While I definitely prefer boost drivers with stable output to FET drivers, I have never seen the combination of:
Good efficiency
High maximum current
Ability to fit in a pocketable light (let’s call that about 20mm driver diameter)
Low price
It’s usually 2/4. Zebralights, for example are small and efficient, but they’re not hot-rods by BLF standards and they’re pretty expensive. The Haikelite MT01 using the off the shelf LD-35 boost driver is cheap and efficient but doesn’t come anywhere near fitting in my pocket, nor is it capable of a lot of output for a 3x18650 light. The Meteor might arguably hit three points: it’s a good value for what you get, but it’s not cheap in absolute terms.
A compact triple with a high-current boost driver would be awesome. Wait… that exists, but you’ll pay through the nose for anything from Lux-RC. The D4 costs $35 and I’m fine with a FET driver at that price point. If anybody would like to bring the Indigo driver to market outside Russia and can hit a competitive price point, I’m sure BLFers would be interested. I, for one need more Nichia 144As in my life.
I personally don´t care about the driver type in the new D4 - I want the most lumen out of it in turbo mode (hopefully nearly 4400 lumen in the XP-L HI version :smiling_imp: ); batteries can be recharged!
I didn’t try to put all factors into one graph.
A 3-dimensional graph can show 3 factors. In this case:
X = brightness level in UI (1-9 of 9, or 1-150 of 150)
Y = lumens
Z = time
I’m not trying to regulate flat lumen output in firmware at all, and I don’t think the D4 firmware does either. I don’t care much if output sags over time. I do try to regulate heat though, because I don’t like to damage the hardware or burn the user.
The firmware could attempt to do flat current regulation on a FET, by increasing PWM level or decreasing PFM ceiling as voltage drops. I’ve done it before. It’s complicated and fragile and not very effective. I don’t find it worthwhile. Current regulation is better handled at a hardware level.
As far as I can tell, the D4 should have high maximum current, ability to fit in a pocketable light, and low price. The efficiency isn’t going to be as good as a Zebralight, but it should be significantly better than a FET-only driver. So… 3/4 maybe?
Does anybody of you use lights except for wow - effect?
As already said this host can carry 5-7W for long time. With 10-15W consumption it would be hot like zebra on turbo. With 20W+ it would be an useless toy. I have 30W pocket light of similar size and overheating(65C) occurs after 17 seconds.
A price of Skilhunt h03 with buck driver is obout 30$. So D4 with dd , pwm and unknown output (becouse of rumping) is only quite expensive host for mod.
After M43, D4 is huge step back for Hank. I understand that d4 is already in production but I hope to see good drivers in the next Hank s light.
The Meteor is called Noctigon MEteor, and is sold as a semi-high end flashlight with a rather high price-point…
The D4 is sold under Emisar brand, at 35$ for a quad… you can’t expect the same level of technology/efficiency/Russian eforums exigence…
Please, Russian fellows, give us the secret to make 35$ flashlights with magical boost driver fully relgulated at all levels
The good thing is that no one forces you to buy it ….I do not understand your disgust, if something I do not like I do not buy it and I do not walk all day complaining ….
I like this price at what it offers, so I will buy one. The good thing is that no one forces anyone to buy anything.
(of course, I will buy it only if Hank decide sell in his store….)
M43 also had a price of a mid-range flashlight when it was relised. I dont want another zebralight.
I was waiting for good 4led light with good modern driver for adequate price.
When the M43 was released there was no cheap variant of such a light. Today we do have cheap/affordable single 18650 triple and quad lights. It might be tricky if the D4 were priced significantly higher than $35, as people might (= will) find it overpriced. It’s a choice I’m sure, but I also understand the disappointment.
Manker u11 coupon price was $30. Quality host with build-in charger, buck driver, side switch, compact size. Same quality light without manker brand could probably cost much less (utorch?). Make changes to fit quad optics (similar to my quad kit, even less machining in comparing with place for reflector). Optics is not more expensive than reflector. PCB footprint doesnt influence on board self-cost (neverless board is single or quad led). Only thing that can increase price - three extra leds (not big difference between 4xXP-G3 vs 1xXP-L).
Yep
IMHO.
Here the question is not in price. Many were waiting for the same functionality as in the Meteor. And not at all for $ 35. Let it be more expensive. Let it be $50-70. The cost of parts for Indigo is about 15-20 dollars. But not everyone can make a circuit board himself
