TERRALUX MINISTAR1 RETROFIT

TerraLUX MiniStar1 Retrofit, retail $19.99 (www.pocketlights.com...)
Manufactured by TerraLUX (www.terralux.biz)
Last updated 08-28-04




The TerraLUX MiniStar1 is an easy-to-use drop-in module that replaces the incandescent bulb in your Mini-Mag flashlight. It replaces the original lamp with four white LEDs, and has some type of power inversion built in, so the LEDs can run at full power from two AA cells.

It comes with the MiniStar1 module itself, and a reflector, specially cut to fit the four LEDs on the top of the module.


SIZE



To change the bulb in the Mini Mag with the MiniStar1, unscrew and remove the head, remove the old bulb while it's burning (do not remove the batteries), and insert the MiniStar1. If it doesn't light up, remove it, give it half a turn, and reinsert it.
Unscrew and remove the retaining ring on the head, and remove the reflector. Stomp on it, or place it somewhere safe if you wish to reuse it later. Replace it with the one provided with your MiniStar1, and screw the retaining ring back on. Now, screw the head back onto the flashlight body. The MiniStar1 should go out when the head is screwed all the way on, just like the original bulb did.

The main differences you'll notice with the MiniStar1 are that the light will appear whiter, and the batteries ought to last longer.
Note: The MiniStar1 produces a beam which is not focusable or adjustable.


Here's a photograph of the finished flashlight. Note that yours will not have a silver barrel and blue bezel & tailcap unless you assemble the flashlight that way yourself.



Change the batteries like you always did with the Mini Mag. That is, unscrew and remove the tailcap, dump the used AA cells out of the barrel and dispose of or recycle them as you see fit, insert two new AA cells into the barrel button-end (+) positive first, then screw the tailcap back on.
Phew!!! Done with that!!! O wait, that wasn't hard now, wasn't it? ;-)

Current usage was measured at 153mA, using Toshiba alkaline AA cells.



This is a retrofit designed to be installed in something and then not {vulgar term for having had intercourse} with, not a stand-alone product. So I will not try to dash it to the floor, slam it against a steel rod, stomp on it, try to drown it in the cistern, or otherwise inflict punishments upon it that might be inflicted upon a regular flashlight.

However since it is designed to go in a flashlight, I'll do some of these punishments on the MiniStar1-equipped flashlight.
Since the table hosting the steel rod is currently holding a running test, and smacking the flashlight against that rod now is likely to queer the test, I cannot do the whack test right now.

I smacked the MiniStar1-equipped Mini Mag against the front of a wooden table several times, and even though it was off, it turned on! Best guess I have here is that the reflector cut is just large enough to allow the Mini Mag's switch assembly to activate. Loosening and tightening the head did not turn it off, but very slightly twisting the MiniStar1 module and then screwing the head back on did the trick.
IMPORTANT: The MiniStar1 *CAN* be twisted or rotated while installed in a Mini Mag without straining or breaking the connecting pins. You can rotate MiniStar1 module in either direction, as much or as little as you wish.

Edit 08-28-04: It isn't the MiniStar1 that can be rotated, it's the lamp receptacle in the Mini Mag itself. I found this out by closely examining the module while turning it.

The MiniStar1-equipped Mini Mag appears to be water-resistant at very minimum. When I removed the tailcap, relieved the flashlight of its batteries, and then performed that dreadful suction test, no air leakage was detected. I performed this test both with the flashlight off (bezel all the way tightened) and on (bezel loosened approximately 1/2 of a turn).
So yes, you should be able to use it in the rain or snow and not have to worry too much about it.



Beam photo at ~12".
Measures 22,500mcd on a Meterman LM631 light meter.
The slightly wider than usual beam angle accounts for this slightly lower than expected reading.



TEST NOTES:
Test unit was provided by D.K. of www.pocketlights.com and was received on 08-20-04.

Product was made in Indonesia. A product's country of origin really does matter to some people, which is why I mentioned it on this web page.


UPDATE: 00-00-00



PROS:



CONS:



    MANUFACTURER: TerraLUX
    PRODUCT TYPE: Retrofit lamp kit for Mini-Mag flashlight
    LAMP TYPE: 3mm white LED
    No. OF LAMPS: 4
    BEAM TYPE: Narrow flood with soft corona
    SWITCH TYPE: Twist bezel on/off
    BEZEL: Metal; LEDs and reflector protected by plastic window
    BATTERY: 2x AA cells
    CURRENT CONSUMPTION: 153mA
    WATER RESISTANT: Splash-resistant at minimum (after installation)
    SUBMERSIBLE: No
    ACCESSORIES: Custom reflector for MiniStar1
    WARRANTY: Unknown/not stated

    PRODUCT RATING:

    Star Rating





TerraLUX MiniStar1 LED Retrofit * www.terralux.biz






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