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Detailed
Information:
The TerraLUX MiniSTAR1 TLE-4 uses four 3mm LEDs as
a light source and a regulator to control output to
the LEDs, and installs just like a regular Minimag bulb
with no removal of the switching mechanism. This makes
the TLE-4 a very simple, straightforward replacement
bulb for the Minimag A new, shorter, reflector is provided
to use this special replacement module. The overall
output from the replacement module is almost exactly
what you get from your current Minimag bulb on brand
new batteries per my readings. The big advantage here
is, besides a smoother beam from your Minimag, a much
longer runtime. The original bulb drops to 50% in about
2 hours. The TLE-4 drops to 50% after 10-12 hours. The
result? Same light as the original bulb but for about
5 times longer from the same AA batteries.
The MiniSTAR1 TLE-4 module appears to be a sturdy little
thing, well constructed and engineered. The reflector
provided with the module dropped right in to the host
MiniMag
Once you remove the old reflector and drop in the new
one, and remove the old bulb and drop in the module
in its place, you should be ready to go! If the module
doesn't light when you install it, pull it out, turn
it 180 degrees and reinstall. Reassemble the head of
the light and start using your upgraded MiniMag
The switch acts as it did before. Twist the head to
turn it on, reverse the twist to turn it off. The beam
is a broad flood and the beam is not focusable. As is
to be expected, the light output from the LEDs is of
a higher color temperature than the original bulb and
as a result it appears to be slightly bluish.
Now the units I received are "final prototype"
modules and I did find a slight problem with the units.
Specifically, the reflector hole that the LEDs fit through
is not quite large enough and it binds on the wide protruding
base of the LEDs. I have been in contact with TerraLUX
and they also spotted the problem. Since this is not
a production run they are going to fix the issue before
retail sales commence. Just be aware that if the reflector
catches or binds on the LED bases, a pre-production
reflector may have gotten into your hands. TerraLUX
will replace any defective reflectors that slip through
the cracks. (SEE UPDATE BELOW)
The regulator circuit in the TLE-4 actually produces
what is more accurately called "semi-regulated" output.
Fully regulated output really is flat, unchanging output
until the batteries become very depleted, at which point
output drops rapidly. Semi-regulated output tends to
provide good output that slowly diminishes until the
batteries become very depleted, and then it drops rapidly
to a very low level. Either way, at the end of the battery
life the circuit usually continues to provide minimal
light from the LED, giving the user enough light and
time to find a new set of batteries. TerraLUX, as well
as others, call this "Moon Mode".
We are still waiting for confirmation of the TerraLUX
numbers for runtime. I will update the review when this
information is available.
Although the MiniMag body is designed for 2 AA cells,
the TerraLUX module is designed to run on either 1 or
2 alkaline cells (1.0 to 3.5 volts). Rechargeables and
Lithium AA should also work, but as this use is not
specifically stated by the manufacturer, do so at your
own risk.
What I Liked: Tough/impact resistant,
Semi-Regulated/long battery life, Bright, Easy install
and reversible modification.
What I Didn't Like: Cannot be focused
into a tight spot. This is a common issue with LEDs.
Other Things I Noticed: Prototype
reflector catches on LEDs - this should not be an issue
for production units available to consumers.
Conclusions: A very nice upgrade
for the Minimag which provides about the same output,
much longer battery life, is shockproof (no more blown
bulbs when you drop it!) and is easy to install. The
TLE-4 is also a very economical upgrade that will pay
for itself in about 3 battery changes.
UPDATE: TerraLux has sent me a
production-run reflector and the center hole is large
enough that it does not catch the LEDs, even if it is
off center in the head of the light. The unit works
perfectly now so you should have no problems with any
that you purchase.
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