Honored and proud to be allowed to present the FW3A
Current status (2018-04-17): Waiting on Lumintop to make second set of prototypes based on feedback from first batch.
Poll (2018-04-19): What UI style do you want for muggle mode?
A word of warning for BLF specials:
The BLF part is done by BLFers who do it in their spare time, despite they may seem professionals and the work they do is at professional level, BLF is not our full time job. So give us a break and relax if thing are not going as fast as you want.
Nothing is sure so expect waiting:
- Waiting for news and updates.
- Waiting for the project to come to fruition.
- Waiting till the result can finally be ordered.
- And then waiting for arrival at your home, shipping from China can take a long time.
So relax, enjoy the many other facets of BLF while you wait and remember:
It is done when it is done
A collaboration between TLF (Germany) and BLF (global)
Fritz15 made a small triple flashlight on his lathe.
TLF reacted very positive and at first a small hand made batch would be pursued.
Yet, this elegant design just screams for a wider audience.
For a lot of us mere mortals, seeing the cool things machinists make on their lathe is just a dream.
Hence the finish of the FW3A will be clear anodisation, no sanding/beadblasting before anodisation.
The idea is to give all the chance to have a light looking like it came of a lathe with the protection of anodisation.
Another very neat feature is the electronic tail switch and we plan on having it run Anduril!
Very cool!
FW3A
F Fritz
W Works/Werke
3 triple
A Aluminium
Team
- Fritz15: Design
- Tommy TLF: General TLF communication
- DEL: Driver
Tom E: Firmware (originally), driver- ToyKeeper: Firmware / UI
- MRsDNF: Early prototyping
The Miller: General BLF communication- Neal: Facilitating tasks in China
- Lumintop: Manufacturing
The FW3A
Small elegant EDC triple flashlight designed by Fritz15
Runs on a single 18650 battery.
94.8 × 25.5 mm
First prototype:
Size reference:
Looks
Clear anodisation (no pigments) and NO sanding or sandblasting of the parts after machining. (the first prototype’s finish didn’t turn out as intended, but hopefully the second prototype will be better)
This makes the FW3A look like it came of a lathe of a skilled machinist with the added protection anodisation offers to keep it beautiful for a long time.
No marking/logo for a clean look
Stainless steel clip
Pricing
Target $30 including shipping, manufacturer can decide own pricing afterwards.
Maybe $40 if XP-L HI emitters are used.
Not fixed yet!
Emitters
3 pieces 3535 footprint
TBD: Cree XPG3 NW, Nichia 219c NW, or XP-L HI NW
LEDs mounted on DTP triple star
Internals
Integrated LED shelf for good thermal dissipation
20 AWG Wires.
Driver retainer ring.
Threads square or trapezoidal (not triangular) for connection head and body
Electronic switch in tail with stainless steel button
Double tube to connect the electronic switch to the driver
Optics
Triple TIR optics http://www.carclo-optics.com/optic-10511
Glass AR coated lens 2,25mm thick
Protective
2 x O-ring bezel, perfect fit
set of spare orings in box
Quality Control
Lights made as specified and agreed upon.
Samples as specified and agreed upon for the team before the go is given for actual production.
All lights tested before shipping to spot and fix problems and avoid DOA. (turn on, ramp up and down, if not working properly factory fixes problems so all receive a good working light.)
TLF BLF cooperation
TLF is leading so new info is posted first there, then on BLF.
BLFers who are also on TLF, please ask to be put on the TLF list and ask your questions there.
TLF is always getting the scoops and BLF follows what is published on TLF.
TLF threads:
FAQ
When will it be available?
- No idea, sorry. Was expecting it to be out during spring of 2018, but things seem to be delayed.
What is the ordering process and payment method?
- Not yet determined.
What emitters does it use?
- Not yet determined. Probably XP-G3, Nichia 219c, or XP-L HI (+$10).
Will there be a 18350 version / 18350 tube?
- No. The entire back half of the light would need to be redesigned/replaced.
Will there be an empty host version?
- Probably not. The only components which aren’t custom are the LEDs and optic.
Old News
2017-07-20: Exciting news!
http://budgetlightforum.com/comment/1155360#comment-1155360
With the active support from Neal we finally found a new partner for our project and the progress is far enough to reveal the name: Lumintop
Change Log
2018-04-19: muggle mode poll created
2018-04-17: first post updated, small FAQ added
2018-04-05: moved interest list to its own first-page post
2018-04-03: added firmware/UI info to its own first-page post
… (some team changes happened) …
06.05.2017: ordering of triples and optics for some testing
06.05.2017: revision of the driver draft with Tom and DEL
04.05.2017: publication of the project
Thanks Wrathbringer27 for the translation!
FW3A
Small elegant EDC triple flashlight designed by Fritz.
Runs on a single 18650 battery.
Chinese: Fritz设计的小巧优雅的EDC三重手电筒。需要一个 18650 大小的电池操作
Looks
Clear anodisation (no pigments) and NO sanding or sandblasting of the parts after machining.
This makes the FW3A look like it came of a lathe of a skilled machinist with the added protection anodisation offers to keep it beautiful for a long time.
No marking/logo for a clean look
Stainless steel clip
Chinese:
外观:
机械加工后清除阳极氧化(没颜料)和没有打磨或喷砂。
这使得FW3A看起来像是熟练机械师的车床,增加了阳极氧化保护的优点,使其长时间保持美观。
没有标记/标志,干净的外观
不锈钢夹
Pricing
$30 including shipping, manufacturer can decide own pricing afterwards
Chinese:
价格:
30美元包括运费,制造商可以自行决定自己的定价
Emitters
3 pieces 3535 footprint
Cree XPG3 NW
LEDs mounted on DTP triple star
Chinese:
发射器
3 个 3535 footprint 大小的led
Cree XPG3 NW
Led 安装在 DTP 三星上
Internals
Integrated LED shelf for good thermal dissipation
20 AWG Wires.
Driver retainer ring.
Threads square or trapeziod (not triangular) for connection head and body
Electronic switch in tail with stainless steel button
Double tube to connect the electronc swich to the driver
Chinese:
集成LED灯架,散热好
20 AWG线。
驱动器固定环。
螺纹方形或梯形(不是三角形)用于连接头部和身体
电子开关尾部带不锈钢按钮
双管将电子开关连接到驱动器
Optics
Optics
Triple TIR optics http://www.carclo-optics.com/optic-10507 (link is external)(link is external) (link is external)
Glass AR coated lens 2,25mm thick
Chinese
光学
三重TIR光学http://www.carclo-optics.com/optic-10507 (link is external) (外部链接)
AR玻璃涂层透镜厚度为2,25mm
Protective
2 x O-ring bezel, perfect fit
All lights tested before shipping to spot and fix problems and avoid DOA. (turn on, ramp up and down, if not working properly factory fixes problems so all receive a good working light.)
Chinese:
保护
2 x O形圈表圈,完美契合
发货前所有的灯都必须经过测试,以便可以发现和修复问题,避免DOA。 (打开,亮度调整,如果不能使用,工厂需修复问题,确保都能获得良好的灯)
FW3A thread
FW3A Interface
The FW3A uses the Andúril firmware by ToyKeeper. It is similar to Tom E’s fantastic NarsilM, but with some extras.
This is the UI diagram for it, showing most of the functions:

The interface uses mostly the same ramping as Narsil, and basic usage is identical. Click to turn the light on or off, hold the button to change brightness. However, this style applies to both the smooth ramp and the mode group, and the user can switch between them with three clicks while the light is on. No need to remember two interfaces or navigate a config mode.
Ramping also has some additional usability tweaks. If the user holds the button, ramping will always go up unless the button was released less than a second ago or it’s already at the top. To ramp down without ramping up first, do a “click, release, hold”. This eliminates the need to remember which way it was ramping in the past.
Both the smooth ramp and mode group are configurable. The user can set the lowest level, the highest level, and (mode group only) the number of steps. Full turbo is still available via double-click even if the ceiling is set somewhere more sensible.
While on, a double click toggles between turbo and the memorized level. So, if you hear a noise and want full power for a moment, double click. When you’re done, double click again to return to the original brightness.
Two groups worth of blinkies are included. To reach them, do “click click click” from off or a “click click hold”. These include:
A few other modes are available by clicking even more times from off:
Some features which aren’t visible on the diagram:
There are also some other interfaces available for this hardware, but it requires the user to flash different firmware. You can make it work like a BLF Q8, or like an Olight, or like a Zebralight, for example. However, these are not tested and not officially supported.
FW3A thread
Interest List
This list is automatically generated, and counts only requests on BLF, not TLF.
843 people, 1115 lights.
Requests:
234: ZozzV6(cancelled)396: ferongr(cancelled)810: SkittleStoat(cancelled)816: Throw me in to darkness …(cancelled)1094: kahvitahra(cancelled)People:
8108162343961094FW3A thread
reserved
FW3A thread
Aha, so this is what you were talking about.
Very nice !
…uhm.. no DD driver i hope? Hopefully it will be a CC driver, but with enough (6 to 12) Amperes, like the LD2 (or LD3?) without PWM.
Another thing, about the anodizing, clear anodizing can make it look very cheap, maybe better to have no anodizing OR sandblasted finish.
But i love the design concept.
Will possibly be as tiny as the DQG ?
..waiting for parts..
Still looking for 5” parabolic reflector (for recoil light)
This would be my first multi-emitter flashlight since the old days of blue and purple leds.
Triple channel driver
So a FET for highest modes but more birhgtness levels on 7135 chips then FET+1 drivers
94.8 × 25.5 is the FW3A, pretty small
It is done when it is done

How my BLF Specials generally work, please read before asking Qs
The Q8, Exciting a groupbuy for a Premium BLF special high lumens soda can light!
The GT, A BLF special GIGA thrower
The FW3A, a TLF BLF special small, elegant, powerful triple
Lithium Ion safety 101 important read
Sorry grammarlovers, I am a real King Typo.
No, the DQG sacrifices too much in order to achieve its small size for my liking. It has no glass lens to protect the optics, especially for an EDC light this is important. Additionally, there is no tailcap spring, which is quite bad for the battery and the LED sits directly on the driver-PCB which grants horrible heat-sinking.
I’d like to be put on a blf list if there is one
Put me down for two please
Put me down for 2 also, sharp looking flashlight!
Later,
Keith
All men are equal when their memory fades
I’d be interested in 1 please.
My Torch & Flashlight Reviews
My YouTube channel
Notable Reviews:
Convoy S2+ | Zeusray Domed & De-Domed Comparison | Maglite XL200 | Rofis TR18 XP-L HI angle and tube flashlight | H4 (HB2/9003) Car headlight XM-L2 | A8 BLF Edition
A 18650 with a belt clip, Perfect
One for now with the option to increase order at a later date.
Looks like another great light with a Coooooooool looking factor.
I would be down for 2 also!
Very nice!
KB1428 “Live Life WOT”
Oh wauw, I’ve had small DQG lights in my cart many times but felt great hesitation to actually buy one and reading this makes me feel good about it
It is done when it is done

How my BLF Specials generally work, please read before asking Qs
The Q8, Exciting a groupbuy for a Premium BLF special high lumens soda can light!
The GT, A BLF special GIGA thrower
The FW3A, a TLF BLF special small, elegant, powerful triple
Lithium Ion safety 101 important read
Sorry grammarlovers, I am a real King Typo.
Count me in for one, this sounds great!
I love all kinds of lights... storm lanterns, kosmos & matador lamps, gas lanterns, tallow lanterns, flashlights, lasers, tritium vials...
Please sign me up for one of them. Thanks.
1 please
1 please
BTW , even should be 25$ possible .
- George
My Reviews : KDlight C8 / ThruNite Archer 1A V3 / Thorfire C8s / ThruNite TN12 (2016) / Utorch UT01 / Utorch UT02 / Jetbeam WL-S2 (xp-l) / ThruNite TC12 V2 / Massdrop Brass AAA / Manker LAD / Lumintop SD26 / ThruNite Mini TN30 (3x xm-l2) / Qualilite D81 / Nitecore MH20GT / Odepro TM30 / Klarus XT30R / Nitecore NU20 CRI / Ultrafire XM-L2 / Foursevens Mini MK II / Manker E02 / Manker E14 II / Teekland Flashlights / Lumintop Elfin / Thorfire S70S / ThruNite Neutron 2C / Jaxman M8 / KDLITKER C8.2 / Zanflare F1 / Nitecore Concept 1 / Emisar D4 / Astrolux MF-01 / ThruNite TC10 V3 / Amutorch JM70 (xpl hi)
I’m assuming 18650, I didn’t see it specified.
I’ll take two!
I’ll have to toss my hat in the ring on this one as well.
I don’t know when it might occur, if I’m not present much at the time please have KawiBoy or J-Dub send me an email and wake me up…
Dale
In for one please
In for one, really like the look of this!
So, since the design is complete does this roll right into prototyping?
I may be missing something, but why not just put the driver in the tail? Most of these FET and 7135 drivers work by applying PWM (and in the case of the 7135, variable resistance) between LED- and BAT-. The connection from BAT+ to LED+ is direct; it doesn’t even touch the driver board in the case of the new version 17DDm.
Regardless, this looks awesome. Please put me on the interest list.
Ceilingbounce – flashlight testing and runtime graphs for Android
In for one, whenever it’s ready.
I would like to buy one.
I never thought of that, it’s a good idea !
BTW, i’m in
"Hey -X3-, do you have a flashlight ?" "-X3-, can I borrow one of your flashlights ?"
My Flashlight public album (mods, emitter swaps, eye candy)
My reviews channel (French language, Olight, Thorfire : 30+ lights tested)
My personal channel (including Olight SR mini, S1, S2, S1A and S-mini disassembly)
M4DM4X blog, saves you $$$
But that inner tube can do that. but a thin strip of copper or even nickel plated iron would suffice. Me too, if that wasn’t already obvious.
..waiting for parts..
Still looking for 5” parabolic reflector (for recoil light)
1 please
OP list updated
It is done when it is done

How my BLF Specials generally work, please read before asking Qs
The Q8, Exciting a groupbuy for a Premium BLF special high lumens soda can light!
The GT, A BLF special GIGA thrower
The FW3A, a TLF BLF special small, elegant, powerful triple
Lithium Ion safety 101 important read
Sorry grammarlovers, I am a real King Typo.
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