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.
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?
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).
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.
The original RRT-01 and TCR-01 came with a smooth reflector that produced a horrible ringy beam. They partially fixed this problem by converting to an OP reflector in later runs of the original RRT-01 and in the Niteye EYE-10.
When I modded mine, I swapped both the emitter and reflector. A new reflector made a world of difference… no more rings.
Actually the reflector I installed in my original version RRT01 did not drop in either. Had to do a bit of hand filing to make it fit.
Regarding weight: the 2019 version is significantly heavier than the 2013 version. I think most of this extra weight is due to the choice to use a brass rather than aluminum pill.
I assume the 2020 version is basically a 2019 version with an added tail switch. As such it should be the heaviest of the bunch.