*BLF LT1 Lantern Project) (updated Nov,17,2020)

Sofirn has a small batch of LT1 with Anduril 2 and powerbank function

https://sofirnlight.com/products/new-version-blf-lt1-lantern-with-anduril-20-power-bank-function

No Green option? :beer: :beer:

Does anyone know if the extra spare parts (additional o-rings, button cap, USB connector cap) are included in the normal (“without-battery”) option? Or only with the “with-battery” 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 don’t see any reason that would change as other lights I have purchased w/o cells have included the spares as well.

Does anyone know when sofirn might restock the colours?

Anyone tried the new board with power out?

I will, sooner or later :slight_smile: Ordered one last Friday.
BTW, I also asked Sofirn some technical questions prior to making the purchase. Which they answered quite promptly:

  1. Is it possible to use the power-bank function while the lantern is lit? >> yes
  2. Is it possible to charge the lantern, while it is lit? >> yes
  3. Is it possible to operate the lantern directly from an external (Type-C) power source, while no batteries are installed? >> yes
  4. 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 “yes” to the 4th question: “yes, in all of them” vs. “yes, in some of them” :smiley: ) I guess I’ll have to wait and see.

Amazon has some Prime Day deals on the LT1 in green, brown, and orange.

Price is about $66 with batteries, before tax.

These appear to be the ‘older’ models that don’t have the power bank function.

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 “bump” at their positive contact.)
Do you know of any reliable sellers with reasonable prices in the EU? Unfortunately NKON.nl don’t seem to have either variant in stock now :frowning:

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’re right, thanks for posting. :+1:

Looks like they’re offering an Amazon code that brings the price down to $61.03 with batteries, more info in this thread.

It sounds like they will also honor the price for the new colors, according to their recent replies in that thread.

They sent me a code for an orange one.

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)

Can anyone verify if these have the power bank feature?

I can use flat top batteries (Panny 18650B’s, 30Q’s, and various laptop pulls) in my 3 LT’s (part of the original buy) without any issues. It probably comes down to manufacturing tolerances on the LT’s.

Not really. It depends on the height of the positive terminal above the wrapper.

It’s more of an issue of the top of the wrappers snagging on the POT (inside of the copper ring). It’s useless and can be removed as several people have done with their LT’s.

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 LT’s are low enough that they don’t 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 I’ll 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, that’s another story…
It might be helpful if someone could share a photo, or 3D model of the new driver. If anyone from the BLF “project team” is still involved, that is… Is Lexel still around?

Just to add info re flat-top NCR18650GA’s = these are actually “raised flat-top”, and will work properly.

Regarding Samsung flat-tops though (30Q, 35E), I’ve 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. “flat-top NCR18650GA) or button-top probably will make better and more uniform contact.

https://sofirnlight.com/products/new-version-blf-lt1-lantern-with-anduril-20-power-bank-function

Orange in new version is available now!

New version uses Anduril 2.0 and charges your devices via 5V 2A (max 3A according to your devices.)