Problem is usually IPX7 or IPX8 Type-C connectors are also made as USB 3.1 Gen 2 compatible which drives up the cost (and complexity) unnecessarily.
For a flashlight you really don’t need a Type-C connector with 24 pins… You only need 6 pins.
With these, like I said previously, the light needs to be designed around it and implemented correctly since the ingress protection comes from the o-ring which seals against the “chassis”.
Can you provide me a link of where to find the ipx7 or ipx8 usb-c port? I’m trying to convince a flashlight manufacturer to use usb-c instead of proprietary magnetic charging.
Lagittaja wrote:
Regarding the charging port, like raven said, IPX7 and even IPX8 rated USB-C receptacles are a thing. The light needs to be designed around one and it needs to be implemented properly but I would pay a little bit extra for that.
Though that might be a bit too much to ask for in a ~20-25$ light, considering the BOM increase.
If someone wonders about the price, cheapest USB-C receptacles are ~0.1$ a piece in 100-1000+ quantities but if you add ingress protection then they start at around 1$.
Certainly not expensive but small things add up quickly and Sofirn needs to make a profit.
Though that was based on LCSC and glancing over some Alibaba listings I guess they could find something closer to 0.3-0.4$.
P.S. djozz, it would be a nice thing if this flashlight would follow the USB Type-C spec. By this I mean the connector needs to have 5.1k pull-down resistors between CC and GND so that USB Type-C chargers will actually charge the flashlight.
Thanks for the extra USB-C socket information, and for the Parker O-Ring Handbook link, best lockdown read ever
I think I already asked for the USB-C charger support, Sofirn should be able to handle that because they had the request before for the LT1 and I believe already implemented it there in the next batch (not sure).
USB-C is planned. But to be frank, I have not had contact about this light since the crisis. But I think this light is still highly relevant so I see it coming off the ground at some point.
USB-C is planned. But to be frank, I have not had contact about this light since the crisis. But I think this light is still highly relevant so I see it coming off the ground at some point.
I am Frank (even by name ). A light like this will always be relevant. And before every camping vacation I am looking for good muggle lights for the kids and my girl, but hardly ever succeed.
Would be a big plus for me if it had a warmer led than 5000k BTW,
Would be a big plus for me if it had a warmer led than 5000k BTW,
For me too, but the 5000K LH351D was chosen because it is a great led that Sofirn already has in-house, and it pleases many. In a later phase we can maybe ask for other emitter options but at this point that is not relevant yet.
I finally stopped lurking and joined just to say INTERESTED for two to start. If they work out as well as they sound I could see buying a bunch more later. Would be perfect Christmas gifts in that $22 range with battery .
I’m interested in 2 if I haven’t said so already. My grandmother just experienced a power outage and I’m having a real tough time finding a decent quality flashlight for her taking her needs into account (and working with arthritic hands, vision, and lack of affinity for adapting to new tech). I want to get her an LT1 but I’m waiting for Anduril 2.0 or a simpler UI.
I always feel like an 18650 light should also be able to take 2X CR123, like the Sofirn SP31. In a power outage you can put in new batteries; you cannot recharge a battery (barring powerbanks) so unless you have extra 18650s around you basically have a proprietary cell. But bad things can happen with accidentally charging primaries, so I understand it’s too much to ask for USB and cr123 compatibility.
djozz already replied but…
…here’s an example from LCSC at ~1.1-1.2$ a pop in reasonable quantities
https://lcsc.com/product-detail/USB-Connectors_XKB-Enterprise-USB3-1-TYPE-C-FSABC_C319140.html
Problem is usually IPX7 or IPX8 Type-C connectors are also made as USB 3.1 Gen 2 compatible which drives up the cost (and complexity) unnecessarily.
For a flashlight you really don’t need a Type-C connector with 24 pins… You only need 6 pins.
I’m not good at rummaging through Alibaba but here’s a cheaper example
https://www.alibaba.com/product-detail/IP68-Waterproof-USB-Type-C-6PinFemale_62252784266.html
It even has “locating” pins so you can make a couple of holes in the PCB for it to sit in for some added support.
With these, like I said previously, the light needs to be designed around it and implemented correctly since the ingress protection comes from the o-ring which seals against the “chassis”.
If anyone is interested or perhaps wants some light reading before bed, here’s a link to Parker’s o-ring handbook. Almost 300 pages worth of fun.
https://www.parker.com/Literature/O-Ring%20Division%20Literature/ORD%205...
P.S. djozz, it would be a nice thing if this flashlight would follow the USB Type-C spec. By this I mean the connector needs to have 5.1k pull-down resistors between CC and GND so that USB Type-C chargers will actually charge the flashlight.
Thanks!
Thanks for the extra USB-C socket information, and for the Parker O-Ring Handbook link, best lockdown read ever
I think I already asked for the USB-C charger support, Sofirn should be able to handle that because they had the request before for the LT1 and I believe already implemented it there in the next batch (not sure).
link to djozz tests
Interested
Interested
Interested
I’ll take one!
I’ll take 2 or 3
Interested.
Add me to the list!
Interested!
Interested
Interested in two if it has usb-c.
USB-C is planned. But to be frank, I have not had contact about this light since the crisis. But I think this light is still highly relevant so I see it coming off the ground at some point.
link to djozz tests
I am Frank (even by name
). A light like this will always be relevant. And before every camping vacation I am looking for good muggle lights for the kids and my girl, but hardly ever succeed.
Would be a big plus for me if it had a warmer led than 5000k BTW,
For me too, but the 5000K LH351D was chosen because it is a great led that Sofirn already has in-house, and it pleases many. In a later phase we can maybe ask for other emitter options but at this point that is not relevant yet.
link to djozz tests
I finally stopped lurking and joined just to say INTERESTED for two to start. If they work out as well as they sound I could see buying a bunch more later. Would be perfect Christmas gifts in that $22 range with battery .
Thanks for the interest, I will update the list somewhere this week.
link to djozz tests
Add me to the list please. Most likely 1, but if executed properly ill grab a bunch for gifts.
I would be interested as well.
Interested!
Interested!
I’m interested in 2 if I haven’t said so already. My grandmother just experienced a power outage and I’m having a real tough time finding a decent quality flashlight for her taking her needs into account (and working with arthritic hands, vision, and lack of affinity for adapting to new tech). I want to get her an LT1 but I’m waiting for Anduril 2.0 or a simpler UI.
I always feel like an 18650 light should also be able to take 2X CR123, like the Sofirn SP31. In a power outage you can put in new batteries; you cannot recharge a battery (barring powerbanks) so unless you have extra 18650s around you basically have a proprietary cell. But bad things can happen with accidentally charging primaries, so I understand it’s too much to ask for USB and cr123 compatibility.
Looking forward to this light anyway.
Interested in one.
Spitzbube.
Interested in three right now
Lithium Ion Battery Safety 101
Old Lumens Competition 2020 Modified Light Entry
Interested in 2
Interested 1,hope with smooth knurling and design
interested in one
Curious where this project stands these days… any word from Sofirn?
https://fundrazr.com/osturaband
No affiliation, just a fan.
Interested
My reviews:
Thorfire C8s , Thorfire VG-10 , Sipik SK68 , Duracell 350 , Big L@rry , Mystery AAA
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