Review: 2.7~4.2V 5-Mode Memory Circuit Board for Flashlights (16.8mm) Dealextreme

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

2.7~4.2V Cree Q5 5-Mode Memory Circuit Board for Flashlights (16.8mm)


http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.50525 $2.90

Dealextreme claims:

- 1*Cree Q5 regulated power output
- Output curre/nt: 1100mA +/-100mA
- 16.8mm diameter base
- Voltage: 2.7~4.2V
- 5-Mode: High (100%); Mid (25%), Low (5%); 11HZ; SOS
- Memory: Circuitry Features Mode Memory

First of all I am not an expert nor a great technician but I have a Weller and I know what I like and I have (re)placed dozens of drivers

I have received this driver from DX together with an 11,9 driver (maybe reviewed later) and a free hoopy We Don't Need Fake!!! origami poster (WTF??!!)

This driver is used to "upgrade" the driver (TR0011A) of my Trustfire TR-801. That driver had a low 0,6A high and modes without much discrepancy.

Pros:

  • 5 modes as stated
  • cheap /
  • No visible PWM to eye or camera
  • nice low (<4%) low mode
  • medium fast strobe 11HZ

Cons:

  • No boost/ regulation: half empty battery = half the output on all modes
  • No mode memory (wrong description)
  • Can only be used with 1 Li-Ion cell
  • SOS mode is SOSOSOS..
  • Cree Q5 ???

Build Quality: ★★★★★

Everything is looking/working OK, the driver withstood the blowtorch that I used to solder the spring.


Features / Value: ★★☆☆☆

some measurements.

Current on a full 18650 battery (4,12V):

high 1,3A

medium 0,48A

low 0,06A

half full 18650 battery (3,55V):

high 0,72A

medium 0,23A

low 0,03A

Summary: ★★★☆☆

Not what I was looking for but my flashlight is now brighter than before


2

Thanks for the review! $2.90 and you get a brighter flashlight. That sounds like a decent upgrade.

3

I have a TR-801 and on high it draws 1.8 amps direct

to the driver. Through the tailcap its 1.6 amps.

Did yours only draw 0.6 amps when delivered?

4

I have a TR-801 and on high it draws 1.8 amps direct

to the driver. Through the tailcap its 1.6 amps.

Did yours only draw 0.6 amps when delivered?

Yes 0.6 A tailcap on high and I believe 0.4A low. (and strobe)

There are three versions of the TR-801 with different components (P4 my old version /Q5 newer) and even the size is different

I believe the newer versions are longer .

5

i have the same TR0011A driver in a trustfire usa168 it draws 440 mAh (0.44 amp) on trustfire flames this is the only info on google i could find about the driver.