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

As SBslider mentioned above, it will be able to use protected & non-protected cells, and will have built in USB charging with dual configurable charge rates, (a lower one for charging from smaller power banks , solar panels, smaller laptops with limited USB power output, & small AC adapters) and a higher amp charge rate for faster charging from larger more powerful USB power sources.

So if it is configured to use the higher rate of charging, would it still charge if plugged into a smaller rate charger? Just curious. :slight_smile:

Yes obviously.

If the lantern is set at 1,5A with a 1A charger, it will only charge at 1A.

Thanks!

It will depending on the quality & design of the circuitry in the lantern if it can regulate low-output chargers. As from my tests with some smaller solar charger panels & power banks, the USB output voltage would fall below 4.2 volts on low-power panels, crank chargers, & small power banks if the charging circuit tried to pull more than1 amp from them, causing some “switching” effect of various chargers i tested, (TP4056 being one) meaning the charging circuit would turn off & on constantly and not charge the cells at all. Were hoping it will be designed to regulate properly based on the output capability of the charger source & not “over load” the source to the point of heavy voltage-sag causing the source to either shut off or over load & not work at all. ( one example is that when i tried charging a test set up of four cells using a 2 amp circuit (two TP4056’s) from my small laptop or a 7-watt folding solar panel, the cells did not charge at all.

I am interested in two, please add me to list.

While we’re talking about charging, I have two questions. Anyone have a guess as to the parasitic drain just sitting there? Also, would it be safe to leave plugged in with an old phone charger to keep it topped up for power outages and such?

Ok, four questions. Is lockout as easy as a bit of unscrewing? And would that mess with the water resistance, if there is any?

Thanks, Larry

1. Parasitic drain is extremely low with the BLF Q8, and should be the same for the BLF Lantern, so you will not have to worry at all.
If you really are worried about this, lock out the light manually, and do not use protected cells.

2. It would be safe, but would not be good for the capacity of the cells. Just charge the 18650s about every year or so, and you will be fine.

3. Lockout is super easy. Just unscrew it slightly.

4. As long as you don’t unscrew it too far and it is well lubed, it will have no effect on water resistance.
In fact, I’ve actually tried my Q8 in a pool under about 1,50m, and no water ingress was found at all, even around the button.

Can you add me to the list please?

Sign me up for 1 please.

You are on the list cap90, and welcome to BLF! :beer:

Update to interest list below:

1214 Deanocino
1215 nostatic
1216 TSO
1217 NeedALantern
1218 NeedALantern
1219 NeedALantern
1220 sdagray
1221 sdagray
1222 fluke
1223 cap90

interest list sorted by entry number

interest list sorted by user names

OP updated )

Add me please ,
How much ?

Thanks guys!

Free :beer: tomorrow!!

Interested in 2 Lanterns

I may have missed this but does anyone know if there are plans to supply the lantern WITH batteries as a package? Where i live is tricky to get batteries shipped……

Yes absolutely. I’ve already spoken to Sofirn about this, and they said they should be including batteries as part of another choice.

In for 1 please!

I am also very interested! Mark me down for 1, please.