Yes, I agree. 
:+1:
Code should be easy to adapt. I already abstracted out most of the hardware details so UIs can be ported by simply changing some bits in the underlying library.
The hard part is designing a driver with all the desired capabilities. DEL already did a lot of the work though, and hopefully heāll be willing to finish the rest.
With yours & DELās help it can be a reality. (as iām a dumb post when it comes to programming and driver designing.
I sure hope ToyKeeperās candle and sunset modes will be incorporated. Those little details will take this lantern, which is already going to be amazing, over the top.
Interested.
I agree, those modes woudl really make this lantern unique 
Iām interested!
Please add me to the list.
Got to keep the UI as simple as possible. TF will want to sell this to more than just flashaholics !
Cool. Sorry for your hardship and appreciating you going on with this!
Definitely true. it needs to be user friendly for general campers, travelers, emergency preparedness, Scouts groups, mariners, remote locations, expeditions, even under-developed locations where good, bright lighting is needed. This lantern with a USB charging input, added with a simple 10-watt foldable solar charger panel can be a infinitely sustainable light source for anywhere where thee is no lighting.
Yah, but shipping from the manufacturer by default in āmuggle modeā should take care of that. I donāt se why the Q8 driver couldnāt be used pretty much as-is with just the physical change from a FET to a bank of a few 7135s and the Narsil or maybe Anduril firmware, including TKās candle and thunderstorm modes, and set to āmuggle modeā out of the box.
Agreed, I hope to hear back with some input from DEL & Tom-E ( and the other Q8 project team) on their input if it is ok to use & incorporate the Q8 driver in the BLF lantern, and if its possible to adapt changes to the driver for the lantern, As in lowering its peak output for continuous running, any alterations to the mode & groups, (with addition of ToyKeeperās Candle & sunset-modes, ) and at least the addition of the USB input charging capability to charge the lanternās cells. (and maybe ad the power-Bank feature if that is feasible or not)
As of right now once the Q8 mule for the lantern arrives, I will build the new prototype using the Q8 body, parts of the head, and its driver to get a working design to go from.
The hard part is getting USB to work. And, if desired, getting the light to do constant-current output instead of PWM. I think DEL already solved the constant current bits though, and was finishing up USB.
Taking a Q8 driver and limiting its output is easy. Literally just build an already-designed FET+N+1 Q8 aftermarket driverā¦ minus a few chips. Changing modes and UI is easy too.
Please put me on the list for ONE lantern.
If the board is being redesigned is there any change of using a single usb-c port in lieu of separate usb in and out? Would that end up being higher or lower in cost?
Difficult to know, ToyKeeper & DEL would be able to answer that better. But right now standard USB inter face is planned as most Solar chargers or power banks have not incorporated USB-C yet, and none of my Solar folding chargers or panels have USB-C. (without the need for an adapter cord, etc.) USB-C seems more practical for data devices like phones & tablets, all this lantern will need is a common USB micro plug cord to charge it from any USB power source.
+1
Thatās fair - your project, your rules. It just seems to be the way every phone, powerbank, and eventually solar panel is heading in so I wanted to bring it up. Canāt wait!
Please add me to the list! Thanks.