Convoy H1 - Disassembly, Testing, and Modding

I received my Convoy H1 today. After checking to make sure it was working properly, I did a quick disassembly to see how difficult it would be to modify. To my pleasant surprise, the head can be completely taken apart without any soldering or even removing of screws (there are none). Just remove the three retaining rings and slide the innards out.

I didn’t think until after I had it back together that I should have taken some measurements. Oops. Oh well, I can easily do that later.

I think I might have to built a new driver for this: either linear or FET+1, attiny MCU, and RampingIOS or NarsilM with aux LED control.

Components:

  • Unmarked MCU with PIC-style layout
  • One 7138C (constant current driver)
  • Four three-legged chips marked X0RB48 (small FETs, likely AO3400A)
  • Standard issue 16mm aluminum MCPCB

PS - I now have a Sofirn SP40 on the way. I can’t wait to do a head-to-head comparison .

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Thanks for sharing gchart. I’m waiting for mine to arrive and planning on buying a SP40 too. Not a fan of the H1 (1st gen) UI but good to know it’s easily dissassembled.

thanks for this, looks like a light with a high mod factor

Like :+1:

Ok, I disassembled it again to dive into the MCU pinout. Before I forget, the driver is 20.9mm in diameter.

First, a nicer up close shot:

Using the SOIC8 pin numbering as follows, here’s what I see for connections:

  1. VDD (battery +)
  2. PWM dimming control of the 7138
  3. Switch input
  4. Main LED on/off control (seems redundant a bit with the 7138 bring actively controlled through PWM, but maybe it can’t be completely turned off using PWM?)
  5. Routed to unused pad next to switch board connections, would be used for a second switch LED if implemented (the switch board has pads for a second, separate LED)
  6. Switch LED, powered by setting the MCU pin to internal pull-up
  7. Voltage divider for voltage checks
  8. Ground

Misc notes:

  • Reverse polarity protection is handled by a FET on the low-side
  • If you wanted a second switch LED color, the hardware exists for it. Or you could bridge the connection and just add a second LED of the same color to illuminate the switch more evenly
  • I’m sure the specs vary by manufacturer, but I see the QX7138 is rated at 20mA - 3.0A, 3.0V - 6.0V, and PWM dimming at 200Hz - 10kHz.
  • The current setting resistors look like they’re set for 2.5A output
  • The QX7138 is described as: a linear constant current LED driver chip with PWM Dimming
  • QX7138 current: ILED = 100mV / RCS * DutyCycle%
  • So the current is flowing through the FETs, but the flow is controlled linearly by the 7138

Current plan of attack: keep most of the existing driver, but swap the MCU for an attiny412 with RampingIOS and hopefully some custom aux-LED control baked in.

Let me know if you have any questions while I’ve got this cracked open and still in stock form.

Whoa! I didn’t even know this existed.

What are the reflector/optic dimensions? Height, Outer Diameter, Inner Diameter, and emitter hole diameter?

Thanks!!

Height: 9.3mm
Outer: 17.0mm
Inner: 15.0mm
Hole: 7.0mm

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Runtime tests on stock setup
Boy, this thing is HOT. And not in a good way… sitting on my desk (room temperature, no air movement), it reached 84°C. I definitely do not recommend running this thing on Turbo for extended periods of time unless you’ve got the perfect cooling environment.

If that SVG iamge doesn’t show up for you, a PNG version is available here

PS - I have a new MCU/firmware ready to go for this… customized RampingIOS on an ATtiny412. Added Aux LED control as well as control for the on/off FET. This headlamp is in dire need of the thermal regulation this will bring.

I’d love to pick up an H1 but any ideas if they plan to use a higher CRI emitter in the future? That is something I strongly value in a headlamp.

Thanks for the break down, though!

I’m not aware of any plans to do so. I know Simon (owner of Convoy) is going to be making some changes based on our feedback, but it doesn’t sound like he’s planning an emitter changed. When asked about using a High CRI SST20 or LH351D, he said:

Source (some good Convoy updates in that thread if you haven’t seen it)

One good thing here, though, is that the H1 uses a standard 16mm MCPCB. So if you feel somewhat comfortable soldering the wires to a new MCPCB, swapping in a new emitter is pretty easy to do.

gchart, interesting news. Any clues on what changes to expect? I have no problem doing an emitter swap just would prefer not to on a brand new light.

I think Simon mentioned a UI update (single click for off instead of click and hold) as a possibility as well as maybe weight reduction and better strap. Built in charging has also been discussed.

I wouldn’t say that emitter options are out of the question. He’s been asked about it, so he’s knows there’s the desire. And he’s been switching it up with emitters lately. So who knows for sure.

With all due respect, that’s not quite how I would communicate constructive feedback. And considering Simon sells TIR optics in his store, I’m pretty sure he is aware of them.

I’m not that keen on this form factor of headtorch. I’d prefer the emitter mounted centrally.

I’m a caver, so I always judge headtorches on their suitability for caving. I’m afraid the H1 has a poor choice of output levels.

At least we know the thermal contact with the led and host is good. Better a hot host than an burned out led.

Thermal path is really good. I just finished up the MCU swap last night. My runtime test is wrapping up right now. RampingIOS with it’s thermal capabilities are just what the doctor ordered!

I coded the MCU to try and stay at 60°C. The body stayed at 56-57°C, so very close to the MCU’s temp.

Sounds great gchart!! Any chance you’re selling dropin mcus for this one?

Sure! PM on it’s way

Runtime Comparison (with temperatures) of the Stock UI vs RampingIOS with temperature regulation set at 60°C

Some outdoor beauty shots:

And side-by-side with the Sofirn SP40:

Comparison notes:

  • The Convoy H1 is slightly heavier than the Sofirn SP40 (70g vs 59g, respectively, without battery and without strap)
  • The SP40 is slightly brighter
  • The SP40 has micro-USB charging (nice convenience, but makes modding slightly more difficult)
  • The Convoy H1 lacks any kind of step down (in stock form) and get ridiculously hot
  • The Convoy H1 is very mod-friendly, and an attiny412 with RampingIOS makes it great
  • The H1’s “hold for off” will not be as well received as the SP40’s “click for off”
  • The SP40’s kit, overall, is a bit nicer: 18350 tube included, nicer strap
  • I like the H1’s button position better (on side vs on end)
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