I really apologize that almost every time I pop up and post something, it’s what feels like a redundant question….
But trying to pick parts is properly overwhelming when you’re just not all that well versed in modding.
Basically, the flashlight bug has bitten again, and I think this time I’m FINALLY going to do something with my maglite.
What I really want is an MT-G2 (something floody and bright) powered by 3 18650 batteries.
At last resort I could use an XML2, if there just isn’t a low budget way to use the MT-G2.
The hold up seems to be finding a cheaper driver to use.
Now, apparently that one would work with an XML2, as mentioned in the review. But I honestly don’t know if I’m looking at the right thing for an MT-G2.
I’m mostly confused by the output voltage.
It’s a “Buck Voltage Current Regulated circuit”
Does that mean if I want the output voltage to be 6 volts, I have to feed it 6 volts?
Is there any way that will work with a 6v MT-G2?
Or is there such a thing as a 12v version? I thought there was, but I can only seem to find 6v emitters.
Hi Kirbot. Sounds like you are going to build a pretty sweet light. A buck driver will automatically provide the appropriate voltage as long as it is supplied a higher voltage and the voltage supplied is within its operating limits.
The MT-G2 is one tough hombre. I would recommend you go with either the HX-1175b or the "3T6" type driver. Both me easily modded to provide as much current as you would rationally want to. The HX-1175b is 32mm in diameter and is the better of the 2. Here is a thread on it.
The original 3T6 driver no longer seems available. Not sure if there are any threads on the below driver. It is 26mm in diameter.
What host are you planing to use? I'm in search for one too, mainly flooder. Look at the LD-2 driver, it can be set up for 6V but it is not a buck driver so only two cells.
Edit:sorry, now I see that you plan to use Maglite.
Specifications:
MCPCB diameter：21MM
Driver Dimension：19MM*8.5MM
Size：21MM of diameter *15MM Height（Total height is 15mm）
Voltage：5.2-12V
Over-heat protection：55-65 degrees Celsius（When the temperature is higher than protection temperature, the driver will step down to lower mode）
Anti-discharge protection：2xLion battery cut off at 5.5-6V; 3xLion batteries cut off at 8.4-9v。
Currenct Regulation：1-7A
Power: Support 2-4 pieces of li-ion batteries in series;
Brightness modes：3 modes—–5% 35- 100
Connection：Red wire to LED Positive， black wire to LED Negative，MCPCB center connect positve pole of battery，Shell-negative.
When you say 3x18650, how are you running these? I.e. are the in series or parallel?
If parallel, then the output voltage from the batteries will still be 4.2v, which isn’t enough to power an MT-G2 unless you use a boost driver. And there aren’t many (any) on the market at the moment that will do this. Not that I’ve seen anyhow.
If you are running in series, then you have more than enough voltage, and all you need is a buck driver.
That said, you may find it simply easier if you switch to a 2x18650 setup. You can direct drive an MT-G2 with this setup, so if you don’t plan to use it for long periods of on time, then you don’t even need a driver. Or it allows you to run a zener modded Qlite or one of the BLF FET drivers.
“Currenct Regulation：1-7A”
Does that mean it’s adjustable somehow? Or does it just depend what voltage it’s at.
It looks like the memory works the same way on this one as my Convoy C8, which I like…
Anyway, so it’s all going in a 4d Mag.
26650s are certainly a possibility. I haven’t really looked into them much.
I’d like to stick to 3 cells though. Just because I’m using such a huge host. (4 unprotected batteries would actually fit)
The plan is to run them in series. And to use a driver with a low mode around 400 lumens or so. (which is probably the setting I’ll use the most)
Probably not helping you much. But if it where me, I’d not be using a 4D for li-ion. I personally can’t comprehend using battery spacers, might as well use a smaller torch.
For a 4D I think I’d go NiMh or D cell.
4 x Nimh = 4.8v
Good input for a regular Qlite driver. And then run an XM-L2/XP-G2 off of it. I know it’s a completely different build to what you are planning. But I think it would make better use of a 4D.
If you really want a Mag MT-G2, then a 2D or 2C are much better bets. I have two myself. One is direct drive, the other uses a 3 mode driver.
With a 2D all you have to do is cut the top part of the tailcap spring off, then stick the spring in the cap the other way round. You can then run 2x26650’s in it with no other mods and they don’t rattle either.
Basically the only reason I’m using a 4d is for the clubbyness of it.
I explore and photograph abandoned building in, sometimes pretty seedy areas.
Between carrying pepper spray and a blinding flashlight, I hope never to need any more than that.
But a nice solid, (and legal) club would make me feel even better… Especially when stepping over empty crack baggies.
Otherwise, my C8 has proven to be perfectly adequate in brightness and run time.
Just out of interest which driver did you opt for in the end? and if it was your original choice was it as described (5a) as I’m toying around with an mt-g2 build of some description
Embarrassingly I have to admit… I didn’t get any of them yet.
Not for a lack of interest, just a lack of funds….
I’m not quite sure which one I’m going to use yet.
It sort of comes down to, do I want more lumens on the bright end, with a 7 or more amp driver, or longer run time, and a lower low mode with the 5 amp I posted.
If you truly want a manageable club....consider a 3C. They can be had directly from Mag for $36, and I can attest that the "C" tube makes it easier to hang on to, as well as giving it a comfortable feel.
I’ll definitely take a look at them, but I do like the feel of the 4d.
I used mine for a year or two with a crappy dropin led, until the dome fell off, and the emitter died….
I actually sprayed some Rustoleum truck bed liner (and did some polishing) the other day.
It seemed to help with grippyness quite a lot.
