Convoy L21A initial disappointment - feeling a bit better about it now

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

I’ve bought lots of Convoy lights over the years and sometimes direct from Simon via his Aliexpress store, although never really been a fan of Aliexpress as they didn’t use to accept PayPal.

However I ordered up an L21a with the CULPM1.TG LED from the Aliexpress store recently. Shipping has been quite quick, although some weird things going on with Tax/Vat charges and the like (not really for this thread).

Anyhow the light has just arrived.

Hoping this will eventually turn into a positive report but feeling underwhelmed as of right now.

Minor things that might nor normally bother me, but one major thing that has just made these worse somehow:

  • Lens filthy with spots all over it
  • No spares such as O-rings and the like. Just the torch and nothing else
  • Shards of aluminium in the threads

Biggest issue WTF has gone on with the driver??? Over complicated piece of sh*t!

Inserted a fresh Samsgun 40T and turned it on - nothing. Then a buzzing flashing mode, then low, then steps through brightness modes, then strobe.

Have tried reprogramming it, but honestly haven’t got a clue how to do it. The instructions are awful.

And I have no idea what the light is telling me once you get it into a programming mode. I have no idea what mode it is on now or how to know which mode to set it too. All it does is flash in a way that is impossible to count or tell what is going on.

As of right now the flashlight is total junk and unusable.

—- an utter waste of money.

From Simon’s store:

12 groups:

1.click the switch to turn the flashlight on/off,tap the switch to select mode

2.if flashlight is turned on,tap the switch 20 times quickly to enter into config mode.(On a visual interface,as long as you click on an option, it means that the option is selected. The flashlight has no visual interface. It flashes to represent an option, and “tap the switch in the flashing process” means to select the option.)

Option 1 (normal-flash 1 time + buzz-flash): tap the switch to enter into sub-option to select the mode group,If the user has no operation, the config mode will enter option 2.

——————-sub-option 1.1 (normal-flash 1 time) : tap the switch to select mode group 1 (0.1, 1, 10, 35, 100%, strobe, biking, battery-check)

——————-sub-option 1.2 (normal-flash 2 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 2 (0.1, 1, 10, 35, 100%)

——————-sub-option 1.3 (normal-flash 3 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 3 (100, 35, 10, 1, 0.1%)

——————-sub-option 1.4 (normal-flash 4 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 4 (1, 20, 100%, strobe, biking, battery-check, SOS)

——————-sub-option 1.5 (normal-flash 5 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 5 (1, 20, 100%)

——————-sub-option 1.6 (normal-flash 6 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 6 (100, 20, 1%)

——————-sub-option 1.7 (normal-flash 7 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 7 (0.1, 1, 10, 50, strobe, biking, battery-check, SOS)

——————-sub-option 1.8 (normal-flash 8 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 8(0.1, 1, 10, 50)

——————-sub-option 1.9 (normal-flash 9 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 9 (50, 10, 1, 0.1)

——————-sub-option 1.10 (normal-flash 10 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 10 (1, 10, 35, 100)

——————-sub-option 1.11 (normal-flash 11 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 11 (100, 20, strobe)

——————-sub-option 1.12 (normal-flash 12 times) : tap the switch to select mode group 12(100% only)

Option 2 (normal-flash 2 times + buzz-flash): tap the switch to active the mode memory or inactive it,If the user has no operation,flashlight will enter into the last mode.

2

Sounds like it arrived in programming mode or the driver is faulty.

Firmware is Biscotti clone. V2 of Simon’s biscotti clone changed the number of half-presses to access programming to 20+.

Here’s a UI diagram for OG Biscotti:

3

You tube LINK of a guy programming his C8 with biscotti. That might help you a bit. If not I can throw together a quick video when I get home from work.

4

Thanks for the tips.

Have eventually managed to program it. But 12 mode groups is probably 10 too many!!!

Somehow though it was in some weird programming mode, quickly flashing then doing a buzzing flash. But the flashes were too quick to count. But would seem to program the light if you clicked anything.

Have got it set to mode 6 I believe now. Which IMO is what the default mode should be for a thrower.

Sadly with such a driver I’d never want to gift or recommend a first time buy to get this light. Would be a dreadful experience for anyone. A real shame as the rest of the light looks great and I’m sure it’ll perform well.

5

Biscotti is awful by being prone to some weird behaviour or even fatal bugs. For me, 4 mode driver was the best choice.

6

I totally understand the frustration.They say 20 fast clicks to program.WRONG! Rusty joe told me to try around 30.That put it in programming mode.

I literally tried more than 50 times with AlliExpress directions.You think they would have it right?Update their website?

With the 20 clicks it was flashing 5X but it was Unprogrammable.

When I got it to work I chose mode group 6- 100%/20%/1%.

Biscotti sucks compared to FET Anduril and Narsil

I like the light.But the Aggravation was Unnecessary because AllieExpress did not have their act together.We are not alone in struggling to program it.
Now you can enjoy your light even though you lost a year of life due to stress!

7

It arrives in just a brown box without spares, true. But I wouldn’t call it a waste of money though.
I like Biscotti, fortunately i havent found any flaws yet. Admittedly, if it comes out of the box like you described, it’s not a good first impression.

8

Something new should not cause anyone such grief. Time for an R-M-A

9

It was unusable as delivered as it didn’t switch on to a sensible mode or at all on some instances. If I didn’t know you could re-program it you really couldn’t use it as was. But grump over, at least for now.

In better news….

I’ve recorded using a Samsung 40T:
Peak Throw Peak Beam Distance (m)
318,530 1129
Throw at 30 sec Beam Distance at 30 sec (m)
296,667 1089
Peak Lumens Lumens @ 30 sec
969 715

The Convoy store claims 1190 m Beam Distance and nothing for cd or lumens and no form of standards such as ANSI FL1. So I guess we are pretty close to the claim overall.

10

Took me a bit to get the hang of biscotti. Now I have all the mode sets memorized so no worries there. They shouldn’t even say how many times to click to get into programming. It should say, half click many times until it stops changing modes and you get your flash then buzz. I think that is the way Bistro describes it.

No you wouldn’t want to give it to a first timer unless you set it in whatever mode set they want and leave it alone. I wouldn’t give Andruil or Narsil to a first time either. Much easier to get into trouble with those UI’s than biscotti is. Biscotti is a great driver for mechanical tail switch lights which a lot of people prefer. Personally I am not a Andruil fan, Narsil I can live with. I just get more use out of a mechanical tail switch. When I need light I don’t have time to deal with all that eswitch nonsense.

11

Group 6 without memory is the best thrower option there IMO. I still prefer a dual switch setup. I really, really like the newest Maxtoch offerings. Forward tail switch with a separate e switch and dead simple ramping UI. Strongly considering the new M1. M Pro is sweet too, and would be my #1 choice in the ~63mm class. $$$ though :weary:

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Hi Chicken D, I was was kinda bummed when I first saw the title of this topic thread, but I see that you upgraded the title; seeing that put me in a good mood. I hope that you enjoy your light!

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Thanks :smiley:

14

So a few updates.

I’m getting 6.63amps at the tailcap. This is on a cheap Multimeter using some 12g wires. But isn’t a clamp type, just a normal meter. Considering the lumen and throw figures seem about right, I suspect this is about what to expect.

I’ve not seen the L21A lined up with the FT03 before, so took some pictures. Overall very similar sized.

The L21A is quite a bit heavier though. It must have more material in the head. It is also a lot less balanced being very head heavy vs the FT03. I’m guess this will help with heat and better stability on High. but is maybe somewhat less comfy to hold and carry.


The Osram LED names are horrendous. The L21A uses the CULPM1

Which is the W2 on a larger footprint. Which I assume should handle a little more heat for longer. So slightly higher lumens.

I’m going to call it the W2 HX. :smiley:

I have a few lights with the Osram LEDs, a W1, W2 and now a W2 HX. I personally think the W2/W2 HX is the way to go. The beam is narrow, but you still get good lumens and the beam isn’t too small. Not even on the L21A. And you still get really good throw. The W1 is just too much of a compromise I think (happy to be proven wrong). The only downside is the W2’s want an 8amp driver instead of 5amp. With a 21700 this is fine, but on an 18650 it seems to quite heavily reduce runtimes.

The tailcap spring is by-passed stock. And there is no spring on the driver, just a solid slug of metal. Despite my early annoyances, I think it is probably a very good light. Assuming the driver behaves and doesn’t do anything odd, the modes are now good too. Such a shame it was setup so badly on arrival.

15

Yep, that programming is a mess. About 25-35 clicks with this clone. I finally got it. Just rapidly clicking until it turns off, as you figured out, allows it to be programmed, but the whole “wait and click” process is just stupid. Can’t wait until the entire industry follows after my dream of doing only two-switch mode memory with forward click / momentary-on! :smiley:

16

I totally agree .This light was a huge pain in the butt to mess with and it's still not right I'm making the assumption that this is not a real biscotti and using cheap out of spec electronics is why convoy had problems with drivers in the first place .I've held off buying drivers from them for years because of a ton of complaints . I hesitate to throw stones at Simon since he's been so beloved for years but this kind of issue should have been taken off the table years ago . the flashing on low drivers never went away .. just no reason except someone trying to save 3 cents . So dum

17

The biscotti is also hit and miss for me. I’ve had a couple lights which were buggy and stuff, as other people have mentioned already. I go for the 4 mode versions he has now. It’s not like I’m buying convoy lights for the fancy modes anyway, I buy them because they’re good quality mostly no-nonsense lights that present great value. in fact if simon started offering 2 mode options for drivers I’d jump on those.

18

I’m glad you’re liking it more :+1:

I had to get used to the driver click setup thing the first night but pretty straightforward after that. I am really impressed with this light and emitter, throw and lumens are solid. Holds lumens for a really long time. Handles heat amazingly for the hot running osram. It’s heavy but feels solid, really would like to see the sbt90 in it too. Here’s a good review here on blf on this exact model. [Review] Convoy L21A w/ KW.CULPM1.TG | We got a new throw king ! | Beamshots, Thermals and Output

I think that Simon sellls this model in the 4 mode only version too, just in case anyone else is interested but doesn’t want the option of mode sets with a mechanical switch.

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I dunno why there’s so much hate, I like biscotti and have not had any problems (only small issue was with biscotti clone v1 and the mode selection timer). It’s good being able to choose mode groups, more the better I say, we all have different use cases and preferences. I usually choose a mode group when I first get a light and never touch the config menu again. But even if I have to I don’t find it a chore and it’s pretty straightforward imo. 20+ half presses is enough that it shouldn’t really bother anyone in normal use.

W1/W2 is Hank’s naming convention. In Osram speak, W2 HX = Boost HX (which isn’t too bad)

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I don’t see why more mode groups would make any sense. Some of them don’t make sense on a light like this anyhow.

And the issues was, it at first wasn’t even in a group that was listed. And the programming wasn’t working correctly.