I may be dreaming, but it appears that the hotspot in my sample has a little donutty appearance even at a distance. Is that common and is there a standard way of correcting it (by adjusting the thickness of the gasket under the reflector?). Has anybody done that successfully?
Considering Convoy’s centering gasket batches aren’t identical in thickness, the issue is definitely that. I’m guessing mine is the very first batch, at least for the upgraded buck driver version, because I bought the 3X21D right after it released. A donut hole is visible up to 20cm from the wall, which is normal.
You can’t really do anything except asking Simon to send out a replacement with the right gasket or having a thicker gasket 3D printed. @PiercingTheDarkness bought a 3D printer because he was tired of the gasket thickness differences in the Convoy lights he’s selling. You can have him model a gasket compatible with your specific model, for which you’d have to provide him with some measurements.
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If you post a photo of the hotspot and corona (not overexposed) at a good distance (say 5-10m) we can try to diagnose the focus issue (gasket too high or too low), if the issue is indeed a focus problem. Otherwise it might be a problem with reflector quality, which has been brought into attention recently.
This would be great if the reflectors are consistent between batches, but so far it seems improbable to be true. There probably doesn’t exist a gasket that works with all 3x21D reflectors, and adjustments must be made on a case-by-case basis. Fortunately, the stock centering gaskets tend to be on the too thick side for most lights, which is something a piece of sandpaper can easily fix.
I wasn’t aware that there’s a similar issue with the reflectors too. It’s most likely a mix of both, because both components are responsible for focusing the light.
I think Simon has moved to a new factory now, so hopefully his quality control is better.
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For the meantime I’m printing my own, but the QC is terrible and I can’t go on selling Convoy for too much longer, it’s just too messy having to QC check every single unit. I have started asking different factories for a quote on starting my own brand.
Re: 3X21D
How do you mean? Is it an actual hole, or just that there’s a slightly brighter ring around the hotspot at all distances? The slightly brighter ring is found on so many SBT90 flashlights out there, some more noticeable than others. The Wurkkos TS30S Pro and my modded Lumintop GT SBT90 also have it.
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I’m glad to hear that you’re considering starting your own flashlight brand, I’m certainly looking forward to hearing more about it.
I hope you’ll still be happy to print centering gaskets for us. Convoy lights are a blessing and most people don’t own a 3D printer.
If you’re asking me, I meant an actual hole in the middle of the hotspot.
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That may be it, not sure. How ‘slight’ is that? I mean, there is no black hole in the middle and the light is quite usable - but I think that the middle of the hotspot is somewhat darker than its edge.
I can’t print anyone gaskets outside of New Zealand, shipping isn’t worth it, better to send the files to a local service. Happy to whip up a gasket in CAD though.
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Yeah, that’s normal on quite a few models out there, it’s on every 3X21D batch.
I see. I just hope you’re motivated enough to model the gaskets, I’d be more than happy to pay you for it.
Comparing how our 3X21D hotspots look, yours looks way nicer. I might have to buy a caliper soon and take some measurements.
I don’t have to do much, I have most already done, I’d just have to alter the thickness or send a file with various thicknesses to print. Certainly don’t want anyone paying, but thanks
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