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

The mode groups aren’t the same as a Q8, exactly… because it has none. Instead, it lets users define their own mode group. It still offers both a smooth ramp and discrete brightness levels, but the latter is user-configured instead of using hardcoded mode groups.

The cooler tint should probably be 5000K instead of 4000K.

Interesting. First I’ve heard of the angle, I think. I had assumed it was 90 or 180.

I’m not sure it’ll get 850 to 1000 lumens with just 1.4 Amps. Time for some quick measurements and napkin math.

Using measurements and some numbers from spec sheets, I get…

  • XP-G3 CW 70CRI:
    • measured 160 OTF lm / 7135 chip
    • rated 177 lm / 350mA
  • LH351D 5000K 90CRI:
    • rated 410 lm / 1.05 A (or 137 lm / 350mA) (or 547 lm / 1.4 A)
    • calculated 520 OTF lm at 1.4A

So, my guess is about 520 lm for this lantern, if it uses 4x7135 per channel and has very little loss. To hit the range of 850 to 1000 lm, it would probably need 7x7135 per channel (estimated 911 lm).

There was a post in another thread somewhere with a quote from a Sofirn employee, to the effect that Sofirn is the manufacturer for Thorfire, not just another brand using the same manufacturer. So if correct the Q8 is a Sofirn manufactured product to Thorfire specs, which explains why Sofirn can sell original Q8 parts.

Would it not be preferable to deal with Sofirn directly? Since they are breaking out with their own products now, they must have a design team, and have all the Q8 specs programmed already, as well as a parts inventory. Sofirn seems to be building a good name for themselves and taking our niche market seriously, wouldn’t this be an ideal opportunity to let them run with it directly rather than handing it to a 3rd, and as yet unknown brand? Seems to me to be a relationship worth pursuing, thinking future projects as well. Prototyping would surely be smoother dealing with the manufacturer directly rather than through a 3rd party.

:+1: @Zulumoose

[quote=ToyKeeper]

How would reflowing the leds influence the tint ramp. Say I would reflow the Leds and use 2000K and 6000K leds, would it mess up the tint ramp? BTW: I don’t even know if there LEDS in that spectrum, it’s just an example.

I would really like the warmest tint available for this lantern and for lightning mode I think a really cool tint would offer the best effect…. Not saying I want to push my thoughts for the final product, I can roll my own by reflowing the LEDs. That’s why I ask the question.

It would not mess up the tint ramp.

TK is just saying we should have a wide range of tints between 3000k and 5000k.

So yes, you can reflow your own 2000k and 6000k LEDs. However, for the 2000k version, the output will suffer tremendously.

[quote=dekozn]

Apart from that imperfect blending of the two led tints will show up clearer when the tints are further apart, I do not think that the quality of the in-between tints gets much worse if 2000 and 6000K are chosen. That said, if I think of the led spectra that add up, I’m very sure that 2700 and 5000K give perfect in-between tints, and I expect but am not completely sure that 2000 and 6000K give perfect in-between spectra.

Edited my errors :slight_smile: especially the 45 degree one. ( it should be at least 90 degrees or can be 180 degrees on the opposite side if needed ( in place of the original Q8 tripod hole)

as for the lumens, i was mostly estimating from the measurements i got using four XP-L LEDs at the time. (maybe the white-surface light bounce amplified the light? (the upper & lower light surfaces painted matte white really increased the light out 180 degrees around the lantern over the bare metal surfaces did) we can go with 5000K for the higher LEDs., though i have none of them to really test yet.

good point. Barry will be the liason to decide where & under what brand the BLF lantern will be manufactured. I just realized that we don’t have a name/model for the lantern yet… ( like Q8, GT, A6, etc. we need a model number or name for the lantern.

We need a name for the lantern, (like the Q8, GT, A6, etc.) the lantern does not really have a unique name yet. Post your thoughts on a name we can use, ( or number designation?) then we can put it to a vote.

@DBSAR, do you want me to speak to Sofirn about the project?

I asked them out for a DIY part for the BLF Q8 battery tube and tailcap, and I discovered they were making a BLF Q8 V1.5, with an extended battery tube, and XPL HI.

I could perhaps forward the lantern specs and measurements/characteristics to them and see if they are good with making it.

That would be great if you want to. I send Barry the specs & drawing last night, and assuming he has the ties with Sofirn too.

Yep. The reason I am more comfortable with Sofirn than Thorfire is that even Haikelite is willing to send replacement parts for their lights, which has not been the case at all for Thorfire.

Sofirn on the other hand is very cooperative.

On the other hand, it is so amazing that we can actually do these kinds of group buys.

10 years ago, that would have never been possible. Be it custom BLF lights, custom springs, LEDs that we can’t buy without ordering 800pcs(Nichia).

Finally, on another point, how was your camping trip?

good points. I am still on my east coast trip, (will be until July 16th.) i plan on doing more detailed field tests of the lantern & 3000K & 4000K LH351D LEDs while on this trip.

I’m interested in one.

Name ideas:

- Campfire

- CF6 (CampFire, 6 LEDs?)

- SunLight

- SL4 (Sunlight 4, 4*7135 chips?)

- 天灯 (Sky Lantern… bonus points for a red anodized version)

Ooh the BLF Skylantern.

Now that is a good name.

I vote for BLF Skylantern

Good day guys, I’m @123, can you please add 2 more please. Thanks :innocent:

Please put me down for 2 :+1:

I’ve been watching this project from the nearly the beginning and am very excited about the V2 prototype. That is a great looking design! Looks like a high dollar lantern you could buy at REI or something.

BLF Lantern
Would be a nice descriptive name

or BLF L6 HighCRI
(lantern with 6 LEDs)

BLF lantern

Great name, it just needs a logo with one of the letters (the ‘a’ is right in the middle) swapped for a cosy flame pic (the flame in orange of course)