*BLF LT1 Lantern Project) (updated Nov,17,2020)

Lantern with power bank functionality, that takes 4x18650 cells and ideally has other functions gets my vote for the next project.

ideas for other features
waterproof slot for matches, usb cables etc
12v input
Timer to off or moonlight mode
threaded base for tripod mount
flap or curtain for creating a shadow side, ideally reflective for more output to the other side.

Ah, the new photos show something that looks very much like a Q8 with a light handler on top. This is what I thought was being suggested way back.

I would suggest that such a configuration is not a waste of a Q8, but a more flexible implementation. I would recommend thinking about an attachment between a Q8 and the lamp diffuser that does not involve threading. Simply using a clamping mechanism of some sort would allow a simple and quick way to move between lantern and raw Q8. Best of both worlds. And allows rapidly going from werewolf target identifier to werewolf locator. Sorry, I am reading a werewolf series that is quite good; it just spilled over a bit here…

Still anxiously awaiting my Q8…but lets not forget a big part of what makes this light so amazing. It cost $40…go ahead say it out loud…forty dollars!

Keep it simple.

I think there’s definitely a market for DBSAR’s dedicated lantern design, Q8 attachments or not. Look at how popular Fenix’s lanterns are, for example. They’ve even been doing well enough to catch the attention of the generic manufacturers, who’ve clearly ripped off the design for themselves.

some nice ideas for additions there :slight_smile:
This lantern prototype uses a Nanjq Q-Lite driver which has moonlight mode, ( then Low,medium, & High) on moonlight it will run for over a month.

I am still very interested in this project.

Email send to Barry and DBSAR
1 to point Barry to this thread and urge Thorfire to make this high quality lantern
2 to provide DBSAR with the Q8 CAD files so he can do the design, show Thorfire and us what is the plan with some pictures.

I could have worded it better, what I meant was the ability to set a timer so that it maintains current light output, then at the end of the timer goes to either off, or moonlight, whichever was selected.

This is something ideal for camping, so you can read in a sleeping bag until too sleepy to want to get up to turn off the light, which will wake you (and others with a noisy zipper) up anyway, and have the light turn off by itself, or revert to a night-light function if you do not want complete darkness.

Wait didn’t TK do things with timers?
Gonna point her to this post.

DBSAR, driver software needed things?
e switch
moon yes no
low 5, med 40, high 100% (or ramp?)
memory yes no
reverse by long click yes no
voltage readout
timer setting 1 light on, dimming after X time
timer setting 2 light off, slowly turn on after X time
sideswitch, beacon or off

this lantern seems very nice, subscribing so I can buy it in the future. Thanks for all the hard work.

Glad this thread is getting some action again. I’m definitely still interested in this and would also prefer a finished, dedicated lantern instead of an accessory for my Q8.

I didn’t know this thread existed. I’m a bit behind on the specs and goals… but it’s a lantern head for the Q8 body? Screw-on bezel attachment for a lantern-style diffuser? The driver is a Q8 driver, with FET+1 and e-switch and tiny85? Whole new light?

I’ve been using a “good night” mode on my lights for years, and was recently pondering adding an alarm clock mode. I doubt it would be a stretch to make something designed for lantern-style use.

The upside of a big MCU like the tiny85 is it has plenty of space for cool features. The downside is that it draws more power, so moon mode won’t last as long. Unless I can find a way to reduce operating power, but I don’t expect to find huge improvements there.

If it’s using an e-switch and Q8 driver, I could make firmware for it pretty quickly. If it’s new hardware it’ll take longer.

New light
I THINK best if it is sharing tube, tail and switch of the Q8.
Same bottom side of Q8 head, so same switch and tripod mount location but above that all new head.
And a new driver so a lower power using MCU is preferred for it is not a lumen monster at all. Runtime rules. I think DBSAR aims for 500 lumens, maybe even less from a single led.
But it is his project so he can say it much better :wink:

If it shares tube, tail and switch it’s still possible to have connections for charging etc. on the (under)side of the head, so definately sounds interesting.
Would also make it cheaper and easier for getting Thorfire interested in producing it.

My best paint skills :

For some reason I kind of expect DBSAR to do the connectors on the same flat as the tripod mount, so a rubber flap can be securely bolted to the tripod mount.
But of course it is up to him, he has the CAD files to go wild :slight_smile:

LOL, is this the same “The_Miller” as before? I think I read probably 20 of your posts before realizing the new avatar and username were you.

username is still the same :slight_smile:
I really liked the avatar with J-Dub74 Q8 beamshot, but it looked not distinctive enough so wanted to change it anyways

I think a nice idea would be to have a second tailcap, that way USB ports and coiled up charging cables can be secured in an already waterproof area. Drawback Is of course tailstand, unless the lantern has tuck-away legs. Diagram looks a bit unstable without legs anyway.

What?! No…

It used to be “The_Miller”… right?

Now it is “The Miller”

Or am I crazy?

edit: I am crazy.

I just used the wayback machine to look at an old cached version and it was “The Miller”. Why in the world did I think it was The_Miller?

I think for a lantern/camp light, water resistance/proof is more important that a typical EDC. I wouldn’t mind seeing connectors protected by something more robust than the typical loose friction fit flap.

edit: I just re-read your post - were you suggesting somehow using the tripod mount as a positive engagement point for securing the connector cover? I like that