NIGHTWATCH Avaritia NA40 SE: triple SST20 3000K, 4000K, 95cri, type-C rechargeable - $42.24 Code: NA40SE New photos in post #53

Really excited for this light after Tom’s post above. Going to be my first SST20 light and also first one with USB-C.

What’s the max battery length? Any chance that an unprotected 21700 would fit?

I'm doubting it, but can't recall if I tried. I got many 26650 lights and tried 21700's in a bunch. For example I know 21700's fit ok in the Lumintop SD26, which is why my modded SD26 is my most common batt test host.

Sorry, but seem to be missing a lot of pics of the NA40, including all the mods, but here's what I got currently posted: photobucket-NightWatchNA40, hope the link works.

I got a bunch of the 3500K SST-20's coming in from Blue and would love to swap out the blue CW's in the NA40 with the 3500k's. I took stock light measurements but don't have the #'s with me right now. Amps will be dependent on the cell you use (full open FET based driver). Think I was testing with an LK 5000 or equivalent. There's really no reason to go to a 21700 in this light - tons of amps from an LK 5000 and better capacity than a high performance 21700 like the 30T or 40T.

I’m IN

After Tom’s breakdown and recommendation I am in.
Thanks!

Keith

If you guys are interested it in stock, I think the UI should be of interest, and unfortunately I can't help much with that, since mine is modded now. Maybe tatasal or someone that owns one can provide details? For me, I'm more into if/how easy it can be modded, overall quality of the host, etc., but it sure is a good find as a host and quality. I can't recall any negatives but the UI is more about personal prefs anyways.

I see there's not much posted - maybe youtube or FB has more - didn't check.

I’m interested - pending info on UI…

Thanks for the inputs Tom E, you are always a valuable resource.

I still don’t have mine yet.

@tatasal, is there a way to get the price precisely down to 42,20$US?

I just hate non exact prices :slight_smile:

It is the exact price when the code is used. (in fact, I already edited the word “estimated” in the price in this thread) I just tried the code and it went down to that price, however, the promotion is still not active at the moment but it will be anytime soon (as soon as the number of interests goes up some more).

I will post the code to use when the appropriate time comes, and perhaps it’s pretty soon.

Wish I could have been more helpful though. This vid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xISREg1YcRA, shows the UI as click ON, click thru modes, click&hold for OFF - pretty common sequence.

Think turbo is dbl click. So, turbo is the full dual FET's, while high appears to be the full 16x7135 bank of FET's. Stock on a LK fully charged I measured 13.2 amps w/clamp meter, and 5.45A on high (5.6A max on 16x7135's). Adding spring bypasses, gave it a bump, 14 to 15.5 amps.

With SST-40 CW's:

Stock: 4640 lms at start, 4280 at 30 secs, 36 kcd (thin magnet on batt+ end)

After spring bypasses, solder blob topped LK cell: 5240 lms @start, 4680 lms @30 secs, 40 kcd

After driver NarsilM mod, solder blob topped LK cell: 17.5A tail, 5720 lms at start, 4980 at 30 secs

Lots of pros for this light, but here's some concerns/cons:

  • tailcap is kind of strange with no spring -- see video linked above at about the 14:30 mark. Though the vid is in German, you can see what's goin on.
  • no-spring tail means you may have to do some fiddling with magnets for typical flat top 26650's
  • side switch protrudes a little and is fairly stiff, least on mine

Why, why did they leave out a tail spring? Looks like there's machining to support it, but no slight impression that would hold one in place. Why would they sell a light like this? Dunno -- maybe we can beg/plead they fix this because of you are not a modder, I can see this being a major issue.

More pics:

Did I forget to mention I like hot peppers?

I did find some more pics not yet posted. Stripped the stock driver and used it as a contact board:

This Bob Smith 2 part epoxy has been working great, keeps the piggyback driver low:

My notes on the stock tests and spring bypasses (2 - on driver and on the USB-C charging board):

Notes on the mods:

Ordered from Neal, original box, lanyard, spare lens, and o-rings. Think there was no manual, not sure. The LK cell I used for testing:

After the mod:

This is the strange culprit. Usually they have a groove on the inside of that raised ring so a spring can snap in, but this doesn't have one. I'd almost say they simply left it out of my light but the German vid shows the same thing:

I'd really, really want to check sources to see if they addressed this. Again, not really a problem for me. There doesn't seem to be a downside w/magnets. I even used 3 of them and got even better amps/output -- check my notes. Not sure, but don't think I ever brought this up with Neal - I should have...

More pics in my NA40 album here: photobucket.com NightWatchNA40


Edit:

Ohh- -- let's hope they fixed the tailcap already??

Mine doesn't have the NA40SE labeling, so maybe it's a NA40 problem before the fixes? Here's some info on the SE upgrade: https://m4dm4x.com/nightwatch-avaritia-na40-se-updated-version/

Judging by the pics, mine is definitely a NA40, not the SE version, because mine has the gap at the bezel.

Here’s the coupon to code to use for the $42.24 price:

COUPON CODE: NA40SE

Product link: Order here

or: NightWatch Avaritia NA40 SE 3x SST40 LED Flashlight – Nealsgadgets

Oh yes.

If the PL47 isn’t home when I come back, I may be tempted if 21700s fit.

Strange tail, but it looks like no spring intended there just ptess fit bottom of battery it sticks out
But why did you not simply piggyback just the Attiny MCU and replace the FETs with one Infineon, or not stripping the AMCs wiring to piggyback drivers MCU

Easier to go with std FET+1 for me. I salvaged the 7135's at least, not certain of the original circuit. The battery fit is not good - maybe a longer 26650 button top or something. 18650's don't fit because that ring in the tail is too big. 21700's are too long for it -- really not much play in length - very tight margins. Sure hope they fixed this in the later batch/design.

Ohh - also was able to use the AUX LED in the switch - works well.

Thanks, tatasal. Ordered the 6500 ºK / 6000 lm variant. With coupon $6.47 discount (total $47.48 USD). Had eyed this light some months ago, the cool white may not be my favorite but will do the job outdoors. And can mod if needed.

:sunglasses:

Ordered Thanks :+1:

Tom E, how does the reflector compare side by side with C8F?

Oh boy, at work now. I don't have SST40's in a C8F, but I got a few other types. Now I'm all confused because the pics I see of the NA40SE in post #1 and on Neal's website show an OP reflector where mine (NA40) is SMO, like the C8F. So, are the pics only for the SST-20's or did they switch over to the OP altogether?

Maybe Neal has the answers? He never replied to a message I left on his website or an email, but I've had back and forth discussions with him on FB Messenger after that.

Notice the Nightwatch lights on Neal's site is in the "Others --> Other Flashlights" listing? Ouch - no respect...

I'll try messenging him bout this...

Yea not as concerned about how SST40 looks in both more so about the dimensions and fit and finish. The C8F reflector, like the Q8 seems to do pretty well with most LEDs and has a good hotspot and smooth spill.