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

Well, it took a whole day to get 10 more added to the interest list, here they are:

1204 gotang
1205 bc777
1206 Pöbel
1207 Brawler1588
1208 Frost1235
1209 x-ray
1210 Kit Latura
1211 alex64
1212 GreenShrike
1213 GreenShrike

interest list sorted by entry number

interest list sorted by user names

Main OP list updated again! :slight_smile: I posted in the team chat asking Barry if there are any updates from the factory too.

+1 /\ DBSAR

Please put me down as interested; most likely a single unit. Please and thanks.

Add me to list plz. Great project!

Just joined for this lantern! Please add me to the list for 2!

Also, I have 2 questions.

1. Will this lantern take protected cells as well?
2. It is going to be USB rechargeable, correct?

Just reiterating my desire to purchase one when ready. Didn’t see my name on the list :frowning:

Hey TSO, so sorry about that. This is a manual process, and somehow I missed you. You are #1216 on the list, but I don’t post updates until I get a dozen or so new entries. I’m glad you spoke up. :+1:

As far a cost goes, I am thinking the goal is $30 - $40 dollars, but I have not heard anyone close to the project state an actual cost as of yet.

Welcome to BLF NeedALantern. Clever name, you came to the right place. Just hope you are not in a hurry . . .

The lantern will take unprotected or protected button top cells. I suppose its possible protected cells that are extremely long might not fit. The button top is important, as the positive contact goes onto a flat ring, and unprotected cells might not make contact well. The present design has USB charging, and it is user configurable between 0.75A and 1.5A IIRC.

No hurry, just wanted to get in on the initial buy! My current lanterns are Streamlight Siege AA models, and while I like them I definitely want a brighter and longer running replacement!

Thanks for the answer for number 2! I was hoping that was correct, since I want to get a lantern for a friend that wouldn’t be as experienced with lithium batteries.

I would like to add another for me, so 3 total instead of 2.

As SBslider mentioned above, it will be able to use protected & non-protected cells, and will have built in USB charging with dual configurable charge rates, (a lower one for charging from smaller power banks , solar panels, smaller laptops with limited USB power output, & small AC adapters) and a higher amp charge rate for faster charging from larger more powerful USB power sources.

So if it is configured to use the higher rate of charging, would it still charge if plugged into a smaller rate charger? Just curious. :slight_smile:

Yes obviously.

If the lantern is set at 1,5A with a 1A charger, it will only charge at 1A.

Thanks!

It will depending on the quality & design of the circuitry in the lantern if it can regulate low-output chargers. As from my tests with some smaller solar charger panels & power banks, the USB output voltage would fall below 4.2 volts on low-power panels, crank chargers, & small power banks if the charging circuit tried to pull more than1 amp from them, causing some “switching” effect of various chargers i tested, (TP4056 being one) meaning the charging circuit would turn off & on constantly and not charge the cells at all. Were hoping it will be designed to regulate properly based on the output capability of the charger source & not “over load” the source to the point of heavy voltage-sag causing the source to either shut off or over load & not work at all. ( one example is that when i tried charging a test set up of four cells using a 2 amp circuit (two TP4056’s) from my small laptop or a 7-watt folding solar panel, the cells did not charge at all.

I am interested in two, please add me to list.

While we’re talking about charging, I have two questions. Anyone have a guess as to the parasitic drain just sitting there? Also, would it be safe to leave plugged in with an old phone charger to keep it topped up for power outages and such?

Ok, four questions. Is lockout as easy as a bit of unscrewing? And would that mess with the water resistance, if there is any?

Thanks, Larry

1. Parasitic drain is extremely low with the BLF Q8, and should be the same for the BLF Lantern, so you will not have to worry at all.
If you really are worried about this, lock out the light manually, and do not use protected cells.

2. It would be safe, but would not be good for the capacity of the cells. Just charge the 18650s about every year or so, and you will be fine.

3. Lockout is super easy. Just unscrew it slightly.

4. As long as you don’t unscrew it too far and it is well lubed, it will have no effect on water resistance.
In fact, I’ve actually tried my Q8 in a pool under about 1,50m, and no water ingress was found at all, even around the button.

Can you add me to the list please?