Astrolux MF01S dependability etc?

GodIsLight · 2019-11-20T02:16:32.000Z

Hi all, considering the Astrolux MF01S but before purchasing one I’m wondering how it’s long term reliability has been for some of you who already might have it? Holding up well? How’s warrantee / customer service with banggood been etc? Thanks

Lexel · 2019-11-20T02:22:14.000Z

The reliability will be very good as it’s my BLF driver design DD+small current FET

MCPCB is good and designed by me

if anything should go wrong easy to repair, no complicated design at all

Bearbreeder · 2019-11-20T02:27:10.000Z

Warranty/CS at banggood, astrolux? After say a few months?

HAHAHAHAHA

Do a simple search and youll see the lack of such

GodIsLight · 2019-11-20T02:33:41.000Z

Oh wow, awesome to hear! Thanks. What might be the best batteries for it? Both for output and then runtime? Can it use 1,2 or 3 batteries?

Lexel · 2019-11-20T02:36:25.000Z

2 or 4 batteries
as on any 2S light batteries must be same type/capacity and age

GodIsLight · 2019-11-20T02:40:05.000Z

Yea that’s my concern. Hoping the light can stand on its own pretty much lol

will34 · 2019-11-20T02:41:13.000Z

Lexel:

The reliability will be very good as it’s my BLF driver design DD+small current FET

MCPCB is good and designed by me

if anything should go wrong easy to repair, no complicated design at all

While I don’t think users will see any defects DESIGN wise, Production, assembly and QC is meh at best with astrolux products.

However most issues are simple enough that a couple minutes with basic tools can fix: switch position alignment and machining/anodizing inconsistency leading to loss of electrical contact being most common.

There is also the notion that 10% of the people making up 90% of the fuss. I can only speak for myself: both of my two astrolux flashlights were not 100% functional out of the box, and one made its way back to BG.

GodIsLight · 2019-11-20T02:55:19.000Z

Thanks. What issues did yours have?

RollerBoySE · 2019-11-20T05:58:07.000Z

I’ve had the MF01 since they came out 2 years ago.
Recently I bought the MF01S too.
I’m very happy with them and both are fine.
That said, Astrolux has had some issues in the past, like with the S41.

Emisar have higher quality, so if that is an important concern for you, you should probably consider the D18.

will34 · 2019-11-20T08:37:23.000Z

GodIsLight:

Thanks. What issues did yours have?

Minor stuff that most people here would be able to sort out themselves…. A6 had a contact issue in the tail and the S42 came with a broken optic. But to me reliability starts with a fully working light and basic QC from the factory.

Th558 · 2019-11-20T09:35:21.000Z

GodIsLight:

Oh wow, awesome to hear! Thanks. What might be the best batteries for it? Both for output and then runtime? Can it use 1,2 or 3 batteries?

It can use two batteries but I wouldn’t recommend running turbo with only two. Did that with my MF01 and two of the springs seem slightly more pressed down without the battery in. Didn’t run it for too long though so it’s still fine. The springs are probably better in this but I still wouldn’t risk it.

Lexel · 2019-11-20T10:28:27.000Z

Th558:

GodIsLight:

Oh wow, awesome to hear! Thanks. What might be the best batteries for it? Both for output and then runtime? Can it use 1,2 or 3 batteries?

It can use two batteries but I wouldn’t recommend running turbo with only two. Did that with my MF01 and two of the springs seem slightly more pressed down without the battery in. Didn’t run it for too long though so it’s still fine. The springs are probably better in this but I still wouldn’t risk it.

running turbo with only 2 is no problem, just the output will be noticeable lower

This light uses unprotected cells most important is here to buy quality cells medium or high drain
Ultrafire cells or other shitty ones are worst you can do in any light

Dmelfa79 · 2020-03-16T12:38:52.000Z

Hello folks,
This is my first post here.
I just bought a MF01S and due to uneven drain of batteries, 2 batteries were at 3.4v and the 2 others were still at 4.15v I suspect something wrong with electrical contacts.

I did some tests and indeed when using only 2 batteries only 1 of the pair/battery slots work reliably.

The other battery pair slot doesn’t work if I screw the bottom cap too tight ….

Does this make sense ?

If I take the bottom cap out and manually close the circuit everything works.

This leads to me suspect some electrical contact issue with the screw cap….

Any thoughts on how to fix it ?

Appreciate in advance
Daniel

Th558 · 2020-03-16T14:12:52.000Z

I also had that happen with my MF01 a couple of times but now it’s fine. The difference wasn’t nearly as big though. What batteries are you using? Never heard of this before. It could be a problem with the built in battery carrier or whatever it’s called, maybe even the tailcap.

Lexel · 2020-03-16T17:14:14.000Z

I have seen more than once that the button on positive side getting loose with no solder connection

Other thing is do you use flat or button top?
flat top contact is not reliable with the reverse protection plastic spacer
The MF01S uses an O-ring in the back that evenly pushes the tail board against all batteries

Dmelfa79 · 2020-03-17T10:32:21.000Z

Hi there,
Thanks for all replies.
I’m using Sony VTC6 nipple top …. I think they are rated at 20A

I’ve tried everything but still I can’t get reliable electrical connection…it’s a bit of trial and error.

Disappointing for a torch that I paid USD90 … is it possible for me to buy a new tail cap somehow?

Th558 · 2020-03-17T12:17:42.000Z

Have you tried contacting Banggood?

Dmelfa79 · 2020-03-17T12:36:40.000Z

Nope…. perhaps I should hey.
I heard their customer service is not very efficient…
I’ll try.

Th558 · 2020-03-17T12:50:12.000Z

Their live chat it working at times it usually wouldn’t be so you might as well. Usually they ask for a picture of the outer packaging (label) and problem, then they ask you to take it to your local repair shop and they’ll refund you however much it costs. Then you say there is no repair shop near you or they can’t repair it. Then they usually offer a full/ partial refund or replacement part. There was one time where they said they’re were going to refund me £20 for my MF01S and they didn’t. Message them again a few months later and they said they’ve changed the whole system and are looking for the order or something like that. Received no reply ever since. The problem was that the screws on the driver don’t go fully in so when you open and close the head it scrapes against the body creating small metal shards. I don’t usually open the head so it’s not really a big problem anyway. Also the tailcap was a different shade of blue but that seems to be a normal thing with Mateminco lights.

PiercingTheDarkness · 2020-03-25T07:48:14.000Z

I’ve never had any huge issues with banggood CS. Always explain the steps you’ve taken to try and fix, take a video or photos. When it’s a fault that’s terribly hard to show in a video I have had to desolder a wire and just say it’s not working, otherwise it can be a mission getting a fix. The worst case I had was 10 emails proving my Convoy L6 was missing the lanyard ring, they kept saying that’s normal haha. All I wanted was a replacement ring but instead they sent me a replacement L6!!.