Recently I built 2x s2+ triples with KD SST20 boards. Both use the 5A convoy driver but one has been sense resistor swapped for a little more current. I’ve noticed the Triple with the unmodified 5A driver has one emitter noticeably dimmer than the other 2 at 1%. Is this unusual? Bad mcpcb? Advice appreciated.
Review: Skilhunt H150 - my favorite small headlamp
The Skilhunt H150 is a small headlamp with great color quality, magnetic charging, and the ability to use both 14500 Li-ion and AA batteries. It sets a new standard in its size class.
Oh how interesting, that is a shame that they’ve removed that feature. I definitely would appreciate that compatibility, as I enjoy being able to use any AA battery ( or any other common type) for my flashlight, but would also love being able to use other battery types. Thanks for the info!
Reddit user fnksb pointed out that the measured current, runtime, and expected battery capacity didn't quite add up for the 14500s. I tested both my Vapcell H10s on my analyzing charger and got 737 mAh and 797 mAh, which is considerably lower than the 924 mAh figure I had been using. I've recalculated efficiency numbers based on a battery capacity of 797 mAh and also reran the M1 mode runtime test.
I got a bit longer runtime this time around and of course a little higher efficiency in every mode. My overall analysis remains the same though: boost/linear is a little disappointing and I'd much rather see boost/buck or boost-only using a 6V LED like the Nichia B35AM. So far, I think only the Emisar D3AA takes the boost-only approach to the AA/14500 problem.
Some tools do their jobs so well they're a little boring to write about. The E75 provides everything most of us could want in a midsize flashlight, and very little we wouldn't.
I’d be interested to know if you can change the brightness levels by replacing sense resistors on the board. Also if you are still into testing, I wonder if you could try the low mode after the high mode has already mostly exhausted the battery.
@solrize They're not sense resistors; they're just resistors. There are no active electronics in this light. Changing a resistor should change the output.
Looks like a typo caused excluded the graphs, which I've now fixed. I think they answer the other question: output depends on battery voltage in both modes.
3000 K BraTS10 and 4500 K DD MT21C lighting up the inside of a van while loading up the theater set and equipment.
The van was otherwise not lit at all on the inside. @flashlight#flashlight#theater
@flashlight for those asking why I'm not on the pictures, working with the others, I was going back and forth from the stage with equipment, because the stage and backstage are 1,10m above the floor, and van, with no elevator or stairs nearby :D
Arbitrary List of Popular Lights - Winter Solstice 2023 Edition
In honor of Winter Solstice, I've made an updated list of popular lights. Today is the day you're most likely to need a flashlight in the northern hemisphere; if you're shopping for one, I hope this will help.
I would tend to agree. It’s smaller than an 18650 light, for sure, but as far as 16340’s go it’s pretty thick. I feel the same about the SP10 Pro as a 14500 light.
Review: Sofirn SP10 Pro - a high-CRI AA/14500 light running Anduril 2
The Sofirn SP10 Pro is the only flashlight running Anduril 2 and supporting both AA and 14500 batteries. It offers high CRI and a low price. I've reviewed it here:
Hey I have that as my every day carry flashlight, it’s surprisingly powerful at the highest setting and the battery seems to last forever. I’m not a huge flashlight guy so I really can’t comment on all the technical aspects but the 2 things I said are the most important ones to me so take that as you will, I love their products.
$16 flashlights make flat runtime graphs now. I am impressed.
This is a Convoy S21E with Nichia 719A in 3000K. It's not setting any brightness records at ~850lm, but that's top-tier regulation. It's CRI is in the 90s, and it's kind of throwy too.
Today I swapped the awful and greenish factory Cree XP-L HD V6 6500K of a Nitecore MT21C for a Nichia 519A 4500K (MCPCB swap). I may try to install a floodier TIR optic. Click the fedi logo for more! #Flashlight@flashlight
Then, since I purchased the LED already soldered on a MCPCB, I desoldered the stock one, ground a bit the new one to fit, soldered the wires back on the new MCPCB and voilà. Changed the thermal paste too.
Arbitrary List of Popular Lights - Fall Equinox 2023 Edition
In honor of Fall Equinox, I've made an updated list of popular lights. Days are getting shorter and nights are getting longer - it might be time for a new flashlight.
Today, i got my third light from this list. All solid recommendations by Zak. Wowtac a2s, a right angle 18650, a few years ago. Great for jobs in dark corners of the house or car, but not my favourite for outdoor walks. FC11 was next, great for dog walks. Now I added a TS10, much lower moonlight than the FC11, good around house/hotel at night. Bright but small so good backup if the FC11 ever dies while I’m out. And of course anduril to play with. Big thanks to Zak.