For my next light, I’m looking for an 18650 light with a firefly mode so I won’t wake up the wife while moving around at night. Ideally, it would be an 18650 light, such as the Convoy M1, which I really like.
I don’t want a AAA light. I already have a ThruNite Ti, but it’s too small and doesn’t go bright enough on high. I’d consider a 2x AA light, but I’d prefer a single 18650. What would you recommend? Budget is under $30.
its very hard to found a budget 18650 light that has firefly or moonlight mode unless you mod the light itself using Qlite driver 
Convoy M1
AVR programmer
On system chip clip
Lumodrv
First, XinTD C8 V4 XM-L2 U2/T6 18650 Flashlight at $29.95
http://www.intl-outdoor.com/xintd-c8-xml-850-lumens-multi-modes-flashlight-p-308.html
Second a 50XB P60 host for $ 8:12 and a P60 Drop-In with Moonlight option for $16.71
http://intl-outdoor.com/xml2-p60-dropin-module-alxm2-p-740.html
So, I need a host and either a drop in or I need to replace the driver. I’ve never replaced a driver, but I assume there’s a tutorial around here somewhere?
I like the build quality of the Convoy, so let’s see. I’ll need either a Convoy and a driver or a Convoy host and a drop in. That sound about right?
I just looked at the XinTD. That looks nice as well… maybe I’ll just go with it… still thinking…
convoy m1 host kit. qlite driver, xm-l2 nw (lower output) or xm-l or xp-g2 on copper would all be good options. I can’t remember if the m1 is a 20mm contact board, if so, you want one of the partition boards from fasttech for ease of assembly.
I actually have a build very similar to this and it is excellent for night time navigation without disturbing loved ones
Thrunite TN12’s were on sale at $30 recently - in c/w and neutral - and have a great true firefly (0.09lm).
Convoy C8 Host
http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10002463/1277302-convoy-c8-diy-led-flashlight-host
Qlite driver:
Any Xml2 led on Noctigon for your taste:
= $22 
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If you really want a firefly mode comparable to the .04 and .09 output of the Thrunite lights you may have to search quite hard. I have the IOS ALXM p60 dropin and really like it, but the 2mA 5mA low-low it has is much brighter than the .09 firefly of a T10. The only 18650 I know of with a comparably low moonlight/firefly mode is an older 4Sevens Maelstrom.
The Armytek Predator has firefly - but it isn't budget.
Still, you would have no need to mod if you want something "off the shelf" (and it's a great light).
trust me the qlites moon, coupled with a low bin xm-l or xp-g2 is low enough to navigate without disturbing kids or spouse’s, i use a few lights this way for checking the babies or getting ready for work real early.
It’s not an 18650 but you might want to consider the Thrunite T10, or the new version, the Saber. It takes an AA battery so the high is much higher than an AAA and it has a great (.09?) moonlight mode. It even has mode memory so you can set it to moonlight before you go to sleep. I would also recommend another AA light, the L10 for mostly the same reasons. It doesn’t have mode memory but it has 4 modes, and you can get it with the warm Nichia 219 emitter in it, which is awesome.
Hi man. Is it easy to assemble those stuffs or do I need to do some kind of unscrewing/soldering or anything that might be technically challenging for those not well versed in electronics?
The first one - you tick what you want on the order form and they make it for you, the second one the same choices when you are ordering then when you insert the drop-in which is only slightly harder than installing a battery - wrap the drop-in in aluminum foil so it's a firm fit to improve heat transfer.
I see. The first one seems good. Does it really puts out 1000 lumens? Are there any reviews on those?
edit: found a foy review via google. Btw, where is foy!!?