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.
I dont plan to buy the 2019 or 2020 versions, but I do recommend them, for someone interested in the StepLess Rotary experience, if they choose not to buy the Original RRT-01.
The 2019 has the advantage of being able to use Protected 18350, that dont fit in the Original.
otoh, the 2019 is fatter and heavier… but it works fine…
The 2020 adds a tailswitch, and other battery types, presumably including AA Eneloop, for the prepper in me… LOL
This is a very good time to be a Stepless Rotary buyer. We have new options that span the rotaries of yesteryear, including shades of the Sunwayman V10a and V11r, plus the RRT-01.
Trivia
the 2019 model has strobe
it is the same driver as in a NiteEye Eye10
I like it, they are available separately, and they fit the Original too.
the advantages of the Original include, smaller, lighter, and there is a reflector upgrade available for use with 219b, thanks to moderator007.
I wonder if the 2019 driver is the same size as the 2013 driver.
I like the 2013 version, but after using lights like the FW3A, D4V2 and Imalent LD70 I’ve gotten used to power. After you’ve gotten used to 4000 lumens it’s hard to back to 500.
If you mean 2019 model RRT-01 and original model RRT-01, yes they are the same size. New model has a higher output with its lower value current limiting resistor and added strobe, s.o.s. modes.
I have put the new model drivers in almost all my older RRT-01’s and the TCR1. I think I even had one older model RRT-01 that came (NIB) with the new style driver.