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Flashaholic*
Gatlight Issue - Low Output
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.
Last edited by WadeF; 10-18-2009 at 11:43 AM.
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Flashaholic*
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Flashaholic*
Re: Gatlight Issue - Low Output
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.
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Flashaholic*
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Flashaholic*
Re: Gatlight Issue - Low Output
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.
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Moderator
Re: Gatlight Issue - Low Output

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.
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