Gatlight Issue - Low Output

**WadeF** · 10-18-2009, 11:33 AM

Today I went to play with the Gatlight I was fortunate enough to win in the Photoshop contest and noticed the output was low. At first I thought it could be the battery, but it tested full and I tried other new batteries, not the problem. Then I noticed the threads on the tail cap were pretty dirty. So I cleaned the threads on the tailcap and the inner threads on the rear of the Gatlight body. Still low output. I tested the resistance between the - contact on the tail switch, and the threads (gold plated copper?) and it was fine, 0.000, no resistance.

So I'm thinking the problem lies in the circuit, or the + terminal that moves in and out as you adjust the rear knob. I cleaned the + contact as well. Any ideas?

Do I have a warranty on a free light I won as a prize? :P

UPDATE: When I turn the knob to increase output I hear a little "pop" sound inside the light when it reaches it's max output, which is far less than it should be.

**Henk_Lu** · 10-19-2009, 12:18 AM

Hm, you make me a little bit nervous here... It's a coincidence, but 3 days ago I also played with my Gatlight and noticed the same, low output. If I turn the knob to have it brighter, it goes up to a certain level and then immediately falls down at about the half to remain there.

I got the light about 6 months ago, put the original battery in and played with it probably a quarter of an hour. As the battery is responsible for some 99% of errors like this one, I blamed it of course, but didn't want to change it, as the light isn't used. I'm not at home by now to try another cell, it's the first thing I'll do this evening!

**arewethereyetdad** · 10-19-2009, 05:34 AM

Guys, the early Gatlights (V1 and V2) are renowned for having low output. That is partly why Walter, at one time, offered to provide their owners with the more efficient V3 drivers. However, that never seemed to come to fruition. Regardless, most V1 and V2 owners have sacrificed performance in order to simply own one of the most unusual and beautiful shelf lights ever made.

**WadeF** · 10-19-2009, 10:45 AM

I think I have a V3. Also it used to be very bright, probably around 200 lumens out the front. Now it's maybe 40-60 lumens at best.

From what I saw it looked like the rear threads almost had a corrosion on them. Some kind of dark film had developed there that I don't remember being there when I got it new. I don't know if some kind of gas from the battery cause that, or the combination of metals used, etc.

I believe the issue lays somewhere in the head with the circuit or the mechanical piece that varies the output. It's almost like something isn't letting enough current through.

**Henk_Lu** · 10-19-2009, 10:50 AM

I just tested my Gat Ti...

I fear that dad is right in my case! I should have played with it in the dark. Today I poped in a new cell, but the brightness was still the same. Although I had in mind the know had to be turned over half a turn to full brightness, it seems that I didn' remember correctly or I remembered from tightened to full brightness. That's a difference to from where it begins to ramp to max.

It also seems to me, I must use it for a few moments, turn the knob several times to bring it to full output.

Well, it's a collection object and for that purpose it is bright enough!

**WadeF** · 10-19-2009, 10:58 AM

I can completely dim it, but when I loosen the knob to go brighter it will max out at less than full output and if I keep turning the knob it eventually shuts off from loss of contact.

Every now and then it was flash brighter when I turn it to full brightness, but it's only a flash and then it's at the lower output.

**arewethereyetdad** · 10-19-2009, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by WadeF

I can completely dim it, but when I loosen the knob to go brighter it will max out at less than full output and if I keep turning the knob it eventually shuts off from loss of contact.

Every now and then it was flash brighter when I turn it to full brightness, but it's only a flash and then it's at the lower output.

Hmmm. You might need a contact cleaning. Did you try any Krytox or any of those thread cleaners? Sometimes that's all you need. Barring that, contact Gatlight I guess.