On the outside this seems like a fairly usable LED torch or flashlight. It has a simple switch for two intensities, a VERY tight beam to the point of being a bit "specialist" and an 18650 rechargeable cell with "basic" capacity.
It also comes with a 4.2V current limited charger which is not 4.2V at all and should be binned immediately. (But keep the charging lead.)
Here's a look at the circuitry for both.
Although I show a mod that brings the voltage closer to a useful level, I don't recommend it as failure of the feedback circuit could result in a very high charge voltage and then catastrophic lithium cell failure. (As supplied!)
A much better option would be to cut off the output cable and then solder it to a heat shrinked TP4056 USB charge PCB. (You can get them in packs for much less than a dollar each.)
If you need a low power light with a very narrow beam, then the flashlight itself could be modded with a decent capacity cell and proper charger.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
It also comes with a 4.2V current limited charger which is not 4.2V at all and should be binned immediately. (But keep the charging lead.)
Here's a look at the circuitry for both.
Although I show a mod that brings the voltage closer to a useful level, I don't recommend it as failure of the feedback circuit could result in a very high charge voltage and then catastrophic lithium cell failure. (As supplied!)
A much better option would be to cut off the output cable and then solder it to a heat shrinked TP4056 USB charge PCB. (You can get them in packs for much less than a dollar each.)
If you need a low power light with a very narrow beam, then the flashlight itself could be modded with a decent capacity cell and proper charger.
If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:-
http://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's advertising algorithms allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.
Is that resistor pack still available?
Good coverage of this issue, I like to have an 18650 designated charger that I can just grab the cells from and use in whatever appliance.
In my experience, anything that advertises itself as "tactical" or "military grade" is flaming hot garbage.
Ahhh thanks for the laugh … fleshlight lol
Thanks Clive for the warning… what charger would you recomend?
Yeah I bought a nice powerful laser pointer from Amazon the other day. Wrote off the battery and charger before it even came because I knew they would be terrible. So I get it, and of course the 18650 is a trash light as a feather ultrafire (known eBay garbage brand), and the charger lights up when only connected to the load. Didn't even test the charger, it went right in the bin. Trash 18650s however are good for messing about with lower power draw projects since they at least supply the right voltage.
Amazon selling little bomb
Unhappy experiences with something similar, another Ali "bargain". The torch was rather posher (aluminium case, adjustable beam, very bright) and actually very nice indeed. There wasn't the facility to charge the 18650 cell in situ. It came with a separate "charger" (as it said on it) and a lead to plug it into a standard USB socket. Only it wasn't a charger, it was just a battery holder – the battery simply got hot and hasn't worked properly since. 🙁
I complained to Ali and got a partial refund, but I wasn't impressed. I've since obtained a tiny charger PCB, and will install it into the faux-charger case when I get a Round Tuit™.
I'm new to this channel and Clive and watching as many of his Vids as possible.
I wish I had a teacher like him at school,he makes complicated stuff very interesting.
I'm not at all electronically minded.
My chinese led torch charger went BANG few years ago. So yeah, people, be careful with stuff. The torch itself was really good.
Particularly funny today haha
Are you saying a Asian manufacturer misrepresented their product!!!???…FOR SHAME!!!!!
I have a similar torch, but because of the dire shucko/type-G adapter they included, I never use the provided charger. Phew – dodged a ballet. Mine has a button-top cell and I pop it out and use the desk charger which is much smarter.
Would love to see a vid on LEP torches.
I know they are pricey but they look fantastic
Battery are junk