I want a flashlight w/ the following features. Since I don't know of anyone who manufactures one like this, I'm going to make it. I'm just about electically illiterate, so any suggestions are welcome.
Want a flashlight that is designed just like the Energizer Double Barrel (smallest 4 AAA model), but MUCH brighter. In case you aren't familiar with it, here's a brief description:
1. Slender housing resembling the barrel of a double barrel shotgun. The thickness of the smallest model is roughly that of a AA battery. The lens is much larger diameter.
2. Double stem Xenon/halogen bulb. Want to change to a 100% Xenon high intensity bulb that is compatible with a 7.2 volt square NICD battery (the rechargable version of the standard 9 v). This battery, albeit small, is affordable enough to buy a bag full compared to what a Sure Fire rechargeable would cost. It also gives the flat area that makes indexing w/a handgun easier than the larger round tube.
3. Momentary switch mounted on the SIDE just behind the lens. For the types of holds that I prefer, this works while the butt cap switch and screw on lens switches do not.
Dilema:
-Since the profile of the smallest double barrel is thinner than the width of the square 7.2 NI CD/ 9v Alkaline, I think the easiest way to go is to use the larger model double barrel as a foundation and modify it. Didn't measure it yet, but inside diameter of barrels is slightly wider than 9v. Still has good grip/indexing qualities & relatively slender.
-I like the features of the UnderWater Kinetics model Mini 40, but its only problem is that it has a screw on lens type switch, not a momentary. I had a hard time finding a momemtary switch and ended up finding a long one I mounted on the tail of a Mini 40. I messed it up with a further modification and accidentally melted the threads w/a soldering iron. Its bulb is the kind of beam that I want (I think its a 6 volt 100% Xenon), albeit the lamp and lens is one piece unit.
You flashlight conesures, tell me if there is anything wrong with my plans:
1. Cut a 6 or 8 AA cell Energ. Double Barrel (DB) down to a length which allows just enough length to house a square battery and end caps.
2. Drill out the center portion that divides the two barrels, thereby allowing space to house the 7.2 NICD or 9v.
3. Tap the back of the barrels and reuse the screw in end caps.
4. Replace the existing lens with the Mini 40 or appropriate bulb. BTW, Does anyone know of an intense Xenon bulb in that voltage range that is double pronged base (? term) so that I can use the existing lens?
5. Solder wires of a replacement square battery hookup.
6. Replace high temp plastic lens cover w/a glass one if it melts.
-Before making any modifications to the housing, I'd like to try to hook up a higher intesity bulb to the 8 AA DB that I have. I believe that it is 6v w/ alkalines and almost 5v w/my AA NICDs. The bulb made for the 6 cell DB model burns hotter and makes a little more light, but not enough in its X/H design. Lasts supprisingly long though.
Thoughts/ Suggestions???????????????
Robert
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"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." --Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36) See John 3:15- 18
[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited 01-12-2000).]
Want a flashlight that is designed just like the Energizer Double Barrel (smallest 4 AAA model), but MUCH brighter. In case you aren't familiar with it, here's a brief description:
1. Slender housing resembling the barrel of a double barrel shotgun. The thickness of the smallest model is roughly that of a AA battery. The lens is much larger diameter.
2. Double stem Xenon/halogen bulb. Want to change to a 100% Xenon high intensity bulb that is compatible with a 7.2 volt square NICD battery (the rechargable version of the standard 9 v). This battery, albeit small, is affordable enough to buy a bag full compared to what a Sure Fire rechargeable would cost. It also gives the flat area that makes indexing w/a handgun easier than the larger round tube.
3. Momentary switch mounted on the SIDE just behind the lens. For the types of holds that I prefer, this works while the butt cap switch and screw on lens switches do not.
Dilema:
-Since the profile of the smallest double barrel is thinner than the width of the square 7.2 NI CD/ 9v Alkaline, I think the easiest way to go is to use the larger model double barrel as a foundation and modify it. Didn't measure it yet, but inside diameter of barrels is slightly wider than 9v. Still has good grip/indexing qualities & relatively slender.
-I like the features of the UnderWater Kinetics model Mini 40, but its only problem is that it has a screw on lens type switch, not a momentary. I had a hard time finding a momemtary switch and ended up finding a long one I mounted on the tail of a Mini 40. I messed it up with a further modification and accidentally melted the threads w/a soldering iron. Its bulb is the kind of beam that I want (I think its a 6 volt 100% Xenon), albeit the lamp and lens is one piece unit.
You flashlight conesures, tell me if there is anything wrong with my plans:
1. Cut a 6 or 8 AA cell Energ. Double Barrel (DB) down to a length which allows just enough length to house a square battery and end caps.
2. Drill out the center portion that divides the two barrels, thereby allowing space to house the 7.2 NICD or 9v.
3. Tap the back of the barrels and reuse the screw in end caps.
4. Replace the existing lens with the Mini 40 or appropriate bulb. BTW, Does anyone know of an intense Xenon bulb in that voltage range that is double pronged base (? term) so that I can use the existing lens?
5. Solder wires of a replacement square battery hookup.
6. Replace high temp plastic lens cover w/a glass one if it melts.
-Before making any modifications to the housing, I'd like to try to hook up a higher intesity bulb to the 8 AA DB that I have. I believe that it is 6v w/ alkalines and almost 5v w/my AA NICDs. The bulb made for the 6 cell DB model burns hotter and makes a little more light, but not enough in its X/H design. Lasts supprisingly long though.
Thoughts/ Suggestions???????????????
Robert
------------------
"But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip; and he that hath no sword let him sell his garment and buy one." --Jesus Christ (Luke 22:36) See John 3:15- 18
[This message has been edited by EQUALIZER (edited 01-12-2000).]
