It will work
Thanks for the suggestion. I might do that, but don’t want to make Simon go out of his way if the release of the upgraded S2+ is imminent.
You guys can get the new driver/firmware now if you want. You simply message Simon you want it and he
will modify your order.
Simon added it to my Gray S2+ order for an additional $1 when I placed my order a week ago.
Thanks for the info.
I’m certainly seriously considering this option, as for my lighting purposes (light painting), I’d prefer black or even colours, to clear or DT (though as the clear looks absolutely stunning in the C8 and L6, I’m certainly not adverse to it). Do you think that Simon would also install the AR glass on request as well (as it is a bit of a pain to swap later on)? I’m guessing AR glass will also be included in the clear/DT S2+ ?
However, I don’t want to trouble Simon (who I understand is a very busy man) if the clear S2+ is going to be released imminently.
I don’t know about the new clear C8 but i just received a clear L6 and i have to admit i’m somewhat disappointed.
It does not look like bare aluminum or titanium or stainless steel… it looks like cheap silver spray paint. It is mate and grainy. From some distance it’s ok but up close… it could be ‘silver’ plastic. :person_facepalming:
I guess it’s a matter of taste.
Edit: OK after handling it a bit more, the ‘clear’ coating is growing on me and it is not as bad as i make it sound. Still… it looks like ‘painted’. I think i’d rather have it bare aluminum with or without a varnish or coating.
Did you buy it directly from Simon on Ali ?
Yes
I’ve gone ahead and asked Simon to add to the new driver/firmware and AR glass to an order for 3 black S2+ (in 1A, 4C, and 7A tints). Lets see how I go! (Didn’t ask for the BLF discount as I think I’m already asking a lot).
Pat, there is no “varnish” and there is no “coating”, it’s the same anodization as the black flashlight except for the black dye added in the process. Essentially, there is no black water trapped in the microstructure of the ano.
Same light, same quality, same surface hardness and durability, with the exception that small nicks, scratches and dents won’t show up as well on the silver finish as the black one. 
Doesn’t hurt to ask and Simon is very accommodating. He will take care of all your requests if they are feasible.
He has said yes to both installing AR glass, and the new driver/firmware. :partying_face:
Just awaiting paypal invoice info now.
hi,
Another question on Convoy C8, is this unit passed the IPX-8 standard for waterproofing? TIA! 
Awesome. :+1:
Very awesome!
Still awaiting response over PayPal details, but I’m Simon is very busy, so I’ll wait a few more days before reminding him.
Yes. All versions of the Convoy C8 are rated IPX-8.
All sorted. Cost $1 extra for new firmware in each Black S2+. Big thumbs up to Simon for going out of his way to keep us Flashaholics happy.
:partying_face:
I like that.
It looks like it’s silver-anodized (silver dye used instead of black). So, it should be a lot harder than bare aluminum but visually similar. A bit more shiny, and a lot harder to scratch. And if you wear through the anodizing it should be difficult to spot.
On another note, my empty Convoy C8 seems to weigh a bit less than an empty Kronos X6. It’s slightly bigger but slightly lighter. I haven’t tested throw yet but the C8 reflector is significantly larger so it likely throws a bit better. It’ll be fun fine-tuning the focus before I measure it… I kinda took it apart right away to get the driver out.
Life has been a little turbulent lately, but I got some pictures… A capacitor and diode are a little too close to the MCU so they prevent contact with four of the pins (of which two are needed). Someone probably just didn’t realize that SOIC8 keep-outs were needed around the MCU. It’s pretty unusual for customers to want to reflash ROM like we do.
About 15 seconds with a file and your SOIC clip will fit right on there.
The cap can be moved over to the next set of pads, and the diode can be swung around a bit, maneuvered to give clearance. Looks like it really is true what they say about the devil being in the details.
TK, I’ve heard the blue clips are nicer, but do you happen to have one of the cheapo black clips to test? Mine doesn’t seem to have any plastic extending out beyond the width of the MCU.
Also, do the two components (resistors?) in the center of the board interfere as well?
Let me address these things…
The color:
To the best of my knowledge there is no dye used at all. I believe the metallic look is caused by the light being bead blasted prior to clear anodizing. For example, If you bead blast aluminum and then clear coat it, the result is a silver look. I am awaiting official confirmation of the details of the procedure and am also seeing if we can get a just machined look in the future which should involve nothing more than skipping the bead blasting process prior to anodizing.
Throw:
My C8 lights do out-throw my Kronos X6 though I don’t have any equipment to test the numbers. The Convoy C8 with the XPL-HI throws pretty well stock but can definitely be improved if you can get the emitter a bit further into the reflector. The simplest method I’ve heard of to achieve this (modders correct me if I’m wrong) is to sand down the centering ring to make it thinner. This allows the reflector to sit a bit lower, then replace the stock o-ring at the lens with a little thicker one to make up for the difference which will probably be 0.5mm or so. I may get brave and test this over the weekend. That would be my first real mod. LOL
Chip clip:
Thank you for the pictures! That is exactly what I needed to see. I’ve already sent them to Simon along with an explanation of what would need to change to make this home-user-flashable. I don’t know how difficult it will be for them to rearrange things on that board and I can’t make promises but I will try to make this happen. If it’s not doable does anyone know of a smaller clip or clipping method?
Edit: Once again proof that I type too slowly. I see there were two possible clip solutions posted while I was typing! :person_facepalming: