New Convoy C8 – Clearly better

Haha, that’s a nice one. n_n

Just ordered one in cool white

I received my clear C8 yesterday and it is really nice. Tiny bit of debris in the reflector and had to clean the lens on the inside a bit, but all else was good. And it is my first Convoy C8 (I don’t like C8’s for their design but they form a useful niche for the reflector size).

Two things though, because I’m spoilt:

  1. this driver is really nice, but in a C8 I want direct drive
  2. a C8 is all about dedomed XP-G2, not XP-L Hi

So tonight I did the mods: bypassed two springs, BLF-A6 driver, dedomed (old production type) XP-G2 S3 3D (on the stock MCPCB). Numbers: 3.90A on high, 180kcd precisely! :slight_smile:

That proves how good this reflector+lens is, well done Simon. I could use the stock centering ring, and the focus was dead-on, but still had to screw/unscrew the bezel a few times to have the led sit perfectly centered and get the hotspot clean. (a dedomed XP-G2 is very demanding in its focussing/centering)

Did you sanded down the centering ring?

No, did not sand down the centering ring. Probably because the stock XP-L Hi was already a domeless emitter, the focus was still correct.

Anybody experiencing scratches when trying to put on the clip? I went halfway but stopped when I saw the clip was damaging the finish… The black anodizing seems to be much more durable. Other than that I’m happy with the clear C8, replaced the driver for a H17F and I’m getting just sightly lower reading vs the black version because of the reflector. (The old one has a better finish.)

Since when does a C8 come with a clip?

It doesn’t, I was referring to the convoy clip.

Ok, I’m confused. Isn’t this a thread on the Convoy C8? Clear anodized? The Convoy C8 doesn’t come with a clip. It’s not machined to take a clip. So of course, if you’re shoving a clip on it from another light you’ll see damage…

This clip also fits C8:
http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/universal-clip-suitable-for-S2-S2-M1-C8/330416_32579921654.html

Thanks Jerommel, I don’t believe I’d seen that one before.

Seems unlikely to work with the larger heavier C8, those wing portions look awfully slender…

It is not that sturdy but it holds an S2+ ok, I do wish it was more robust though and had a larger gap at the top so that jeans would actually fit in that gap without having to manhandle it wider and ripping the top of the jeans.

I like the S1 clip better but it still needs a wider gap, at least it is much stronger though.

Interesting, for dedomed XML2 I usually sand down that centering ring to about 1.6mm (just the part that is between reflector and LED mcpcb)…

I find XP-L HI’s to be some of the hardest LED’s to focus myself, small changes seem to make a big difference in some reflectors, others not so much.

For me, hardest thing is centering XP leds because centering rings from Simon for this leds has inner diameter larger for about 0.2mm so it doesn’t center the led perfectly, it’s even worse if you want to center XPE2 led -> painful process…
I noticed that new/clear C8 has centering ring with smaller inner diameter, corners of the XPL led dig into the ring almost…

I actually like the LED to dig into the ring slightly, it sticks to the LED that way and makes it much easier to get it installed.

Fantastic. Replacement clear c8 host arrived today. No fitment issues, no dents, perfect reflector, butter smooth threads. Great Convoy quality, even better than my original convoy c8. :+1:

AR lens is a little dirty, but it’s so minor it should clean off fine.

Hi BLF! This is my 1st post here!

Self-disclosure time: I’m non-native English speaker; I don’t have experience or knowledge to mod or program anything about flashlights, I’m just a regular buyer; I’ve been recently converted to “flashaholism”!!! Amen!

I want to thank BLF for all the work done and knowledge sharing on this forum! It has been really nice to read some experiences here, and it has been helping me to obtain important information and to choose some things about flashlights!

Pardon me if my subject should be in another post, as I wanted to ask not about Convoy C8 but about the “Biscotti” firmware. I would appreciate if you could help me!

I own a Convoy S2+ (7135*6 – XML2 U2-1A), bought from Simon on AliExpress and I’m very happy with it!
Now I want to try other things, still on Convoy S2+, like another tint (T6 - 3B), and to use IMR 18350 batteries for EDC purposes.
But before I order a new flashlight, I have some questions, and was wondering if you could help me.

1- Is the Biscotti firmware available to S2? And if so, do you think I can order my new S2 with it already inside? (I’ve seen that Simon is a great guy, but I don’t want to abuse asking him to put this driver into the flashlight if it is not usual to do so…)

2- This firmware will work fine with a T6-3B led, or should I prefer other type of tint/led?

3- I was thinking to choose a 7135*8 driver to use it (mostly) with the group 8 (0,1% - 1% - 10% - 50) . Occasionally, if needed, I would change it to have 100 power, but not necessarily all the time!
SO, if I choose this driver, using the group 8 configuration, do you think it will be nice to use it with IMR 18350 batteries? If not, should I prefer the one with 7135*6 chips?

4– In the end, if I order a Convoy S2+ with the Biscotti firmware, 7135*8 – T6 – 3B, which should I prefer, among these:
a) Samsung INR18650 30Q – 3000mah
b) Sanyo NCR18650GA – 3500mah
c) Panasonic NCR18650B – 3400mah

d) Keepower IMR 18350 – 750mah
e) Keepower 18350 – 900mah
f) AWT IMR18350 – 800mah

Other suggestions, both for flashlight and/or batteries are welcome, of course!!

The sites I may use to purchase these things (on the “budget mode”) are AliExpress, Gearbest, Banggood and NKON, so my references are from what is available on these, as well!

If any of you could help me with this, I would appreciate! Thanks in advance for all!

Welcome aboard MB! :slight_smile:

Great to see such unadulterated exuberance. Hide your billfold, cut up your credit cards… you’re a perfect candidate for full blown flashaholism and will soon need dedicated flashlight cabinets. :smiley:

Biscotti (Bistro Mini) will work fine in the S2+, either with an 18350 or 18650. Your idea to use 8 7135 chips will give you a nice output on Turbo, also your idea to use the mode level 8 to prolong cell life for your half cell is right on target. You’ve researched it quite well.

Simon will gladly put a new updated driver in your purchase, just ask him and if there’s a charge for doing so he will let you know, most likely there won’t be. Tell him you’re a new BLF addict and rave like you’re doing here and he’ll know you’re one of us, he too is a flashaholic and your enthusiasm will appeal to him. :wink:

Have fun! Modding is next… :stuck_out_tongue:

I was charged all of $1 for the new firmware in the S2+.