I have both models of the FT03.
The first version can stay on turbo much longer. It does not heat up very fast at all. 5 minutes is no problem. Not as much total light but more throw.
I like it, I am skipping the FT03 for now until I get tired of these other throwers. I think the FT03 isn’t really pocketable, and I feel that everything non-pocketable is in the same category for me (for now), so the chaselight will do. We can discuss chaselight in the other thread.
I caved in and bought it, can’t pass the deal at $30. Anyone thought of using an ice pack type material as a holster/wrap to help heatsink heat during use? Not looking to use a prechilled one but just some thing to wrap around the body while remain functional and easy to carry. Also the heat must be conducted to the body well, hopefully that’s already done stock.
Anyone else besides me tried running 2 batteries on the ft03? Since the tube fit, I tried it. Before I even get a chance to try it regularly… not good. I think I killed it?
If you put 6 volts (technically 8.4 volts) into a 3 volt led it will die.
It’s like plugging a 110v AC unit into a 220 volt outlet. It dies.
Flashlights that run on both 1 and 2 batteries in series, like the Convoy L2 use drivers designed for the wide voltage range and send the proper voltage to the led.
I kind of suspect ttylamg can’t do a reflow. You can try adventure sports flashlights and see if Matt has a big 5050 mcpcb he can put it on. Otherwise you can buy just the led from overseas at Kiadomain and reflow it yourself. It seems the 3v is still a bit hard to find.
You also need to check if the driver is damaged or not. The MCU runs at a lowish voltage and uses a resistor to bring the voltage down some. The operating max voltage is 5.5 volts. If fed 8.4 volts the resistor probably won’t bring down the voltage enough. I don’t know for sure.
I would take a spare 3 volt led, xml, xpl, whatever and install it just to see if the driver is still working. You’ll probably have to test it with the reflector out so use a weak battery or be careful not to ramp up too high.
If the driver is still okay, then consider ordering a proper replacement led.
I will ask around about whether the driver will survive or not.