New Convoy C8 – Clearly better

How awesome would it be , if it had the bistro batt check instead of strobe (for me at least) :wink: .

Replied in the firmware thread to keep this thread semi-on topic. Flashlight Firmware Repository

Sorry, the volts+tenths method uses more room, and Simon wanted something simpler for a wider audience. So it does the 4-blink method instead. Otherwise, I agree.

I love it , even with the current setup.
Already using it in 2 fet drivers and 1 8x7135(+4 7135 chips).

I didn’t say anything about the PWM frequency :wink: I was talking about the levels of the PWM.

Now you use the following values:

With them, the driver has the output power levels 0.2% / 1.5% / 12.5% / 25% / 46% / 48% / 100% (instead 0.1 / 1 / 10 / 20 / 35 / 50 / 100)
I propose to change the values on

With them, the power levels will be closer to stated values.

ToyKeeper, you did a brilliant software, thank you. I now use it in all my flashlights.

Oh, I had it closer to that initially… but then I measured the power draw on each mode and adjusted the PWM values until the power measurements matched the spec. The PWM-to-power-usage curve was less linear than I expected, and it was consistently non-linear on the drivers I tested.

I’ll measure again when I get a production light, and adjust the levels if they’re not right. Maybe even make a new slow-ramp testing mode which goes through each PWM level one at a time while I log the measurements, so I can graph the shape of the curve.

On drivers with a more linear response, the default PWM levels will be a bit weird.

Still no option to buy with 8-10x 7135 chips yet huh?

8x is already available, didn’t know there was going to be a 10x. Chip number can be selected where it says Emitting Color.

Thanks for the info/clarification regarding the authenticity of the Nitecore D4 charger… did helped me alot! :smiley:

10x would have to be stacked chips and a DIY job. Although honestly at that point you would be better off getting a host and swapping the driver for something more advanced.

Lol, I’m sure I still have lights here with 20-32 7135 chips on the Qlite….

First post…I’m wondering if anyone knows for sure if the KeepPower 3500 cells will fit this flashlight. I have read a few conflicting posts - either a tight fit or not fitting. This light is on the way and I’m wondering if this battery will work or if I should order a different battery (suggestions?). Thanks in advance.

If the advertised measurements of that battery, 68.90mm (L) x 18.60 mm (D) are correct; they should fit just fine.

Welcome to BLF……… :+1:

:slight_smile:

Welcome to BLF.

The Sanyo NCR18650GA http://www.illumn.com/batteries-chargers-and-powerpax-carriers/18650-sanyo-ncr18650ga-3500mah-high-discharge-flat-top.html, is the same battery that’s inside the Keeppower in you link, It’s not protected like the Keeppower, but the flashlight have build in protection.
I don’t know about you knowledge with Lithium-ion battery safety but here is a great tread to get some info Lithium-ion battery safety 101

I am using the NCR18650GA is basically everything but my show lights now days. Great battery for general purpose use.

I agree that the NCR18650GA is a great general purpose cell if you don’t need crazy high drain. Just keep in mind if you’re buying the protected version of that cell it may be too tight a fit. I have the EVVA protected version and it’s too fat for many of my Convoy lights. The unprotected version should fit fine though. KeepPower is slimmer than EVVA sometimes on the same base cell so they may be fine too. EVVA protected cells are sometimes double wrapped where KP are not.

With any modern driver that has LVP there is really no need to use protected batteries anymore. I have actually never owned or used a protected battery, but then i might be a tad more capable of knowing how to use them then some people.

If the clear C8 is bored the same as a regular C8, the battery should fit even if it is an over-wrapped protected. That is what I checked the C8 with, and while it is a snug fit…. it does fit. The EVVA protected fit also, snugly.

Like J-Dub74 said, there are several Convoy lights the over-wrapped cells will not fit because of the “fatter” diameter.

Hope this helps. :slight_smile:

Mmm idk if I’d go that far.

I always recommend protected cells to a person who has never used lithium’s before. Not because of what happens in a light, but what happens outside of the light. People are conditioned to Alkalines and stable rechargeable chemistries that you can just toss in a bin altogether and they won’t vent because of a “little short”. Also Many people will buy good batteries then put them in the terrible charger that came with their cheap light and just leave it plugged in all night while the charge never terminates. That kind of stuff. A name brand cell also gives them something to google if they decide to buy extras without asking me. That way they have a better chance of getting good batteries instead of just googling “18650”.

I also keep a few protected cells for myself . When I build a light the first time I power it on I use protected in case I have a short somewhere I didn’t realize, from tightening down the reflector or something. It saves me melted springs and burned traces. I also have a 4.35v protected cell I use to test chargers, like ones built into a light.

They have their purposes.

I also use protected cells in some of my flashlights, the lights I have with two or more batteries in series gets protected batteries.