Noctigon K1 info / review

oh ok thanks, ill try the thread first, maybe other people have that answer too

I was hoping that too, about the driver and max amps for the new osrams… I see Hank updated the KCD on the W2.2, but not the lumens… (fingers crossed).

Ok, just tested out the K1 and a few other lights on USB C<->C, and USB C<->A compatibility, results:

K1: Both

FT03 Mini SST-40: Both

FT03 Mini W1: Both

FT03: only C<->A

MF01 Mini: only C<->A

SP36: only C<->A

SP33 V3: only C<->A

HK04: only C<->A

NA40: only C<->A

IF25A: only C<->A

For the C<->C, I used a USB-C wall adapter. For the C<->A, I used a USB type A wall adapter.

Didn't test amps, so not sure it proves the C<->C lights charge at higher amps or not. The wall adapter rating is 3 amps at 5 volts.

Conclusion: So the better (newer?) lights seem to work properly. Not surprised the Astrolux and Sofirn lights did not work - little older models, lower budget lights.

TK is female btw...

oh my bad, lol

man i didnt even know there was a ft03 mini! i already ordered the ft03…i hope the mini performance is a lot worse so i dont regret my decision lol

The mini w/SST-40 is a great light, but the FT03 is also a great deal. The mini w/SST-40 or XHP50.2 is a totally different driver from the Mini NM1. The SST-40 and XHP50.2 version has color AUX LED's in the reflector around the main LED - pretty cool.

All FT03 models here. Ooops! Forgot this is the K1 thread -- of course they don't compare to the quality and value of the K1

So i dont really understand this… or what i mean is, what does A~~C mean, versus C~~>C ? I have the hk04 (sst40 version, bought 2 months ago), and i plug in my usb-c cable to it which is plugged into a QC3.0 block wall charger and it charges. I never pay enough attention to notice if it charges “quickly” or not, but it charges all the same. i have seen it before on blf before where people mention that something is not “true usb-c” and that it is usb-a to c. What does this mean?

EDIT: Thank You TomE for doing the tests and giving these results!

I think i just realized the answer to my question… and my confusion came from lack of intelligence and meager understanding of basic electrical technology … correct me if im wrong, but a true usb-c would have the usb-c connection on the wall block as well? what made me realize this was re-reading TomE’s OP-

…“For the C<C, I used a USB-C wall adapter. For the C<>A, I used a USB type A wall adapter. ”

and remembering ive seen wall blocks (very sledomly) with the usb-c plug in on them.

Nevermind…

this is what usb a-c looks like, it means one end has a usb-a header, the other end has usb-c header, true usb-c would have usb-c on both ends of the cable. and i think only for true usb-c cables, it is possible to have technology like PD (power delivery) to charge things superfast. i found this link just off of a quick google search, havent read through it yet, theres probably other sites that explain it better, but thats the general gist

You can’t charge the cell faster or at protocols that the chargers in the flashlights aren’t made to work with just because they can take a USB-C to USB-C cable.

right, thats my original question, if the flashlight is built to be compatible with PD

There is no PD on that charging chip, it is a max 2A current switching charger, so better than your typical linear charging chip. And also better as the charger is in contact with the host directly not sitting in the air without a direct contact with the host like many chargers in flashlights.

sorry im not sure i quite understand, what is current switching charger vs linear charging? and what is this direct contact with host?

Thanks! Very helpful article. I never heard of PD until now.

Linear charging means that the charging chip takes in the 5V input voltage and puts out 4.2V by burning the excess, these chips usually get pretty hot, like the TP4054. Switching charging turns the higher voltage into current, like a buck converter, these are much more efficient.

These two has nothing to do with what type of connector or cable the flashlight is compatible with.

When a flashlights takes C-C charging with a power delivery adapter it’s because there is some form of communication between the two and it request 5V (even a resistor works), because by default a power delivery charger doesn’t output any voltage or current.

When flashlights only takes A-C charging it’s basically a type C port in place of a micro USB, No changes internally.

We are in the middle of a transition era where some folks are already ditching everything USB A to use type C exclusively, but at the same time most people haven’t even heard about power delivery. I’m all in for power delivery for charging high energy devices, but USB A should never cease to exist. It’s robust, truly universal, easy to repair and will stay relevant for many years to come.

so is there a way to tell if the K1 and FT03 mini takes PD? or just regular C-C speed?

K1’s charging chip does not have PD protocol.

ok, i guess my question was meant in a more general sense in that, if a flashlight with built-in charging DOES accept C-C, how do you tell if it takes PD short of asking on forums and hoping a knowledgeable person such as yourself answers?

So are you saying your HK04 charging works on a C-C cable? Hhmm, because mine did not, least from what I could tell.

This QC 3.0 wall charger is actually a USB-A connector, not a USB-C, so if yours is like this, then yes - I got the same results as you with a USB-A wall charger (it worked), but my HK04 doesn't work on my USB-C wall charger like this one.

I think Hikelite spelled it out clearly in the above posts.

The difference in connectors/cables is listed pretty well here: https://www.newnex.com/usb-connector-type-guide.php