MCE-Drop-in-III, 3 MCE LEDs, 1290 - 2100 Lumens

[ElektroLumens]

Thought I might give the MCE-III LED drop in a thread of it's own.







Three MCE LEDs, powered at approx 1.4A each LED, approximate 450 lumens per LED. 9 degrees beam, very even and smooth beam. Beam shots will come soon.

I am making this available for the 3C or 3D Maglite as a simple drop in solution for 1,290 lumens, or 4C/3-18650 for up to 2,100 lumens. I may make 4C Mags available for purchase if there is interest, and provide the needed spacer.

I do not have a dedicated web page for this drop in yet, but I do for the MCE-II drop in, which there is a link from my main web page, www.elektrolumens.com .

These are made by my skilled staff (1 employee).

Elektro

[houtex]

Hi,me again,the guy with all the cr123 questions. can this be used in a 2C Mag with 3x123's?

[Zot]

Wayne,
What is the voltage range for this?
Is it/could it be regulated?
Thanks.

[easilyled]

This looks tremendous.


I have a few questions:-
1) Am I correct in assuming that each MC-E is wired 2S2P?
2) Are the MC-Es wired to each other in series or parallel?
3) What is the bin of the MC-E, K or M?

[ElektroLumens]

Hi,me again,the guy with all the cr123 questions. can this be used in a 2C Mag with 3x123's?

No. But a C Li-Ion and dummy c will work in a 2c Mag.

Elektro

[ElektroLumens]

Wayne,
What is the voltage range for this?
Is it/could it be regulated?
Thanks.

Designed for three NIMH cells, C or D, range is 3.2v to 4.0v

No regulation. I watch to make sure amperage at max voltage does not exceed 4,200mA

NIMH batteries have a very flat rate of discharge, so brightness remains constant until you need a recharge. A single C or D Li-Ion will power this, or the new Li-PO

Alkaline C or D will work, but be less bright.

Elektro

[ergotelis]

Direct drive 3D and 2100 lumens? 1,4 amp at 3,7V per led should be max 450 lumen for M bin Cree MCE,total 3 leds 1350 lumen max. Puting out 2100 lumens should drain at least 7 amp from the batteries. The mod is very nice, but i doubt it will run on specs. Can you make any kind of changes in wiring so as to put our own driver/battery combo?

[ace0001a]

Direct drive 3D and 2100 lumens? 1,4 amp at 3,7V per led should be max 450 lumen for M bin Cree MCE,total 3 leds 1350 lumen max. Puting out 2100 lumens should drain at least 7 amp from the batteries. The mod is very nice, but i doubt it will run on specs. Can you make any kind of changes in wiring so as to put our own driver/battery combo?

Yeah I saw this in another thread...Wayne, 1.4A to an MC-E does not yield 700 bulb lumens. In order to get that, you know you have to run it @ 2.8A just like the P7. I was , when I read that in a different thread of yours.

[easilyled]

Yeah I saw this in another thread...Wayne, 1.4A to an MC-E does not yield 700 bulb lumens. In order to get that, you know you have to run it @ 2.8A just like the P7. I was , when I read that in a different thread of yours.

It does if the MC-E is wired 2S2P.
Then you're getting 1.4A to each pair of dies in the quad die or 700ma to each die.
P7s are only ever configured 4P, whereas MC-Es can be wired by the user in difft. combinations
That is why I asked this question earlier.

[ace0001a]

It does if the MC-E is wired 2S2P.
Then you're getting 1.4A to each pair of dies in the quad die or 700ma to each die.
P7s are only ever configured 4P, whereas MC-Es can be wired by the user in difft. combinations
That is why I asked this question earlier.

Oh yeah, didn't think about it that way. Yeah then that makes sense if wired in 2S2P.

[Roland]

The 3D P7 was delivered with a big and firmly attached heatsink and a modified switch. Are the 3 MCE driven full power and a drop-in heatsink is enough?

To my knowledge 10 watts @ 3,6 volts equals 2,8 amps and not 1,4 amps per led. Totalling 30watts /3,6volts = 8,3 amps total.

Is the reflector being used the the reflector with the maximum throw available?

[divine]

It looks like the ledil M reflectors, which says a 19 degree beam.

Should be a good deal of flood.

Wayne, did you try this with the S type reflector? A 9 degree beam seems like it might be more useful with this much oomph behind it.

[Lighthearted1]

It looks like the ledil M reflectors, which says a 19 degree beam.

Should be a good deal of flood.

Wayne, did you try this with the S type reflector? A 9 degree beam seems like it might be more useful with this much oomph behind it.

Hi Wayne, I was wondering what the S type beam looks like also.

What do you think about mounting one S type next to 2 of the M type for a custom triple? Is this a possibility for your son to do on my order? (One for 3D) INVOICE: 7961
Any extra cost involved?

Thanks for your reply.

[ElektroLumens]

It looks like the ledil M reflectors, which says a 19 degree beam.

Should be a good deal of flood.

Wayne, did you try this with the S type reflector? A 9 degree beam seems like it might be more useful with this much oomph behind it.

I'll check into the 'S' type reflector. If this is more preferred.

Elektro

[Hammer Train]

I'll check into the 'S' type reflector. If this is more preferred.

Elektro

Hi Wayne, I was just about to order mine when I saw this! If this is a possible config then I'd like it like this too to provide throw and flood.

Peter.

[Roland]

In the thread: "FireSword-IV: 4 Cree MCE, 20mm reflectors, 3000+ Lumens" there was mention of 5 degree reflectors in post #25.http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...1&postcount=25

Can these 5 degree reflectors also be used instead of 9 degree reflectors?

[easilyled]

I have a few questions:-
1) Am I correct in assuming that each MC-E is wired 2S2P?
2) Are the MC-Es wired to each other in series or parallel?
3) What is the bin of the MC-E, K or M?

Hi Wayne, any chance of answering these questions?

unless its a trade secret of course.

[ElektroLumens]

This looks tremendous.


I have a few questions:-
1) Am I correct in assuming that each MC-E is wired 2S2P?
2) Are the MC-Es wired to each other in series or parallel?
3) What is the bin of the MC-E, K or M?

I wire the LED parallel. I will look into the 2S2P wiring. I can vary amperage upward for more lumens, to 7A, but am shooting for reliability, as I had a few that fried the LEDs, and these things are costly.

Wiring the LEDs in series, like I do on the FireSword, I see around 2.5A to 2.8A, which each LeD is getting this amperage, and these things are bright. I wired three in series in a Mag mod, using a 4C and 3 18650, and amperage on that is also around 2.5A, and this is a pretty good way to get the higher wattage. For the 3 cell drop in, it is asking a lot of D cells and even the more of C cells to provide 6 to 7A. I have powered flashlights at 8A+ from 3D, but I also have seen some of those D cells die from doing this. The spring in the Mag switch gets hot and shrinks causing failue, if powered over 6A, and in mods with high amperage I replace this spring with a heavy duty steel spring (the spring in a Mag switch is stainless steel, a poor conductor of electricity.)

The LEDs for 3D are wire parallel. I have wired them in series for a 3 18650/4C Mag. I don't like to but I have wired for 7.2v, having 2 LEDs in series and one I wire for 7.2v using 4 little circuit boards.

I mainly use 'M' bin.

For those asking if I use the 'S' reflector, yes, that is what I'm using, which is 9 degrees. I have never used the 19 degree M reflectors. The beam seems wide because of the orange peel, which give is a totally smooth even beam.

Wayne

[ElektroLumens]

Hi Wayne, I was just about to order mine when I saw this! If this is a possible config then I'd like it like this too to provide throw and flood.

Peter.

I only use the 'S' bin.

Wayne

[ElektroLumens]

In the thread: "FireSword-IV: 4 Cree MCE, 20mm reflectors, 3000+ Lumens" there was mention of 5 degree reflectors in post #25.http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/sho...1&postcount=25

Can these 5 degree reflectors also be used instead of 9 degree reflectors?

If a 5 degree reflector is available, I'll look at it. I think the person was mentioning he uses a 5 degree beam typically, but I don't think he meant that he had a 5 degree reflector for a MCE LED .

Elektro

[Roland]

If a 5 degree reflector is available, I'll look at it. I think the person was mentioning he uses a 5 degree beam typically, but I don't think he meant that he had a 5 degree reflector for a MCE LED .

Elektro

It was you yourself that mentioned the 5 degree reflector. Check the link.

A 3D with modified switch and an extra pot or switch accessible from the outside regulating output would be the ultimate then.

[ElektroLumens]

It was you yourself that mentioned the 5 degree reflector. Check the link.

A 3D with modified switch and an extra pot or switch accessible from the outside regulating output would be the ultimate then.

Well, uh , hmm

Anyway ...........

I'm using the Boom 'S' 9 degree reflectors. But to me seems wider than 9 degrees. Maybe because the beam is so perfectly smooth ?

Elektro

[divine]

*I'm going to send this in PM instead.*

[ElektroLumens]

*I'm going to send this in PM instead.*

My PM is turned off because I too often forget to go look there. Try email, waynej@elektrolumens.com

Wayne

[ElektroLumens]

The Drop in MCE-III at best would be 2,100 lumens. I had my figuring off, and it was not intentional. Each LED would have to be powered at around 2.8A. If I wire them in series, and a 4C Mag is used and 3 18650, then the amperage would be 2.5 or so to each LED, and lumens would indeed be around 2,100 lumens more or less. In a 3D, probably the lumens is around the 1,350 or so lumens. The MCE-II is probably around 860 lumens.

This is a real headache to me.

I have to make changes to all my web pages and ordering pages.

I can offer 4C Mags and the needed spacer, if there is an interest? I do not sell batteries, however. In series this drop in can be as bright as originally mentioned, at around 2,100 lumens.



Elektro

[toadman]

The Drop in MCE-III at best would be 2,100 lumens. I had my figuring off, and it was not intentional. Each LED would have to be powered at around 2.8A. If I wire them in series, and a 4C Mag is used and 3 18650, then the amperage would be 2.5 or so to each LED, and lumens would indeed be around 2,100 lumens more or less. In a 3D, probably the lumens is around the 1,350 or so lumens. The MCE-II is probably around 860 lumens.

This is a real headache to me.

I have to make changes to all my web pages and ordering pages.

I can offer 4C Mags and the needed spacer, if there is an interest? I do not sell batteries, however. In series this drop in can be as bright as originally mentioned, at around 2,100 lumens.



Elektro

Wayne,
I am getting one of your MCE 3's. If I wanted to run 4 C NMH batteries in a 3 D Maglite, would that require you rewiring your drop-in? Would it even make any difference (lumen wise)? I just figure if I'm getting a 3 MCE drop-in I might as well
get the most light I can out of it.

[ElektroLumens]

Wayne,
I am getting one of your MCE 3's. If I wanted to run 4 C NMH batteries in a 3 D Maglite, would that require you rewiring your drop-in? Would it even make any difference (lumen wise)? I just figure if I'm getting a 3 MCE drop-in I might as well
get the most light I can out of it.

Most of the time, unless the Vf of the MCE LED is very high, you cannot run 4 cells. Lately the vf of all the LEDs I'm getting are very low and 4 cells could not work, unless I add in resistance to cut power levels, which is a possibility. I see no benefit in doing so.

I recommend sticking with 3D cells. As mentioned in earlier posts, there are a few other battery configurations. I'm trying to avoid the 7.2v settup, as the wiring is a lot of work, but 3 in series works with 3 18650 and 4C Mag.

Elektro

[Lighthearted1]

This is a real headache to me.

I have to make changes to all my web pages and ordering pages.

I can offer 4C Mags and the needed spacer, if there is an interest? I do not sell batteries, however. In series this drop in can be as bright as originally mentioned, at around 2,100 lumens.



Elektro

Wayne,
I am kind of new at this. I definitely WANT 2100 lumens. This may be a head ache for me too.

I ordered 2 Maglite 3D and want to know if 3 x 18650 will also fit in these tubes? I ordered these Maglites (dark green and dark blue to mix colors, and will look very cool) just for this 2100 lumen drop-in.

They should arrive any day now. Can I use them and do I need a spacer for 3 x 18650 cells?? Or need a custom short spring and tube insert?

If they won't fit I will have to buy three D Li-ion (32650/32600) SKU: S004141 for another $66 plus a way to recharge them $$?

I am looking for a simple drop-in, but don't want to settle for a light of lesser power.

You can guess that I hope they will fit!

Anyone with knowledge please let me know.

Thanks.

[Lighthearted1]

I looked on DX and found out that the 18650 is about 3/10 inch longer than D's for each cell. Won't be possible. I do want to use the Mag's I bought, and get 2100 lumens, so I will have to buy the D Li-ion and charger for around $84, and will only be able to charge one battery at a time...very slow too -and no-back up cells or back-up charger.

The batteries cost about 5x what 18650's do, but give only 2x the m-amps.
They come from only one source I know of, and the rigged charger is advertised as in short supply - hurry. SKU: S004001 at KD.

I looked for 4C Mag's colors and did not find what I like. Black only.

I have already ordered the drop-in on the original info. I have a few days to think this over until the reflectors arrive to Elektro.

I don't believe I can put one 16340 cell with two 18650's either. Can I?
This might fit. Dangerous?



Edit: I have slept on this and have thought of a coupe of options. I can buy a blue 4D and still get my color choice. I will ask Wayne if he can provide a spacer for 4D to 3 x 18650 set. This gives 3 x 2200-2500mah. Batteries and charger are already on order for another light.

Option 2 is buy 3 AA to D convertor cases and use 2 14500 in each giving 3 x 1400-1800mah, but allowing my 3D light to be used.

I will go with the 4D, as it offers more run time and cheaper cells.


Wayne, can you provide a spacer for the 4D-18650, and wire mine for high volts-2100 lumens please? INVOICE: 7961


Side note- the 'S' reflectors made for the MCE are listed as 10 degree beam, and the 'S' for P7 are listed as 9 degrees if these are from LEDIL.

[ElektroLumens]

I looked on DX and found out that the 18650 is about 3/10 inch longer than D's for each cell. Won't be possible. I do want to use the Mag's I bought, and get 2100 lumens, so I will have to buy the D Li-ion and charger for around $84, and will only be able to charge one battery at a time...very slow too -and no-back up cells or back-up charger.

The batteries cost about 5x what 18650's do, but give only 2x the m-amps.
They come from only one source I know of, and the rigged charger is advertised as in short supply - hurry. SKU: S004001 at KD.

I looked for 4C Mag's colors and did not find what I like. Black only.

I have already ordered the drop-in on the original info. I have a few days to think this over until the reflectors arrive to Elektro.

I don't believe I can put one 16340 cell with two 18650's either. Can I?
This might fit. Dangerous?



Edit: I have slept on this and have thought of a coupe of options. I can buy a blue 4D and still get my color choice. I will ask Wayne if he can provide a spacer for 4D to 3 x 18650 set. This gives 3 x 2200-2500mah. Batteries and charger are already on order for another light.

Option 2 is buy 3 AA to D convertor cases and use 2 14500 in each giving 3 x 1400-1800mah, but allowing my 3D light to be used.

I will go with the 4D, as it offers more run time and cheaper cells.


Wayne, can you provide a spacer for the 4D-18650, and wire mine for high volts-2100 lumens please? INVOICE: 7961


Side note- the 'S' reflectors made for the MCE are listed as 10 degree beam, and the 'S' for P7 are listed as 9 degrees if these are from LEDIL.

A quick answer here, and I'll add to it later.

A 4C Mag works to hold 3 18650 perfectly, with a spacer. I'm certain a 4D will, with a fatter spacer.

I use the Ledil Boom reflectors, 'S'.

Wayne