So what's the main reason you guys suppose the lights are so inconsistent? Bad drivers? Bad solder job? Just cuz it's directly driven shouldn't mean it should be all over the map, should it?
Really beats me bro.... But I mean, i do not expect the lights to be perfect, even my TK70 had an issue. Thing is, if dealer support is there it makes things easier. Some will baulk at having to pay return shipping, but a good deal may even reimburse you in a different way. Really depends, this i can't really comment.
So I would think it should work. The 3-mode version is much more desirable although you'll pay a little more. At least you know you'll get it and will get it fast!
A very small Vf difference can mean 0.5A current draw difference with DD. Some of it comes down to emitter, some down to battery, some to measurement accuracy. Like with the 980L, some people were getting 3A, some frying their lights.
If the Skyray 3800 is regulated, any DMM will read the same, true, current (within their accuracy, of course).
With DD lights, the internal resistance of the ammeter plays a big role. On my X9, one DMM (20A range, low internal resistance) will read 2.05A, while a newer one (10A range, high internal resistance - didn't expect that!) will display 1.44A with the same thick short leads. If I connect both meters in series, they display about the same value (1% difference). The true (no external resistance added) current that I computed from measuring the current with either meter, along with voltage drop across ammeter and leads, should be about 2.2A (disregarding switch resistance).
Although I'll try to get a bit more from it with some unprotected batteries, I'm quite happy with this flashlight. The beam pattern is right what I need, it feels solid and looks great.
Forgot to mention. The values above are from an AW 2200 protected battery. All other protected batteries that I currently have will yield lower currents.
I got the x9 with cheap charger and batteries on eBay(auction) for $34. I know there were no more auctions for a few days, don’t know if they are back again or not.
These are the other sites to keep an eye on. Could be the same seller. They stopped the auctions at the same time and the Buy Now prices are the same too.
This driver despite being labeled as '5 mode', is actually programmable and is set up with different modes depending on which star you short to ground. You can set this driver up for 3 mode (HML) if you want or go for the strobe modes. It is the best single cell XML driver IMHO.
You don't need to break the existing connection between the first star and minus ring when you connect your chosen star to the minus ring (the latter takes precedence).