Does anyone know if the extra spare parts (additional o-rings, button cap, USB connector cap) are included in the normal (âwithout-batteryâ) option? Or only with the âwith-batteryâ option?
My first one was ordered w/o cells and came with the spares you asked about. That was from the first batch but I donât see any reason that would change as other lights I have purchased w/o cells have included the spares as well.
I will, sooner or later Ordered one last Friday.
BTW, I also asked Sofirn some technical questions prior to making the purchase. Which they answered quite promptly:
Is it possible to use the power-bank function while the lantern is lit? >> yes
Is it possible to charge the lantern, while it is lit? >> yes
Is it possible to operate the lantern directly from an external (Type-C) power source, while no batteries are installed? >> yes
Is maximum brightness (maximum LED-driving current) achievable in any of the above scenarios? >> yes
If those replies are accurate, it is pretty damn impressive. (Although I admit, I am not sure how I should interpret the answer of âyesâ to the 4th question: âyes, in all of themâ vs. âyes, in some of themâ ) I guess Iâll have to wait and see.
Do I remember correctly that flat top NCR18650GAs are also suitable for this lantern (i.e. it is not necessary to go for its less common and more expensive button-top counterpart?)
(Because the flat NCR18650GAs also have a slight âbumpâ at their positive contact.)
Do you know of any reliable sellers with reasonable prices in the EU? Unfortunately NKON.nl donât seem to have either variant in stock now
Has anyone asked Sofirn if they are willing to provide the new driver board, with power bank function, for someone who already has the LT1, to replace the old one?
Yeah, but Sofirn has been offering to email a coupon code to BLFers for an even better price, $62.24 including batteries, for most of this month. linky
You need button top, or the battery fouls components on the driver board as I recall, details are in the thread already if you use thread search (I know what you mean about the NCR bump but I think it would still catch)
I can use flat top batteries (Panny 18650Bâs, 30Qâs, and various laptop pulls) in my 3 LTâs (part of the original buy) without any issues. It probably comes down to manufacturing tolerances on the LTâs.
Itâs more of an issue of the top of the wrappers snagging on the POT (inside of the copper ring). Itâs useless and can be removed as several people have done with their LTâs.
I suppose the wrappers can also be damaged if the copper ring has burs on it but those can be sanded out if need be.
The tops of the POT on my LTâs are low enough that they donât snag on and damage the wrappers on my cells.
Makes sense. To be honest, in my mind, I was focusing on just the copper ring itself, and totally forgot there were other components installed on the bottom side of the PCB.
With the new (power-bank equipped) variant I ordered, I guess Iâll only be able to determine compatibility once I get my hands on it and see what the layout of the new driver looks like.
Removing unused components is not an issue for me. I know my way around soldering/rework stations. But if in the new version, there are vital components moved to the bottom, which are in the way, thatâs another storyâŚ
It might be helpful if someone could share a photo, or 3D model of the new driver. If anyone from the BLF âproject teamâ is still involved, that is⌠Is Lexel still around?
Just to add info re flat-top NCR18650GAâs = these are actually âraised flat-topâ, and will work properly.
Regarding Samsung flat-tops though (30Q, 35E), Iâve notice sometimes these 18650s may be slightly recessed, and if the spring on the body tube is not so good anymore, there may be uneven contact of the Samsung flat-tops (which appear to be slightly recessed compared to other flat-tops like Sony VTC, which are very very slightly raised flat-top). Have also tested using genuine LG HG2 which works well on the LT1.
But as mentioned something raised (eg. âflat-top NCR18650GA) or button-top probably will make better and more uniform contact.