I cannot solder. But I may try/learn because I would like to put the RampingIOS V3 on the D4. But I’ll wait and see how the V2 UI works out.
I’ve been looking at the GT mini vs the Emisar D1S or D1. But for a small thrower, I will wait until the D4 and Convoy S2+ come in, and I’ve played with them a bit to see what I like and don’t like.
The D4S does look nice, but it means another type of battery —- but then I already invested in the Xtar VC4 charger, and that should charge 26650s, so by getting something that needed 26650s I’d actually be using the VC4 more, making it better value for money, so I’d end up saving money! :student:
The D4 and 30Q arrived today. This is what I have so far
I like the A6, in either long 18650 or short 18350 format. In short format it’s about the same size as 18650 Emisar D4. The D4 in 18350 feels a little small, and I prefer it in 18650 format.
After using the D4, now when I pick up the A6 I feel for a side switch! The D4 seems to have a nicer wider spread for me, but even in Nichia, I may want something warmer…. time will tell.
The D4 gets warm quickly, and steps down while the A6 stays high when I have them side by side on high…. so,… A6 kind of wins on this because the difference in high is not so great, and lasts longer on A6. And A6 spot and spread is white, while the D4 seems a little brown in spot when high and stepping down, with cooler white outside the spot — but I prefer the wider even spread of the D4.
What I’ve learnt from the first 5 minutes(!) of playing with them both together is that I like the side switch and spread of the D4, but the quick step down in annoying. Maybe I need Ramping 3 with a lower top level?
I also found I would like to try a wide even spread without a hot spot —- a “wall of light”.
Convoy S2+ is still to arrive, so I’ll see how that compares with these two when I get it.
It is a good skill to have. I would recommend starting on something a lot less expensive than a D4. I’ve replaced the driver on most of my Convoy lights.
With practice and decent tools swapping out a driver is quick and easy. The S2+ is a little harder because the retaining ring is soldered in.
Another option is to buy an Astrolux C8 from banggood. It is a Convoy clone with the A6 driver already installed. Don’t pay full price. The generic 4BLF discount code should work or maybe the FLSTNE code. You can also search the deals thread or even request a deal.
The D4 is meant to get as much light as possible out of a very small 18650 light.
With a good battery D4 is pushing around 5Amps in to each LED before it ramps down. The D4 doesn’t have much mass to soak up the heat coming off of the massively overdriven LEDs. Toykeeper’s new firmware will help but there is no getting around the physics.
If you need longer runtimes on turbo you need a bigger light. The D4S is better but will still get hot and ramp down. The 219C version has turbo limited to 80%. XP-L Hi will be brighter but has low CRI.
I’ve got a BLF Q8 which is a little brighter and doesn’t heat up. I don’t like it as much as the D4S though.
The 219C in the D4 and D4s is 90CRI, 5000K. That is pretty close to daylight white. As a rule, cooler tint bins are brighter per watt.
I ordered my “Sandy Brown” S2+ with a warm 3000K 70CRI U4-7A XPL-HI emitter. The light is odd-yellow looking and not especially bright with the original 7135x8 driver. I’ve decided to keep the emitter because it complements the body colour.
My bargain grey S2 came with a cold 6500K-7000K XM-L2 U2. I found it very cold and harsh. It was cheaper to buy the entire light than a bare host. It now has a 5000K 219C and a BLF A6 driver. New AR glass too because I broke the original during the emitter swap.
I don’t need longer runtimes on turbo —- I just want to show off on turbo :smiling_imp: For actual use, I just need something basic I can use inside the home D4 is overkill for the job, but much more fun :sunglasses:
I’m tempted to try a D4S, with the newer v3 IU. But that means another line of batteries… and it does look fatter then that D4. The BLF Q8 looks even bigger! I’ve also started checking out the Mini GT for a thrower. But I like the Emisar styling, so maybe a D1 for that job.
Does anyone know if the D4 and D1 body parts lego?
Although I have only the BLF A6 and Emisar D4, both with short and long tubes, I feel like I have 4 lights to play with!
The even spread on that beam looks good. But it looks a little large for me — I’m probably settling on something pocketable (for now). I may try and get the floody 10623 optic for the D4. It was an option on intl-outdoor but I’m not sure where to pick up this piece locally in the UK or EU.
A quick google search found the 10623 in stock at Conrad. Carclo are UK based. The plastic optics are probably made outside the UK.
Yes.
The Q8 can just about be smashed into a pocket. I never do. There isn’t a lanyard hole either. You pretty much have to carry it or set it down. It weighs around 500g with 4 batteries. Build quality, fit, and finish is slightly below Emisar. The biggest difference is the way the two lights feel.
The Q8 will run on Turbo a lot longer. After 30 seconds it is still over 5000 Lumens. 4x18650 will have about 12000mAh vs. 5000 - 6000mAh from a single 26650. .
YOU ARE HOOKED.
Accept it. and hide the card from missus.
we all buy a zillion lights, getting up to the ones we’ll be happy with. (Maybe… Ha Ha)
Till Tomorrer, Maybe.
So far. “I’m” happy with these.
Convoy L6
Convoy L2
Convoy C8 x 2. (XM-L/XP-Hi)
Sofurn C8T (All 5000)
Convoy C8+ Xp-L (in post)
Sky-RAY S-R5
Convoy S2/S2+.
SKYRAY KING 9x led.
Astrolux S41.
Imalent DN35.
Jetbeam Jet-1 MK.
Astrolux AO1.
Coupla 2 x 18650 cell divers lights. (2 and 3 x Cree led’s.)
and don’t look at the other 40/50 in the drawer I bought getting here.
They cover. basically the range I want.
so now It’s more a “do I really want this one”. now.
and I NEVER buy one without leaving it for a min of 2 days b4 deciding.
I bought a coupla cheap Toshiba Laptop Battery’s. 6 cell…
When stripped down. they are Samsung and LG x 6.
2200 and 2500. Others are Panasonic B’s (Reliable) and 30Q’s.
It’s a good way to top up your 18650 cells with reliability.
IE, NOT Chinese. and $5 AUD each.
I’ve thrown the Chinese battery’s away. Apart from a coupla prs of Protected ones.
you can’t trust them to give to somebody and sleep at night.
AND I’m only “mildly” addicted. You got it all to come mate.
Be patient and go through the coupons and Flash sales.
you can buy most at or near half price.
PS These are ALL but 2. Budget class but proven.
The Convoy S2+ arrived today, with 18350 tube and cone (in fact I got two cones, but I think I only ordered one.) I asked Simon for Biscotti, and he put it on :+1: I’ve set the Convoy to group mode 2 (5 levels, no flashes or blinks) without mode memory. Nice and simple.
The Convoy is slightly shorter than the BLF A6, and the black is more matt than the shinier and smoother A6. The Convoy head fits and works with the A6 body, but the A6 head does not fit on the Convoy body. I’ve got the protected KeepPower 18650 cell inside — the fit is not as tight as the A6.
After 5 minutes playing with the Convoy, I say my favourite is still the D4 (for side switch and ramping and wow-factor power), then the A6 (for being able to go up and down), then the Convoy. But time will tell.
I think my ideal would be the D4 with RampingIOS3 and a wider spread.
[quote=Andrew_Debbie]
A quick google search found the 10623 in stock at Conrad.[/QUOTE]
I already have a Conrad account, and found the 10623 optic for £2.79, but shipping is £6.99 — so I think I need to fill my basket with other stuff to make it worthwhile
Conrad also have an even more floody optic, 10624, in stock too. Which one to get?
Both
Left to right: original D4 clear 10622; frosted 10623 25.9 degree; 10624 40.3 degree (legs unclipped at this point — 2 legs need to be removed because of the screws in the MCPCB)
Left to Right: KeepPower 18350 for reference; Emisar D4 with 18350 tube and Carclo 10624 widebeam optic (so cute :heart_eyes: ); Convoy S2+ (given to my wife, Biscotti mode 2 no blinkies, protected KeepPower 3500mAh cell); 18650 cell for reference; BLF A6; EFEST 26650 for reference; Emisar D4S XP-L HI V2 5D 4000K with red aux LED (arrived yesterday.)
I like the RampingIOS v3 on the D4S. It looked like the ceiling was set to max, so I dropped it down by 20 clicks. Now I can turn it on to ‘high’ but still have option to go to max. The red aux LEDs were set to high, so I set them to low — will wait until tonight to see how that looks. I’m using a Bassen 4200mAh cell in the D4S, but also got the EFEST to try too.
Oh this thread looks so familiar. I needed a flashlight so started searching around a bit. I’ve always been interested in flashlights and have some Nitecores, led lensers and maglites from earlier but then I found this forum… Quickly escalated to ordering Emisar D4, Astrolux MF02S, Convoy s2+, some banggood camping lights and latest addition is a Gen3 Maxabeam… I think a Emisar D4S is coming in order soon also :zipper_mouth_face:
He he sounds like something i am familiar with too ;-)
I was happy with a decent number and variety of flashlight until i ordered a Convoy S2+ to try and replace my old Fenix LD10 as EDC, received an S2+ with "jammed biscotti" and, while searching for a fix, ended on this forum where i discovered a whole wolrd of never seen (from me) flashlights.
Hey that photo above.
Back in late ’50’s I was in UK army.
On leave from Germany. ambling past that fence in BD’s (UNIFORM) with Beret (hat) stuck under shoulder lapel, with G.F.
The Guards doing a parade show. yard full of bodies. Usual tourists peering through fence.
Staff Sergeant marching them.
The prick SAW me from the gates. Yelled at me. and I heard him. “Soldier. Where’s your Beret.”
Everybody there turned and looked at me. Small……
I felt as big as a matchstick trying to slide down a gap in the paving.
Hundreds of people there. FULL Parade ground marching.
And he SAW me.
Those things should be shot on sight.
Back to subject. You want a good throw and not too much cash. Try a Convoy L2.
Just ordered a zanflare F1 USB rechargeable - black 4500-5000K — for £12.77 from GB. It’s for my brother, when he walks his dog. I have a spare 18650 he can have, and the built in USB charging will make it easier for him to ‘just use’.
But I may try/learn because I would like to put the RampingIOS V3 on the D4. But I’ll wait and see how the V2 UI works out.
D4 is overkill for the job, but much more fun :sunglasses:
