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

I have tested the LT1 and it works with most 1 amp wall chargers, though some of the lower amp chargers get quite warm. (as the LT1 is shipped factory default as 1.5 amp charge rate) the factory 5-chips per-channel is a good balance of output & run times for most uses, while the two extra chips can be bridged to add some output lumens increase with a slightly lowered run times.

thank you sir. i have a ‘1.5A’ iPad wannabe charger that shits the bed if going over 1A. metered with a UNI-T UT658.
thanks for confirming the 5-chips.

can’t wait to get your wonderful creation in my hands.
cheers

/richard

As DBSAR says, many 1A chargers will still work with the stock LT1 (even though the LT1 expects 1.5A), but the charger may get very warm.

If that worries you - or the charger refuses to work at all - there is a way to reduce the LT1’s charging current, which DBSAR actually added to the original specification for people with small solar panels and low-powered chargers to use.

First a photo of the driver:

The trim pot doesn’t do anything in a stock lantern - it’s only there for modding. I think it was meant for auxiliary LEDs.

However, if you look below the ‘L’ in “BLF” in the driver photo, you’ll see the word “charge” in white. There’s a solder blob to the lower right of the ‘e’ in “charge”.

If you have a soldering iron, you can melt the solder and break that connection. This will set the LT1’s built-in charging controller to 0.75A instead of 1.5A.

If you get a more powerful charger in future, you can set the LT1 back to 1.5A by putting the solder blob back and restoring that connection.

@Phlogiston

perfect explanation. thanks! :beer:
i’ll see how my adapter does.

/richard

Yep, as Phlogiston mentioned, the LT1 was designed with off-grid users in mind, and able to reduce the amp-draw charging rate to 0.75 amps for those with older lower-amp chargers and power supplies. One example is in many 2010 ~ 2017 RV’s, boats, ATVs have USB charger ports that can only supply 1-amp outputs. Another example is when i tested some smaller portable Solar panel chargers & power banks. i could connect one LT1 to many of them and they would charge, but if i connect two, the voltage would fall so low the lanterns would not charge at all. But when i reduced the charge rate in the LT1 lanterns to the 0.75 amp setting, then i could charge two at the same time from a tiny 10-watt solar charger in one day under good sun light after running them for 5-hours each night at 60 ~ 70% brightness.

right on. you are very thorough on your design methods. something i really respect, and appreciate.
this light is going to touch a lot of lives in a much needed way sir. well done.

on top of the standard functions, the ‘nice to haves’ such as candle mode, and sunset are welcome indeed.
thanks Toykeeper!

cheers :beer:
/richard

I’d like a code to purchase this…would be perfect for camping!

The group buy is over.

If you want the same discount as the group buy — Sofirn is making this possible on their web site … Selling the BLF LT1 for 49.99. As the web site states — This is for a very limited time … So If you want one — Here’s where to order:

https://sofirnlight.com/blf-lt1-p0013.html

ordered mine last sunday the 12th from amazon, it shipped monday (china time)
hoping it will be the usual week in customs, flown, week in customs then to my door.

one question… what the hell is this thing? lol

an extra button not shown to scale?

Yes. It’s an extra button

Spare button cap :smiley:

ah, thanks folks. :beer:

The BLF LT1 is safe to charge with my Ipad’s 2.4 amp, 12W power adapter right? I also have a couple of Anker Powerport PD2 wall chargers, will they be also fine to use with my blf lantern?

I ordered on 3/23 with special note in the order comments requesting the latest firmware. Light arrived in good condition on 4/17.
It does have the 5.0 driver but firmware is 2019/11/29. If latest firmware is deal breaker for you you might want to wait till the 4th batch.
C to C is not a deal breaker for me but I hope to test in in the next day or two.

I do not have the programming key for the exposed pads. If the wires are long enough I will try to re-program with the chip clip but i will not de-solder anything to do it.

This was a huge boon to me I used the spare button on a C8F with a mtn lighted switch it was exactly what the doctor ordered to make my adaptation perfect.

I am new to BLF. Can I get in on this lantern?
Looks like I can buy it on Amazon. Is there a BLF discount code?

Read Post 10939.

Yes, any of those chargers should work fine charging the LT1.

Were firmware changes since then a big deal on the LT1?

I haven’t kept super close track but I think 11/29 might be the latest. That’s what I have in my lantern. The only noticeable changes are SOS, and I think improved button press stability.