Yessir, did both things. They seemed identical - same square cut, same thread count, even the pitch. Something is different though, right? As an aside, for these inspections the diffuser mounted on my MT07 mini makes for a perfect backlight. Also the RRT01 Raptor with its infinitely adjusting rotary switch trumps even a ramping light for this close work. It’s really satisfying to put your fidget gadgets to good use! Back to the tube - after closer inspection - I have discerned a difference. The tip of the thread ridges on the 18350 tube are definitely WIDER than those on the 18650 tube. This must be indicative of a small difference in thread count? Pitch? Coarse vs fine? Wish I could send pics. Posting pics on Wiki forums are a snap. Why not here?
I was about to order a SP40, guess I will hold off for the problem to be fixed before ordering, how much time do you think it will take to clear out the problem batches?
Nice sherlocking! My thinking exactly.
I had measured mine on an optical comparator for them. One set was the thread body was thicker and the root diameter of the thread was also too big. Like the lathe did not make a final pass on the threading cut of the tube, or the tailcap has tighter threads than the main body/head part.
They asked me for pictures and a video again a 2nd time, but I don’t have time for that right now, I think I see too where aliexpress offered me a replacement for $1……It made me complete the first transaction and then the 2nd one is only $1.00. If I open a dispute they would just refund me a $1.00 and be done.
I really really like my IF22A and I hope they can figure out a resolution for this. I do not need another 18650 right angle lamp. I need an 18350 one, that is what I have paid for. I hope they can deliver. Would restore my faith in them. I bet I could sell at least 10 IF22A’s but I have mentioned to people that I have an issue with another one of their lights and they aren’t super eager to fix the issue.
This forum doesn’t host the images itself so you have to link and/or embed from a different host that you upload to. It’s not hard really. In the composition box just click on the mountainscape/sunset image button thing (“insert image”) and you can put the host link there. There are other options if you want….actually Raccoon City created a whole thread about how to post images here if you want to look that up - has several methods that people use.
Imgur has been about 95% totally broken for me for months now but there are two other places that seem to have no problem at all. I use this one…free, no account necessary unless you want to make one, and seems secure enough although I’d never host something with PI info on any of them.
I’d like to see some good closeups, too, if you can manage it. Curious.
Correllux, understood, I’d be curious too. Thanks for the link. Everything is better with pictures, especially visual descriptions like this thread. Arghh!
TEST
Correllux, with that site it’s stupid easy. Thanks! Tube comparison pics to follow.
It’s easy to see the difference under magnification. 18350 short tube on the right.
The result being only about a 3/4 turn. Darn.
Hmm, looks like the threads on the right are the way they should be (symmetric) but the “right” threads on the left are asymmetric.
Possible to drag a grinding wheel (dremel-type) through the grooves to shave them down, but that’d be tedious. And no more ano so no more lockout, if that’s important.
I agree. I’m thinking one day I might be able to use this ‘wrong’ short tube elsewhere. Maybe with some modifications as you said. That particular thread pattern must be used somewhere in Sofirns line-up….cap-wise.
Oof…there’s a problem. lol. Hopefully they get you sorted with the new tube on the way. Little hard to say for sure but if I’m seeing what I think I’m seeing I wouldn’t bother attempting to alter the shape of either threading to try and get them to work. Sofirn is usually really good about fixing things and making it right, even if there’s some delay or trying to work around communication/language issues. Their reps (on aliexpress anyway) sometimes seem not to be very tech savvy or fully knowledgeable about the particulars of the lights, too, but they should make it right in the end. Glad you got the photo posting sorted!
Alright, so the short tubes’ a bust for now. Well we can still make fun with the 18650’s. I have to say I absolutely love the two-tone mash treatment, do it wherever possible and have never gone back.
One more.
From your picture of the tubes side by side; the left is a trapezoidal thread and the right is a square thread. The trap isn’t up to specs (it’s overcut: ie, the flanges aren’t equal to the groove).
I’ve taken the liberty of making a copy. Classic example of thread forms.
Woops! As Sidney Stratton said, the threads look to be different profiles. I wonder if someone simply used the wrong screw cutting form tip or if Sofirn changed thread profile spec at some point.
Which thread is correct? Thread on the right looks better to me because it’s evenly spaced between the root and crest. If that is the correct one then it may prove very difficult or impossible to get a 18350 tube to fit from Sofirn.
My threads on both tubes are similar to the one on the left. Both tubes works on my brand new SP40A and that 2700k tint is amazing!
This whole ordeal reminds me a bit of the first BLF A6 lights. If I remember correctly, the initial idea was that parts of the A6 should be legoable with the BLF-SE X6 EagleEye. But after a first component was made, it turned out to have a thread “of it’s own”. People suggested to trash that batch and manufacture it again, with correct threads. Finally the shop decided it would manufacture all parts with “new” (eg wrong) threads.
Just so looked over my SP40 and SC31 short tube. They are trapezoidal and are interchangeable. And can be reversed (front / back). These are not of these newer versions and were bought all at different times. The interchangeability is a nice feature.
Either Sofirn made a 18650 light variant that uses square threading and ended up in the wrong bin. Or the CNC operator called for the wrong program – and that should have been caught in QC.
Design engineering-wise, having interchangeable parts make for less component stocking. And most importantly, not have these issues of LEGO®. If they all too easily offered a replacement, Sofirn recognizes the issue.
On a side note, SpeedB will have learnt firsthand the difference between a trapezoidal thread (30º) and a square thread (90º). All too often people use the designations loosely.