*BLF LT1 Lantern Project) (updated Nov,17,2020)

Nice!

Do you also have plans to be able to use it as a powerbank, to charge you cellphone or GPS in an emergency?

Most 10 watt solar chargers seem to output roughly around 1 watt at 5 volts in full direct sunlight, but drops as the sun goes down or during cloudy periods. The TP4056 seems to be able to compensate that quite well, and still provide a “trickle” charge even at just 400 milliamps input. For wall plugs then it seems to pull its rated amps. (i use an inline USB volt/amp meter for testing)

The prototype has 4 modes, ( Moonlight, Low, medium & High with no PWM. (based from the Q-Lite revision of the Nanjq 105C driver.)

That is a possibility option were working on for the actual production model, as it would be a good feature to have for emergencies. Using four good 3200~3500mAh high capacity cells in the lantern would make it a high capacity power bank in addition to a lantern than can run for many days on a single charge.
( i have not added a USB charge output circuit yet to the lantern, and may if i can find the space inside driver area of the lantern to add one.

This sounds and looks very nice. I like your field testing and modding.
If it will have a nice warm tint, I’m sure I’ll buy one :+1:

I camp regularly, and the more (reliable) use per gram, the better. I have the same camo chinese solar panel you’ve got. It’s great to use outdoors with a powerbank.

This looks like a very versatile (light) energy source able to replace multiple devices. Hope this comes into production with all the features!

I would get this!
I like the idea of being able to use it on a 3-4 day camping trip, on lower modes.
The usb charging would be a nice feature (for me), and charging it with solar during the day :+1:

I havent read the whole thread(yet). Is this still in the early stages, meaning: has there been any discussion with a manufacturer yet?
Im guessing pricing is WAY too early to guess? If it lands in the $40 range, im all in.

Excellent work, glad to see progress.

A TP5000 charging board can give up to 2A charge current, I have one in my Noctigon meteor and it will charge 4 30Q’s in a little over six hours from a suitable power supply. Just an idea.

The plan is to be Warmer white light, ( The lantern currently has a 3700~4000K tint, and have modded lanterns with 3200K & 2700K. The idea here for this BLF lantern is for it to do what most factory & store bought lanterns don’t have. Warmer higher CRI tint, bright, long run times in all modes, compact, durable, versatile, with the best features like changeable LiIon cells, built in charging, the best practical modes for lantern use.

The solar panel in the photo was one of those 5 ~ 7 watt cheapos, but i modded it with additional folding panels as seen in the photo to increase the output to 11 ~ 12 watt range for charging larger USB devices faster.

Right now using four 3200mAh 18650’s in the lantern it will run for 4 ~ 5 hours per night on High no problem for 3 or 4 nights on a single charge from my tests. Were hoping the production version will be in that rpice range, ( that will depend on the additional features like USB charging in & outputs.

Good points there for faster charging. That would be good for charging from a larger wall supply or a 20-watt or larger solar charger. Right now i believe the particular TP4056 board in the lantern is resistored for 1 Amp.

Just noticed this. Interested.

Interested.

I’m interested.
Many Thanks
greeting
Jens

This looks great…good work.

A lamp that you can use with solarcharger and also charge a cellphone. We should not set the bar to high…lets start with charging abilities and interchangeable batteries. If you can have 4*18650 lantern with charging and decent light its better than anything I have seen before.

I hope this its the future !

I’m interested depending on price. Thanks.

Does the BLF Lantern “team” (if it exists as such yet) have the expertise to make a custom PCB incorporating the USB charge circuit (TP4056 or TP5000)?

And the same question for the USB out (powerbank) circuit, if that feature is green-lit?

If the answer is “no”, then will that impact which manufacturer could be selected? (Since several manufacturers have begun building lights with these features and would be able to assist with this aspect).

Im in for one depending on cost maybe two.

Very interested

Awesome work

I built in charging port is planned :slight_smile: