klrman, it probably should be. More than a little scary, I have to admit. shirnask, I can't say if I've had that EXACT expression, but I know there's been more than a few times it had to have been pretty close to that. lol I found that pic when ToyKeeper started calling me Dr. Frankendale... :FACEPALM:
Haha. I can only dream about modding like you do. Right now, the biggest thing I've done is solder a replacement driver in my L6, but this Winter I will be reading many posts and will finally start to build something nice for myself. I have to start small and build on it all.
I was told the deal was good until the end of October… maybe they just meant the code was good until then…
I assumed the Group Buy ended Sept 21 when Sofirn said it was ending that day. Sorry.
It was a PM reply to the code PM. I asked how long it would be good for (I had to wait until my next paycheck…). Was told End of October. The code still works, but the priced jumped by $20. Doh! ah well, can win em all I guess.
—
“Facts don’t care about your feelings.”
~Ben Shapiro
I am loving this Sofirn Q8!! I like the tint even better than the BLF Q8.
The fit & finish are about as close to perfect as it can be. Thanks Sofirn…. Great job!!
—
You never know how a horse will pull until you hook him up to a heavy load./"Bear" Bryant
.................................. "Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast" ...................................
Yesterday I received my Q8. I love that light and only complain I have is that I can’t unscrew steel bezel and tail cap. While I don’t care about the tail cap, I want to change the LEDs at some point.
Luckily this didn’t stopped me from flashing Anduril firmware on it. This is my first light with Anduril and I really like it. Everything seems to work fine, even switch light. Except battery indicator which isn’t accurate. When I put batteries which currently provide 3.8V and check battery voltage from Q8, the light blinks 4 times for 4.0 volts. Did I messed something when flashed it?
I used ToyKeeper’s hex from 09/30.
Modded my second Q8 again, this time with an emitter swap using LED4Power’s dual footprint boards. With sliced SST-40’s on it and the openings in the reflector reamed out so the reflector sits down onto the board, it makes 8349 lumens on the 30Q’s. The lowest level is 0.1035 lumens. Forward Voltage is low enough that Candlelight in Anduril isn’t smooth all the way down at the base level, but works fine with a tiny bump up.
The sliced SST-40’s make 8763 lumens with Samsung 25S cells in the Q8.
Edit: slicing them warms them slightly but they’re still on the cool white side. Lux is 116.75Kcd for 683.37M throw. Not bad at all for a nearly 9,000 lumen soup can light!
Yesterday I received my Q8. I love that light and only complain I have is that I can't unscrew steel bezel and tail cap. While I don't care about the tail cap, I want to change the LEDs at some point. Luckily this didn't stopped me from flashing Anduril firmware on it. This is my first light with Anduril and I really like it. Everything seems to work fine, even switch light. Except battery indicator which isn't accurate. When I put batteries which currently provide 3.8V and check battery voltage from Q8, the light blinks 4 times for 4.0 volts. Did I messed something when flashed it? I used ToyKeeper's hex from 09/30.
Luckily this didn’t stopped me from flashing Anduril firmware on it. Everything seems to work fine, even switch light. Except battery indicator which isn’t accurate. When I put batteries which currently provide 3.8V and check battery voltage from Q8, the light blinks 4 times for 4.0 volts. Did I messed something when flashed it? I used ToyKeeper’s hex from 09/30.
My stock Q8 reads .1v lower than actual voltage.
It’s not super accurate, but it should be good enough to tell you your batteries condition.
For instance the light may flash 4.0 when the battery is in a range of 3.98 to 4.08 or maybe 3.93 to 4.03. It tries to be close, but it can’t be perfect.
If it blinks 4.4 on freshly charged batteries then you have to mentally remember it’s .2 high.
If your flashing your own UI, maybe ToyKeeper can suggest an edit in the code to make your light be closer to accurate.
—
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
TK does indeed have a set that can be flashed into the MCU and measurements taken with different voltages of cells, this will flash out the code you need to put in the program to make your specific light more accurate. I don’t use it, She uses it for every build.
Luckily this didn't stopped me from flashing Anduril firmware on it. Everything seems to work fine, even switch light. Except battery indicator which isn't accurate. When I put batteries which currently provide 3.8V and check battery voltage from Q8, the light blinks 4 times for 4.0 volts. Did I messed something when flashed it? I used ToyKeeper's hex from 09/30.
My stock Q8 reads .1v lower than actual voltage.
It's not super accurate, but it should be good enough to tell you your batteries condition. For instance the light may flash 4.0 when the battery is in a range of 3.98 to 4.08 or maybe 3.93 to 4.03. It tries to be close, but it can't be perfect. If it blinks 4.4 on freshly charged batteries then you have to mentally remember it's .2 high. If your flashing your own UI, maybe ToyKeeper can suggest an edit in the code to make your light be closer to accurate.
In my case I like the way it reads my batteries. If cells are 3.7v actual, my Q8 will say 3.6v. Keeps me ahead of the game a little.
The sliced SST-40’s make 8763 lumens with Samsung 25S cells in the Q8.
Edit: slicing them warms them slightly but they’re still on the cool white side. Lux is 116.75Kcd for 683.37M throw. Not bad at all for a nearly 9,000 lumen soup can light!
Way to go Dale! And excellent choice in emitters. I haven’t kept up with this thread, but my sofirn q8 arrived today and it’s one of my fav stock light under $40. Throws quite far and very bright. The funny thing is, I wanted to see if I can find if anyone posted stock lux numbers and I was browsing this thread and saw your post asking what we think between xhp50 or sst40?
I was gonna reply back after I finish with reading this thread, that I would personally opt for shaved sst40 for throw and high lumens.
Regular sst40 and xhp50 will give lots of lumens but there are lots of soda can lights that can already do this with even more lumens.
But not many or none out there with decent high lumens and throw.
Tried to order on AE. First with request to adjust price in message field in my cart.
Later same question to Sofirn in the message center in “my” AE.
Same response: none whatsoever. Well: two can sing that song. Consider me out of this buy
Maybe I just got stuck between two bits in their answering bot. IDK, but I’m done with Sofirn.
So you ordered from AE back when the group buy was still active, but they never adjusted the price for you?
They didn’t. But never mind. I will find myself another light for my four spare 30Q batteries.
Already un-subscribed the thread.
Though I already had emptied my cart, a few days ago I got a message in my mail to “confirm but not pay” my order of the Q8. So I put the Q8 back into the cart and tried to do what they asked. This was the first time to opt for this procedure. At first the suggestions in this forum did not quite look fitting my case, but eventually I managed to get into the next level (we are awaiting your payment). Yesterday I got a noticication in my mail that the price was adjusted!! From then on it went smoothly. So I will be waiting for the postman too.
My late mother always said: I’ll be the first to admit when I’m wrong, but this time I’m right (as always).
Well now it is my turn. I should have listened better to myself, when telling others that you need to have patience in doing business with Chinese sellers (holidays, time-zones, deadlines, etc). In this case I did not have enough patience. I am glad Sofirn did. Thank you, Sofirn.
—
You are a flashaholic if you are forced to come out of the closet, to make room for more flashlights.
interesting…
My Sofirn Q8 flashed the low “batt signal” at 3.22v on my q35s tonight… at about 1/3 power….
yeah, not well calibrated. did a full shutdown at 3.13v.
this is an issue.
Haha. I can only dream about modding like you do. Right now, the biggest thing I've done is solder a replacement driver in my L6, but this Winter I will be reading many posts and will finally start to build something nice for myself. I have to start small and build on it all.
I saw some Q8s on Ebay for about $40.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BLF-Q8-5000LM-Super-Bright-4xLED-Tactical-Flash...
I know nothing about the seller.
Edit : I just noticed $10 shipping . Never mind.
It was a PM reply to the code PM. I asked how long it would be good for (I had to wait until my next paycheck…). Was told End of October. The code still works, but the priced jumped by $20. Doh! ah well, can win em all I guess.
“Facts don’t care about your feelings.”
~Ben Shapiro
Did you use the code ? The code was for $39.95 , regardless of what the list price is . Try it, maybe still is $39.95.
I did. Nopers…
“Facts don’t care about your feelings.”
~Ben Shapiro
Oh well, that sucks. If you are patient, sales will probably crop up. My first Q8 was $46.
I am loving this Sofirn Q8!! I like the tint even better than the BLF Q8.
The fit & finish are about as close to perfect as it can be.
Thanks Sofirn…. Great job!!
You never know how a horse will pull until you hook him up to a heavy load./"Bear" Bryant
.................................. "Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast" ...................................
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Bugger! I paid full price for my BLF Q8 off Amazon AU, AUD$78 when there was discount available to make it AUD$40
First, it was for the Sofirn Q8 and secondly it was $40 US. The Australian conversion rate would make the price higher than $40 maybe like $56AUD.
$40 AUD is like $29 USD and they have never been that cheap.
I think there are coupons for the BLF Q8 for $46 USD, but not any for the Sofirn Q8 right now. Maybe soon though it will be available with a coupon.
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
I know it was the Sofirn, I was sympathizing with the experience of paying more when less had been possible.
Yes AUD$40 is like USD$29 and it was that cheap. It was a mistake but orders were filled https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/392606
Is there a decent diffuser available for the Q8?
https://www.fenixlighting.com/product/diffuser-tip-aod-l/
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Lambency-Cloud-Flash-Diffuser-Softbox...
Yesterday I received my Q8. I love that light and only complain I have is that I can’t unscrew steel bezel and tail cap. While I don’t care about the tail cap, I want to change the LEDs at some point.
Luckily this didn’t stopped me from flashing Anduril firmware on it. This is my first light with Anduril and I really like it. Everything seems to work fine, even switch light. Except battery indicator which isn’t accurate. When I put batteries which currently provide 3.8V and check battery voltage from Q8, the light blinks 4 times for 4.0 volts. Did I messed something when flashed it?
I used ToyKeeper’s hex from 09/30.
I just checked mine and it isnt glued. Just use the bottom of a mouse pad/shoe/carpet. Twist and press at the same time and it will come off easily.
Mine is stock. Battery meter seems to read slightly high also.
Thanks for the reply, I mange to unscrew the bezel :). But wasn’t easy for sure, Maybe I should grease the threads.
Modded my second Q8 again, this time with an emitter swap using LED4Power’s dual footprint boards. With sliced SST-40’s on it and the openings in the reflector reamed out so the reflector sits down onto the board, it makes 8349 lumens on the 30Q’s. The lowest level is 0.1035 lumens. Forward Voltage is low enough that Candlelight in Anduril isn’t smooth all the way down at the base level, but works fine with a tiny bump up.
Those SST-40’s look cool in there!
link to djozz tests
This iteration of my favorite light has some serious down range punch.
Not a cool white fan usually, I like this one.
The sliced SST-40’s make 8763 lumens with Samsung 25S cells in the Q8.
Edit: slicing them warms them slightly but they’re still on the cool white side. Lux is 116.75Kcd for 683.37M throw. Not bad at all for a nearly 9,000 lumen soup can light!
My stock Q8 reads .1v lower than actual voltage.
It’s not super accurate, but it should be good enough to tell you your batteries condition.
For instance the light may flash 4.0 when the battery is in a range of 3.98 to 4.08 or maybe 3.93 to 4.03. It tries to be close, but it can’t be perfect.
If it blinks 4.4 on freshly charged batteries then you have to mentally remember it’s .2 high.
If your flashing your own UI, maybe ToyKeeper can suggest an edit in the code to make your light be closer to accurate.
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
TK does indeed have a set that can be flashed into the MCU and measurements taken with different voltages of cells, this will flash out the code you need to put in the program to make your specific light more accurate. I don’t use it, She uses it for every build.
I didn’t read the whole thread, but shouldn’t Sofirn use NarsilM v1.2 in the Sofirn Q8?
No, it’s using the same version as always for the last year. Maybe they will switch to a newer version later on.
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
In my case I like the way it reads my batteries. If cells are 3.7v actual, my Q8 will say 3.6v. Keeps me ahead of the game a little.
Way to go Dale! And excellent choice in emitters. I haven’t kept up with this thread, but my sofirn q8 arrived today and it’s one of my fav stock light under $40. Throws quite far and very bright. The funny thing is, I wanted to see if I can find if anyone posted stock lux numbers and I was browsing this thread and saw your post asking what we think between xhp50 or sst40?
I was gonna reply back after I finish with reading this thread, that I would personally opt for shaved sst40 for throw and high lumens.
Regular sst40 and xhp50 will give lots of lumens but there are lots of soda can lights that can already do this with even more lumens.
But not many or none out there with decent high lumens and throw.
Though I already had emptied my cart, a few days ago I got a message in my mail to “confirm but not pay” my order of the Q8. So I put the Q8 back into the cart and tried to do what they asked. This was the first time to opt for this procedure. At first the suggestions in this forum did not quite look fitting my case, but eventually I managed to get into the next level (we are awaiting your payment). Yesterday I got a noticication in my mail that the price was adjusted!! From then on it went smoothly. So I will be waiting for the postman too.
My late mother always said: I’ll be the first to admit when I’m wrong, but this time I’m right (as always).
Well now it is my turn. I should have listened better to myself, when telling others that you need to have patience in doing business with Chinese sellers (holidays, time-zones, deadlines, etc). In this case I did not have enough patience. I am glad Sofirn did. Thank you, Sofirn.
You are a flashaholic if you are forced to come out of the closet, to make room for more flashlights.
A short video of the Sofirn Q8 Quad in action with sliced SST-40’s…
interesting…
My Sofirn Q8 flashed the low “batt signal” at 3.22v on my q35s tonight… at about 1/3 power….
yeah, not well calibrated. did a full shutdown at 3.13v.
this is an issue.
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