I have successfully installed the retrofit kit in my flashlight, which went very easy, and I'm very happy with the result.
The lamp is much brighter, remains fokusierbar and maintains relatively constant brightness, which is a big advantage over the normal bulbs.
I have also determined shortly some specifications of LED module using a laboratory power supply and a multimeter:
Forward voltage of the LED: 3.0V
Power consumption of the module: @ 9V 0,31A; 0,46A @ 6V; 0.65A @ 4.5V; 0,34A @ 3.5V; 0A @ 3V
Power of the module: about 2.8W
From these data, suggests the following:
In a switching regulator module (step-down) is installed, the most effectively utilizes the battery capacity, because switching regulators operate with very high efficiencies beyond the 70-80%. This fact can be seen from the fact that the power consumption of the module on the declining voltage across virtually remains the same until it drops down approximately 4V and at 3V, the LED is finally dark. In my opinion, a very good feature and that speaks for the module.
Assuming 80% efficiency is obtained for the pure LED power, a value of 2.2W, which is very neat. By comparison, the original lamp supplied my Maglite 5D consumes 5,6W and is also much darker.
On the subject of running time:
Considering the typical battery characteristics (more usable capacity, if current drawn less) and the acceptance of the use of D-size batteries can be expected of an incandescent lamp by a usable capacity of 11-13Ah and LED of 14-15Ah. In the case of my 5D Maglite are therefore subjected to initial voltage of 7.5V.
Runtime with bulb: 11h (according maglite.de)
Runtime with LED, in my estimation: 37h
This value is subject to great uncertainty and may vary depending on battery quality by up to + - 10h fluctuate.
What, however, in general shows that the runtime is about 3 times longer and at a higher luminous efficiency.
Another tip from me: Owner larger Maglites benefit more from this upgrade, because they (because more energy batteries) have more battery capacity. The greater the Maglite, the longer the term of the LED.
In addition, since the LED is noticeably darker already at 3.5V and is completely dark at about 3V, this retrofit kit is recommended only with restrictions on Maglites with only three battery cells (3C or 3D Maglites)! The 3 cell Maglites namely not the full battery capacity is used by the module (final discharge in three cells approximately 2.4V).
I hope I could help. :)
