Thanks for the consideration. My specific interest is in finding warm and/or high CRI lights that offer a great balance of light and run time on NiMH without PWM. Having it start in moonlight mode is an appreciated bonus. High/turbo is usually my least-used mode in this size of flashlight. I like having the option but I don’t always need that much light. When I use the high mode, I don’t usually need it for a long time. At times when I want a lot of light for a longer duration, it would usually be longer than possible with a single AA or AAA anyway. When I want more light, I’ll just reach for a more powerful flashlight like your M2, which can handle bigger outputs for longer.
BTW, I just purchased a second M2 because I like it so much. I also have your AA UV flashlight with filter. My experience with your products has been extremely positive. Seeing you here, taking time to engage with your customers and listen to what the gear community wants, is fantastic. It encourages me to recommend your products to others.
If you figure out how to implement without PWM, make sure you tell people about this feature on your E3 product page. For some people, no PWM is an important feature.
Sorry for updating this but, how many versions of Jaxman E3 there are?
Seems the first version is from 2016 and “this version” is from 2018. But any changes on the name, V1 or V2 or something like that. I little bit confusing to find.
The first/old versions of the E3 are not on sale (at least on Jaxman AliExpress store). You can find “copies”, but not the original is not sold anymore.
The new version, is: Page Not Found - Aliexpress.com
There are no changes in the name, but there are changes in the structure of the falshlight as you can see on the post#1 of this thread
Has anyone replaced the LED on the E3 with an XPL HI? I have been wondering about this, just replacing the the led but keeping the same driver. Would I gain any more output and runtime compared to the nichia? Another thing, does the XPL HI emitter fit in the stock reflector opening?
Hi lg.tech! Welcome to BLF :partying_face:
I just wanted to let you know that XP-L HI emitters will fit well on this flashlight’s reflector! Any 3535 footprint emitter will fit well (XP-G2, XP-G3, XP-L HI, XP-L HD, some Nichias, Luxeon V2, and others).
I modified my light and I don’t have the original driver anymore, so I can’t do a runtime test. But, I guess runtimes on this flashlight will probably depend more on the type/quality of batteries you will use and on the levels you will use than the LED you’ll have on it.
Thank you for the welcome and for your response!
Do you know what size PCB I can fit in it? I’m thinking of getting the noctigon 16mm.
I love this light, I got the nichia 4000k version, but for outside usage it’s fairly weak with this tint. I have an old Nitecore D11 which has a similar output but with a cool white emitter and it’s much more usable, so I thought about putting an XPL HI 5000k on the jaxman E3.
As for batteries I have Standard eneloops, Sony 2400mAh Ni-MH and Efest 14500. I normally just use it with the Sony batteries, runtimes aren’t great with any of them, my old Nitecore D11 has a better runtime.
You can fit a 16mm diameter MCPCB. However, please note that if the Noctigon is thicker than the original PCB, it may leave a small gap between the bezel and the edge of the head where it screws in. You can add an extra o-ring there to maintain it more or less “sealed”.
About batteries, in case you want to use it with 14500, you can take a look at these Vapcell batteries: Test/review of Vapcell ICR14500 1000mAh (Gold) 2018
They have higher capacity than the Efests, and as this is not a high drain flashlight/driver, they can give you some more output and still last for a while.
However, note that Jaxman adivises to use more the Ni-MH batteries than the 14500 Li-Ion.
I guess the 5000K XP-L HI is a great choice, it is neutral white colour and will be good for indoor and outdoor. Also, it will not produce tint shifts under the Jaxman reflector.
Has anyone measured the lumen output on the E3?
One other thing, I have been thinking about how the E3 would perform with a smooth reflector, does anyone know where I could find a smooth reflector for the E3?
I have a Nitecore MT2C and on the lowest level (measured around 38 lumens by reviewer selfbuilt) it’s noticeably brighter than my E3 on the mid level looking at about 1 meter distance.
I swapped the 5700k Nichia for a 4000k SST20 in one of mine. I cracked the lens tightening the bezel and between the MCPCB thickness change and the new lens being thicker the bezel no longer threads down flush. Not a functional issue but disappointing anyhow. Still and excellent 1AA light for general use. Personally I like the LMH for a 1AA light. What UI are you looking for? Are you still with AA or do you want to go li-ion 14500?
Thanks for the info. You cracked the lens because the new MCPCB was thicker, I take it? How thin was the one you put in?
I assumed from your quote that you also swapped the driver. Is that correct?
I’d be fine using 14500 if it gave me access to a better driver/UI. I assume that’s the case because AA lights need a boost driver, right? And that will limit the driver and UI choices?
I’d like an AA/14500 light, as small as possible, with low moonlight modes and a reasonably high turbo/high, and a more customizable UI (Bistro, Crescendo, or even guppydrv). I’ve been searching for hosts to do a driver swap like this. Does what I’m looking for exist?
I’ve also investigated filing down a 15mm Mountain Electronics board to fit into a Lumintop Tool AA and going to 14500. Not sure I have the tools to file it down, but I’d try!