FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

Yep, it should be here by Christmas 2020!

Call me what you will but I think I like the revised grey version better than the original…

Should I be interested in the LH351D version at all? What will it do differently than the XP-L? I’m thinking about adding a second one to my request and I’m wondering if I should get one of each.

The first post has not been completely updated, but it looks like the second option will likely be the Luminus SST-20, not the LH351D.

The main difference is those two options would 4000K color temperature (warmer appearance) and high CRI, which will be most noticeable when viewing objects with lots of red tons in them, like skin and wood tones.

The SST-20 also would have similar or perhaps a slightly tighter beam than the XP-L HI, and lower output. The LH351D, should the last reported plan change and that emitter be offered, will have a floody beam best for close-up use, and have output nearly as high as the XP-L HI.

Both will likely have a slight greenish-tint at lower power levels that may or may not bother you - different people care different amounts about this - where as the XP-L HI should have a very neutral or perhaps even slightly rosy appearance.

Looking at all these last minute changes, I guess I’ll just hope we get some good emitters.

And I think I’ll be getting the ol’ lathe set up if logos on the button and up the only option. Last time I did a group buy was the 348 and thankfully they sold it with or without markings.

Put me down for one!

please add me to the list, i want one. thanks

Three posts and looking at your second group buy. You’re all action.

ill just be happy to see this come to life…flashlight people designing flashlights

Oh I mostly lurk. I’m not the most active I know… But hey plenty of people sign up just for group buys right?

A group buy is what got me to join. I was also a lurker (active elsewhere, but avoiding BLF because I didn’t need more temptation to buy lights) until the Sofirn C01 started to take shape.

And then once I signed up for the C01, I very shortly afterwards gave in and signed up for the FW3A, too.

I’m hoping to swap some sw45k’s into one of my FW3A’s. When the time comes, how would I go about disabling the FET in firmware? Am I correct that this would require a coding change and then recompiling?

This has come up a few times, so I’ll probably make a config specifically for it. I just need to remember to actually do it…

That would be much appreciated!

I think setting PWM_CHANNELS to 2 in hwdef-FW3A.h would do it. You could also redo the PWM levels in cfg-FW3A.h to use the FET, but only at a low duty cycle.

FWIW Maukka tested his review sample with sw40s and the output was acceptable with a GA. I suspect the LEDs wouldn’t fare as well with high drain cells, so it comes down to either only using the light with GAs or limiting the FET output in firmware or disabling it completely. It’s quite doable but the level you limit it to will depend on what cells you want to use.

Ok, I give up. Please put me on the list for 2 of these.

Also, as far as not using the FET is concerned, couldn’t you just set the top of the ramp to the highest regulated level? Then it would never use the FET, correct? I guess unless you double clicked for turbo… hmm…

So how would the ramp look if you didn’t use the FET? Top of ramp at 75% regulated, then fully regulated for turbo?

Interesting. I just can’t imagine not wanting the option of more lumens if you really needed them.

...

:smiley:

Once you start rewriting the firmware, you can specify any behavior the hardware is capable of. I’ll play with it a bit and may end up with something like a 25% duty cycle with the FET for the one I put 219Bs in. I probably want the behavior of the light to feel the same, just with a max level that’s safe for the emitters.

I don’t want to give up output I can actually have with the LEDs I’m going to use. 219Bs given too much power will turn blue and output will decrease. The emitters might potentially be permanently damaged in the process. That’s technically true of the emitters the FW3A will actually come with as well, but the hardware will not be capable of delivering that much power.

Oh! That’s what I get for not paying close enough attention. I was under the impression that this was being done for battery life/heat management. What you say makes sense though. Even Anduril on the D4 and D4S has the FET limited on the 219c version if I remember correctly, for that reason.

I didn’t realize the 219b was that sensitive.

Thanks!