Yes indeed, ( as the LT1 holds four 18650 cells, you can use the lantern as a 4-cell charger to charge any matched button top cells.
As for chargers, the best “small” solar folding charger i have tested and use is the 10-watt Eceen model, It has some great Youtube reviews and the best consistent ratings from buyers.
The larger 20 to 40 watt solar chargers will charge the lantern a bit faster though, and the 40-watt versiosn will charge two lanterns at the same time.
I don’t disagree with what you said, but think the question and answer miss each other. (But then again, I could be reading the question too literally.)
No, the solar charged can’t directly charge the 18650s. The solar charger plugs into the USB port on the LT1 and the LT1 has a circuit to charge the 18650s. Once charged you can use the 18650s in the Q8, the LT1, or any other flashlight.
Some people think the cells should be kept together, some don’t. As sbslider says, this LT1 doesn’t draw as much power and it may be less of an issue.
The thing is - the LT1 (and Q8) can run on 4, or 3, or 2, or 1 cell. More cells mean longer run times (not more light). If you deplete your 4x 18650s you can always drop in a single 18650, if you have a spare charged and waiting in the wings, and continue to use the LT1.
I am also making the assumption that you can’t stop at just 2 flashlights and the common cell size will help. But your will power could be better than everyone on BLF.
Thanks for confirming something I was curious about (being able to run on less cells). I had two other questions (and some searches of this very large thread haven’t turned up answers).
First, would the LT1 be able to run off only the USB input (with no cells at all)? As someone who plays several location-based games, I’m in possession of several large USB power banks and being able to run the light off one of those would be a huge benefit.
As a follow up, would it also be possible to not only run the lamp on the USB input, but actually be able to charge (even if it’s just a trickle) the batteries in the flashlight while doing so? Some non-scientific math would suggest it should be possible. If it draws 1.4A off nominal 3.6V cells, then it requires about 5W of power to drive the lamp. The USB connection is said to draw 1.5A, which at 5V, is 7.5W, so it sounds like the power is there to do it. I just wasn’t sure if the circuitry is capable of it.
Oh, one more question I just thought of… Does the charging circuit have its own protection circuitry, or should I still be aiming for cells with built in protection circuitry?
Little do you know how BLF will consume and warp your mind. You will have the overwhelming urge to buy the latest and greatest flashlight, knowing that it will be the last one ever. Then you will read another post about a new awesome flashlight, and the cycle will repeat it self all over again……and again……and again. :money_mouth_face: :money_mouth_face: :money_mouth_face:
Yep, yep and yep to a point. I already tested all those abilities, and it does. i ran the LT1 test sample on a 2-amp Samsung phone charger on all modes with no problems with the battery section removed. (also did the same from a power bank) *see photo below with the LT1 first test unit running perfectly on the USB power with the entire battery section removed.
Also it will “trickle charge” the cells when the lantern is running on the lower modes, ( the modes that pull less amps than the TP 5100 can output, so it powers the lantern and the remaining charge amps go into the cells, but i do have a concern about doing that at the same time as the lantern running, as it can likely trick the TP5100 charger into continuously charging the cells after they already fully charged as the lantern amp-load tells the charger to keep producing charge output possibly. )
This thing should be call the BLF EABABLE1 (End All Be All Bestest Lantern Ever 1)! Seriously I cannot believe no one has made a lantern close to this good. The only one I ever found that really peaked my interest were the Fenix ones and I was never able to bring myself to hit the buy button. This lantern however gives me no doubts.
WOW, just WOW!!!
Damn, I guess I never needed a lantern, and Im not sure I will use it often, but this real nice!!! I guess I will use it outside as hell when I get it
Good work! Took its time but will be a great light!
Thanks to all involved
BTW, and just to confirm, 18650 flat top cells will do the job, right? I saw it was mentioned the Samsung 35E (3500mAh) flat top would work! Is it correct?
I will order some batteries soon, for this and other lights and would like to buy them together!
Okay, so it sounds like just to be on the safe side, it would be a good idea to stick with protected cells (and maybe just charge with an external charger if I want to charge while the lamp is running — I’ve got a USB 18650 charger so that’s not a big deal).
Bad for cycle life due to the low drain? I planned to use four protected 2600mAh 26F’s and some unprotected 30Q’s, but not together of course. Is that a bad idea?
:+1:
I already tested all those abilities, and it does. i ran the LT1 test sample on a 2-amp Samsung phone charger on all modes with no problems with the battery section removed. (also did the same from a power bank) *see photo below with the LT1 first test unit running perfectly on the USB power with the entire battery section removed.
