Note: After a few requests, I have made this into a FS: thread. It is available as a DIY build kit now. See here:
http://www.laserpointerforums.com/la...ad.php?t=41030

There have been different modifications to the Mini Mag lights, and here is yet another modification using a FlexDrive with custom spacer and heatsink.

This mod uses a single, protected 14650 battery for a large capacity. I was asked to design a way to modify this host for use with this battery supply by Bakawun. He may possibly be building these complete, or making kits.

If you want to DIY following this tutorial, I can sell the heatsinks and custom spacers with o-ring. (pricing at the end of this post)

Here are the pictures...














The Mini Mag lights are very appealing because of how nice the finish is on them! Plus, they come in different colors!

You can get the tail cap upgrades for as little as $5 bucks:
http://search.ebay.com/search/search...i+mag+tail+cap

I will sell the custom heatsink, with spacer and o-ring for $32 dollars plus $3 dollars shipping if anybody is interested...

The Terra Lux switch requires more pressure to 'click' it on or off. Nice smooth finish too!
http://search.ebay.com/search/search...=32%26fsoo%3D2







This host is also the perfect length for an O-like module using a 14500 instead of a 14650... my heatsink shown here, would be adjusted to be a 'custom front piece' similar to my DIY Green Kit. (shown in my signature below) Then the front end of the barrel would be drilled out so that the module would slide through and be held in place with a tiny set screw. (which would also be the positive contact point) I think a small sleeve type heatsink would also be used on the module. This would probably have to be glued on, because it would be very thin...
Jay


Jay








* FS: Mini Mag Green Kit!
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_pointer_forums_3/forum/showthread.php?p=528182

* FS: New Side Button Build Kit!
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_pointer_forums_3/forum/showthread.php?t=22607

Hey how did this get stickied?

I guess you must have liked it huh Avery!


Jay

Nice tutoral Jayrob as usual!

It's a sweet little build with a large capacity protected battery!
Jay

Some people don't like the mini-mag as a laser host but I think they are awesome!

Very nice build there Jayrob but why is there no hot option I think more people would be interested if there was a hot option cause you make it look hard IMO.

Well... in this tutorial thread, I have just offered the heatsink and spacer with o-ring because it is shown for a DIY project.

But if there is a lot of interest, then I may decide to start a FS thread for kits which could include a 'Hot' option. (also depends on Bakawun)

This 'Hot' option is a little more work and time than the normal 'Hot' options that I have offered in my other kits, so it would be a little more. $55 instead of $48 dollars.

I think it would be something like this:

* Host and tail cap upgrade - $20
* Heatsink/Spacer/O-ring - $32
* 'Hot' option - $55 (FlexDrive installed with current set)
Plus shipping...

(And leave the battery, charger, module, and diode for the buyer to obtain separately)

But I think that Bakawun may be offering these in the future. I don't know yet. It was him who contacted me to find a way to modify the Mini Mag using this battery/driver combination.

I have not heard back from him yet...
Jay

Nice work jayrob Very nice assembly there

PhilD, your Mini Mag heatsink/spacer/o-ring and other items will ship Monday!

Let me know how it goes...
Jay

Erm... where can we get 14650 chargers I find TONS AND TONS AND TONS of 14500 chargers but no 14650!

You can use a universal charger that fits 18650...

China: http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.936

U.S.: http://www.batteryjunction.com/tlunlichfor1.html

Just to mention that the battery diameter and length (in mm), is in the numbers (name of the battery) for these Lithium rechargeable batteries.

Example:

18650 - 18mm X 65mm
14500 - 14mm X 50mm

...and so on.

So a 14650 will fit the chargers that I linked above...
Jay

Would that need a spacer?

No...

The length should be the same as an 18650.
Jay

DOH!

14500 and 14650 are almost the same so its confusing >.<

Edit:A mini-maglite three colour set is gonna be so cool!

Jayrob love this build you have done fine work on this one. I love your idea so much I think I will build a couple for myself, I just bid on some of the sw tail caps thanks again for all you hard effort and constant sharing of such, my hats off to you guy !

Best Regards Pyro...

they are only the same in dia. look at post #10 under the word example, that should make it not so confusing for you.

have a good day ! Pyro...

If you like this one, then you will love my Mini Mag Green mod!

Check it out! :
http://laserpointerforums.com/laser_...d.php?p=528182
Jay

Update:

I just received my Terra Lux tail cap to try out and I must say that I like it much better than the Nite Ize switch.

The Terra Lux switch requires more pressure to 'click' it on or off. Nice smooth finish too!
http://search.ebay.com/search/search...=32%26fsoo%3D2
Jay

Jayrob, this is a great build and I'm glad I found your tutorial. I have a busted mini mag that I wanna convert to a Blu-Ray (PHR-803T @ modwerx.com) pointer with an ideal operating range of 100-120mW (seem like a safe range).

I am a noob and this will be my first build...

I do have a (dumb) question tho: When you connect the ground wire to the "flexdrive mound" should the ground wire make contact with the "custom spacer," it being the negative contact point? Reason I ask is because its hard to tell with the pic, is the "ground wire" "loaded" with solder in the pics?

Again, I am a noob and this will be my first build... Hopefully it will turn out well.

I'll be putting in an order for the 'Hot' option (100-120mW), custom heatsink, spacer and o-ring, next pay day.. (early August) keep an eye out for my PM... sweet build, homie.

-The Dude Ar

It's a good question...

Yes, the ground wire is tinned thick for a better contact with the spacer.

It's important to note that I have put a little dielectric tune up grease on both ends of the spacer to help with a better contact for ground.

This is the one area where this build is not 'rock solid'. But if you get it right, it will be fine. The battery puts pressure on the spring loaded driver mount, pressing it tight to pinch the ground wire against the spacer, which is touching the bare metal end of the host.

I would like to think of an even better way to ground it, but this method works fine if done properly...

The thing is, you want to be able to take it apart easily if you ever need to adjust the driver or anything. Since the driver is mounted up inside the barrel, it has to be able to slide back out if you need it to. Probably a copper spacer with the ground soldered directly to it would be much better.
Jay

Cool, That makes sense... I just wanted to make sure that I understand the theory correctly... Thanks for the breakdown, homie.

-The Dude Ar