Led4power.com : LD-4 CC linear drivers, ILC-0/1 illuminated tailcaps, optics, MOSX, copper DTP MCPCBs...

Shorts specs:

*0.7mOhm FET, bottom pcb and fet drain is soldered directly to brass case, this eliminates additional contact resistances (those can be higher than FET resistance itself) which are present in classical PCB-retainer tailcap

*ultra-capacitor as auxiliary supply - practically unlimited life,reliable,fast charge, no need to replace it unlike coin batteries

*0-600uA Constant current channel for illumination LEDs

*Press-button momentary switch

*Configuration mode - adjustable illumination brightness, switch UI style, lockout, short-long time threshold set, factory reset.

Switch style 1 works like this: short click changes mode (short-long time threshold can be adjusted in config. mode,default is 0.4sec), long click turns flashlight off. From off, flashlight is turned on at switch press.

Switch style 2 works in the opposite way, short click is on-off, long click cycles through modes.

Entering into config. mode is done by holding switch from off for few sec and entering password after that, config. mode is very similar to LD-x4 config. mode, with table based menu/sub-menu.

For now I plan to have versions for Convoy S, M, C8 lights (with rubber tailcap), and EE X6 lights, also can be other lights which have compatible Convoy/X6 tailcap parts.

I can make custom versions for some other lights if there is enough interest.

OK thanks.
The config-mode displays its settings with the switch leds, isn’t it?

With your actual Switch style, it is not possible, to use Toykeepers UIs like Bistro and A6, As they need a second capacitor on the driver, which works as OTC for aditional long press besides the normal short press on these drivers.
Bistro: ~toykeeper/flashlight-firmware/trunk : files for revision 210 (With pictures, .txt and .c Files for explanation)

But I think Crescendo should work. http://bazaar.launchpad.net/~toykeeper/flashlight-firmware/trunk/files/210/ToyKeeper/crescendo

Yes, switch leds shows where you are currently in config. mode.

My switch generates 100msec power supply break pulse for mode change and it should work with any driver that uses OTC memory.

I assume you mean about medium pulse for mode reverse? I could make other firmware, or option in config. settings for that in near future. This switch is designed for 15A+ current lights, so using DD drivers over that is not the best idea anyway.

Wow!
Please, please also for the Convoy C8 (current standard version, available in black and clear) :wink:

Convoy C8=Sx=Mx when it comes to tailcap dimensions? Actually Convoy C8 is main light where this tailcap will be used I think.

My Convoy C8 (Pill with square threads) has left-threads in the tailcap. Is it the same as on the actual C8’s? I know that the Pill-Version will probably not supportet with your spacer. I don’t want to convert this flashlight.
MantaRay C8.2 has its own sizes in the tailcap. Bigger as Convoy C8 and smaler as Convoy L6.

Are you thinking about making a Spacer and Taiclap-Switch for the MantaRay C8.2?

I think all Convoy C8 versions have same tail retaining ring as current S2+. Maybe except very first batches with right hand threads (as old S2 had).

Spacers will be for standard Convoy pill-less C8, pill version C8 is quite old.

Making only few pcs custom sized spacers and switch modules would be expensive.

I can offer custom sizes for 50+pcs interest or single customer.

SubZero FET switch in C8 tailcap:

So I finally finished C8 with 6x Samsung LH351D 90CRI and 18Amp LD-B4, and installed subZero switch.

Don't have integrating sphere, but wall bounce oh high(18A) shows ~375lux; C8 with XM-L2 shows 103lux; S2+ with Luxeon V @9A shows ~150.

So it looks like it generates ~5000-ish lumens,close to datasheet numbers. Not bad for single cell 90CRI light. Next is 6x Luxeon V @30Amp, that should be more fun, and better test for subZero switch.

So even in situations where the Omten switches are adequate (~12A for example) I assume this will be less resistance and be a measurable difference? For a VTC6 or VTC5A battery would this pull more amps than a equally bypassed Omten in that situation?

Also, any ETA on those X6 spacers?

This fits perfectly here :smiley:

I have ignored DD-lights for years because I thought the concept was too simple with too little benefit. led4power is changing that with his high-tech approach.

@contactcr: a FET switch will definitely have a lower resistance compared to an Omten switch with bypassed springs.

Djozz did some basic testing of few switches before: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/27675#comment-612637

It seems Omten 1288 switch has resistance of about 5-7mOhm, I will too check that with 4-wire method. Djozz also reported that resistance decreases a little bit with current, and it should be the opposite - at first look this looks like good thing, but it's not - it's a sign that metal contacts inside of switch get softer/stickier due to high temperature, so contact area increases; also high temperature helps with removal of surface impurities. But high temperature means short lifetime and questionable reliability.

Also,one important thing is that djozz tested switches with pure DC current, my intuition tells me that high current DC pulses from PWM DD drivers would be much worse due to constant current interruptions and possible arching.

Conclusion is that Omten 1288 switch, or practically any other mechanical switch of similar size is not good or reliable over 5A, yes many use it up to ~12A, but just calculated power dissipation in switch at that current (~1Watt of heat) is worrying, small plastic switch cannot dissipate that amount of power in the long term.

SubZero switch has 1~2mOhm resistance (testing in progress), and great cooling (MOSFET soldered directly to brass shell), so yes,every clicky light should benefit form that, DD driven LEDs would show higher lux/lumen readings due to larger current from battery, CC driven lights would stay in regulation for longer time, and overall light efficiency would improve.

Like most people,I would not dare to sell 12A+ light with OMTEN switch to customers, and that's the reason you don't see any 9A+ custom clicky lights for sale.

With FET switch like subZero, switch is no longer weakest point that limits power and reliability.

nice :), when will the switch be available? Looking for to built C8 with Luxeon MZ driven as hard as possible (15-18apms).

And how much will the switch cost?

End of next week I hope, still need to fine tune firmware and add some stuff.

MZ 5700K 90CRI will be available in ~2weeks.

You'll need orange peel reflector for C8 to get smoother beam.

Sure, I already prepared the HOST, new C8+ Sand color, SS bezel with orange peel reflector.

Does C8+ have same iner head dimensions as C8?

Now that you mentioned it, which OP reflector do you have?

I have few from old C8 and they are 31.5mm high, SMO reflector in newer C8 is 32-32.5mm high.

Is there 32-32.5mm OP reflector for Convoy C8?

Wtb x6 spacers. Hurry up guys :slight_smile:

Kiribaru C8 head arriving today

I measured,

orig. C8 smooth refl. 32,7mm
some C8 Smooth 31,5mm
Fasttech C8 orange peel 32,9mm
Banggood C8 orange peel 32,8mm

I installed OP refl. to C8+ without any problem. It seems fit will be fine. You only need smaller gasket, because a reflector openning hole is smaller.

These gaskets from FT fits fine.

Thank you for reflector details, just ordered 2x OP on Banggood.

I'm not worried about reflector compatibility between C8 vs. C8+, but I'm not sure C8 spacer for 6x ANNA optics will be compatible with C8+.

I would buy several spacers for Manta Ray C8.2 if available.

For several pieces you should contact BLF member Kiriba-ru.