Sofirn Q8 group buy (gb closed, but try PM to Sofirn for discount)

Technicalities aside, just get the Sofirn Q8 (even if you already have the BLF Q8). It’s very difficult to get another light for this performance/runtime/etc etc at just 40usd, or maybe around 50 now. It’s also a relatively low cost light, but it’s also very practical in real life + decent built (it survived a 1.5m drop from around my face level). Other that that it’s all down to personal preferences like preferring a 2S long thrower vs soda can format.

For the record, I didn’t see a gain when changing the MOSFET to a Vishay version so I went with an Infineon FET from another light. Wasn’t much difference but hey, you stack the gains ya know? The single biggest difference was swapping to the XP-L2 emitters,

Stock, out of the box, 5775.3 lumens Using Samsung 30Q cells
Added brass screws 5909.85, +134.55
Swapped Blue springs 6020.25, + 110.4 (soldered a copper disc between the 4 springs as an aid, gotta play with copper somewhere!)
Spring bypass 20ga 6330.75, +310.5

Total gain at this point 555.45 lumens

Swapped to an Infineon MOSFET removed from the BLF GT mini for 6379.05, a 48.3 lumen gain (I THINK the Infineon came from the GT mini…)

XP-L2 emitters, 8659.5 lumens, a 2280.45 lumen gain (2884 over the stock out of box performance)
Samsung 25S cells, 9453 lumens, another 793.5 lumens gain
UCLp lens, 9936 lumens, yet another 483 lumens gain

Total mod gains went from 5775.3 lumens to 9936 lumens….4160.7 lumens gained over the stock light.

I’m obviously pulling quite a bit more power as well, so the extension tube with a second carrier would help in this instance for prolonged run times or usage overall (not necessarily “run time” as heat is a factor, but how long it can be used in a session)

I may just have to get another light for my next mod plan, leave this work alone and have a light to compare to the upcoming event. :smiley:

Only these points will increase current and battery drain or not?

Pretty much, yes.

It’s quite impressive the potential of this light.
Does can be dangerous for Eyes Retina if is turned on at full power for who is in front,
or it’s worse a focused XHP 70?

You can screw up your retina/eyes if you forced yourself to stare at it. The sun is just a little over 100k lux.
Else your blink reflex and aversion reflex would protect you from permanent damage with the vast majority of the LED flashlights out there, even modded ones.

I am not sure if there are few tens of million candela LED flashlights out there though, with superbly big and high quality reflectors/lenses.

Hello,
I know the BLF Q8 has two sheets of instructions, text and a Cheat sheet (the table thing).

But I don’t know which instructions the Sofirn Q8 use.

I am wondering.

If you read both of them you should have found plenty of links to videos.

But I think Sofirn uses maybe old versions of the instructions.

Would you be so nice and post a picture of the instructions?
(or someone else)

Thank you

Both Q8 use the same instructions.

All the information is in post #1 or #2 right here.

Jason, I don’t know if Sofirn updated the BLF Q8 docs.
That’s the reason I’d like to see pics.

If it’s the same as in the BLF Q8 OP it is an old version.
(it so old that i don’t have the original document for the cheat sheet for NarsilM v1.0)

And does someone know why on earth they used NarsilM v1.0?
Imho v1.2 should be in booth versions, I am just wondering.

Why would the BLF Q8 docs need updating? It is the same from one year ago. They had no reason to update. Plus they had no update. The original software works well and reliably so why risk getting problems with an update? That is their usual mentality. Sofirn just got a copy of v1.2 (that works on the Q8) shortly after they started to sell the Sofirn Q8 version, so it was too late to update it then. There are just a couple little things that are different.

I don’t understand why you want a picture. :question:

PS, the BLF Q8 is a Thorfire product. You would need to convince them they need to update the firmware. Sofirn does not dictate to their customers. They give the customer what they ask for.

I can’t remember details.
But I think they use July 2017 version and they cuted the page to the stripe. The later two versions for v1 have helpfull text around.

v1.2 has momentary and backwards through modes and blinkies. And fixes

Photo:
Stripe = bloddy old
A4 = can’t get better

Joechina, you are the maker of a cheatsheet so you obviously know how the UI works.

Are you asking about the little paper manual that comes with the Sofirn Q8?

You want a picture of it?

.

How do you like Sofirn Q8 and SP36 using Anduril by Toykeeper?

Many of us love Anduril! It is fun to play with and complex. I have a BLF Q8 with original Narsil and I flashed another BLF Q8 to Anduril.

Thanks Sofirn for asking our opinions!

Peace!

Yes, Anduril brings some really nice features to these flashlights…I flashed both of my previous Sofirn Q8’s with Anduril as soon as I got them. I gave one away in a giveaway due to my post count and the other I still have here, making 8700 lumens with sliced and diced XP-L2 emitters. :wink: (I don’t have anything against Narsil, I just have a horrible memory and try to keep everything consistent so I can remember how to work the lights.)

Very nice light, epic with Anduril! I have been using Anduril in virtually every light that has an e-switch. I use the candle light mode frequently, rely on the ability to set the ramp ceiling to preserve battery life, and really love impressing new people with the lightning mode.

Nice work, definitely keep up the communications with your users as you have been, really makes it an exciting experience for us and elevates Sofirn in the flashlight game. :smiley:

Anduril for the win

I can’t really ask for anything more.

Um….maybe more blinking modes patterns for more disco fun? :cowboy_hat_face: :partying_face:

Ok, seriously, i always have this fetish about LED nav lights on the 787, . They are also bright as hell both in lumens and candela.

Maybe we can fine tune a bit and add 1 or 2 more blink modes to include a more strobe-like shorter duration effect, and perhaps with 1 single duration ON instead of the current 2?

Look at the belly side red LED blinker. Orgasmic beacon. :slight_smile: You could use some gel films and a diffuser. Heat affecting the film would not have an issue, so 5-digit lumens lights ought to not have an issue.

Technically they refer strobe to be flashes like below 200 microseconds or so? Anyway, see if there is a way to fine tune the length of the ON duration?

The bike strobe is nice, but maybe we can look at the above aircraft strobe also that’s implemented at the tail end of the 787.

BLF or Sofirn, the Q8 is really a very superb light. i’ve been routinely modding mine with 351D 4000k 94CRI LEDs, tail spring bypass and upgraded LED wires(22ga). they are my “Go To” light for most jobs, espc my tailstand “room lighters”. I plan to flash the driver with toykeepers fun programming for at least 1 light but for ease of use, i think i’ll keep most of them stock.
I gifted one of my mod’d versions to my dad, and he LOVES it, best light he said he’s ever had, espc compared to the dozens of new LED lights he’s bought.
I even have a Req for a 3000k XPL-HI version.
LOVE this light! Sofirn or otherwise!