I have assembled 19 Convoy C8 version 3s so far. Love the design and performance. Multiple colors would be great, green in particular. In terms of improving the design, a brass driver retaining ring would be greatly appreciated.
I for one think this driver is perfect for wide distribution to wizards and muggles alike 
I put a FET in 90% of my lights, but it’s not for the uninitiated. If the C8 had a FET driver, I wouldn’t be able to recommend it to noobs anymore.
Likewise the more complicated 7135 drivers (like MikeC does) would take a lot more development time and costs for Simon, with not much noticeable improvement.
Great job Simon and J-Dub
Now what? Here is the new nice great drivered clear C8 but I have a noctigon XPL HI, BLF A17DD, Black C8…. I need to sell the black one to buy this clear version, or I will wait for the L1 which will fill the gap between my C8 and L2… Always decisions to keep or sell . But I want them all 
:disappointed:
But if the M1 get this clear look and new driver too I will buy one. And why the M1 more expensive than C8 everywhere? Is it more difficult to machine on the fins of the head?
+1 for Pilotdog’s opinion on driver. I like fet but I can replace it easily.
Per TK: LVP kicks in at 3.0V at which point the driver will start stepping down power levels finally ending in a “soft off”.
Good but no pocket clip? I know there is one separately but it is black.
What are you going to do when the L.5 (1/2 size) of the L1 comes out? Just kidding :smiling_imp:
The driver is based on Convoy’s prior use of the Nanjg 105B, the layout easily accommodates stacking 7135 chips to raise the current. 4.5A with a modern XM-L2 makes for a very nice C8, with little real world difference in output compared to an FET driver. It’s kept simple this way, Simon get’s to continue using the backstock of drivers on hand, and we benefit from a much more widely accommodating UI.
Really nice win for Convoy, and for Convoy fans alike.
Date of release?
Looking very good, big thumbs up to Simon and all those at Convoy (the op too).
Will definitely be getting one of these. Personally I really like the look of C8 visually. Although I must admit, if Simon offered a green one, I really wouldn’t be able to resist it either…
From the OP “To help keep the C8 comfortably in the budget range we are still using a 2.8A Nanjg based driver”
It will fill the gap between L1 and C8 or C8 and M1 :sunglasses:
Ok all I’ve posted the complete UI description in post #2 of this thread. I will add more details as I can and of course make any corrections if necessary. Cheers.
Is there an L1 prototype ?
Because i saw you mentioned it also in L6 thread.
I keep pushing for it. 
I like the UI very much. My only problem with it that I need to have lot unnecessary flashy modes to have battery check function.
Wherever there are 100 ways to provide a solution there will be that 101st person to have a new problem.
Not picking, but it’s always the case. The ATTiny13A only has so much space, it’s just about impossible to provide solutions that are perfect for absolutely everyone. Our own MattAus found that out with his Hyperion firmware, quite some time ago… and the saga continues…
This is all pretty spot with the exception of “backstock”. That’s probably true of some of the components but these are newly manufactured drivers made specifically for Convoy. The primary goal in this driver choice was to give the very budget minded an excellent C8 option better that what’s currently available. Going to a FET driver would have put this light in the $30 range when we want be closer to the $25 range. That doesn’t mean FET drivers can’t be an option down the line but my goal with this driver redo was to bring a higher level of awesomeness to the lowest priced lights in the Convoy line in true BLF spirit.
This driver will also be used in the S series lights including the next S2+ colors (or lack of) that will be produced. Finally, as Dale pointed out and has tested himself, any modder that can stack more 7135 chips to bump the power higher. :+1:
Well, it’s ATtiny13, so you can ‘flashy’ whatever modes you want!
Not a real problem. I have BLF drivers but not much times I used the batt check. The stepdown and LVP kick in and then replace batteries if I discharge them so far but mostly I don’t. :+1:
Jared, you done good!! I’m pretty sure there isn’t another budget light with multiple UI choices and a Custom finish for this kind of $$$$$ or is there?? :+1:
David excellent point! :+1: DIY!