brightnorm
Flashaholic
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- Oct 13, 2001
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The M6-R, a rechargeable fully regulated M6 by JS (Jim Sexton)
The rechargeable M6 (M6-R) is an idea that has been often discussed on CPF and just as often dismissed as unworkable, impractical and even unnecessary because of the existence of the X10. But the X10, despite its innovative excellence is a bulky, awkward, oddly shaped light that is very difficult to comfortably holster and has a short and dimming runtime.
X10
Surefire gives 20 minutes as the M6's runtime with HOLA. What is left unsaid is that the M6 only fulfills its rated output for the first minute or two. Last night I run tested an M6 with HOLA and new Surefires. Based on admittedly inexact ceiling bounce comparisons with lights of known lumens it appeared that the M6 lost approximately 50% of its total brightness in about 9-10 minutes.
M6
Since I don't see much point in using the "King of lights" in a less than optimal condition I estimate that I'd have to change batteries at least every 3 minutes and more likely every 1 or 2 minutes to maintain like-new brightness and whiteness. Assuming 2-minute periods that is 10 periods of 6 batteries each for a total of 60 batteries. Even at $1.00 each that is $60 for a 20 minute run. The value and practicality of a regulated M6 appears obvious.
Tigerlight (FBOP)
Up to this point the best alternative to a regulated M6 in my experience had been the "Tiger11", a Tigerlight mod kit by JS (Jim Sexton) featuring a KAN 1800 battery pack, Welch Allyn 1111 lamp in a 1940 aluminum reflector. IMO this is the best brightness/runtime compromise of all the Tigerlight mods combining slightly under 500 lumen brightness with a very decent, though unregulated runtime of 29 minutes. Despite the advantages of this mod, an intensely bright rechargeable fully regulated light of modest size still didn't exist until literally a few weeks ago when Jim was making final adjustments prior to beta testing the M6-R.
Initial impression
The M6-R kit came neatly packed and contained a M6-R battery pack wrapped in bubble wrap, a 18VDC desktop supply, black with "MP" on it, packed inside it's own box and a charging circuit, plain aluminium perforated box wedged in between the other two items. The new battery pack was lighter than expected weighing only slightly more than the stock lithium pack:
Rechargeable pack 7.8oz, Total weight 17.3 oz
Standard pack: 6.4oz, Total weight 15.9 oz (1.4 oz lighter)
Charging was convenient and quick; about 2 hours. The new battery fit easily into the M6.
Run test 1
[NOTE: The battery pack and circuitry of the M6-R were designed to work most efficiently with the 500 lumen HOLA. All run tests and all comments about the M6-R refer to the 500 lumen lamp].
Runtime until pulsing: 19'14"
The M6-R was held vertically upright in a bar clamp. Exactly 19 minutes and 14 seconds elapsed before subtle pulsing began. The body of the light was very warm but not overly hot and was comfortable to hold. The circumferential fins and the head were quite hot. After allowing the light to rest for two minutes I performed a second "ceiling bounce" comparison test with the fresh "Tiger-11". At this point I fully expected to see some diminution of output from the SF-R but as far as my non-instrumented test could reveal it was exactly as bright as it had been at the beginning of the test. Pulsing resumed after about 30 - 45 seconds.
It is hard to describe the experience of watching a relatively small 500 lumen light burn perfectly white and bright minute after minute in total defiance of the usual expectation of dimming and yellowing. It is so far removed from any previous experience with an incandescent light that it seems positively uncanny. Prior experience with the SF A2 never evoked this degree of subjective reaction. Perhaps other beta testers may experience a similar response.
Run test 2 This test was performed 4 hours after the first test ended. Conditions were identical to test 1.
Runtime until pulsing: 19'30".
Run test 3 (performed the next day) determined how close the set point was to the onset of dimming.
Runtime until pulsing: 19'47"
Pulsing time until dimming: 19"
Total runtime until dimming 20'06"
A 10-20 second set point appears to give adequate warning assuming the operator is present and reasonably attentive. Because the pulsing is subtle (roughly 100%-80%) it could remain unnoticed if the operator was unusually distracted. That remains to be verified and is not the purpose of these tests. It is possible that different pulsing set points may be desired for specific purposes, perhaps including dual "warning" and "final" set points if such is possible with this circuit.
Run test 4 (performed 10 hours after run test 3)[/b] also determined set point proximity to dimming
Runtime until pulsing: 19'39"
Pulsing time until dimming: 16"
Total runtime until dimming: 19'55"
Throughout all four tests the M6-R performed flawlessly, thoroughly vindicating Jim Sexton's commitment to this project. A comparison with the Tiger11 follows.
Comparison: M6-R & Tiger11
The M6's bezel is 1/8" wider than the Tigerlight's but in all other respects it is smaller. The Tigerlight is almost 20% heavier, a significant difference especially when carrying the light for extended periods.
MODEL.............LGTH.....BEZEL DIA.....BOD DIA.........WT….....LUMENS/CP
Tiger11 (FBOP) ……… 8"………....2 3/8……...…1 11/16"…………19.4oz………....450 L?
Surefire M6-R…………7 5/8"……… 2.5"………...1 5/8" (avg.).…16.3oz…..…….250/500 L.
Beam:
M6-R: Slightly greater output, brilliant, exceptionally broad perfect beam, wide hotspot blends smoothly into corona, very white, very long throw.
Tiger11: Slightly less output, brilliant beam with small very intense hotspot (approximately 1/5th area of M6-R hotspot) which can superimpose itself on M6-R's hotspot, exceptionally white light, extremely long throw
Run time
M6-R: 19 ½ minutes, no detectable dimming, pulsing alert for end-of-run
Tiger11: 29 minutes, dimming, no termination alert
Battery change (field)
M6-R: 11-20 seconds. Multiple tests with stock pack or removal-reinsertion of custom pack prove that change can be easily accomplished even in total darkness
Tiger11: Battery change in field impractical bordering on impossible
Ergonomics
M6R: Relatively light weight, aggressively "landscaped" body provides secure grip under most conditions, including when hands are cold or wet. Large, smoothly functioning instantly locatable LOTC permits multiple grip modes. (NOTE: soft start will be shortened in production models)
Tiger11: Noticeably heavier but still very favorable output/weight ratio. Roughened surface provides moderately secure grip under ideal conditions, somewhat insecure grip with cold or wet hands. Body switch hard to locate quickly, permits several grip modes. (NOTE: very comfortable grip mode – button underneath, hand on top, 4th (preferably) or 5th finger actuates switch, arm hangs naturally, convenient instant actuation)
Carry
Blackhawk M6 holster accommodates Tiger11. During EDC tests the M6-R's lighter weight made for a noticeably more comfortable carry.
Throw
Comparative outdoor throw tests have not yet been performed but based on separate formal and informal throw tests I would expect Tiger11 to out throw the M6-R because of the intensely bright "nucleus" of its hotspot. In a previous "vertical throw test" comparing the stock Tigerlight and the stock M6, the M6 significantly out threw and dominated the Tigerlight. This test disproved the contention of some members that the M6 couldn't be a true long-thrower because of its very broad beam
Preferences and conclusion
I agree with Jim's assessment that "It all boils down to personal considerations, in my opinion. I don't think you can say categorically that one is better than the others". For my own use I will alternate between the M6-R and the tiger11
When Jim first announced the M6-R's 19.5 minute run time I was mildly disappointed because 19.5 minutes seemed pretty short. I am happy to report that with this non-dimming beauty those 19.5 minutes seem far longer than one would expect. Perhaps it is because of the sense of freedom from the clock-linked tyranny of diminishing light that we have come to associate with all incandescent lights except the excellent but relatively modest SF A2. There is no question in my mind that with the M6-R Jim has created a wonderful variation on an already superlative theme. The M6-R is a major accomplishment, one that will provide many hours of undimmed pleasure and functional excellence for its lucky owners.
Congratulations Jim!
Brightnorm
The rechargeable M6 (M6-R) is an idea that has been often discussed on CPF and just as often dismissed as unworkable, impractical and even unnecessary because of the existence of the X10. But the X10, despite its innovative excellence is a bulky, awkward, oddly shaped light that is very difficult to comfortably holster and has a short and dimming runtime.
X10
Surefire gives 20 minutes as the M6's runtime with HOLA. What is left unsaid is that the M6 only fulfills its rated output for the first minute or two. Last night I run tested an M6 with HOLA and new Surefires. Based on admittedly inexact ceiling bounce comparisons with lights of known lumens it appeared that the M6 lost approximately 50% of its total brightness in about 9-10 minutes.
M6
Since I don't see much point in using the "King of lights" in a less than optimal condition I estimate that I'd have to change batteries at least every 3 minutes and more likely every 1 or 2 minutes to maintain like-new brightness and whiteness. Assuming 2-minute periods that is 10 periods of 6 batteries each for a total of 60 batteries. Even at $1.00 each that is $60 for a 20 minute run. The value and practicality of a regulated M6 appears obvious.
Tigerlight (FBOP)
Up to this point the best alternative to a regulated M6 in my experience had been the "Tiger11", a Tigerlight mod kit by JS (Jim Sexton) featuring a KAN 1800 battery pack, Welch Allyn 1111 lamp in a 1940 aluminum reflector. IMO this is the best brightness/runtime compromise of all the Tigerlight mods combining slightly under 500 lumen brightness with a very decent, though unregulated runtime of 29 minutes. Despite the advantages of this mod, an intensely bright rechargeable fully regulated light of modest size still didn't exist until literally a few weeks ago when Jim was making final adjustments prior to beta testing the M6-R.
Initial impression
The M6-R kit came neatly packed and contained a M6-R battery pack wrapped in bubble wrap, a 18VDC desktop supply, black with "MP" on it, packed inside it's own box and a charging circuit, plain aluminium perforated box wedged in between the other two items. The new battery pack was lighter than expected weighing only slightly more than the stock lithium pack:
Rechargeable pack 7.8oz, Total weight 17.3 oz
Standard pack: 6.4oz, Total weight 15.9 oz (1.4 oz lighter)
Charging was convenient and quick; about 2 hours. The new battery fit easily into the M6.
Run test 1
[NOTE: The battery pack and circuitry of the M6-R were designed to work most efficiently with the 500 lumen HOLA. All run tests and all comments about the M6-R refer to the 500 lumen lamp].
Runtime until pulsing: 19'14"
The M6-R was held vertically upright in a bar clamp. Exactly 19 minutes and 14 seconds elapsed before subtle pulsing began. The body of the light was very warm but not overly hot and was comfortable to hold. The circumferential fins and the head were quite hot. After allowing the light to rest for two minutes I performed a second "ceiling bounce" comparison test with the fresh "Tiger-11". At this point I fully expected to see some diminution of output from the SF-R but as far as my non-instrumented test could reveal it was exactly as bright as it had been at the beginning of the test. Pulsing resumed after about 30 - 45 seconds.
It is hard to describe the experience of watching a relatively small 500 lumen light burn perfectly white and bright minute after minute in total defiance of the usual expectation of dimming and yellowing. It is so far removed from any previous experience with an incandescent light that it seems positively uncanny. Prior experience with the SF A2 never evoked this degree of subjective reaction. Perhaps other beta testers may experience a similar response.
Run test 2 This test was performed 4 hours after the first test ended. Conditions were identical to test 1.
Runtime until pulsing: 19'30".
Run test 3 (performed the next day) determined how close the set point was to the onset of dimming.
Runtime until pulsing: 19'47"
Pulsing time until dimming: 19"
Total runtime until dimming 20'06"
A 10-20 second set point appears to give adequate warning assuming the operator is present and reasonably attentive. Because the pulsing is subtle (roughly 100%-80%) it could remain unnoticed if the operator was unusually distracted. That remains to be verified and is not the purpose of these tests. It is possible that different pulsing set points may be desired for specific purposes, perhaps including dual "warning" and "final" set points if such is possible with this circuit.
Run test 4 (performed 10 hours after run test 3)[/b] also determined set point proximity to dimming
Runtime until pulsing: 19'39"
Pulsing time until dimming: 16"
Total runtime until dimming: 19'55"
Throughout all four tests the M6-R performed flawlessly, thoroughly vindicating Jim Sexton's commitment to this project. A comparison with the Tiger11 follows.
Comparison: M6-R & Tiger11
The M6's bezel is 1/8" wider than the Tigerlight's but in all other respects it is smaller. The Tigerlight is almost 20% heavier, a significant difference especially when carrying the light for extended periods.
MODEL.............LGTH.....BEZEL DIA.....BOD DIA.........WT….....LUMENS/CP
Tiger11 (FBOP) ……… 8"………....2 3/8……...…1 11/16"…………19.4oz………....450 L?
Surefire M6-R…………7 5/8"……… 2.5"………...1 5/8" (avg.).…16.3oz…..…….250/500 L.
Beam:
M6-R: Slightly greater output, brilliant, exceptionally broad perfect beam, wide hotspot blends smoothly into corona, very white, very long throw.
Tiger11: Slightly less output, brilliant beam with small very intense hotspot (approximately 1/5th area of M6-R hotspot) which can superimpose itself on M6-R's hotspot, exceptionally white light, extremely long throw
Run time
M6-R: 19 ½ minutes, no detectable dimming, pulsing alert for end-of-run
Tiger11: 29 minutes, dimming, no termination alert
Battery change (field)
M6-R: 11-20 seconds. Multiple tests with stock pack or removal-reinsertion of custom pack prove that change can be easily accomplished even in total darkness
Tiger11: Battery change in field impractical bordering on impossible
Ergonomics
M6R: Relatively light weight, aggressively "landscaped" body provides secure grip under most conditions, including when hands are cold or wet. Large, smoothly functioning instantly locatable LOTC permits multiple grip modes. (NOTE: soft start will be shortened in production models)
Tiger11: Noticeably heavier but still very favorable output/weight ratio. Roughened surface provides moderately secure grip under ideal conditions, somewhat insecure grip with cold or wet hands. Body switch hard to locate quickly, permits several grip modes. (NOTE: very comfortable grip mode – button underneath, hand on top, 4th (preferably) or 5th finger actuates switch, arm hangs naturally, convenient instant actuation)
Carry
Blackhawk M6 holster accommodates Tiger11. During EDC tests the M6-R's lighter weight made for a noticeably more comfortable carry.
Throw
Comparative outdoor throw tests have not yet been performed but based on separate formal and informal throw tests I would expect Tiger11 to out throw the M6-R because of the intensely bright "nucleus" of its hotspot. In a previous "vertical throw test" comparing the stock Tigerlight and the stock M6, the M6 significantly out threw and dominated the Tigerlight. This test disproved the contention of some members that the M6 couldn't be a true long-thrower because of its very broad beam
Preferences and conclusion
I agree with Jim's assessment that "It all boils down to personal considerations, in my opinion. I don't think you can say categorically that one is better than the others". For my own use I will alternate between the M6-R and the tiger11
When Jim first announced the M6-R's 19.5 minute run time I was mildly disappointed because 19.5 minutes seemed pretty short. I am happy to report that with this non-dimming beauty those 19.5 minutes seem far longer than one would expect. Perhaps it is because of the sense of freedom from the clock-linked tyranny of diminishing light that we have come to associate with all incandescent lights except the excellent but relatively modest SF A2. There is no question in my mind that with the M6-R Jim has created a wonderful variation on an already superlative theme. The M6-R is a major accomplishment, one that will provide many hours of undimmed pleasure and functional excellence for its lucky owners.
Congratulations Jim!
Brightnorm
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