LED flashlight help please.

Uncle Timbo

Uncle Timbo

Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
5,295
Let me start off by saying that I have a Fenix AA flashlight that I dearly love.
But lately its been flickering. I use Energizer lithium batts. Some body said to clean the contacts. I used a cotton swab with a little rubbing alcohol and it helped a little but I want it to work flawlessly every time.

Well fast forward to today. I saw this light and wondered if it is the answer to my problem. Is it a buildup of carbon that this light will eliminate?

https://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?products_id=709

Could you light gurus help? Is this light all that AND a bag of chips?
 
1. Yes - the light is all that and a bag of chips. I love mine and have carried it every day since they first came out. The contact system is simply much more robust so any buildup (whether it be gunk or a product of electrical activity) is far less likely to cause an overall problem. Notice I said less likely: nothing is perfect.

2. While you're ordering from there, get some of this:
https://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=25_62&products_id=238
And don't just rub it on the battery contacts, rub it on the threading between parts of your Fenix (after temporarily removing the o-rings). In fact, for now you can try this with the rubbing alcohol as well (not sure if you took care of the threads when you say you went through the cleaning).

3. Did you order the Fenix from Fenix-Store? If #2 doesn't work, send it back to them (they are the same as 4sevens). They should repair or replace it for you free of charge: they're good people. If you didn't buy from them, at least ask them if they can take a look at it or advise you on warranty work for it.
 
The NiteCore D10 is a great 1x AA light -
I review a lot of flashlights and the D10 (Q5 version) is the one I EDC at home......
please see this gianormous thread with well over 1 million views - EDC - What's in Your Pocket(s)?? (post #5720)

NiteCore D10 Comparison Review

However one should bear in mind that although the NiteCore D10 can be set at any light level, and there is relatively easy access to maximum or minimum levels - the preset level is lost when accessing either the max or min levels - and one will have to set it again - so although it is a multi-level light - once set in effect it becomes a "single level" light.

Whereas the Fenix L1D or LD10 are multiple level lights which are preset at the factory and therefore always there -

Fenix LD10 Comparison Review

On your flickering Fenix - try to open/unscrew the tailcap and clean all the contacts in and around it.

--
Vincent
http://picasaweb.com/UnknownVincent
http://UnknownVincent.Shutterfly.com
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How's the user interface on the D10? I've been looking at a Proton Pro, but don't like the fact that I can't start out with a white light in low. From what I read, the D10 will let me start out with a low low, or a really high high. How difficult is it to get to a medium brightness from low or high. The IU on the Proton is very intuitive. How does the D10 compare? What are the disadvantages of the D10?
 
As for cleaning your contacts, try a tooth brush, and be mean with it. If it hasn't turned the bristles black, you're not done. You need to get the oxidized aluminum off.
 
Scott Free said:
How's the user interface on the D10? How difficult is it to get to a medium brightness from low or high.
What are the disadvantages of the D10?
Click to expand...

From my post #4 above:

" although the NiteCore D10 can be set at any light level, and there is relatively easy access to maximum or minimum levels - the preset level is lost when accessing either the max or min levels - and one will have to set it again - so although it is a multi-level light - once set in effect it becomes a "single level" light."

video of the operation - UI - user interface of the D10
(from about 4:00, changing levels from about 5:40)

--
Vincent
http://picasaweb.com/UnknownVincent
http://UnknownVincent.Shutterfly.com
http://UnknownVT.Shutterfly.com
http://UnknownVT.multiply.com/photos
 
THANK YOU for that video! I asked for an alternative to the Proton Pro on candlepowerforums, and the D10 was recommended. No one adequately explained the IU (or I was too dumb to get it.) The video answers all my questions. Thank you. The D10 looks like the perfect light for me.
 
Thank you all very much! I do love the fact that the nightcore will not get that "build up" of crud!
I think I will be making a purchase.
 
For Cleaning...
Old fashioned typing eraser that sharpens with a pencil sharpener and has a plastic brush on the other end. Used them for camera battery contacts and they work great for flashlights as well. Easily controlled abrasive with attached clean up. Yes they are still made, just not widely distributed.
 
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