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

@sbslider

Considering the recent turn the project took (altered driver design with dropped power bank function) I think it would make sense to start a separate interest list for the deluxe version.
There are probably a significant number of members who expected this feature, and due to its removal are no longer interested in the current version, but are willing to wait for the second iteration. I am one of those users, and I am pretty sure I am not alone :slight_smile:

What do you think?

It’d probably be a good idea to wait until V1 is shipping before starting a thread for V2. We don’t even know if V2 will happen.

That’s exactly my problem. I really wouldn’t mind paying extra for power bank functionality but at the same time I don’t really need 2 lanterns (not sure if I need it at all but that’s totally different topic).
Good thing it’s not ordering time yet so I should have enough time to thing about it!

And would it not be useful for the team to have an idea about the actual demand for a hypothetical “pro” model, before making that decision ?
I think a separate list would definitely help with that…

A lot of varying opinions on this - I would hate to pay extra for a power bank function - I don’t even want on board charging - just another hole for me to fill up with silicon - but I do understand why some want it.

I think V2 should be left as a “pipe dream” at this point. Let’s get the V1 completed and produced and then see how much interest there is a V2. That’s my opinion. I have a couple of power banks alreadyand seldom use them; hardly need another but if I did not have a power bank then that might be interesting.

I kind of agree. No need for on board charging without power bank functionality for me. I had integrated charging on couple lights and used it just to check if it works really.

I’m interested in one of these.

Yeah…. even thinking about a BLF-LT2 interest list thread at this point when BLF-LT1 is almost @ 2years and still not in production is not reasonable. I think it is okay to ‘discuss’ changes we would like to see on the BLF-LT2 here but our primary focus at this time should remain in this thread and getting the BLF-LT1 in our hands. JMO

I would like to be added to the list for a second lantern. I’m number 566 on the list. Thanks

Once the V1 is in production & shipping like Toykeeper mentioned, then we will work on a V2. I will soon update the main post to specify the power bank drop, and the new specifications for the lantern. The V1 will still have all the most important features most people wanted, (USB Charging from various sources, the tint ramping, Toykeeper’s refined software/user interface, and the same tested and refined design of the lantern itself i been working on for 2 years. :slight_smile:

Wer’e working on it to get it rolling as soon as possible. :smiley:

Whenever it happens , it happens. I’m not in a rush as rushing leads to errors at times. Plus I have the lantern I built, and use it a fair amount. So I guess I have an advantage.

:+1:

I am really glad to hear you are still committed to make the extended version a reality. Your efforts are much appreciated. Keep up the good work :slight_smile:

In what sense extended?

Bigger, better, badder light?

Or this monstrosity I am probably going to put in my lantern :smiley: :

with a run time of half a year!

I am of the opinion the LT2 interest list should wait until LT1 is in folks hands. But, if you feel strongly about starting a second interest list, then you could start a separate thread and track responses there. I am not in a position where I want to try to keep two interest lists going simultaneously. If folks want to be removed for the LT1 list, I can keep track of that, they just need to post in this thread. I believe on or two people may have expressed an interest in being removed so far (maybe not?), but as of now I have not removed anyone. I am not sure how the group buy will be executed, if I will be sending messages to the roughly 730 individuals who have expressed interest in one or more lights with a discount code, or something else. The team has not discussed that as of yet. I figure one or two people getting a message they won’t use is no big deal. But if 100-200 people don’t want a light that does not contain the power bank, then it makes sense to start noting that as appropriate.

Me personally, I would have preferred the power bank. But I will purchase the lights without for now. I imagine if Lexel does spin the design to add the power bank, then I could purchase just the driver and upgrade which ever of the three lights I have on the interest list as needed. Two are going family members that will likely not use it. If the LT2 driver does not happen, I’ll have a lantern with a lot of cool features that I would have used a few time already since getting involved in the project, with or without charging or the power bank.

Those are my thoughts.

I agree on that, I like the power bank idea too, but If i knew it was an easy thing to do and it would not add cost & delay the LT1 lantern project any further than it is, then sure it can be added. but right now that would be up to Lexel and his thoughts on the driver design, up to Barry & his engineers at Sofirn of the costs per unit, and if they can do that without the delays. as of now i’m hoping we can get some prototypes built by Barry to send us to test and evaluate, then get it into production and open sales to everyone on the list to order by sometime after the new year. ( i wish we could have had it going sooner.

i’m interested =)