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More information can be found at LunaLEDs.com
The LunaLEDs replacement bulb is designed to replace
two-cell PR base incandescent bulbs in common flashlights,
specifically the 2 cell C or D MAG series of lights.
The LunaLEDs bulb uses a 1 Watt Cree 120 deg. Lambertian
LED and a Avant Technologies boost circuit to produce
a very good amount of light from either two alkaline
or two NiMH cells. Although a great little replacement
bulb to put in an incandescent two-cell flashlight,
it does have one issue that you will need to consider
before making your purchase.
Body: The "body", if you can call
it that, consists of a PR base in which you will find
the Avant Technologies boost circuit. On top you will
see the circuit board and the LED itself. The LED board
is firmly connected to the base, so I don't think we'll
have any separation issues. The soldering and construction
is very clean and appears very precise.
Bezel/Head: Installed in a Maglight...
Output: Output is in the form of a very white
light. Projected at a 120 degree angle, it partially
depends on the reflector to focus the light and it partially
projects the light forward by itself. However, this
is where we see the issue I mentioned in the introduction.
An LED replacement bulb is most effective if it duplicates
the emission qualities and filament placement of the
bulb it is replacing. In a PR base bulb, the filament
sits pretty high up, allowing the reflector to catch
the light and project it forward. The LunaLEDs emitter
sits just above the flat top of the bulb base which
is not high enough for most flashlights to properly
focus the light. The Mag lights, with their adjustable
focus, allow the user to compensate for this shortcoming.
However, fixed focus lights cannot compensate. I tried
the LunaLEDs module in several fixed-focus AA and D
cell lights, all with the same result. The beam was
broad, unfocused, and had large rings and holes instead
of a clean spot.
It should be noted, too, that in a Mag body it can
be focused to a rather tight beam, but the center spot
develops a greenish corona directly on the edges of
the spot. Not a big deal, but noticeable.
Beam at one meter at target center, narrow and wide
focus, 2-D Mag host.
Runtime Plot: Very nice! Over 17 hours before
dipping below 50% starting output. Now this graph is
a little strange and so requires a little explanation
so that you can make a good decision as to whether or
not this bulb will meet your needs. We have to compare
the runtime and the amount of light produced.
As for volume of light: using only 2 D cells, this
bulb is initially putting out, per my readings, MORE
light than a 3-D cell Mag. However, the volume of light
does drop quickly to a lower level. It then maintains
that output for a long time. Initially it drops to about
50% in the first 20 minutes or so, then rebounds to
about 65%, then holds that level for a long time.
For comparison, a 3-D mag drops to 50% in just over
an hour and KEEPS DROPPING. The LunaLEDs module bounces
around between 50% and 65% for about 17 hours! The end
result: the LunaLEDs module puts out MORE light for
a much LONGER period of time than the stock bulb in
a 3-D Mag, all while using ONE LESS D-cell.
Runtime
completed with "Everactive" brand batteries.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: N/A
Seals / Water Resistance: N/A
Ergonomics: N/A
Batteries: Two alkaline or NiMH cells can be
used to power the bulb. Input voltage should not exceed
3 Volts.
Accessories: N/A
What I Liked: Plenty of light output,
Great battery life
What I Didn't Like: The LED die
cup needs to raised so that it is set at about the same
level as the filament in the common incandescent bulbs
that the LED is replacing. It is too low for fixed-focus
lights and results in a very poor beam in those lights.
Picky Little Things:
Conclusions: A great replacement
for 2 cell adjustable-focus lights, but not for lights
with fixed-focus reflectors.
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