The reason for two optics is to have one for spot and one for flood. Trying to do that with one optic would be tricky to say the least.
Tint will be impossible to please everyone, but from recent polls we’ve had on BLF, most peole will be happy with a neutral light in the 4000K to 5000K range.
BLF created firmware has far exceeded the A6 capabilities. Not saying the A6 firmware is bad. Just saying if you like that, you will LOVE what we have for you now! :heart_eyes:
IMHO, getting a headlamp up to 3000 lumens would be nearly impossible to do and very dangerous if it were accomplished, both because of heat. Really, it doesn’t make any sense at all to put 3000 lumens on your head. I have a very nice headlamp that has max output around ~1000lm and that is more than adequate. I say we aim for that, and make it moddable for those who want more lumens to change theirs later. That’s easily accomplished by making the LEDs accessible from a removable bezel, and make sure the MCPCBs and the driver are all ‘standard’ size/shape parts. While we’re at it, we can make sure the optics are ‘standard’ size/shape so those can be changed if someone wants both flood or both spot or something else.
I’m with you on the ‘standard’ headlamp shape instead of L-shape.
I’m also in agreement about battery behind the emitter, rather than a separate battery box, although I have no experience with the latter to know whether I’d actually like it or not. I have had devices with small/thin connecting wires and those wires do always end up being the weak point where breakage happens first.
I’m for USB charging, but to be honest, I’m not totally convinced of its usefulness. I would probably change batteries and keep going rather than stop using the headlamp long enough to get it charged.
Can we resolve the differences in a technical way? You have a good point, let’s try.
Without increasing head size you could do 2 optics that have at most 12-13 mm diameter. Quite floody even with XP-L HI.
Throwier with a flat 1mm² LED like Osram KW CSLNM1.TG, but this one is probably only cool low-CRI. Any other options?
Also, a single flood emitter won’t be as efficient as a triple.
What other ways we can use to achieve the dual-beamness?
TIR based zoomie? Adds some weight, but could be interesting.
Triple TIR with different LEDs in different cups? Similar to small individual optics. DC-FIX could be applied to a subset of cups.
As to battery choice:
Personally I find my Skilhunt H03 quite heavy. Without the 2nd strap I have to strap it very tight, not comfortable for a longer period. I suppose I could use 18350 more comfortably without going with the 2nd strap…
Sum up the weight of 18650 flashlight and a 2-strap band. Then 18350 with 1-strap band and 2 spare batteries. Runtime is the same, the latter weighs less. If you don’t need that much runtime, you take one spare or none at all. If you need more, you use the 18650 tube and 1 or more spares. That’s nice versatility.
Personally I often have low energy needs where a single 18350 is plenty. On the lights that support shorty cells I always go for having both short and full tube.
The problem of “standart” configuration with 2 emitters that all driver and led should be on one MCPCB ,so development is harder and modding is harder too.
“IMHO, getting a headlamp up to 3000 lumens would be nearly impossible to do and very dangerous if it were accomplished, both because of heat.”
have you not seen the 3350lm thurnite? TH30 3350 Lumens Headlamp Ultra Bright Headlight
Shows that it is possible for a short period to have 3000+ lumens as a nice boost when needed… I agree about the 1000lms(I use the HC65/HC30/H3) but a boost to 3000+lm can be useful and saves carrying the extra flashlight that you may do for those occassions they are needed
“BLF created firmware has far exceeded the A6 capabilities. Not saying the A6 firmware is bad. Just saying if you like that, you will LOVE what we have for you now! :heart_eyes: ”
DO tell and what can it be flashed too?
“I’m for USB charging, but to be honest, I’m not totally convinced of its usefulness. I would probably change batteries and keep going rather than stop using the headlamp long enough to get it charged.”
Take a look at the Nitecore NU range(I have a few) honestly they are great but a tad lacking for some things.Just means you can charge on the go as I have done with both the NU20 and HC65(usually in the Landie)also you can run them whilst they are connected to a powerbank. This has been a very good plus feature on the NU range as I have ended up on two occassions using a powerbank with them and still using them as my light source.
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The reason for two optics is to have one for spot and one for flood. Trying to do that with one optic would be tricky to say the least.
Tint will be impossible to please everyone, but from recent polls we’ve had on BLF, most peole will be happy with a neutral light in the 4000K to 5000K range.”
I have no issues with two optics just may be easier to make using one that was all. As to tint oh yes you will never please everyone, Even me and my partner don’t always agree as I prefer cold white where she prefers Neutral white or Nichia….
” I say we aim for that, and make it moddable for those who want more lumens to change theirs later. That’s easily accomplished by making the LEDs accessible from a removable bezel, and make sure the MCPCBs and the driver are all ‘standard’ size/shape parts. While we’re at it, we can make sure the optics are ‘standard’ size/shape so those can be changed if someone wants both flood or both spot or something else”
Heck yes to all this…
Just starting out with modding so as no other headlamps seem easy one that is design from the outset to be modable is a brilliant idea
Note: there are good 18700 batteries with built-in chargers.
They can be used as a substitute to having charging in flashlight.
This is not a perfect solution, less fool-proof, less comfortable to use, no 18400 equivalent.
But sometimes it may be better than an in-light charger due to cost or size limitations.
LOL think if there was someone who was actually interesting in making some they would be very happy to hear that you are “in for 2” but for not this is about seeing what interests there is and what people expect…
Another idea could be concept of minimalistic small and lightweight L-shaped headlamp.
As you can see most manufacturers do not care about this. Even ZL H600 mkx has 39g, and 98mm while old H60 has only 33g and 91mm.
If you look at H03 for example you can see many points where size and weight can be reduced. ( smaller optics, unprotected 18650, thinner driver…)
I think such concept with some BLF UI , and modern Hicri led could be interesting.
I was shocked that my M43 with 12x LH351D 4000k 90CRI renders colors worst than the M43 with XP-L HI or XP-G2 4000k 5D tint because the LH351D tint is so much further above the BBL, everything is yellow tinted, whereas with the 4000k 5D, white looks natural white in comparison and colors actually appear more vivid despite being only 70CRI. It’s unfortunate we don’t have access to LH351D with a less yellow/green tint bin.
I believe the best chance we have is a headlamp that will be available as a host. No glue. Removable 20mm lens with the depth for a Carclo lens. 17mm driver with threaded ring. Beefy solid shelf. Anodized “square” threads. Copper beryllium tail cap spring. Basically the things many of us have requested for years. Optionally, sell multiple tailcaps. A plain version comes with the headlamp, then versions with magnets some version or two of charging, or a lanyard hole, maybe a 1/4-20 hole, etc, could be swapped.
H30, and they’re claiming 4000 lumens. Not a good headlamp imo though.
I could be happy with an Emisar headlamp. Take the D4 and throw a kink in it. I’d still prefer distinct mode levels so I can more easily estimate battery life on very long hikes, but flashing the driver would fix that.
:+1: