Sofirn SD05 SST70 (why can't Sofirn get things right)

LED Flashlights – General Info 21700 Flashlights
1

Received my order of SD05’s with the SST70 and it’s on a 20 second timer stepdown which lasts approx 2.5 min settling at 1,580 lumens.

Had a fan on full while testing and it only hit 40°C, so it’s not temp based.

I asked before ordering if there was a timed step down, since the first 6V XHP50.2 version had one set at 3 min, and the SST70 is 6V too, they said no, nothing has changed. I would never have restocked that model had I known this. I’m super annoyed, I think I’ll ask for a partial refund, so I can sell these at a reduced price.

This is similar to the C8G with a 30 sec step down

2

I have a faint feeling that’s a typical case of “lost in translation” here. They maybe meant to say “yeah, still with the stepdown like before”? :wink:

Jokes aside, this is sad as I had expected them to finally get rid of ANY drivers with timed stepdown. Especially, a diving light benefits from thermal regulation while used underwater. If used in cold water it would probably never have to reduce its output.

Best of luck for getting this sorted, Jacob.

3

I thought timed stepdowns were a thing of the past. What were they thinking?… I hate when a company makes a great light but manages to mess up badly in one area.

Edit: just realised it’s a diving light…that’s even more ridiculous. A timer on a light which is going to be used underwater.

4

What happens when you put it in water?

5

Step down starts at 35°C, 20 sec in, so water will do nothing. Same behavior with and without the fan.

I realize now that Sofirn used the old original driver that had the 3 minute step down.

I’ve messaged Barry, so hopefully he’ll sort it

6

Been looking at this torch but stepdown is a huge no go for me.

Only SP35 is performing great

7

Just wondering regarding the C8G as I wasn’t able to do stepdown timing test yet.

Would you be referring to the earlier C8G (XHP35-Hi) LED or the recent C8G (SST40) LED or both of them have a 30-second step down?

8

Only the XHP35 HI version which used a boost driver. The SST40 version uses a different driver, fortunately

9

Hi,

So did you manage to sort out your SD05 issue with Barry about the stepdown temp function in their current SD05? Did you ask him whether there will be one WITHOUT the stepdown temp function in future releases of their SD05?

I’ve checked out the current specs for the SD05, it does mention the following:
“Advanced Temperature Regulation: The output drops down automatically to prevent overheating when the light temperature reaches 55℃.”

Hope to hear some updates from you soon.

Thanks!

10

I have one SD05 with the XHP50.2 (without the stepdown)
And 2 of the “SD05 SST70 6500K without 3-min Stepdown” purchased Dec 12th 2020
I have no testing equipment so I am just watching visually, But I do not see any stepdown in the first 5 minutes. I have the body of the lights in water with the lens just out of the water. Using Molicell M50A 21700 batteries.

A Second run was in the air only (no water) Still no step down observed after 6 minutes. Very hot to the touch. We use them night snorkeling.

I do note when I bought them it stated “without 3-min Stepdown” I no longer see that statement on their web site.

11

Install a lux app and point it at the ceiling. All 4pcs drop to 1580 lumens, it’s a very slow decline, one you wouldn’t notice without equipment

12

No response other than Barry saying he’d report the issue. They’re using old drivers from the first XHP50.2 6 volt version, once the XHP50.2 is available they should switch back.

13

I heard that they are using xhp50b now?

14

I heard an xhp50.3 is being released from Cree. Sucks about the timed stepdown on the dive lights… especially being for diving.