Sofirn successfully launched their first big XHP70.2 flashlight with the SP70. If you want to post and discuss anything about the standard SP70, please have a look here:
This thread is about a potential "BLF Edition" that could evolve from the SP70 design.
Most wanted ideas / suggestions for the "BLF Edition":
SMO reflector with same diameter as the original OP reflector (75mm inner diameter)
BeCu (beryllium copper) C17530 springs for extra low contact resistance (further details could be provided by BlueSwordM)
Better 21700 cell support (less compression or different spring design?)
High yield MOSFET/FET (Infineon) for better output
Ramping from OFF (0% - 100%)
Ultralow Moonlight
Retaining ring or screw holes to retain driver in cavity (no glue!)
Different tint options (less cold, e.g. 3D 4.885K?)
Top bin XHP70.2 (P2 or better)
Anti-reflex coated glass lens
Stainless steel bezel
Optional dedomed / sliced 'n diced XHP70.2
Improved UI (e.g. Andúril firmware adapted to e-switch + tailswitch usage, i.e. momentary + mode memory)
[to be continued]
Development progress:
General development between BLF and Sofirn will be kindly supported by JasonWW (and the entire BLF community). :-)
04/28/2019
JasonWW was able to compare the prototype SMO reflector with the original OP reflector. First results revealed that output does not differ much between both reflector designs. There might be room for improvement by enlarging the SMO reflector to 75mm and by changing its geometrics (see here).
04/29/2019
New thread created to separate SP70 BLF edition from SP70 standard edition.
Lexel might be able to supply a (more effective) alternative driver (see here)
I would personally not be interested in that. My impression of the goal for the SP70 was to get an XHP70.2 in a big reflector, plunger light. And to do it BLF-style. I also feel like the triple-XHP70.2 game is pretty well done already by some Haikelite products, even considering the different form factor.
That's good news, Lexel. Thank you. What kind of driver design will you be able to provide? FET or Buck (for a more regulated but slightly less maximum performance)? Post #3 has been updated accordingly.
I also agree that a single XHP70.2 version is best as a triple LED design would lead us too far away from the main concept of Sofirn's SP70 including heat sink and driver design. A triple XHP70.2 light might be something for a separate Sofirn light. HaikeLite already fills this gap quite successfully with their MT09R and MT03. And then there's Lumintop's GT4 project ongoing, another great BLF project run by Texas_Ace.
If they upgrade the springs they will probably want to commit to 2x 26650 or 2x 21700, but not both. They can shorten the light if they choose 26650 or make it slimmer if they choose 21700 and springs will have more optimal contact.
Buck driver doesn’t make sense with 2S battery config and 3x LEDs. It’s too expensive (when done right) and too low current. Even ~9A buck would be only 3A per LED. If you had >12V (4S) input you could work with lower currents and still get high output.
Agreed. I don't think that 4x 26350 (=4S) will be a great idea for a 12V version. These cells will not deliver enough current and capacity, I'm afraid. And another 2x26650 tube extension would make the SP70 too long.
I guess my point was if they stick with 26650 they should shorten the battery tube slightly so they don’t have to use super long springs. The BeCu do not have as good mechanical properties and work better when they are shorter anyways.