Another nice characteristic of the E01 is its excellent regulation for most of the battery life and efficiency. At this price, I consider it a desirable trait rather than a necessity, but thought I’d mention it in case the point is open for discussion.
I have done some testing with these emitters, including overdrive testing. If any of it might be useful, I’m happy to share.
These emitters should be safe to drive harder than 20mA. Standard rating conditions are 20mA, and Yuji’s official spec indicates they are good for 30mA continuous. I measured an output peak at 90mA.
I haven’t tried to establish life expectancy at some intermediate drive level, but probably could set something up if it would be helpful.
If they are built to be a true E01 rival with potting, good regulation, and battery vampire qualities, I’ll commit to eight if it stays in the neighborhood of the $6 price point mentioned. Not just going to hoard them for myself, I would give some away.
Yeah, that did not come out right. I have 4 AAA twisties, and when I carried them my MO was to squeeze the head to get the light to come on and go through modes even. Maratac copper, brass Lumintop worm, Manker Boney, and Thrunite Ti3. The only one that does not work well that way is the Ti3, it just needs to be twisted. Just saying that there are options for momentary on without twisting.
This Thursday I am going on a camping trip for almost 4 weeks in the mountains in Northern Italy. In this period I will be without Internet access. Given the recent developments I would like to transfer the supervision of this thread to a team.
Is there anyone interested in joining this team for coordinating this special edition BLF light made by Sofirn?
I will be around until August 11th, and can maintain the list. A team like for the Q8 or FW3A seems not really needed for this light since the design will be mostly in the hands of Sofirn, who are really capable of making it. A extra hand for the list would be handy though.
Barry answered a few more questions:
-the body can be made in three colours, he asked which colours we like. I see a pagelong discussion coming up , perhaps a poll should solve that.
-about the driver: yes, it can be made to fully drain an alkaline, in fact they claim they can make the same driver as the E01
-I asked if the current could be 30mA, Barry said it was possible but was concerned if that would reduce the lifetime of the led and so make the light less durable. I estimate that 30mA will be alright but is there someone with more experience with these leds who has knowledgable input?
-apart from this Yuji version for BLF, Sofirn will likely make a common white low CRI version with more output too. I suggested also that a version with red led would be popular, and perhaps 365nmUV and he answered that if demand would be there that could easily be made too (but AFAIC there will be no interest list for that in this thread, seems a bit too complicated to me).