, which is what I wanted.

Here's an inside sample.

ddb1

ddb2

ddb3

That's All Folks...

I don’t think anyone has done a MT-G2 build. The 3D is big enough for proper heat sinking, and batteries…do one…

I’ve been wanting something in 1D size to run of a 32650

That would be cool

I vote for 2d cut to 1d and run 32650 :bigsmile:

Maybe you mean specifically to these Defiant lights. Richie086 has built a MT-G2 Torchlite:

I updated the OP to show the changes to the 3D light and I will show what is going on with the 3C light here.

dc1a

I decided to go ahead and drop the stock switch and screw the body directly into the head. I am going to use a Maglite C switch in the body. I like the shorter look with the switch section removed.

dc1b

With just a little sanding on the outside of the Mag C switch, it fits right in the Defiant C body. I will use the Mag boot and I am working on opening up the switch hole. I drilled it big enough to use my dremel and I will open it up the rest of the way with the dremel bit.

I had to add the completion of the switch hole and here it with the rubber boot installed.

swdc1a

That's all for now. I have to decide what battery to use with this.

WOW, looks great O-L :open_mouth:

ah! very nice OL…

your mods for both these lights are going to far surpass my own ability - i like your style! putting mag parts in and all :slight_smile:

I Like it, I Like it, I LIKE IT!!! Nice work! The switch idea is fantastic!!

Thanks for sharing Justin!!

That looks sweet.

Very creative as usual. I'm watching with great interest.

Great work. Taking notes. :davie:

Updated with more photos in the Original Post.

Using cheap UV filter… quite genius… :slight_smile:
If I dont find the lens size im looking for I now have another option…

Of course there's the thought that a UV filter would affect the light output, but I don't think a filter for the UV range should affect a neutral to white led and with the cheap filters, the coatings aren't all that much anyhow. Now an expensive one would have multi-coatings and the coating would be "noticeable", so it might affect the led. I just don't think the cheap ones will and I also think it's better than plastic, but I could be totally wrong. Besides, the UV range is something we can't see anyhow, so it's a mute point isn't it?

Thanks OL. I had a nice surprise when I got home. This thing is MASSIVE. It made my 2 x 26650 HD-2010 (which went pop when I turned it on to compare beams) look like my daughter. Tiny. Not sure what I will do as I like it the way it is. Keep up the good work.

Where did you get the reflector from? I haven’t been able to find anything of that size, but maybe I’m looking in the wrong place.

i wonder if this lens would work http://www.tmart.com/62mm-UV-Ultra-Violet-Filter-Lens-Protector_p94351.html

OL where did you get yours from??

use code s1213 on the link above and its 3.60

This is where most of us got our lenses from.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/181055461980?ssPageName=STRK:MESOX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1587.l2649

ah yes - i have one of those in my 3c (im the one who found them :slight_smile: )

the 3ds size is 62mm… i grabbed one of the ones off tmarts website for 3.60… lets see how it fits :slight_smile: