New Convoy C8 – Clearly better

J-Dub74 · February 18, 2017, 1:57am

Thanks TA. I’ll add the fact that there are 8 mode groups that don’t have blinkies and they all function beautifully.
I do not mean to imply that I am in any way excusing the problem with the current drivers and I don’t have the E14 to compare it to. We are working on the driver issues but it will take time.

For most (certainly not all) the current driver will be at the very least, quite an improvement over the old 3/5 driver with the annoying blink in low. That said, “acceptable” is NOT acceptable to Convoy and I’m working with Simon on getting this issue resolved and moving forward to bring more awesomeness to the budget light world that this forum was founded on.

Cheers

JasonWW · February 18, 2017, 2:24am

If you bought a new C8 and didn’t like the menu/UI, then you could always swap the driver for a new one from MTN Elec that has the simpler Guppydrv for like 5 bucks. A driver swap in the C8 is very easy, you only have to solder 2 wires on the LED.

thegameisrigged · February 18, 2017, 4:59am

Thanks a lot guys! That was very helpful. I may in fact pick this one up in another week or 2. I just ordered the XT12GT about 30 minutes ago so I would love to do a comparison with it and my old chinese xm-l t6 C8 as well as the UT02 and TM03 I just ordered last week. Just for fun, I know it’s not a thrower but it is about the same size.

Jerommel · February 18, 2017, 6:49pm

I think you mean group.

Texas_Ace · February 18, 2017, 6:56pm

If talking to me, I meant mode, fast clicking does not change the mode group, just the mode. To change the mode group you have to enter the menu.

Lopan · February 19, 2017, 7:10am

Thank you Tom E for your discription in post #676. Wish I had read it before I ripped my SOIC8 clip apart and rewired it cause it wouldn’t connect to the ATiny.
After cutting the trace flashing a new firmware was no problem.

Lexel · February 19, 2017, 9:31am

Instead of buying another driver you can buy programming equipment below 7$
Download the hex files from firmware site and flash is easy

Or modify an exiting firmware, like for other mode spacing

OeBu · February 20, 2017, 8:57pm

Is aliexpress the best place to buy convoy?

ZozzV6 · February 20, 2017, 9:05pm

I’m in a hard decision now. Buy a C8 host and put in TA driver with OP reflector and XP-L2 now.
Or wait for the L2 little brother L1 which is not even has a separate thread. :cry:

Texas_Ace · February 20, 2017, 9:14pm

The L1 is most likely a long way from being released, so it is more about how long you want to wait.

ZozzV6 · February 20, 2017, 9:37pm

You are right. I think If I order and get the XP-L2-s my hand will shake over the Buy button for the host

Slayer1 · February 21, 2017, 12:54am

Yes because Simon’s store is there.

caramba · February 21, 2017, 2:28am

Yes highly recommend Convoy store on Ali …. 330416

moglai · March 2, 2017, 4:41pm

J-Dub74:

Texas_Ace:

thegameisrigged:

I really wanted one until I saw the UI. It works for most but I am just completely inept at half/whole/long presses. I have the E14 and I barely use it because of the UI. It’s a crap shoot getting into and through the special mode menu. It’s a shame cause I really wanted this one. Oh well.

The C8 driver only has fast click IIRC, which is super simple. You simply tap the power button till the light blinks off then release and it goes to the next mode.

If you really don’t like that then simply set it to 100% only mode, which will be on/off only with no other modes.

Thanks TA. I’ll add the fact that there are 8 mode groups that don’t have blinkies and they all function beautifully.
I do not mean to imply that I am in any way excusing the problem with the current drivers and I don’t have the E14 to compare it to. We are working on the driver issues but it will take time.

For most (certainly not all) the current driver will be at the very least, quite an improvement over the old 3/5 driver with the annoying blink in low. That said, “acceptable” is NOT acceptable to Convoy and I’m working with Simon on getting this issue resolved and moving forward to bring more awesomeness to the budget light world that this forum was founded on.

Cheers

Any news as to when the updated driver might be coming? I’m holding off a purchase until it does.

fuzun · March 2, 2017, 4:55pm

What is the (light) difference between C8 and S2+ ?

ZozzV6 · March 2, 2017, 5:53pm

Any info about Clear S2+ soon?

caramba · March 3, 2017, 7:15am

C8 is a thrower and S2 is flooder and will fit in you pocket

fuzun · March 5, 2017, 7:59pm

I want to buy C8 (new) from GearBest but I do not know if it has this new firmware. Do you have any information about this? All new c8 contain new firmware?

Thanks.

ZozzV6 · March 5, 2017, 8:43pm

Only the clear anodized silver color, with red driver board has the new firmware at Gearbest.

J-Dub74 · March 6, 2017, 2:45pm

All I can report right now is that Simon is working on the driver issue. There are rev.002 boards at least prototypes and they won’t have the programability issue but as for timing and all else I’m not sure yet. I’ll let you all know when I have confirmation that all is well.