Are there any flashlights out there with an USB output so you can use the 18650 or whatever battery to charge USB electronics like cell phones or radios? Seems like a great thing to throw into a survival bag.
I have seen a few at fasttech
first few on this list
http://www.fasttech.com/search?flashlight%20portable%20power
Those look a little unproven and are more like power banks with a bigger flashlight on them. I’m looking for a good flashlight first that has some added circuity for an output and takes replaceable batteries.
There was one that has a detachable head so you can switch it to a charging head. Can’t remember the name but someone will cough it up soon enough.
That’s not the one I was talking about though.
Roche F6? Not sure what its charging ability was like though, nor if it can output charge.
Yea that’s the one.
I think a few people here have them. Intl Outdoor sells it too, and probably CNQG/FF.
I have the Jinheng 12A (they have it at Fasttech), it has three 18650 batteries (in parallel) that power a 8x7135 lineair driver (2.8A) driving a XM-L behind a smooth reflector. It works as a very good flashlight. It is a bit bulky compared to 1x18650 lights, but that is where the charging benefit comes from: if loaded with 3400mAh batteries you have 10200mAh capacity at an average of 3.8V, that converts to about 7500mAh (I added some conversion loss) at USB-outputvoltage. That can charge a big smartphone, depending on battery, 3 to 5 times.
But I have to say that I don't use it anymore: for the same performance I have more handy flashlights, and for the same phonecharger capacity I have a smaller powerbank.
One with a XM-L2.
Look at the green substrate in the pictures. I don't think anyone really sells it with an XM-L2.
WRONG!
I bought it from KD. It has a XM-L2. at KD this is the old stock picture…
the charging circuit is really ok. the light output is in the middle range, not very high, but enough for me, but i had to improve the heattransfer with fujik, because in stock it wass very bad…
greets, bright
Excellent light. High quality. Easy to mod. The stock driver is 2.4A. I put 3A drivers and XML2’s in mine.
http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002464/1181701-jinheng-2-in-1-cree-t6-5-mode-900-lumen
They are bulky but with appropriate holster they could be good duty/camping/travel(if allowed) lights since we all have hungry smartphones this days and with this kind of babies you will not stuck in a dark or without juice in a phone.
I would only like to see some kind of seal on those open usb ports.
Designers should think about that problem before launching it.
There is a version that has a screw cap that covers the base… for about $20 more.
You can buy rubber plugs for sealing USB connectors. Or perhaps find a “Caplug” that fits over it. Or find somebody with a 3D printer (you can now buy flexible filament for printers that might work better than ABS/PLA).
I have this one
It can charge my Samsung Note 3 really fast, the beam is nice and it came with the BEST (And really mean it) cool white led tint I have ever seen in a flashlight, pure snow white beam, I think it is a 1A tint but it looks much MUCH nicer than other 1A tints I have, way better than Nitecore and Sunwayman cool white lights.
Definetly worth it.
AlexGT
I am seriously consider about this type of lights since it is only type I don't have. I would not like to mod it in any way. It would be really nice to have all this features on a flashlight. No problem for 20$ more.
So does screw cap needs to be put down each time if I want to use flashlight? If so than it is a bugger.
It has a lanyard loop, so you could hang it from your wrist. If you get a lanyard with a cordlock, you could cinch it around the flashlight body.