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

Other Types of Lights LED Lanterns
1193

Yes, one led is enough, that one is probably easier to spread out evenly if any optic would be used. The led even does not need to be on a DTP board, any crap alu board will do the job. Further, the lantern need not to be built very heavy, perhaps for rigidity but not for heat spreading.

I sent a mail to Barry with some suggestions for the Q8, but also I directed him to this thread and suggested to contact DBSAR via PM. I have the impression that email is easier for him so perhaps you could send him an email too? (I will get you his by PM ).

1194

I’d definitely love to see USB C integration. The more I read about updates and discussion about this the more exciting it gets.

1195

Having had a couple of USB C devices it I should say it is nothing special as a power connector, possibly weaker than even USB micro. Good old USB mini is far better. Designed for slimline mobile ’phones, and people who struggle to put the connector in the right way around, to be chucked away or “upgraded” every couple of years.

It does support rapid charging using various proprietary protocols and chargers, which work, but I don’t think are needed here.

It serves a function as a modern data connector I suppose, but doesn’t replace a big solid standard

edit: USB A (maybe 3) port in my affections. Plenty of room for one of these on this lantern. Which, by the way, is also good as a 2+ Amp output connection for powerbank applications.

edit off:

Rant off.

I think this lantern has no need for anything more than a single LED and a generic 7135 driver, perhaps modded for e-switch, preferably with a flashable Attiny controller, maybe running Crescendo. (I think it fits on even the Attiny 13).

I have not signed the interest list because I don’t think I need this, or want the weight/robustness. I already have two Cybalite/Ring/Frendo lanterns which have given good use over several years running from x3 D cells (or Cs or AAs in carriers). Notionally 300 lumens, which is plenty.

This sort of thing: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-Cyba-Lite-Vega-LED-Lantern/dp/B002FW3TF4

I even gave one an emitter swap to warm it up. They are good enough for me, despite being made of (lightweight, very durable and strong) plastic.

I can also remove the reflector/diffuser and use them as a naked light bulb. Which is how they are mostly used, hanging from a tree on a bit of string, or bouncing off the roof of the tent.

I did consider hollowing out the battery box and putting in as many 18650s in parallel as would fit, together with a charging circuit, but never got around to it.

I will buy into this at the right price, I do love chunky metal things, well designed, and this looks like one.

1196

Higher cost may a prohibiting factor to use a USB-C plug interface/port which is designed more for phones & tablets with data transfer + charging. As in the lantern its just a charging port (no data) its not really worth the point of using a more expensive USB-C interface for just a charging port. The only advantage it would have in this case would be the ambidextrous plug, (can plug in to the port in ant direction) I can not find any power charging circuit that has the USB-C yet.

1197

Interested depending on cost! Would love to have an option for 5000k.

1198

I just found out I haven’t yet showed my interest on this project, how come?

I’d be in for one. If it shares the tube/interface with the Q8 it might get me to buy the set

I see talk about brightness in the 500 lumen range, but with a configurable ceiling I think having the option to go all out would be cool too

1199

I would love to help fulfill the project. Please check your message.

Barry

1200

Reading the message now :slight_smile:

1201

I liked miniUSB too. Unfortunately it has been abandoned around 2010.

Can’t the USB-C plug be used exactly like an microUSB plug, with the only difference it’s a few cent more expensive to buy?
Advantage would be lontime cable compatibility without the need for adapters. And of course when using in dark/unlit places, plugging in the cable will be more convenient :slight_smile:

1202

I agree. I’d support USB Type C as it’s the next big thing. Also it’s more durable.

1203

Interested in one!

1204

USB-C has more charging-profiles and can deliver much more power on higher voltages.
It can be used as Input and output, but I would use it only for charging the Latern.

1205

Interested too. Good concept

1206

I’m also interested in one depending on cost.

1207

For me it doesn’t really matter if the lantern will be with usb type C or micro-usb. But that depends on costs. If the costs are about the same (a slight increase in cost wouldn’t be a problem either) than definitely go for type C for the ease of use and long-term compatibility.

If I recall correctly the usb header pcb will be seperated from the main driver. So if in a few years micro usb is as obsolete as mini usb you can mod it to usb type c without too much difficulties. Or just leave it as is of course

1208

For me the ability to charge or discharge through USB C is the main draw of that aspect. If it’ll be cost prohibitive then I’d definitely vote for micro USB.

1209

We would need someone to develop a Charging/USB power bank circuit to do that form the same port, which i doubt is possible & would drive the price of the lantern far higher than intended. The USB micro port is not going anywhere anytime soon or being replaced anytime soon by USB-C, ( at least the port interface will not be. ) I can;t say of a cost or possibility as technical USB circuitry is out of my range of ability to design, and will need a team member who has that ability. Right now i plan on the second generation prototype to have the TP4056 micro USB module same as the 1st prototype has, because i can work that circuit board to work with any driver including the Q8 driver.

1210

Please put me on the list for one.

1211

Yes, and PCB designs are already available for the TP4056 circuit, so if you know how to integrate it already (that’s the hard part) then drawing a new PCB that includes both the charge circuit and the driver circuit should be easy (for someone who knows how to use Eagle or Diptrace).

1212

I disagree, I suspect it is not the “next big thing” except for slimline devices that make good use of the data connection. In my experience it is a very weak connector, weaker than even USB micro, possibly designed intentionally so.

These two are supposed to have sacrificial cable connectors, that should wear out before the host connector, but IME they don’t, as many cables don’t seem to be made with the softer metals, correct dimensions and gold finishes that seemed to work OK in the labs.

Beyond maybe 500 or 750 insertion/extractions they start failing (that would be perhaps 18 months or two years for a mobile ’phone)

The gold standard is the Nokia charging connector, the big one or the little one. After that, a standard laptop co-ax connector (I forget the dimensions, there are many). All of these are rugged.

May I suggest a look at the TP5100 buck charging circuit instead of the TP4560. It can charge at 2A, and accept input voltages up to 18V, i.e. you could plug it straight in to a car 12V socket. I have no experience with this one, but I think it is worth a look.