Convoy flashlight opinions?

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jacobd said:
u/Sakowuf_Solutions is the man on reddit to talk to about literally anything UV related. Very knowledgeable
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Thank you, but u/Sakowuf_Solutions is apparently labeled as "mature / adult content" and requires an account, which I don't have (I don't do social media).

But I got the gist of it off of r/flashlight, and that guy seemed to do to enthusiast projects WAY above what I need or use.

Thank again though - every single one of the "Sakowuf_Solutions" modified flashlights that I found looked highly impressive. :)
 
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Just sent a request Simon's way.
2x S21G Ti 519A, 4000K, 8A buck driver...with the "Golden Curcuit" and "Cloud" textures of the S2+.

So this one:
convoylight.com

Convoy S21G glossy titanium alloy 21700 flashlight - Convoy flashlight

Convoy S21G glossy titanium alloy 21700 flashlight
convoylight.com convoylight.com

...with these textures:
https://convoylight.com/products/detail/22539431 (working with IT, this would be my perfect T3 Ti EDC replacement)
https://convoylight.com/products/detail/22539422 (gift for my mother)

I have less than zero idea - like, negative clue - how these textures are made, but I hope he can help me out.
I didn't mention it in my email, but I got a ~230 USD order in the cart at home right now.

EDIT:
Just got a response. It was sadly a negatory.

"I'm sorry, I don't offer customization.

Regards
Simon"
 
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That's how it is. Simon doesn't do made-to-order or limited editions of hosts or emitters, not even as market feelers. Once a product is announced, it's a permanent addition to the store.

Heck, I've just found out the other day that he still stocks the veritably ancient S2, the deep-reflector precursor to the S6, S8 and T6 that are all the rage at r/flashlight, and the S9, probably his oldest side-switch light and still with the ancient outdated micro-USB charging port (though at least the UI was updated to the current standard of his side switch torches).
 
Jean-Luc Descarte said:
That's how it is. Simon doesn't do made-to-order or limited editions of hosts or emitters, not even as market feelers. Once a product is announced, it's a permanent addition to the store.
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That is fair. Not knowing that, I just figured I should ask. :)
But with that information I asked Simon a follow-up question: when will the S2+ Ti models with those textures be available again (not yet received a response).

I prefer runtime and output (in that order) over size and weight, hence preferring 21700 cells over 18650, but I really, really liked those 2 textures. And the lights are titanium, which I have also grown fond of.
 
So...I just received the second L21B, intended for a friend of mine, but there seems to be a hurdle for the uninitiated.
I was hoping for at least some more control over just On or Off, so how do I change the mode of a 5 group Convoy light?

If I understand it right, it's turn on, then tap 20 times - then tap again (100 % and 20 % is at least something).

I have one L21B with KP CSLPM1.F1 (aka Osram W2 Green), 4 modes, which works great for me. But the KR CSLNM1.23 Red, 5 groups, is apparently a bit more complicated. Is this related to the Voltage of Red light in general? I see a list of different drivers and voltages at the bottom of the page.

convoylight.com

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight - Convoy flashlight

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight
convoylight.com convoylight.com

convoylight.com

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight - Convoy flashlight

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight
convoylight.com convoylight.com

Will have to experiment after the battery charging. Ordered a 3X21E, S12, and L21B, all with Molicel P50B's, and all the cells came with only 2.72 V (according to my Nitecore UMS4).
 
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PaladinNO said:
So...I just received the second L21B, intended for a friend of mine, but there seems to be a hurdle for the uninitiated.
I was hoping for at least some more control over just On or Off, so how do I change the mode of a 5 group Convoy light?

If I understand it right, it's turn on, then tap 20 times - then tap again (100 % and 20 % is at least something).

I have one L21B with KP CSLPM1.F1 (aka Osram W2 Green), 4 modes, which works great for me. But the KR CSLNM1.23 Red, 5 groups, is apparently a bit more complicated. Is this related to the Voltage of Red light in general? I see a list of different drivers and voltages at the bottom of the page.

convoylight.com

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight - Convoy flashlight

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight
convoylight.com convoylight.com

convoylight.com

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight - Convoy flashlight

Convoy L21B black 21700 flashlight
convoylight.com convoylight.com

Will have to experiment after the battery charging. Ordered a 3X21E, S12, and L21B, all with Molicel P50B's, and all the cells came with only 2.72 V (according to my Nitecore UMS4).
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To enter config mode, don't count the presses, just mash the button quickly until it stops turning on. It'll flash and buzz, and if you don't do anything it'll flash-flash-buzz, then go back to the normal mode rotation.

If you half-press during the first flash-buzz, it'll enter mode group selection. It'll flash once and pause, then twice and pause, then 3 times and pause, all the way until 12 flashes and pause, then it'll go back to 1 flash and pause. The number of flashes is the same number of the mode group, and you select it by half-pressing the button.

For example, let's say you want mode group 6 (100%, 20%, 1%):
- Mash the button repeatedly until it stops lighting up
- When it goes flash-buzz, half-press to enter mode selection
- Wait until the torch flashes 6 times, then half-press the button

Now, if you half-press during flash-flash-buzz, it'll toggle last mode memory between on or off and go immediately back to the normal function in the mode group you selected. That way you can set your torch to either memorise your most used mode, or always start at the first mode of the mode group. If we go from the example above, if you turn off mode memory, the torch will always come on at full blast and half-presses will decrease output, first to 20% and then to 1%.
 
Jean-Luc Descarte said:
To enter config mode, don't count the presses, just mash the button quickly until it stops turning on. It'll flash and buzz, and if you don't do anything it'll flash-flash-buzz, then go back to the normal mode rotation.

If you half-press during the first flash-buzz, it'll enter mode group selection. It'll flash once and pause, then twice and pause, then 3 times and pause, all the way until 12 flashes and pause, then it'll go back to 1 flash and pause. The number of flashes is the same number of the mode group, and you select it by half-pressing the button.
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Thank you very much, I think I actually understood that. :)

Regarding the lights themselves, now that all the batteries are charged, I have to say I find the Red very underwhelming.
I don't know whether the Green I went with is monochromatic (I think the F1 is), but it is much, much brighter than the Red. Assuming the default mode on the Red is 100 % (which I would have to believe it is), it is still only similar in perceived brightness to the 3 % on the Green - with 30 % and 100 % above that.

And on the note of the Green, I am hearing some serious coil whine from the light (audible on all brightness levels if I hold the light up to my ear - am running it with a brand new, freshly charged Molicel P50B). Whereas the Red is completely silent (Molicel P42B).

EDIT:
Another thing with one of the lights that I ordered was the 3X21E. It has a tripod mount (2 of them actually), great, but the threads are practically recessed due to a slope in the design at the head / bezel. With both of my tripods having a large mounting plate, with the screw in the middle of the plate, there is no way I can mount the light on them. I can't even use my Joby Gorillapods for the same reason.
 
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PaladinNO said:
I am looking for a 21700 replacement / upgrade for my pair of 365 nm UV 18650 Sofirn SF16's, and I am looking at the Convoy S12 and M21A.
The M21A has a Luminus SBT-10X-UV, and the S12 a Seoul Z5-CUN66A1G. Given the optics / reflector, I am currently set on the S12 for more flood, as the M21A seems like a UV thrower.

I see Redditors argue one LED is better in one thread, and the other LED is better in another thread, so I feel safer asking here: is there anything I should consider with either of these models?

Whichever I go with, it will just be a fun light with no serious use.
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I know I am reviving an older thread, but you are the one that pointed me here! :)

I was wondering if you ever bought one of these? I have the S12 UV and S21A UV (using the Nichia 233B (P9d22M)) coming. Now I might have to get the M21A UV as well!
 
azfatboy said:
I know I am reviving an older thread, but you are the one that pointed me here! :)

I was wondering if you ever bought one of these? I have the S12 UV and S21A UV (using the Nichia 233B (P9d22M)) coming. Now I might have to get the M21A UV as well!
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I did buy the S12 UV, and am really happy with it. Coming from a Sofirn SF16, the S12 is much, much better.
It's more powerful (with 3 LEDs vs 1 in the Sofirn), and have a wider spread.

To put it this way: I regret shining the S12 in the bathroom more than the SF16.

I will skip the M21A UV. To me, that looked like a UV-thrower, which made no sense to me.

And a recommendation: If you bought a UV-light, even if it's just UV-A, I recommend wearing UV-protective glasses during use.
I tried the S12 without them for a moment, and without thinking I waved it around and hit a mirror. No harm done, but it did really sting my eyes even with momentary exposure.
 
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PaladinNO said:
I did buy the S12 UV, and am really happy with it. Coming from a Sofirn SF16, the S12 is much, much better.
It's more powerful (with 3 LEDs vs 1 in the Sofirn), and have a wider spread.

To put it this way: I regret shining the S12 in the bathroom more than the SF16.

I will skip the M21A UV. To me, that looked like a UV-thrower, which made no sense to me.

And a recommendation: If you bought a UV-light, even if it's just UV-A, I recommend wearing UV-protective glasses during use.
I tried the S12 without them for a moment, and without thinking I waved it around and hit a mirror. No harm done, but it did really sting my eyes even with momentary exposure.
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Different uses, I suppose. My primary use for UV light here in the SW desert is to pinpoint scorpions. And being able to see a scorpion on a far away wall would be super useful. Indeed, a "thrower" UV light sounds absolutely PERFECT to me... :)

I am still very happy that I got the others, especially the S12. Heard so many good things about it, that I saw no reason to not just get it. (I am coming from an ancient StreamLight UV that worked, but had super low output, and operated at 375/390Nm, not the 365Nm that is ideal, so I know it will be a HUGE step up for me too)

Not too many mirrors in my back yard, but there are windows--and regardless, PPE is always the right answer. I will definitely pick up a pair or three. Any suggestions?
 
azfatboy said:
Different uses, I suppose. My primary use for UV light here in the SW desert is to pinpoint scorpions. And being able to see a scorpion on a far away wall would be super useful. Indeed, a "thrower" UV light sounds absolutely PERFECT to me... :)

Not too many mirrors in my back yard, but there are windows--and regardless, PPE is always the right answer. I will definitely pick up a pair or three. Any suggestions?
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Ah, in that case, the M21A sounds perfect for your use. (y)
We mostly have snow here, and no scorpions, and that typically isn't UV-reactive. ^^

For UV-protective glasses, I went with 3M 3700 (EAN 4054596731943 to be exact)

Also bought 2 pairs with the dark grey lens to use as over-glasses sunglasses while driving. Best sunglasses I have ever used, as they cover the side of the eyes too, and limit reflections like the sun shining in a river. Also, they look like AR- or VR-glasses, so I do get some looks if I wear them on the street - so, bonus. ^^

Same specs for both types, and comes with enough certifications to kill a mosquito.

And I can verify they work. I pointed the S12 straight at my eyes while wearing them, and I can't say I noticed anything. Kinda cool being able to see the 3x UV LEDs that is otherwise "invisible" behind the UV-filter without such glasses.
 
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PaladinNO said:
Ah, in that case, the M21A sounds perfect for your use. (y)
We mostly have snow here, and no scorpions, and that typically isn't UV-reactive. ^^

For UV-protective glasses, I went with 3M 3700 (EAN 4054596731943 to be exact)

Also bought 2 pairs with the dark grey lens to use as over-glasses sunglasses while driving. Best sunglasses I have ever used, as they cover the side of the eyes too, and limit reflections like the sun shining in a river. Also, they look like AR- or VR-glasses, so I do get some looks if I wear them on the street - so, bonus. ^^

Same specs for both types, and comes with enough certifications to kill a mosquito.

And I can verify they work. I pointed the S12 straight at my eyes while wearing them, and I can't say I noticed anything. Kinda cool being able to see the 3x UV LEDs that is otherwise "invisible" behind the UV-filter without such glasses.
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Those look pretty good. Did some reading, and discovered the Polycarbonate (PCB) lenses are naturally UV blocking. Turns out, all my shop glasses are PCB, so I am set with UV light protective eyewear! I just have to remember to put them on! :)
 
azfatboy said:
I am coming from an ancient StreamLight UV that worked, but had super low output, and operated at 375/390Nm, not the 365Nm that is ideal, so I know it will be a HUGE step up for me too
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I missed this part - it wouldn't happen to be one of these?

Streamlight 51010 Twin-Task 3C 9-Inch UV Flashlight, Black - Basic Handheld Flashlights - Amazon.com

Streamlight 51010 Twin-Task 3C 9-Inch UV Flashlight, Black - Basic Handheld Flashlights - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

Because that's where I started too. I had 2 of them, where one bought the farm not that long ago due to...well, how can I put this gently? Alkaline batteries + time.
Not even between a vice and a pipe wrench could I get it apart.
 
PaladinNO said:
I missed this part - it wouldn't happen to be one of these?

Streamlight 51010 Twin-Task 3C 9-Inch UV Flashlight, Black - Basic Handheld Flashlights - Amazon.com

Streamlight 51010 Twin-Task 3C 9-Inch UV Flashlight, Black - Basic Handheld Flashlights - Amazon.com
www.amazon.com

Because that's where I started too. I had 2 of them, where one bought the farm not that long ago due to...well, how can I put this gently? Alkaline batteries + time.
Not even between a vice and a pipe wrench could I get it apart.
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That is indeed exactly the one! Bought it in 2007. I thought it was the shiznit--and for the time, maybe it was. But I hate the C batteries, which I never seem to have, and the light output is anemic. It still works just fine, but I've been wanting something better for a while, and once I looked, it became obvious that the improvements in UV flashlight technology more than justified moving forward sooner than later.
 
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azfatboy said:
it is indeed exactly that one! bought it in 2007. I thought it was the shiznit--and for the time, maybe it was. but I hated the C batteries, which I never seemed to have, and the light output is anemic. it still works just fine, bit I wanted something better.
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One lets you go clubbing, another lets you go clubbin'..
 
Tell me, please . . . . .

Do *ANY* of the Convoy lights
use Anduril interface ? ? ?

Why isn't Anduril used more widely in lights ? ? ?

:lovecpf:
_
 
Burgess said:
Tell me, please . . . . .

Do *ANY* of the Convoy lights
use Anduril interface ? ? ?

Why isn't Anduril used more widely in lights ? ? ?

:lovecpf:
_
Click to expand...
There is a version of the S21E that runs Anduril, yeah. The main limitation is that Anduril only runs on 3v drivers, so many of the most well-liked emitters (e.g. the XHP70.x series) can't be used.
 
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I need some opinions on a wild idea...

I bought an Emisar DT8K with Nichia E21A 2000K to use as a yellowy, hCRI bedside reading lamp, and as a "morning sun" for all those dark, dreary days that definitely are coming Soon™ (it's already getting dark outside at 10 PM - which is okay, I just did a test run of my latest car light purchase, the Lazer Triple-R 24 Elite).

So here's where my imagination takes me: The DT8K for the evenings, and this for the mornings:
Convoy 3X21E, 519A 1800K

Just a portable sun cannon to keep by the bedside for the mornings, when it's pitch black outside and -15°C (5ºF) in the bedroom, and I just want to see - if not feel - some warmth.
 
PaladinNO said:
I need some opinions on a wild idea...

I bought an Emisar DT8K with Nichia E21A 2000K to use as a yellowy, hCRI bedside reading lamp, and as a "morning sun" for all those dark, dreary days that definitely are coming Soon™ (it's already getting dark outside at 10 PM - which is okay, I just did a test run of my latest car light purchase, the Lazer Triple-R 24 Elite).

So here's where my imagination takes me: The DT8K for the evenings, and this for the mornings:
Convoy 3X21E, 519A 1800K

Just a portable sun cannon to keep by the bedside for the mornings, when it's pitch black outside and -15°C (5ºF) in the bedroom, and I just want to see - if not feel - some warmth.
Click to expand...
Your bedroom... INDOORS.... in your home... is 5 deg F in your BEDROOM??? Are you a Yeti????

You don't need a flashlight, you need a FIRE!!! :D
 
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