Received it today and popped in an AA Eneloop with no light. Popped in a 14500 Nitecore and it worked. However, the 14500 is protected and the button won’t fully depress with the switch screwed all the way tight.
Is there any reason why an AA wouldn’t work but a 14500 would? Anything I can try on my end to get it working?
On mine the spring on the switch end needed stretching a little bit, then it worked okay
If yours works with a longer 14500 battery, then it could be a contact issue like mine was
If the driver lacks an inductor then it has no boost circuit. It’s simple to look for. I link to ToyKeeper’s CNQG Brass AA light review below. If you take a look at her driver pictures, you’ll see an inductor (marked 2R2), a PAM280x boost controller (marked CFC0), an FET (marked 2300), a Schottky diode (marked K24), a modes IC (unmarked SOT-23-6 package), and some capacitors and resistors. See the thread for some discussion if you want/need to. ToyKeeper - CNQG Brass AA light
The inductor, Schottky diode, boost controller, and precision R12 sense resistor all add cost over not having them. To build a cheapy light which only works with 14500’s all you really need is 1 or two of the capacitors, the single FET, and the unmarked SOT-23-6 modes IC. Much cheaper that way.
If you take a look at your driver you should be able to easily discern what’s in there.
Does my driver lack an inductor? If so, do you have a source for a driver that would work? Or would it be simpler to just shorten my spring to allow 14500’s to fit?
Nice picture. As I’m sure you’ve guessed, it’s lacking the entire boost circuit: this is a simple, cheap, and low-end DD driver. It will only function with Li-Ion.
I’d tell the seller about the problem (wrong driver, not AA compatible) and let them know you are not satisfied. (And let them know what you consider a good solution. Generally somewhere between a partial and full refund depending on exactly how unsuitable this problem makes the light for you.)
I don’t have a source for drivers cheaper than replacement flashlights. The SK-68 is widely available and mostly comes with the proper driver for around $3-4. Then again the light you purchased may usually come with the proper driver, I certainly don’t know.
Don’t tell the seller you have 14500 batteries because most people don’t and the seller will try to use this as an excuse to not reimburse you since the light “works fine” for you.
I let it slip earlier, so that ship has sailed. However, it’s advertised as working with both AA/14500 so I think I still have a case. In the end, it was $3, has very decent output, and seems like a good pocket light.
I am still curious, could I trim the tail spring to make the 14500 fully fit in the light.
even if they run on AA but it wont last long… probably runtime of 15 to 20 minutes on high? most of these lights are mainly best to run with 14500, mine is AA compatible btw. the clip is kinda annoying when screwing back or unscrewing the tail cap.
