Yup.
“next mode memory (NMM) … is caused by … Some … cheap drivers”
Clarify if you want a “slide” or a “side” switch?
A slide switch (like the old 2D cell flashlights) would be on the side.
Haven’t seen one in years except on cheap incandescent flashlights.
Most switches now are round buttons you press in halfway to change mode, all the way to click on/off
I don’t see a side switch on the Convoy BD04, but I don’t understand its setup — tailcap button, sliding battery holder, USB charger I guess also connects to the tail somehow.
Hank, Yes a slide switch like on those ancient D cell flashlights. I would really like to slide trough all modes in a split second. Second best would be a mode switch and separate on/off switch. It's already clear the chance to find that is next to zero. I just thought if I don't ask I'll always be in the dark :FACEPALM: Alcius, Good news about the memory. But I still prefer something without strobe or SOS. Or 5 instead of 3 'normal' modes. But 3 is good enough if spaced decently. Ideal, for me, would be if the light always starts up in the same mode I have configured. (not last used) On my Outlite high is brighter than medium but doesn't add much to visibility, so it drains batteries for no good reason.
One more thing about the price... I would prefer something about $21. Where I live importing things up to $21 is free. After that tax is added. Not much on a flashlight but the post office guys charge $15 handling fee to collect that tax.
So a $22 flashlight costs me $37 + taxes. I visit friend in the USA (Indiana) twice a year, so I could have my flashlight shipped to them IF there are no insane taxes. Anyone knows about such taxes/costs?
Luckily it’s not a zoomie so I can say “Nice light but no zoomie.” instead of “I’m to stingy for such a light.”
I’ve seen one or two similar flashlights for divers. One had a dimmer switch. (stepless light output). They advised to remove the battery because (magnetic?) sliding switches have a small power leak….?
So they do exist. Perhaps only in the (somewhat) more expensive price range.
I’m preferring the around $20 but if a light meets most of my wishes I’m willing to at least double that.
General question: If the specs state “18650 battery” without more detail does that mean all 18650’s fit? Protected, unprotected, flat top, button top or a combination.
No. 18650 means the battery is nominally 18mm diameter x 65mm height, But in practice there is quite a bit of variation, & the protection circuit adds an additional 2-3mm approx.
And if they are button top, then that adds to the length as well.
Thus unfortunately, there often is an issue fitting a particular battery into a particular flashlight. So always check before buying either one.
Take a look at this thread I started recently, I have a list with links to zoomies I’ve been looking at recently:
Although it’s way over your budget for this the Fenix FD40 may be the only zoomie with a side switch, at least I can’t think of any other.
And there aren’t many low price zoomies without blinky modes.
_
I agree with Alcius, I think the Convoy BD04 may be the best option for you:
Price under $21 (with 15% BLF discount)
No strobe or SOS if you chose 3-mode (mode option 2)
You can choose your preferred tint color
Looks like a metal on/off mode switch on the tail
Fits protected or unprotected batteries (flattops)
Has built in USB charging, if that’s something you could use.
The Convoy BD04 looks nice. Zoomie, clip, no blinky, good memory, price is ok.
I have flattop 18650 batteries. Diameter 18mm, length 64mm. I’m wondering they will work in that flashlight. Not because of the size, which is very close to keengeorge’s numbers, but because the flattop may not make electrical contact.
Unfortunately the batteries are unbranded red without anything on it. They come from a Dell laptop battery pack which had ‘Made in Japan’ on it,
My current light is a Outlite A100 Cree XML-T6 LED Bulb,Adjustable focus, Zoom out 500-700 Lumen,Zoom in 700-900 Lumen.
The BD04 is 600 Lumen.
In theory it looks the Outlite is a little brighter. But is that really so? The advertised numbers quite often seem to be overly positive, not to say a scam.
I really like the option of USB charging because I have lots op USB cables and chargers, also in my car. That adds a lot of flexibility which is good.
It worries me a bit that USB charging thingy gets misplaced. Anyone knows I can leave it permanently on the flashlight with it falling off. That’s likely how I would use it because after every (short) use I’ll likely put it my car charger. That means I have to have that thing with me at all times.
Why not just leave the cable in the car since that’s where it’ll be used. You have a glove box, yes? Or maybe a center console?
But I’m considering my ordered life. Maybe your’s isn’t like mine.
Too, there are solutions for flat top cells if they don’t work; dabs of solder, magnets, but possibly the best solution I’ve seen are some flat top battery connectors. The link is somewhere on the forum, but can I find it now? No.
I understand completely ZoomieFan!! :money_mouth_face: … :money_mouth_face: … I’d just have to say I was to stingy……. :money_mouth_face: :money_mouth_face:
I should have made it clear I was just using it as an example of a “sliding switch” for the member who said he “had not seen one in years”.
My how the sliding switch has evolved since the days of the old chrome Rayovac……….
My life is chaos. And that’s reflected everywhere I go!
Seriously, I have chargers/cables about everywhere. Car, office, several rooms at home and even at places I frequently.
visit. My only concern is the that charging cap that clicked on the flashlight. I have only one of that.
Now I even more hope to find a zoomie with a sliding switch. I was just looking for a 3 settings + off but a dimmer switch is ideal if it works as advertised.
The tech exists but I have yet to find it all combined into one flashlight.
There are quite a few diving zoomies (for filming) but they zoom only from 15 to 45 degrees. 140 when a cap is taken off.
Many of those lights are around 200 lumen. The search goes on……
I have an inexpensive diving light that has a simple sliding on/off switch, but the problem is that they use water for heat management* and doesn’t work so well in the air. I didn’t bring it up because it didn’t meet your specs.
Yep, it would have; if 500 lumens were even possible back then.
Somewhere, I still have my old Rayovac like the one below. If I can locate it I may try to “spice it up” a little.
I think that would be hilarious to use it as a “host” and make it a more “modern” light.
Looks like you have a good start on the ‘sliding switch zoomie’ hunt…. I’m betting you’ll track one down before the hunt ends. :+1:
I theory it can be souped up. But I think it requires a lot of work. The reflector likely is plastic that melts with a bright led. Less likely, but possible is that the switch doesn’t handle the current very well.
On the bright size there is a lot of space for batteries. An easier way would be to insert a small flashlight with a remote switch.
Makes me think of my idiot math teacher. He had a Porsche engine in his VW Beetle. Just for fun and to outrun luxury cars
