The Official Zebralight Thread

[jon_slider]

if you want to run a 14500 in it

his H504c model does not support 14500, it uses the new 54 series driver...

the LiIon option ended with 53 series lights produced in October 2023

Im a fan of the earlier 2023 models, that do work on LiIon:

The Headlamp will work w 50.1mm length button top batteries such as Lumintop 14500 w USB-C, also w
Eneloop which are 50.1mm, as are Energizer Ultimate Lithium

The AA SC models will accept a slightly longer battery such as 51.1mm Vapcel F15 button top

 

[lampeDépêche]

The Headlamp will work w 50.1mm length button top batteries such as Lumintop 14500 w USB-C, also w
Eneloop which are 50.1mm, as are Energizer Ultimate Lithium

Yeah, I just wanted to point out that the H503/4 series headlamp has an even smaller battery-compartment than the H53/4 series headlamp.
In my H53, I can use the old ZL 14500, which is a full 52mm long. It will not fit into my H503 models -- tailcap just won't thread down all the way.

 

[gurdygurds]

Yeah, I just wanted to point out that the H503/4 series headlamp has an even smaller battery-compartment than the H53/4 series headlamp.
In my H53, I can use the old ZL 14500, which is a full 52mm long. It will not fit into my H503 models -- tailcap just won't thread down all the way.

One negative I found is that that the H504 can't run a AAA battery which is lame. If I found a different tailcap with longer spring I'm sure it would work. Beyond that it's sweet.

 

[ilikeguns40]

All this talk about Zebralight lately got me using my wonderful SC64w HI again

 

[jon_slider]

my wonderful SC64w HI

you've definitely got a Stud Stallion there.. enjoy!

Here is a great Video Beam comparison of Zebralight SC64c LE, SC64w HI, and SC65c HI

If I found a different tailcap with longer spring I'm sure it would work.

true,
unfortunately, when I asked Zebralight if they had any spare SC53c N series tailcaps (I wanted one for an SC54c N), they said there were none left.. Those 53 caps also have the longer spring. And I confirmed an SC53 cap fits an SC54, when I had both models on hand.

H503c tailcaps are a bit smaller than SC53/54 caps.. might be worth you asking Zebralight specifically for an H503c tailcap .. maybe you will get lucky.. spare tailcaps dont cost much, if available, and the longer spring definitely enables AAA capability...

 

[gurdygurds]

Yeah, I just wanted to point out that the H503/4 series headlamp has an even smaller battery-compartment than the H53/4 series headlamp.
In my H53, I can use the old ZL 14500, which is a full 52mm long. It will not fit into my H503 models -- tailcap just won't thread down all the way.

Do you know if your H503 functions on a AAA battery?

 

[lampeDépêche]

Do you know if your H503 functions on a AAA battery?

Yup. Just tossed in a random AAA and got low, medium, high. Couldn’t see any difference between H1 and H2, but that’s pretty common with alkaline cells, even AA.

 

[lampeDépêche]

One negative I found is that that the H504 can't run a AAA battery which is lame. If I found a different tailcap with longer spring I'm sure it would work. Beyond that it's sweet.

You might try getting an assortment of conical springs made of light-gauge wire. If you get a spring that will nest on top of the ZL's tailcap spring, like a dixie-cup on a dixie-cup, then it might extend the spring enough to make contact with the AAA. And if it is a light enough gauge, then it may collapse enough under compression that it will not cause problems for a full-length AA. The amps are always going to be fairly low, so you don't need a heavy conductor in this position, a light wire should do the trick. And if you're using a AA then you'll get full contact from the built-in spring anyhow.
Plenty of places to buy conical springs on the web, even assortments of them -- I won't bother to link because it's an easy search.

 

[GoVegan]

I ordered a H54c N recently, my first ZebraLight. I liked it a lot, so about a week or so later ordered the SC54c N, which just arrived yesterday. First impressions, wow it's awesome, plus better throw that the H54c. Come night time, blink!, WTF was that, then again, and a short time later again. Then I remembered about your problem, sure enough when I timed it, 90 secs single blinking when off. Tried with two freshly charged Eneloops, same, 4 click battery check function shows 4 bright flashes, plus both batteries work fine in the H54.
Very disappointed, as I was going to order a bunch more ZLs. I've asked for an RMA and if this is a known problem.

Update: I sent the SC54c N back to China the next day as they requested. By the time it arrived (I think it took about 5 days), they were out of stock so I had to wait about a week. I asked them to test the replacement before shipping and they said they would.
I received the replacement light a couple of days ago, no more blinks after 90 secs, plus I tested a brand new shrink wrapped (but expired) alkaline AA and it worked on all modes. Battery capacity indicator also worked perfectly on both an Eneloop (3 blinks on a partially used cell), 4 blinks when fully charged and still 4 for a while after using. 4 blinks on the new alkaline.
So all perfect, except 7 small chips in the anodizing right at the very end of the body threads, which I'm pretty sure the 1st light didn't have and also my H54c doesn't have. Anyway just a minor complaint, as it doesn't affect the functionality.

Awesome light, I'm very happy with it. It's replaced my HDS, CWF Micro Click and Baton 4 lights as my new favorite EDC. I'm not a clip guy, but this is the first clip that I've seen done right, it clips on the pocket very nicely and very smooth. It's also great to have both the SC and H in AA size as just one set of batteries to carry for EDC, hikes, travel etc. This combo would also be perfect for bug out bags and emergency kits, and for cars (with long lasting and cold resistant Eneloops and lithium primary cells as backups too).

These won't be my last ZLs. I wish I would have tried them years ago, but hey it's fun buying many lights to try and find the perfect one.

 

[jon_slider]

How to fix a Zebra Battery Check that gives a single blink on an Eneloop at 1.36V

Backstory. I have an SC53c N that is LiIon capable.

After Using a LiIon and then switching back to a partly drained Eneloop, the Zebra tends to only give one Blink for the Eneloop. Sometimes it even limits output to about 5 lumens...

Even though I use the Hold the Button Down on an Empty Light trick, before inserting the Eneloop.

I found a solution:

Feed the Zebra with a higher Voltage AA first. I used an Energizer Ultimate Lithium at 1.74V. After that the 1.36V Eneloop gives 4 blinks.

iow, after holding down the switch button for a few seconds on an empty light.

Insert the Ultimate Lithium (or a freshly charged Eneloop over 1.4V). With the Ultimate Lithium (or fresh charged Eneloop), Batt check gives 4 blinks reliably.

Then insert the 1.36V Eneloop.. Batt Check now also gives 4 blinks..

 

[ilikeguns40]

Update: I sent the SC54c N back to China the next day as they requested. By the time it arrived (I think it took about 5 days), they were out of stock so I had to wait about a week. I asked them to test the replacement before shipping and they said they would.
I received the replacement light a couple of days ago, no more blinks after 90 secs, plus I tested a brand new shrink wrapped (but expired) alkaline AA and it worked on all modes. Battery capacity indicator also worked perfectly on both an Eneloop (3 blinks on a partially used cell), 4 blinks when fully charged and still 4 for a while after using. 4 blinks on the new alkaline.
So all perfect, except 7 small chips in the anodizing right at the very end of the body threads, which I'm pretty sure the 1st light didn't have and also my H54c doesn't have. Anyway just a minor complaint, as it doesn't affect the functionality.

Awesome light, I'm very happy with it. It's replaced my HDS, CWF Micro Click and Baton 4 lights as my new favorite EDC. I'm not a clip guy, but this is the first clip that I've seen done right, it clips on the pocket very nicely and very smooth. It's also great to have both the SC and H in AA size as just one set of batteries to carry for EDC, hikes, travel etc. This combo would also be perfect for bug out bags and emergency kits, and for cars (with long lasting and cold resistant Eneloops and lithium primary cells as backups too).

These won't be my last ZLs. I wish I would have tried them years ago, but hey it's fun buying many lights to try and find the perfect one.

AA Zebra is one of my top favorite lights. It could easily be the only one I’d ever need

Malkoff MDC clips are perfection as well. Super smooth, perfect retention, easy in and out

 

[lampeDépêche]

AA Zebra is one of my top favorite lights. It could easily be the only one I’d ever need

Malkoff MDC clips are perfection as well. Super smooth, perfect retention, easy in and out

I'll second that. My AA ZL headlamp (sans head strap) is my never-leave-home-without-it light.
Are you using a Malkoff pocket clip on your ZL S53? Does the screw pattern line up?
Not a possibility for me, since the headlamp has a circular spring-on pocket clip.

 

[lampeDépêche]

How to fix a Zebra Battery Check that gives a single blink on an Eneloop at 1.36V

Good info, Jon. Thanks for sharing.

 

[ilikeguns40]

I'll second that. My AA ZL headlamp (sans head strap) is my never-leave-home-without-it light.
Are you using a Malkoff pocket clip on your ZL S53? Does the screw pattern line up?
Not a possibility for me, since the headlamp has a circular spring-on pocket clip.

No just using the standard Zebra clip which is great. Malkoff clip wouldn’t fit anyway

I was just throwing it out there since @GoVegan said the Zebra was the only clip he used done right, Malkoffs is also done right as well

 

[jon_slider]

My AA ZL headlamp (sans head strap) is my never-leave-home-without-it light.

The AA headlamp is such a cute little vest pocket light!

I choose to carry the SC53c N instead, even though its a little bigger and heavier than the Headlamp. Because I often mouth hold my light for brief hands free applications.

AA Zebra is one of my top favorite lights. It could easily be the only one I’d ever need... the standard Zebra clip is great

I feel the same way! My AA SC53c N has become a personal favorite ;-)

For nightstand use I set up G7 to give me access to the first 6 levels:

I like 1 Clic for Lowest mode first ;-)

fwiw, Although SC54c N and H54c N are backordered on the Zebra site, both are available on ebay. From a seller in Oregon that regularly offers Zebras at stock prices (except he adds $5 for shipping, not sure if he is a family member of the owners).

 

[jon_slider]

I tested a new Energizer Alkaline in my D3AA and SC53c N

The fresh battery started above 1.50V. Zebra battery check gave 2 blinks.

After a few tests the battery dropped to 1.40V...
(after 3 hours rest the battery rose to 1.47V)

On H1, the Zebra started at 200 lm output but dimmed within a few seconds to sustain 108 lm.

The D3AA ceiling output started at 160 lm but dimmed within a few seconds to sustain 62 lm.

Immediately after shutting off the D3AA, battery check was 1.20V. It rebounded to 1.40V after a brief rest.

 

[AMD64Brunette]

An alkaline battery? Why would you torture your light like that?

 

[jon_slider]

An alkaline battery?

Alkaline is one of the options most suited for postapocalyptic scenarios.. lol ;-)

there are even sublumen tests on AAA, that help to verify Zebralights published runtime specs:

the HC53 n was used for a few tests the past few months.

AAA alkaline ran 773 hours on level 1,
AAA alkaline ran 873 hours on level 2.

The test has ended, 1035 hours on level 2 of a HC53 n powered by a 9 year old AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium cell.

 

[dc38]

At low outputs.. why not? ;-)

there are even tests on AAA:

at least 3000 hours on level 2 of a Lithium AA is implied, then, At about 2 hours a day of usage, thats a little over 4 years O.o

 

[ilikeguns40]

You think the AA SC54 is small. Well, there’s even smaller… the SC30w. CR123/16340