If anyone has the military SDU-5E distress marker light/strobe light and has been frustrated by the cost and availability of the batteries, I was recently made aware of a company that makes an adaptor allowing for the use of lithium CR123 batteries for a little over $9.00 plus shipping. I left the web site at home so I will have to wait untill tomorrow before posting it here. Before thinking things through, I bought a couple for my strobes. However, I started to look at the photo of the adapter on the web site and said to myself they look like the end of the battery itself. I took one of my old batteries, pulled the cap off the dry cell portion, and curled a 4-inch piece of stainless steel wire around a thick pencil, to make a spring. Popped a CR123 battery in the compartment, added the spring, screwed on the cap on and low and behold the light worked fine. You just have to make sure to bend the end of the wire so it makes contact with the + terminal. I wish I tried this before buying the adaptors, but oh well. I am not sure how long the strobe will flash on the CR123 batteries in comparison to the correct battery, but his is a great alternative. Also there is someone on Ebay selling the strobe with the adaptor for $ 22.50 plus $4.50 shipping. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=748865778. Pete

THese look cool. He also has the blue leans/case and IR cap for sale as well. Too bad I've spent too much money on myself this month <img src="images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> [color:"green"] [/color]

Yeah I just got one from him. Thanks Pete!!!!!! I'm creating a skiing/survival PSK/FAK that will fit into bottom of my pack and this is what I was missing.

Matt

I went ahead and got the strobe, IR lens, and blue filter/case. This will go perfect with my SAR gear. Plus, I use the same CR123A batteries for my Inova X5 Tactical light & Surefire M6 light/laser for my Glock 22C, so I already have tons of spares. Thanks for the link!

John McIntire

I hope it will meet your expectations. I sorry guys and gals, once again I forgot to bring the web site for just the adaptors. Maybe, it is the same person selling the complete units. Pete

Okay boys and girls here is the web site for the battery adapters. They also have a number of other adapters that may be of interest.
http://www.prc68.com
Also if someone who frequents the Candlepower's Forum could do an inquiry for me I would appreciate the effort, as I have misplaced my password. I am looking for a source or an alternative for batteries for a:
LIGHT MARKER DISTRESS SDU-30
10001/63A103D1-1
Thanks Pete

Found my password for CPF. Thanks Pete <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

I just purchased one of these strobes from that guy on ebay. I hope it is worth it. I'll tell you guys how it is when I get it.

Frank

Has anyone gotten their strobe yet? What do you think of the set up?

Pete: Thanks for the link on adapters. I'm about to cry as I think of the radio gear I have passed up due to odd battery requirements. Oh well. I passed the info on to my buddy who is an ex DOD radio spook. Maybe he can use it.

Chris

I am expecting mine tomorrow. I will post a review and pics once I get it.

John McIntire