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

Got to keep the UI as simple as possible. TF will want to sell this to more than just flashaholics !

Cool. Sorry for your hardship and appreciating you going on with this!

Definitely true. it needs to be user friendly for general campers, travelers, emergency preparedness, Scouts groups, mariners, remote locations, expeditions, even under-developed locations where good, bright lighting is needed. This lantern with a USB charging input, added with a simple 10-watt foldable solar charger panel can be a infinitely sustainable light source for anywhere where thee is no lighting.

Yah, but shipping from the manufacturer by default in “muggle mode” should take care of that. I don’t se why the Q8 driver couldn’t be used pretty much as-is with just the physical change from a FET to a bank of a few 7135s and the Narsil or maybe Anduril firmware, including TK’s candle and thunderstorm modes, and set to “muggle mode” out of the box.

Agreed, I hope to hear back with some input from DEL & Tom-E ( and the other Q8 project team) on their input if it is ok to use & incorporate the Q8 driver in the BLF lantern, and if its possible to adapt changes to the driver for the lantern, As in lowering its peak output for continuous running, any alterations to the mode & groups, (with addition of ToyKeeper’s Candle & sunset-modes, ) and at least the addition of the USB input charging capability to charge the lantern’s cells. (and maybe ad the power-Bank feature if that is feasible or not)
As of right now once the Q8 mule for the lantern arrives, I will build the new prototype using the Q8 body, parts of the head, and its driver to get a working design to go from.

The hard part is getting USB to work. And, if desired, getting the light to do constant-current output instead of PWM. I think DEL already solved the constant current bits though, and was finishing up USB.

Taking a Q8 driver and limiting its output is easy. Literally just build an already-designed FET+N+1 Q8 aftermarket driver… minus a few chips. Changing modes and UI is easy too.

Please put me on the list for ONE lantern.

If the board is being redesigned is there any change of using a single usb-c port in lieu of separate usb in and out? Would that end up being higher or lower in cost?

Difficult to know, ToyKeeper & DEL would be able to answer that better. But right now standard USB inter face is planned as most Solar chargers or power banks have not incorporated USB-C yet, and none of my Solar folding chargers or panels have USB-C. (without the need for an adapter cord, etc.) USB-C seems more practical for data devices like phones & tablets, all this lantern will need is a common USB micro plug cord to charge it from any USB power source.

+1

That’s fair - your project, your rules. It just seems to be the way every phone, powerbank, and eventually solar panel is heading in so I wanted to bring it up. Can’t wait!

Please add me to the list! Thanks.

I am absolutely interested. Please put me down for +1 lantern.

Right now its the cost too of USB-C interfsce because its such a new option. see how it goes with the driver designers for this project, both Toykeeper & DEL may be able ot answer that better for you.

Interest List updated in OP Post

I’m new to the forum, but definitely want to be put on the list (for 2)

Check #1130 please.

I am in 1

Added you to # 678 on the list :slight_smile: ( sorry i missed your original request.)

Can you explain candle mode? If it’s a flickering light pretending to be a candle, it’s really annoying and shouldn’t be part of a lantern.

How’s the price difference between an USB-C socket against an microUSB socket? USB protocoll doesn’t change with that.
Is QC or PD planned to be used and wt which current can be charged?
How about using dual USB socket (USB-C & microUSB), so that the lantern will be usable even in 10 years without adapter?
What are the current plans and planned options for color temperature and red light mode?

If candle mode annoys you, don’t use it. Other people really like it, though. Here’s a preview: