Post by david57strat on Aug 24, 2016 20:20:09 GMT -8
Here is the latest picture of my Solarforce family, which include the addition of two new L2D hosts, which are loaded with Mountain Electronics XM-L2 U3 3D 5-mode drop-ins. The third (original) L2D has an International Outdoors XP-L U5 7A3 3-mode drop-in (One of the warmest P60 lights that I own).
One change to one of the existing lights was done to the L2P (pictured in the middle/foreground. That light remains one of my main EDCs. I replaced the standard body with a 18650-bored Surefire 6P body, that I picked up on Oveready.
This is to be a three-stage process, with the ultimate goal resulting in a light with a Cryos cooling bezel, housing a far more powerful quad Nichia drop-in (rather than the Sportac triple Nichia currently installed), and a higher amperage tail switch, to support the heavier amperage load.
At the end of this process, the light will no longer be a Solarforce, at all - which means, I need to purchase another Solarforce, to keep the number at twenty (I hate odd numbers. That's as good an excuse as any, right?).
I believe I have the same light as Shorttime, it's a P25C. Mine sits in my work bag and on my person I carry an Olight S1.
I also sometimes carry a P25. It's not a Sunwayman, but a Nitecore. It's the only USB-rechargeable light I own, so far. It was one of the first Nitecore lights I purchased. I've had it for about three years. When I EDC it, it's in a pack.
The first five on the left are my basic on-person carry. The last five are pack-carried, most of the time. The P25 is the one on the far right.
That L2N (with the stainless tail switch) is loaded with a custom 5-mode XM-L 7C (which has extremely warm output - pretty much like a nicer incandescent, but with none of the weaknesses of the incandescent). That was my first Solarforce light, and that's what got me hooked on their hosts - and in neutral and warmer tints, too!
Unfortunately, I was using Auto White Balance in this shot (above), so the beam tint looks kind of washed-out.
Here's a more accurate depiction of the color of the beam. This is a really hideous beam shot (compared to John's incredible outdoor shots of the L2T, below), but it gives you an idea of the color temperature of the emitter. Sometimes, it's more desirable to have a warmer tint light. For instance, warmer tints are more effective at cutting through fog and smoke, than cool white lights.
The L2T has a Customlites XP-L Hi Neutral White (5000K), 3 amp driver; 3-mode drop-in, with smooth reflector. It's a fantastic little thrower!
The tree is supposed to be 75 yards away.
Photos courtesy of jpmac45 of Candle Power Forums, where I purchased the light. Thanks, John
The PD40 has an MT-G2 emitter in it, and makes a great compact flood light, with a nice neutral beam. It's the only light I EDC, running on a 26650 battery.
Last Edit: Jun 17, 2016 20:30:03 GMT -8 by david57strat
You carry all five of those on you at a time?? Jesus.
Well - they're not big lights, so yeah. When it's possible to carry the five, I do (and sometimes more). I practically live in cargo shorts, year-round; so it's pretty easy to do. About the only time I cannot (am not allowed to) carry this many on-person, is at work, but I still carry them (albeit, only one in my pocket, and the rest, in a pack, which is within arm's reach).
I like having options; and having options means a little extra carry weight, expense, and time/maintenance; but all of that is a small price to pay, to have lots of options, almost at all times
Last Edit: Jun 15, 2016 10:14:09 GMT -8 by david57strat
Don't need as much distance, and the smaller size and simpler UI suits me.
I haven't had very good luck with Sunwayman lights. My first was a V11R, which I ran on a 14500 battery, with the extension tube. I used to EDC that one, all the time. I never liked the control ring. First, it started to loosen up, so that I could barely touch it and the output would change radically. Then, the control ring decided to lock up, on the high position. Couldn't get it to budge, to save my life. That really angered me, since I paid so much for the light, PLUS the added expense of the extension tube. I baby my lights, so this came as a surprise, and a huge disappointment, to me. I later read, in other forums, that the control ring problem was a known issue, among a lot of other V11R users. They didn't design that light so that you could easily take apart the head and re-lubricate the control ring. Poor design. That light was replaced by a Nitecore SRT-3, which also had many of the same features as the V11R, but also had other LEDs in it (Red, Blue, Green), and some flashing modes. That light still works beautifully today. The control ring is super smooth, with just the right resistance to it. My biggest pet peeve with that light, was that it stepped down to a much lower output, after about three minutes (which I knew about beforehand; but it kind of became an issue, after repeated use).
I also had a T20CS - which threw, amazingly well, and worked wonderfully - until one day, it just stopped working, altogether. Couldn't revive that one, no matter what I tried.
That was the last of my Sunwayman purchases.
Which Sunwayman model are you carrying?
I used to EDC two Thrunite T10s (one original twisty version, in cool white, and the 2014 Edition, with the stainless bezel (in neutral tint - very nice!), like the one you pictured above). I ran those on 14500 batteries, and they had tremendous output, for their size, but I had to be extremely careful about not overheating them, at their highest output (which was fine).
But once I picked up the SC62w (which I ended up losing), that kind of displaced the T10 permanently, as an EDC light, since I was able to get much longer run times and performance out of that light (with the added bonus of all the customize-able outputs, etc.), and a very usable and pleasant neutral tint. I ended up replacing the lost SC62w with the SC600w Mk III - a more powerful light, which is just phenomenal, for its size (but also offers super low moonlight modes, with incredibly long run times). It also runs a lot cooler than any of my other Zebralights ever did, in spite of the extra power. That's definitely a heavy use light, and it's not that much larger than the SC62w that it replaced. Easily pocket-able.
The user interface on the Zebralights is pure genius (direct access to low, medium, or high, or flashing modes, from off. You can easily re-program any of those four modes, on the fly. Fully potted electronics (super tough) - very solid build quality. They're kind of funny-looking lights (at least, I think they are ); but they sure perform, and that's what matters. Excellent thermal management and regulation. If you've never gotten your hands on one, it would be well worth considering. They put out a nice combination of spot and spill beams.
Last Edit: Jun 16, 2016 21:54:17 GMT -8 by david57strat
Post by david57strat on Jun 14, 2016 14:09:50 GMT -8
I generally carry these five, on-person. When I can only carry one (at work, for instance), it's the Mk III, and the others go in a bag, with additional lights.
Left to Right:
Fenix E15 2016 Edition (this is the only one of the bunch, using the much smaller 16340 battery). Zebralight SC600w Mk III (4500K) Zebralight SC600w Mk II L2 (4500K) Eagletac DX30LC2 (XP-L Hi) Solarforce L2P with Sportac Triple Nichia 219B (2-mode)
For the most part, I'm still an avid 18650 battery user
Last Edit: Jun 14, 2016 14:14:51 GMT -8 by david57strat
D cells will fit in my VC4s, as well (on the outer 2 slots); but the charging rate is much higher on the SV2s, and the fit is much better (the wells seem deeper, on the SV2, so the fit is more snug, for these larger D cells).
I'm looking forward to comparing one of these SV2s, with the Nitecore SC2, once it arrives.
I kind of miss the estimated time 'til charged remaining on the LED readout, as is found on the VC2 Plus units. That's a really nice feature, not found, here. On the other hand, the higher charge rate (2 Amps/hour, as opposed to the 1 Amp/hour on the VC2 Plus units) makes up for that lacking feature. Also, these are not USB-power-able; but that's no big surprise, given the higher amperage rate that they produce.
A nice bonus of this SV2 is that you can drop the charge rate down to as little as 200 mAh, which is great for much smaller batteries. A simple double-click of the center button, causes the select-able charge rate (200, 500, 1000, or 2000 mAh) to 200 mAh. When you initially plug in the power supply, the default charge rate is 1 Amp/hour. The displays work the same as with the VC2 Plus units, in that they dim automatically, after one minute, after placing a battery in the slot. I'm fairly sure the only units that stay on constantly (but are defeat-able, if wanted) are on the VP2 units.
As with the other XTAR units, the LED readouts are defeat-able by pressing an holding the mode switch (It's an on/off toggle).
These SV2 chargers run surprisingly cool, considering the higher charge rate, as well. They did a nice job with the heat sinking on these units.
Was very close to getting some tenergy centuras today, but ended up scoring an assorted eneloop pack on ebay instead. I read that the tenergys don't always fit right-might be short...You had any similar problems?
I don't seem to be having any fit issues with these D Centuras - in the lights (a couple of D cell Maglites; one is a stock LED light, and the other, an older LED upgraded light), or in the SV2 charger.
They can also be charged in my XTAR VC4s (using the two outer channels); but they feel more solidly in-place, in the SV2 (not sure if the wells are deeper, or the contacts, longer, but they just feel better in the SV2 units, which charge at a higher charging rate, anyway (2 amps per slot, as opposed to 1 Amp/Hour per slot, on the VC4s; so, no complaints, there.
I haven't really tested out run times, to make a decision whether or not I want to buy 6 more of these, to fit my old 6D Maglite (which has a 1000 lumen TerraLux LED upgrade in it. I very rarely use my old Maglites; but at least, now if I use the 2D units, I don't ever have to worry about leaky bateries, or constantly having to replace the dreaded D alkaline batteries :-)
Last Edit: Sept 11, 2016 15:57:14 GMT -8 by david57strat
D cells will fit in my VC4s, as well (on the outer 2 slots); but the charging rate is much higher on the SV2s, and the fit is much better (the wells seem deeper, on the SV2, so the fit is more snug, for these larger D cells).
I'm looking forward to comparing one of these SV2s, with the Nitecore SC2, once it arrives.
I kind of miss the estimated time 'til charged remaining on the LED readout, as is found on the VC2 Plus units. That's a really nice feature, not found, here. On the other hand, the higher charge rate (2 Amps/hour, as opposed to the 1 Amp/hour on the VC2 Plus units) makes up for that lacking feature. Also, these are not USB-power-able; but that's no big surprise, given the higher amperage rate that they produce.
A nice bonus of this SV2 is that you can drop the charge rate down to as little as 200 mAh, which is great for much smaller batteries. A simple double-click of the center button, causes the select-able charge rate (200, 500, 1000, or 2000 mAh) to 200 mAh. When you initially plug in the power supply, the default charge rate is 1 Amp/hour. The displays work the same as with the VC2 Plus units, in that they dim automatically, after one minute, after placing a battery in the slot. I'm fairly sure the only units that stay on constantly (but are defeat-able, if wanted) are on the VP2 units.
As with the other XTAR units, the LED readouts are defeat-able by pressing an holding the mode switch (It's an on/off toggle).
These SV2 chargers run surprisingly cool, considering the higher charge rate, as well. They did a nice job with the heat sinking on these units.
Last Edit: May 25, 2016 17:42:41 GMT -8 by david57strat
you have 44 lights on that one type of battery? Jesus.
Actually - it's 47 lights, running on 58 of those batteries. I just picked up 3 Convoy lights: An S2+, S3 (both XM-L2T6 4C), and a C8 (XM-L2 U2 1A) with a de-domed LED and guppydrv firmware Upgrade. The last one is supposed to be a real blaster.
I see the number 50 on the near horizon .
Last Edit: May 9, 2016 19:20:26 GMT -8 by david57strat
Post by david57strat on May 8, 2016 19:48:25 GMT -8
Are those Tenergy LiFePO4s on the right side of the picture (one in the charger, one standing up by that beautiful titanium light)? I use about eight of those for some of my CR123 lights, as an alternative to constantly having to buy CR123 batteries.
Post by david57strat on May 8, 2016 14:48:38 GMT -8
Plenty of flashlight users, out there. I haven't seen a thread quite like this one, here, so I think I'll start one.
Let's see what you're using to charge up your batteries.
I'm currently running 44 18650 lights on 55 batteries (and plenty of other lights, on AA and D NiMhs, 14500, 16340, 17650 lithium ion batteries, and a small handful of lights on RCR123 LiFEPO4s.
Here is the lot:
Top Row (Left to right)
LaCrosse BC-700 Nitecore i4 V2 Nitecore D4 (2)
Middle Row (Left to right)
XTAR VC4 (2) XTAR VP2 (2) XTAR SV2 - This is the newest addition
Bottom Row (Left to right)
XTAR VC2 Plus (4)
Right Hand Side (Top to Bottom)
Pelican 1010 Case with 14500 batteries Pelican 1010 Case with 16340 and CR123 batteries (No...I did not buy those. They came with some flashlight purchases. I stopped buying CR123 batteries about four years ago. Pelican 1010 Case with 26650 batteries Pelican 1010 Case with 18650 batteries - still my favorite battery type :)
Not pictured - a second XTAR SV2 charger, I just picked up yesterday :-)
A little closer look at those 1010 cases:
Last Edit: Jun 10, 2016 17:26:58 GMT -8 by david57strat
Post by david57strat on Mar 28, 2016 18:26:54 GMT -8
Today, it was these:
Left to Right (First five, on-person; last five, including the HC50, in a backpack compartment):
Fenix E15 2016 Edition (the only 16340 light in the bunch) Zebralight SC600w Mk III Zebralight SC600w Mk II L2 Eagletac DX30LC2 Solarforce L2P host, with B6 stainless bezel and Sportac Triple Nichia 219B 2-mode drop-in Solarforce L2N with B6 stainless bezel, and Erik Kress XM-L 7C 5-mode drop-in Solarforce L2N with Customlites XP-L Hi Hi Neutral White (5000K), 3 amp driver, 3-mode drop-in Fenix PD40 (the only one in the bunch running on a 26650 battery) - MTG2 Nitecore P25 (In the foreground) Nitecore HC50 Headlamp
seems awesome...except for the polished tip. I dont like the change in colors. Great write up!
I personally like the polished tip; but then, I'm a fan of stainless bezels :-)
If I were in law enforcement, or in the military, etc., I would probably prefer a flat black bezel, to avoid attracting attention by the suspect/the enemy.
Last Edit: Jan 26, 2016 14:24:01 GMT -8 by david57strat
Post by david57strat on Nov 25, 2015 12:18:55 GMT -8
I decided to EDC these seven lights yesterday (mostly in a bag. The two Zebralights were carried on-person.
Left to Right:
Zebralight SC62w Zebralight SC600w Mk II L2 Solarforce L2M with Recessed tail switch, L2T head, and B6 stainless bezel; Customlites Nichia 219 4-mode drop-in. Solarforce L2P and B6 stainless bezel; Sportac Triple Nichia 219B 2-mode drop-in Fenix E50 (XM-L T6) Armytek Dobermann XP-L Fenix PD40 (MT-G2) - This was the only 26650 light in the bunch.
Please disregard the EagleTac light in the background. I used that light, ceiling-bounced, to take the shot.
i1268.photobucket.com/albums/jj571/david57strat/Flashlights/IMG_8601.jpg Rear - Zebralight SC62w. This was my first Zebralight. They make an amazing light, for its size, and the user interface is a stroke of genius Front - Zebralight SC600w Mk II L2 - picked this one up on CPF, for a killer price.