The Convoy S2+ is always popular due to cost and ease of modifying, but since it is a clicky, Bistro would be a better UI option. Power handling is also a concern due to the threaded pill.
For a momentary switch light, I think the Sofirn SP32 / Wurkkos FC11 look interesting and are reasonably priced. I don’t own either, but am considering getting one to try to modify as a host for another driver. From looking up some teardowns, both appear to have a fair amount of space in the driver cavity and an integrated LED shelf. Some consideration would need to be made for how to deal with the switch PCB, and whether to keep, duplicate, or remove the USB charging circuit.
I think the two lights might use the same driver form factor, although I think the Wurkkos has a simpler driver, based on runtime tests.
The Emisar D4 would be great with a driver like this, but it’s already pretty great, and Hank knows this, so I don’t know how interested he is in another driver. It has a very shallow driver cavity that would need to be deeper for that inductor.
FF would be among my favourities if not for their taste for heavyweight lights. I really loved their first E07 drawing. But then they took the advice to increase turbo time by adding thickness to the shelf and took it to the extreme. Some users loved the result but for me the light was ruined.
They haven’t sketched or made a light that I would desire since then. But I do admire how they are quick to follow the lead of others or lead the way themselves.
I wonder whether they could be convinced to make another line that would be more lightweight….
I was pretty stoked to read the OP. I’m not a hobbyist at all, so I’m probably alone here, but I figured I’d chime in just in case others are interested enough to actually make it happen. I only have 1 Anduril light, a D4v2, which basically just sits in a closet because it seems more like a neat toy than a tool. I use a ZL H600Fc almost daily for rock climbing, along with various ground lights, all of which I hate for one reason or another. Internal or proprietary batteries, tint, runtime, weight, whatever. The H600 is my favorite light, but I’m not a fan of the UI, and I’ve been waiting for an efficient Anduril light with a driver like this for a long time, particularly a 21700 version. Plus I smashed the glass within 2 weeks of using the H600 and it’ll be at least 12 weeks to get it back from China…
Anyway, I’d like to see a 21700 Anduril 2 right angle with the Lume X1. Basically an Olight Perun 2, but with a warm high CRI LED. Despite being a 21700, the extra weight of the Perun 2 is barely noticeable, especially if I’m wearing a helmet. I’d buy a Perun, but as with Olight’s other 9895K lights, it’s pretty disorienting while climbing. The FF PL47 Gen 2 was tempting, and I’ll probably get the Gen 3 if it gets an efficient driver. But it isn’t ideal due to the bulk and quad LED’s.
My perfect light would be a 21700 right angle single emitter, preferably built by Hank, and with the USB-C port in the threads like the K1. (No on-board charging at all if the alternative is a rubber flap.)
I’d also love a 21700 KR1 with the Lume X1. I think the light you envisioned in the OP would be the best Anduril light ever made. I actually kind of like the KR1’s metal tail switch though, but I’m sure I’m in the minority because a side switch makes more sense. Anyway, I enjoyed following the KR1 mod and the first Lume1 thread. Thanks for designing them. Seems like the future.
Is that aux board obtainable somewhere? I didn’t see it in loneocean’s projects on Oshpark. I think Lexel had similar ones but can’t find anything there either.
Those aux LEDs behind the optic look amazing!
While I can’t contribute to the technical discussions I just wanted to express my excitement when reading about a Zebralight size form factor, with Arduril 2, efficient driver and a low moonlight- truly a dream light. Fingers and toes crossed a manufacturer is found that can deliver on the dream
I have been looking for this driver the whole time I’ve been into flashlights. I love sublumen modes but I also want enough light to be useful on high/turbo. My Zebralight SC63w is currently my lowest firefly mode. I’d easily pay $200 for a decent 21700 light built on this driver. Please Hank, make it happen!
Over the past few months I've had a few new projects and commitments and had to step away from BLF for a while and put some projects on hold. Another reason (still ongoing) is the worldwide IC component shortage, which unfortunately hasn't been getting better. This has hit many electronic industries quite hard, and has caused many ICs to be completely out of stock and backordered to 2023 (yes, over a year) or more! In fact, many companies have been doing 'panic buying' and purchasing up whole lots of inventory on both retail and grey markets, making the problem worse.
As a result, it's been challenging to progress with any sort of mass-production of the Lume X1 driver, but be rest assured that I'm still very much working on it. Hopefully with some modifications or some good luck, I'll be able to find some progress on it. Just wanted to give everyone some perspective from my point of view. I hope to be able to develop this into something that will work well and that people can have fun using. :)
Meanwhile, I started to tidy up some of my inventory and I have listed (will continue to add) some items for sale here. It's better than having them collect dust on my shelf, and could help fund some new projects... https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/64524
Thanks for your interest. Unfortunately there is a huge worldwide shortage of electronic parts right now with no clear sight of the end of the tunnel.. just yet. This is making mass production of this driver challenging. Hopefully things will improve in the next half.
If you’re still looking for another development host may I suggest the Lumintop EDC18?
Very similar to FW3A but with a side e-switch on a separate daughter board. 23mm driver board and there looks to be about 4mm of space between the top of the driver board and the LED shelf.
