Convoy H1 - Disassembly, Testing, and Modding

Other Types of Lights LED Headlamps
10

I’m not aware of any plans to do so. I know Simon (owner of Convoy) is going to be making some changes based on our feedback, but it doesn’t sound like he’s planning an emitter changed. When asked about using a High CRI SST20 or LH351D, he said:

Source (some good Convoy updates in that thread if you haven’t seen it)

One good thing here, though, is that the H1 uses a standard 16mm MCPCB. So if you feel somewhat comfortable soldering the wires to a new MCPCB, swapping in a new emitter is pretty easy to do.

11

gchart, interesting news. Any clues on what changes to expect? I have no problem doing an emitter swap just would prefer not to on a brand new light.

12

I think Simon mentioned a UI update (single click for off instead of click and hold) as a possibility as well as maybe weight reduction and better strap. Built in charging has also been discussed.

I wouldn’t say that emitter options are out of the question. He’s been asked about it, so he’s knows there’s the desire. And he’s been switching it up with emitters lately. So who knows for sure.

13

With all due respect, that’s not quite how I would communicate constructive feedback. And considering Simon sells TIR optics in his store, I’m pretty sure he is aware of them.

14

I’m not that keen on this form factor of headtorch. I’d prefer the emitter mounted centrally.

I’m a caver, so I always judge headtorches on their suitability for caving. I’m afraid the H1 has a poor choice of output levels.

15

At least we know the thermal contact with the led and host is good. Better a hot host than an burned out led.

16

Thermal path is really good. I just finished up the MCU swap last night. My runtime test is wrapping up right now. RampingIOS with it’s thermal capabilities are just what the doctor ordered!

I coded the MCU to try and stay at 60°C. The body stayed at 56-57°C, so very close to the MCU’s temp.

17

Sounds great gchart!! Any chance you’re selling dropin mcus for this one?

18

Sure! PM on it’s way

19

Runtime Comparison (with temperatures) of the Stock UI vs RampingIOS with temperature regulation set at 60°C

20

Some outdoor beauty shots:

And side-by-side with the Sofirn SP40:

Comparison notes:

  • The Convoy H1 is slightly heavier than the Sofirn SP40 (70g vs 59g, respectively, without battery and without strap)
  • The SP40 is slightly brighter
  • The SP40 has micro-USB charging (nice convenience, but makes modding slightly more difficult)
  • The Convoy H1 lacks any kind of step down (in stock form) and get ridiculously hot
  • The Convoy H1 is very mod-friendly, and an attiny412 with RampingIOS makes it great
  • The H1’s “hold for off” will not be as well received as the SP40’s “click for off”
  • The SP40’s kit, overall, is a bit nicer: 18350 tube included, nicer strap
  • I like the H1’s button position better (on side vs on end)
1 Thank
21

Is there any new news about convoy H1? I heard they upgrade the UI? Is that true ??

Is there any headlamp that used HiCri led? I saw a thread modding H1 go hicri…

22

I guess my FET+1 driver with Anduril or Zebrilight like UI can perfectly fit in :slight_smile: (Made for Skilhunt H serie headlamps)

23

Is it necroposting if I bring this back from the dead? I’m really interested in the current h1 situation, but it seems to still be the same as it has been for the past year or so.

24

I am also interested in upgrading my H1’s to include thermal regulation and a better UI.

25

Little upgrade. Tir is more sutable for me:

Compare with anothe one:

Hmm… Something wrong with photo:

26

Yup! I just got my Yajiamei shipment in a couple weeks ago and swapped mine for a pebbled TIR as well. Makes it much better for up-close tasks.

I needed to be careful about the height. I first tried without the reflector centering gasket and there wasn’t enough height to push the MCPCB against the shelf. It must have been floating a little because the LED started to turn blue and the bottom of the TIR started to melt. I stuck the gasket in there to add some height and it’s worked well since.

27

Hey Gchart, what TIR worked the best for you ?

In addition to updating all My H1’s with your drop-in MCU’s I changed the locator LED to blue, added a Sofirn Gummy and made up a custom camo headband. Ramping OS with a locator LED makes this light shine IMHO

!!
Cheers

28

Glad you’re liking yours! I get a lot of use out of mine.

I picked up a few different sizes, but I think I ended up with the 60° version of these for up close work

29

I’m a big fan of convoy and the H1 looks great, but I wish they made it lighter since that is very important for a headlamp.

My H03 weighs 44g, and I can feel the extra weight of my 56g wowtac A2, so for me that 70g of the H1 is unfortunately enough to keep me from getting it.

Gchart, that stock lumen vs time graph doesn’t look very regulated. Is that just heat and a high Vf LED that makes it look sort of direct drivish?