Frequently Asked Questions

What is the output of the Maxa Beam Searchlight and how is it measured?

The Maxa Beam Searchlight has an output of 12,000,000 CandlePower*. CandlePower measures the intensity of the light that hits a target at a distance, which makes this unit of measure valid for searchlights and other focused light sources that will be used to illuminate specific targets at long ranges.

To determine the Maxa Beam’s CandlePower measurement, the searchlight is focused down to a 1° beam and pointed at a target set at a distance of 83 feet (25.3 meters).  A data-logging light meter that is connected to a computer is used to measure the foot-candles of light illuminating this target.  The resulting foot-candle reading is multiplied by 83 ft. squared to calculate the searchlight’s CandlePower rating.

Note:  An identical CandlePower rating can be calculated by using the Light Meter’s Lux reading and multiplying this measurement by 25.3 m squared.

Peak Beam Quality Assurance technicians test the output of every Maxa Beam Searchlight in accordance with a detailed test plan.  If requested, Peak Beam can provide a Certificate of Conformance identifying the output of any new Maxa Beam Searchlight at time of shipment.

*10% minimum threshold; no maximum threshold

Why are some high intensity lights measured in Lumens? What’s the different between Lumens and CandlePower?

When comparing multiple lighting products, it is useful to understand the terminology that various lighting manufacturers use to describe the output of their products. Depending on the intended application, certain units of measure may be much more relevant than others.  For example, if you need a floodlight or close range work light, a product’s Lumen rating will be important for you to consider. If you require a light for long range search and rescue, security, or surveillance applications, a product’s CandlePower rating will be a more relevant measure than its Lumen rating.

The lighting industry uses several methods to measure light. There are two units of measurement that are often used to describe high intensity lighting devices: Lumens and CandlePower.

Lumens are a measure of how much light comes from just the bulb itself.  Lumens are measured by putting the bare bulb in a device called an Integrating Sphere that can detect the light energy hitting its surface from all directions. Properly measuring lumen output is quite difficult and therefore is not done by many flashlight manufacturers.  As a result, flashlight manufacturers almost always list the lamp vendor’s data which is always in Lumens because this is the most appropriate measure for a lamp.

Lumens do not take into account the design of the reflector, optics, or focusability of the beam of light. This is important to note because not all of the bulb’s energy ends up being directed into the beam and onto your target.

Lumens are a useful measurement for floodlights and household light bulbs that will be used to illuminate a wide area directly around the bulb. Lumens become less valid when you need to know how much of a bulb’s energy is actually being collected and directed towards your target. That’s where the second unit of measure, CandlePower, comes in.

CandlePower measures the intensity of the light that hits a target at a distance. CandlePower takes the performance of the whole fixture into consideration, which makes this unit of measure more relevant than Lumen output for searchlights and other focused light sources that will be used to illuminate specific targets at long ranges.

CandlePower is measured using a light meter that detects intensity on target in Lux (SI unit) or Foot-Candles (non-SI unit). The light meter is set at a distance from the light fixture and the beam of light is pointed at the Light Meter’s probe. To calculate CandlePower, multiple the Light Meter’s Lux reading by the Distance (in meters) squared between the light and the meter’s probe. (If using Foot-Candles, multiple this reading by the Distance in feet squared.)

It is not possible to convert Lumens to CandlePower because these units measure different aspects of a light’s output. Depending on what kind of fixture a bulb is placed in, a bulb with a high lumen rating may not necessarily have a high CandlePower rating. For example, you can take two identical bulbs with the same lumen rating, place them into two different fixtures, and get two different CandlePower measurements.

I hear that some searchlights have a “black hole” at the center of the beam. Is there a black hole obstructing the beam of the Maxa Beam?

The Maxa Beam does not have a “black hole” at the center of the beam from a 1° spot to a 15° flood. The tight spot of the beam in this wide range produces brilliant white illumination that is even and diffused. Beware of other illumination products that claim to have the only light completely free of this black hole; other illumination products do not offer more than a 15° beam spread. For applications where the Maxa Beam will be used in flood mode, the optional Collimating Lens eliminates any dark spots in the beam by redirecting excess spill light into the center of the beam.

What “User-Programmable” Functions are available on the Maxa Beam?

The Maxa Beam’s beam width limits, beam intensity, strobe rate, strobe duration, beam start-up position, and several other characteristics can be easily programmed by pressing the red and black switches in a specific sequence. This capability allows the searchlight to be customized for specific applications.

For example, if you want to use the light for an extended search operation in a wooded area, the light can be programmed to automatically start up in low beam mode with the beam width at full flood. Other scenarios include a surveillance operation where the light must start up at normal power with the beam set to the size of the area under surveillance or a tactical application where the user programs the light to start up in strobe mode at a narrow beam spread.

To view the default factory settings and all of the optional programming sequences, please consult the Programming section of the Operation Manual.

What types of Batteries are available for the Maxa Beam Searchlight? Are new batteries compatible with older searchlights?

Peak Beam offers three types of rechargeable batteries for the Maxa Beam Searchlight. Only use Maxa Beam batteries with your searchlight; using third party batteries may damage the searchlight’s circuit board and void the product warranty.

• Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) Batteries are the newest Maxa Beam battery type available and feature a 135 minute run time, 2 hour charge time, and 2,500 total life cycles. LiFePO4 batteries weigh 3.5 lbs.
• Lithium-Ion (Li-Ion) Batteries with built-in chargers are the lightest weight Maxa Beam battery type available and feature a 110 minute run time, 3 hour charge time, and 500 total life cycles. Li-Ion batteries also feature a five-level LED fuel gauge and weigh 2.5 lbs.
• Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) Batteries are the traditional Maxa Beam battery type and feature a 90 minute run time, 2.5 hour charge time, and 1,000 total life cycles. NiCad batteries weigh 5.5 lbs.

All Maxa Beam Batteries are compatible with older searchlights, however please note that you may need to purchase a new charger with your new battery depending on the age and type of your old charger.

What maintenance is required for the Maxa Beam Searchlight? What components are user-serviceable?

The only maintenance required for the searchlight is to periodically clean the body with a damp cloth and to keep the front lens clean using window cleaner or alcohol.  If the searchlight is dropped or receives a heavy impact, it may be necessary to refocus the lamp (see below).

The Maxa Beam’s lamp, lens, and plastic connectors are all user-serviceable parts. Please see the Maintenance section of our online catalog to view available replacement kits.

How long does the Maxa Beam’s Xenon Lamp last?

The Maxa Beam’s Xenon Short Arc lamp has a mean time between failure (MTBF) of 1,500 hours of use. For best performance, we recommend that you replace your lamp after 1,000 hours of use. Maxa Beam Lamps are field-replaceable and we offer several types of Lamp Replacement Kits depending on what model searchlight you have.

How do I refocus the Maxa Beam’s Lamp?

If the searchlight is dropped or receives a heavy impact from transportation or shipping, it may be necessary to refocus the lamp to insure proper operation and maximum output.  Refocusing of the lamp involves centering the lamp within the reflector.

To refocus the lamp, use the 1/16” hex driver that was included with your searchlight to remove the two focus access screws that cover the X and Y Axis Access Points.  Next, turn the searchlight on and shine the beam onto a flat surface about 50 feet away.

Insert the 1/16” hex driver into one of the focus access points. Turn the driver to center the hotspot of the beam (you will see the hotspot move on the target as the driver is rotated.)  Repeat this procedure for the other internal adjustment screw in the other focus access point until the hotspot is completely centered. Replace the focus access screws when focusing is complete.

For detailed instructions on focusing and replacing the lamp, please consult the Operation Manual.

What is the Maxa Beam Searchlight’s Warranty?

There is a one year warranty on all Maxa Beam parts with the exception of the lamp and battery packs which have a 90 day warranty. Please visit the Warranty page for Peak Beam’s full warranty details.

Can I consult with Peak Beam before purchasing a second hand Maxa Beam Searchlight on eBay?

YES!  We welcome questions and we are happy to help you make an educated decision before you purchase second hand Maxa Beam equipment on eBay, Craigslist, or any other reseller site.  Variations of the Maxa Beam Searchlight have been fielded since 1987, so the age and condition of used searchlights being resold by third parties varies significantly.  Before making an online purchases of used Maxa Beam equipment, we strongly recommend that you do the following:

• Ask the seller for the Model Numbers and Serial Numbers for all Searchlight(s), Battery(s), and Charger(s) being offered.  Contact Peak Beam with this information and we will tell you the original ship date so you know exactly how old the equipment is.
• Ask the seller to confirm that all elements of the searchlight kit are functioning.  Sellers occasionally advertise “new” batteries “still in their original packaging” but this does not guarantee anything about the battery except that it may have been stored for many years without being charged or cycled.  Long term storage of batteries can cause permanent damage and those “new” batteries may very well be dead.

Please note that although Peak Beam does not warranty used equipment and cannot guarantee the condition of any equipment you may purchase from a third party, we are still happy to help tune up and repair any older equipment you may acquire.  Please contact us to request a Return Authorization and repair estimate.