Biggest question for me is, does this one has LVP?
Looks like Neal got some of the new ones including a gross factory triple with aux LEDs (rrt03) and strobes. Doesn’t have variable control ring it seems so definitely do not buy that one.
While yes, if it takes 18500 it can definitely take 14500, not sure why you’d want to throw a sleeve on it. The flashlight isn’t getting any skinnier…
Edit- i should’ve read on snd seen all of this extensive discussion on the very same topic! But here’s what i was about to say:
Neal at neals gadgets just got newest rrt01 in stock snd started shipping this week.
New model has nichia emitter option, tail switch snd has battery tube extensions available that accommodate 18500 snd 650!
Id been looking, hopefully they’ll be as good as the previous models.
Jc
It might qualify for new item discount on his site…no affiliation
Im not a 14500 advocate…
AA power is just an interesting option for gifting to an imaginary muggle, or granny
If confirmed, the 2020 RRT-01 will be the only presently available rotary capable of working w AA
for reference, a Sunwayman V11r or V10a on AA makes about 90 lumens with a 4500k 219b
… AA wont win any throw, nor output contests, but is perfectly adequate at indoor distances. and for those imaginary post nuclear prepper scenarios :person_facepalming:
Oh yeah, when nobody can charge batteries anywhere snd we have to scrounge for aa stockpiles! Haha
Oh, for actual AA (~1.5V) compatibility, I’d bet a light that it doesn’t work.
The previous rrt01 did work with AA. Hopefully the new one does too.
So where is the best place to buy the 2019 RRT01? Looking to finally get one but don’t want a tail switch.
You mean with a spacer, one could make an AA cell work in the original RRT-01?
Thank you for this correction. I had no idea, but tested it with an Energizer alkaline AA cell, my original-version RRT-01, and a test lead. Output was obviously a lot lower than with the usual 18350, but it definitely worked.
Okay, in the interest of full disclosure, I was too lazy to go downstairs for my test leads, so I grabbed a pair of scissors at my desk and shorted from the cell’s negative end to where the end of the battery tube would contact.
You have no idea how hard it was to take this picture.
For fun, I tried it with a partially discharged NiMh AA, and it still worked.
See this post from clemence during some of his testing of the “2019” model:
Basically just confirmation that it was designed to accept CR123 and thus is a boost driver of some kind.
The promotional materials for the 2020 version say things like
“Patented temperature control technology” “drive circuit automatic overheat protection” “IC digital circuit design, providing dual protection of LED and battery, to ensure LED and battery life, and safer use”
My understanding is the 2019 model didn’t have temp control or lvp. Sounds like the 2020 model has at least temp control, maybe lvp? So are we getting a new driver?
Any reason why it is limited to “only” 950 Lumen though?
For all we know those could simply come from the supplied protected battery
Good point.
M4D M4X got his hands on one of the new ones and conformed it does have sub lumen modes, so that’s good.
His coupon at Nealsgadgets for the new model with the extension tubes is the best I’ve seen so far. Ask for the coupon code here: M4D M4X deals - Astrolux WP1 and WP2 LEP
Sent you a PM.
I agree. Don’t really get the tail switch thing. Just seems like a light with memory. I do, however have a Sunwayman rotary with a tail switch and really like it mostly because it is titanium.
All rotarys that I have played around with work with a AA batterys. The jetbeam’s and Sunwayman’s use basically the same circuit with the same rotary postion sensor.
They use a PAM2803 for the boost circuit and anything above the vf of the led is direct drive thru a mosfet with the current limting resistor, inductor, and diode in series with the led. The resistance in those componets is what limits the current. The PAM2803 datsheet is here. https://www.diodes.com/assets/Datasheets/PAM2803.pdf
They all have about the same output using a AA because they use the same boost controller. With better lower resistance components in the current path you can gain better output being more efficient which most of the newer models are doing but in boost mode the gain is small.
Retailers have different info about what emitter options are available for the new RRT01, so I asked Jetbeam directly. According to them, there are only two options: Cree XP-L 6000K+ (80+ CRI) or Nichia 219C 4000k (90+ CRI).
Good to know.
Personally, I think the XPL is too cool and the 291C’s output is too low. I’ll likely replace the emitters with SST-20 4000K high-CRI or XPL HI.
I’m also thinking of maybe trying Oslon White 2. It’s cooler than I’d like, but comes with much more throw than XPL-HI. I need to get some though… don’t have any White 2.