FastTech Convoy S3 (EDC 18650 in Disguise) Thoughts?

I have the ‘EDC’ version of the same (S3) host, and it’s worth mentioning the limited inside length. Mine won’t quite accept a protected Panasonic 18650B. Other than that, it’s great. I think the Fasttech lights are excellent value.

Help me with the math here - assuming a 3400 mAh unprotected 18650B, and a 5% low on the 1050 mA version (i.e. </>52 mA), what would the approximate runtime be? How much of that 3400 mAh is available before cutoff?

Is 1050 mA a viable driver for an XM-L U2?

Looks like the Solarforce clip might fit.

I would expect the Solarforce clip to be too big a diameter for these Convoys. That clip also doesn't seem like it would let the light drop deep enough into a pocket either. Thoughts?

-Garry

Beware that the 3400mA cell is rated 3400 down below 3.0v (to 2.5v?) where you won't get to use that capacity in a flashlight (single cell with a typical driver). See HKJ's review (he discharge tests to 3.0v) - look at the chart for capacity at 1A draw -> 3,197mAh. Now take 3,197mAh/1050mA and you get 3.04hrs use. EDIT: Sorry, I forgot you wanted runtime at 5% (52mA). So therefore 3,197mAh/52mA = 61.5 hours use. This is a rough calculation, but should be close to what you'll see. I think these calculations get further from reality with lower current levels, but I'm not sure. I think 52mA will get you about 20 lumens output.

You can drive an XM-L at any current level below it's "poof" level (5A+ depending on heatsinking); you just aren't getting as high output. See Match's test here and look at the chart for the XM-L. You'll see the XM-L will put out about 392 lumens at 1,000mA.

-Garry

Thanks Garry - that’s what I was looking for.

Post #96 in this thread might lead you to something.

Thanks for the link. I'm really liking the idea of a deeper pocket carry clip though. Will be ordering a few Solarforce clips to have on hand sometime too.

-Garry

How many lumens would this Convoy S3 U2 be?

https://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10002364/1195015

I see the January 10th FastTech new arivals page now shows Convoy lights/battery/charger combos! EDIT - No driver / drive current listed for these! Are they 8x7135 for 2.8A or what???

-Garry

Considering Tumbleweed48’s post #3, is the Panasonic 18650B a different length than the standard Panasonic protected? I do not understand why they would make a light for 18650 batteries, and some would not fit. Help?
Jerry

Just by eyeballing it. It MIGHT fit.

You gotta remember that medium and low modes are PWM generated and there's some efficiency loss as a result. IIRC, the lowest mode only has like 50% efficiency or something like that.

It sorta fits. I think it messes with the o-ring and prevents contact at the switch ring unless you add a metal spacer.

More discussion here: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/10558?page=1#comment-247502

Check this post: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/10558?page=2#comment-270184

Looks like I/O was shipping some of theirs with the Convoy logo already.

Hmm . . . I'd guestimate around 900, (but that's not the OTF - "out-the-front" - value).

-Garry

Thanks, I knew it wouldn't be a real good value as I calculated, but the "high" (no PWM) current math would be close.

-Garry

I would guess between 750 & 850 OTF lumens for a U2. Pretty safe ballpark figure but that will drop as the temp of the light rises.

I’d venture a guess of 800 OTF.

BINGO! Now I do remember reading that!

-Garry

I'm still trying to figure out what the difference is between the S2 and S3. I get lost in amp discussions, but I'm trying. So will the T5 5C be brighter with the 2.1a model as compared to the 1.4 model. Also, how much heat buildup are we talking about here with the T5 5C emitter.

The 2.1a 5C model doesn't seem to be available in the three mode option.

I'm thinking the XM-L will help me get a good feel for the 5C tint because of the flood and not such a concentrated hot spot. Ive never had a 5C, and love 4C tints, and thought this light might be a viable way for me to have a peek.

What I noticed is the S3 has stainless bezel and is 4mm shorter than the S2. Different machining on the heads, too. The S3 is the one for me. :wink:

I gotta tell ya, 5C is where things start to look more yellow than vanilla. I really liked my 4B and 4C XPGs. I didn't like my 5C XPG so much. Just wanted to give you a heads up.