BLF LT1M - LT1 Mini (link to project)

I’m so in.

If this is the spot where we opt in for one then I`m in. :smiley:

Looks like it could work

That one is definitely a good candidate for a LT1 Micro base start point. Though with the tint ramping option that would increase cost like it did with the full-size LT1.
I was thinking of a single tint/single LED micro lantern with a good price point range of between 25 to 35 usd. (though a deluxe model could be designed to use that tint ramp option at a price range of 38 to 45 usd as that IF25 retails for now.

Yes I do. It is more of a show of support to DBSAR

Pick an existing flashlight, make some lamp head that screws on in place of the bezel…viola’!

Or is that stupid?

Just thinking with my “easy” hat on…

Dual purpose…flashlight for looking around, lantern for sitting around…

Fancy is fun, but when I backpack/camp…I only need just ANY light for night chores/going to the bathroom.

In for 2 of whatever it becomes.

I AM 100% IN for at least a few of these after following the LT1 project!

I have been thinking about ideas for a mini/micro as well as the LT2 version, but didn’t bring it up as I didn’t want to distract from the LT1 before it went live. So, I guess, this is the start of the micro!

I’ve been thinking on and toying with the same idea. I wanted something smaller than the LT1 and that could allow me to use a commonly available flashlight or something I already own to add versatility. Anything that would work with my favorite flashlight would be dual purpose and therefore increase the usability and value of mine or any current “favorite” flashlight. This would also save space and weight in a backpack if it would still function as a regular flashlight AND a well made lantern.

If the micro was planning to have an exclusive “lantern” UI and physical body hardware then the value of a standalone unit could outweigh the convenience of being able to use something already available and simply adding a well designed diffuser. It would have to offer a notable upgrade in UI and features not already currently available in an easily accessible flashlight. My thoughts were that a mini or micro unit may not need to be as feature rich as the LT1 or 2 therefore having more of a focus on the diffuser or reflector than the actual flashlight and UI itself.

A universal mount with a very pliable sealing/silicone ring or more firm adapters that could mount to different diameter heads to work with almost any flashlight might be widely appealing. With the focus on the diffuser and not so much the light body, it could have a more elaborate mounting and hanging option with variable reflecting/blocking shades and more.

A larger diameter cell flashlight (21700/26650) might be preferable to gain a larger base vs height center of gravity or a universal base platform might cover all diameters and add broader customer appeal. A base with a reducing diameter cone in the center could allow almost any diameter flashlight to be inserted at almost any angle to offer not only multiple diameter flashlight options, but also variable angles so light could be aimed almost any direction.

I wonder if something like a FW3A with the right diffuser and a reflective cone inside would do a good job. The purpose of the cone is to block light from going straight up, and direct the light out the sides. For backpacking, weight is king, and the FW3A is a fairly light host that contains Anduril for an 18650 cell.

That said I’ll be interested to follow this project.

I been working on designing & testing a shade/globe design that does seem to work really good with a single LED that fires up in a small diameter shade, to allow as much light to shine downwards and 360 degrees without the up-firing eye-glare & lack of down light syndrome found in most up-firing lanterns, also this design has nearly no artifacts like the LT1.
The idea behind the LT1-Micro is to build a a small, slim lantern based with some of the features of the LT1, but simpler and lower costing, and small enough to pocket or sleeve in a backpack for backpacking, mountaineering, and camping trips where space & weight is a concern, but still have a lantern that can recharge off-grid via solar charger or power bank when on trips, have great run-times, great modes, (same as the Andruil in the LT1 full size lantern, a nice warm single-tint high CRI light, but with a dual ability (table lantern & hanging area light bulb)
I have built and modded many small, pocket sized lanterns for quite awhile, (video of those coming soon) but to have a consumer marketable micro-LT1 (and later possibly a mine mid-sized LT1) for those wanting a tiny lantern version of the BLF LT1 for backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, mountaineering, and any purpose a small, pocket sized version would be a benefit. While the current LT1 beats any other full size (and bigger) consumer lanterns on the market, there is still a lack of a small pint-sized lantern on the mareket too, and this LT1-Micro version can fill that gap. :sunglasses:

I have used a variant of this camp lantern for about 12 years now.

It has high function, is utterly dependable, easy to use, and goes for about a week the way I use it, on a set of 4 AA batteries. What it lacks is rechargeability, and use of lithiums. I’ve not tried sinking it in a pan of water. Notwithstanding, I would buy a BLF version just cuz, though being metal (?), it would probably weigh twice as much.

Looking forward to the video. :+1:

Also thinking plastic should be considered due weight considerations, and also cost. Assuming reasonable durability, but the lighter it is the less force acting on it to cause damage.

Sounds interesting. Is there an interest list yet? :stuck_out_tongue:

I’m 4054 on the group buy list…when will I get my code?

I’ll absolutely pick up 2-3 if it gets made.

Not stupid at all.

Review: Solarforce Lantern Converter

:smiley:

I never got around to grabbing a Solarforce LT-1 but I do have the similar one from the T4 kit.

I'm very interested...

A BLF LT1-Micro sounds great!

By the way, I would much prefer a 21700 host to a 26650 host.

I’m interested. Also agree that 21700 is the way to go

Agreed with you on the 21700 size. No need for the extra diameter or weight in this case.

Maybe I should make a left turn and throw something together to test some concepts, and enter it in the Old-lumens hand made light contest at the same time.

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