As some of you may know already my Ultrafire UF980L burned the driver about two weeks ago and no I did not run it on high for more than 2 or 3 minutes at a time. So I am tired of waiting on Jim at Manafont to decide what to do about sending me a new driver or a new light, I really want to use this light this summer and it only works on high mode right now which makes it pretty much useless except for showing off. I have a couple NANJG 105c drivers as spares but I really want 3.5-3.8 amps on high. I am really not interested in over driving this light and melting it again.
Does anybody know of a 3 mode(high,medium and low) driver that will push 3.5-3.8amps from a 18650 on a 17mm board?
I'm having a hard time understanding why Jim would not at least respond to this. It's not like he/Manafont doesn't have a lot of support from all of us. Also, I ran mine on high for about 15 minutes to see how hot the exterior would get. So, basically, you could say I was almost trying to burn it up. Seriously; over 4.5 amps for 15 minutes until it was so damn hot (145°) I couldn't pick it up and it works as perfectly now as the day I got it.
All I'm saying is Manafont owes you a light - or at the very least a new pill/drop-in/whatever.
If MF doesn't get you a replacement, may I suggest a good 'ol 2.8-3.2 linear driver... The gains really are quite marginal past that. Please see my test results here.
I don't get it either this is the last email I got from him a week ago.
" Hi Erik,
Thank you very much for your update and the pictures.
I have the pictures on A4 and sent off to purchasing department to
follow up for spare part. We will try to find out whether repair or
spare part is the best solution. I will also include the detail
information from you into file.
We will do our best to resolve this issue for you.
Thank you very much for your patience and understanding.
Best Regards,
Jim
Customer Services Team
Manafont.com "
That was a week ago and I e-mailed him again yesterday asking what the status was with no response yet. I am getting kind of pissed. This is the most expensive budget light I own and it has a unique driver that is not easily replaced.
I will probably just take your advice and put one of the NANJG 105cs I have in it, because I am sick of looking at the stupid thing and starting to get the urge to destroy it again. Maybe I can sell it to someone who wants a single mode tactical weapon light that pulls 4.5amps.
I finally got a return e-mail from Jim at Manafont I'm not sure how to respond.
" Hi Erick,
A quick update to you.
We have received notification from UltraFire that, spare part are available. However, if you return the driver, we are able to get them to fix it for you.
Please let me know if you would like to return. I will happy to assist you and start the processes.
Jim needs to replace your light then deal with Ultrafire himself about a warranty claim with them regarding the original torch. It's horrible to make the customer jump through hoops when a product fails so quickly after buying.
With all the good things people have to say about Manafont and the fact that I have spent thousands of dollars ordering stuff from them this is the last thing I expected. I had ordered an expensive light from Meritline that was DOA they sent me a new one ASAP. I am really disappointed with Manafont and the supposed 180 day warranty on the UF-980L which is my most expensive budget light. I have extra drivers laying around I can put in it, but to remove this one package it and ship it back is ridiculous.
With all the good things people have to say about Manafont and the fact that I have spent thousands of dollars ordering stuff from them this is the last thing I expected. I had ordered an expensive light from Meritline that was DOA they sent me a new one ASAP. I am really disappointed with Manafont and the supposed 180 day warranty on the UF-980L which is my most expensive budget light. I have extra drivers laying around I can put in it, but to remove this one package it and ship it back is ridiculous.
