ALIVE: Astrolux S42 groupbuy: US$ 25.95

Aha… :frowning:

I bet the MCU doesn’t even drive that channel, so that retrofitting them would not work either?

What size is the driver?

I do not know yet.
I’ll try to solder them.

21 mm

Thanks!

I wouldn't waste your time. There's no way the presence of those chips would be auto-detected and used if present. Might be possible I suppose, but I'd be in the range of 98% it won't make a difference. You are giving a lot of credit to the writers/designers of the firmware, which, sorry to say, probably don't deserve a lot of credit for how the firmware works.

Interesting the pads are there though, if they truly are wired up to a MCU I/O pin, and the output wired in to the output of the FET. Also of interest would be to determine what MCU they are using..

Honestly for me, it's pretty much a waste of time - I'd rather do a driver replacement and get what I want.

Sometimes the “cheap stuff” game we play here reminds me of a quote from WarGames:

“A strange game. The only winning move is not to play.”

They all must not be aware of the problems, but their shop/support-system could be aware of it. It could be possible that there are informations for each supporter for each individual product. If there are layout-problems, every supporter can read it.
But it seems that they dont have such a edv-system.

Anyone want to make a guess about how long the replacement tubes and USB cover might take?

I was asked in an email if I wanted the replacement tube held and sent with the USB cover so it leads me to believe that the tubes will take less time to create.

Did anyone get a similar question in their email responses?

Yes, I got the same email.

Hello.
I ordered my S42 on pre sale May 09 and it arrived today.
Meanwhile, I have also ordered Aspire 18350 batteries that arrived a few days ago.

As everyone knows now, the battery tube is too short, but I managed to put an Aspire 18350 battery in the light.
This obviously resulted in the positive end being pushed in a bit and the same occurred to the bottom of the battery.
(You have to sacrifice a bit to see the light …)

Beyond this, the light works as advertised, but it gets fast hot in turbo.

I switched to mode 2 and the light had been on the table for a half hour. When I tried to turn on the light, it would not work through the four announced modes. It just flashed in a very low mode every time I pressed the switch. I had to loosen the end plug and put it back in place again.
Then the light came on in mode 1 and worked. Then switched to mode 2 that also worked ok.

Also the “dragon breath” and the lock out works fine.

However, i have reported back to BG that the length of the battery tube is too short so I hope they will send me an upgraded tube when this is done. (I do not want to destroy any more 18350´s.)
Likewise, the USB charge port cover is a joke. Hope they can come up with something better.
In addition, I have the 18650 tube in order - so we will se if that is long enough.
Thats all…

My 18650 BLFa6 astrolux s41 tube does not work on the S42

Well, I've modded driver replacements in Lumintops, SkilHunts, Manker, and hopefully soon NiteCores, so the cost doesn't matter much to me. If I were to buy the Manker E14 II, similar light, for over twice the price at $65, I'd still want to replace the driver. Usually the cheaper lights are mod friendlier.

I finally had some success cracking open the stubborn glued up threads on lights I have over the weekend: S41 bezel, NiteCore MH20 bezel, 3 of SolarStorm K2 tailcaps.

I was surprised to see the S41 has no proper holes for the two pegs of the optics, like the S42 has. There also was no glass lens - not sure If I once again bought too early before the Astrolux kinks were worked out.

I got mine in the mail today. Doesn’t really work with my Keeppower protected 18350. I have the S41 18650 body tube though… how do I know which end I screw into the head?

Edit - I’m not sure if it even matters because my 18650 didn’t fit either way (Nitecore protected button top).

Try using a flat top unprotected. It works for me with 30q, he4 and hg2

Same here ………. Not sure but I dont think any protected 18650s will work.

I brought this light to use with the BLF 18650 tube.
Disappointed after read most comment for this light

I got this light today. 18650 tube works with flat top 30q.

Not sure what 219c bin they used but it’s not that bright at all. My S41S with 219b has much higher output. UI is horrible.

Draws 9.8a on turbo.

USB cover won’t stay put.

If it did fit I’m guessing it would just trip the protection circuit anyways

No response to email sent to the heyanqing@banggood.com address.

Going to try again, if no answer in 12 hours will open paypal dispute I guess :weary:

My reply (from Mandy) came after a day or so. Very polite, will send the longer tube and silicone cap when they’re ready. I’m happy enough with that.