Zebralight SC52 Owner's Thread

[roadkill1109]

After using my SC52w for about a month now, I have to say I'm not very impressed with it on the 14500. The runtime is clearly shorter, even when not using 500lm H1 mode.

Besides, it also starts acting strange when I do try using turbo when the battery is weaker. With 2 flashes, turbo still functions fine. But when I double click to get into H2, it does that, but then goes into the the next lower H2 with another double click INSTEAD of back up to 500lm H1. At this point it is now stuck in the two lower H2 modes with any additional double clicks. If I turn it off then back on or cycle by holding switch down, the 500lm mode is back, and does not step down - telling me this is not a low voltage issue.

Does that make sense with the 14500? Or am I missing something?

Sounds like a battery problem. I use a 14500 cell as well, when I have bad cells the sc52 will detect and step down the light even if the battery is newly charged. Try replacing the cell with a brand new cell and this issuw will go away. Try using a protected 14500 cell based on the Sanyo cell.

 

[hurld]

Sounds like a battery problem. I use a 14500 cell as well, when I have bad cells the sc52 will detect and step down the light even if the battery is newly charged. Try replacing the cell with a brand new cell and this issuw will go away. Try using a protected 14500 cell based on the Sanyo cell.

Definitely sounds like a battery problem. I run AW 14500's with no problems down with 2 flashes on battery check.

 

[markr6]

I'm using a fairly new Zebralight 14500. Probably only charged a few times, never below 3.7v if I recall. I'll check the voltage when I get home tonight; all I know right now is that it's at 2 flashes. I'm not really seeing the benefit of 14500 over the Eneloop so I may just call it quits.

 

[RedForest UK]

After using my SC52w for about a month now, I have to say I'm not very impressed with it on the 14500. The runtime is clearly shorter, even when not using 500lm H1 mode.

Besides, it also starts acting strange when I do try using turbo when the battery is weaker. With 2 flashes, turbo still functions fine. But when I double click to get into H2, it does that, but then goes into the the next lower H2 with another double click INSTEAD of back up to 500lm H1. At this point it is now stuck in the two lower H2 modes with any additional double clicks. If I turn it off then back on or cycle by holding switch down, the 500lm mode is back, and does not step down - telling me this is not a low voltage issue.

Does that make sense with the 14500? Or am I missing something?

It isn't going into the next lower H2, it's dropping down to M1 mode and then cycling at the medium level. When you try to put it back to H1 the high current load drops it down below the low voltage stepdown instantly and behaves accordingly. Mine does the same.

If you turn it off and on or cycle through low then the voltage does recover a tiny bit and it will make it back into H1, but I would bet only for a few seconds.

 

[creyc]

I'm using a fairly new Zebralight 14500. Probably only charged a few times, never below 3.7v if I recall. I'll check the voltage when I get home tonight; all I know right now is that it's at 2 flashes. I'm not really seeing the benefit of 14500 over the Eneloop so I may just call it quits.

The total energy capacity is roughly similar between an Eneloop and a 14500, so keep in mind if you're experiencing the benefits of increased output intensity, your runtime must logically go down. If the brightness is sufficient I always prefer the NiMH cells.

 

[roadkill1109]

I'm using a fairly new Zebralight 14500. Probably only charged a few times, never below 3.7v if I recall. I'll check the voltage when I get home tonight; all I know right now is that it's at 2 flashes. I'm not really seeing the benefit of 14500 over the Eneloop so I may just call it quits.

even if the voltage is 4.25v, if the sc52 can detect the cell can't handle the load, it drops the 500 lumen output. Believe me, i have dozens of 14500 cells and the cheap-o and defective ones cant hit max on this light, it will step down to the 200+ range, almost right away.

do change your 14500 cell or send it back for replacement, you might have a defective one.

 

[burntoshine]

Definitely sounds like a battery problem. I run AW 14500's with no problems down with 2 flashes on battery check.

Same here. AW. No problems. The ones I just got say "+ Power" on them; what does that mean?

I was recommended AW batteries and the Pila charger when I was first getting into Li-ions and have had zero problems.

Aren't Li-ions supposed to be able to handle cold and hot temperatures better than NiMH? I thought I heard or read that somewhere.

 

[Sky Light]

I just got a Zebralight SC52 and was testing the run time on M1 with a regular alkaline. After about 2+ hours, the light start blinking (pulsing) rapidly and sometimes unevenly (not the strobe). I changed levels/turned it off, and the light returned normally, only to start doing that again a bit later. It happened about 5 times during the 7 or so hours I ran it. Toward the end, it kicked into a lower mode and there was no more flickering. Anyone else experience this?
I love the light but an wondering if I have a defective unit?

 

[AmperSand]

I'm using a fairly new Zebralight 14500. Probably only charged a few times, never below 3.7v if I recall. I'll check the voltage when I get home tonight; all I know right now is that it's at 2 flashes. I'm not really seeing the benefit of 14500 over the Eneloop so I may just call it quits.

I had this behaviour with mine too.
Take the tailcap off and clean the contact area below the threads (the only bit of exposed aluminium right at the end of the light) and make sure the tailcap is really tight up against it. I say this because I felt the tailcap was on tight using keeppower 14500's, but even a fraction of a turn more made the difference.
Mine used to show only 2 flashes, clean as described above and tighten really well and would go back to 4.
Also would drop to m1 from h1 within a few seconds.
After cleaning would maintain h1 as per normal.
Also I like to use deoxit gold on contact surface and spring.
Not sure if it's the problem here. But worth trying.

 

[RiCu]

Hi. Paid for my '52 last night at Flashaholics, can't wait to receive it. Chose it entirely based on recommendations on this forum.

My first "real" flashlight, been using various LED Lensers and Maglites for years, but always found their output underwhelming.

 

[roadkill1109]

Hi. Paid for my '52 last night at Flashaholics, can't wait to receive it. Chose it entirely based on recommendations on this forum.

My first "real" flashlight, been using various LED Lensers and Maglites for years, but always found their output underwhelming.

Congrats! You have purchased a great light. Worth every penny. When you are more at ease with the light and wish to get blown away, get a protected 14500 cell and you will be more blown away!

Be careful about lurking this forum, you'll end up buying more lights! hahaha... im currently on 3 dozen and still buying! haha...

 

[markr6]

It isn't going into the next lower H2, it's dropping down to M1 mode and then cycling at the medium level. When you try to put it back to H1 the high current load drops it down below the low voltage stepdown instantly and behaves accordingly. Mine does the same.

If you turn it off and on or cycle through low then the voltage does recover a tiny bit and it will make it back into H1, but I would bet only for a few seconds.

YUP! Tried this last night and that's right. I guess my eyes couldn't tell it was in the M-modes. Luckily no problem at all with my battery, as expected.

Thanks!

 

[RiCu]

Mine came through today. I can't believe how small it is!

Looking forward to a night time dog walk to give it a go - think I already want more lumens...

 

[MattSPL]

Mine came through today. I can't believe how small it is!

Looking forward to a night time dog walk to give it a go - think I already want more lumens...

Are you using a 14500?

 

[RiCu]

No, Energizer Alkaline.

Need to read up the dos and don'ts about 14500s before taking that plunge....

 

[MattSPL]

No, Energizer Alkaline.

Need to read up the dos and don'ts about 14500s before taking that plunge....

Yeah have a good read, but if you want more lumens from the sc52, 14500's are the way to go. REALLY bright on a 14500

 

[roadkill1109]

Yeah have a good read, but if you want more lumens from the sc52, 14500's are the way to go. REALLY bright on a 14500

yup, 500 lumens! tough act to follow! the closest light to this is the PA10 from Jetbeam at 650 lumens.

 

[Wiggle]

Just wanna speak to the durability of this light. I've used it as an EDC almost everyday from Christmas (about 9 months) and it still looks effectively brand new. I can only see two tiny dents in the annodizing, and both are on sharp edges that are generally more prone to damage. This light is showing less wear than any EDC I've ever used. I also think the Green colour is good because even if you do scratch it, it shows alot less than with a traditional black light.

 

[roadkill1109]

Just wanna speak to the durability of this light. I've used it as an EDC almost everyday from Christmas (about 9 months) and it still looks effectively brand new. I can only see two tiny dents in the annodizing, and both are on sharp edges that are generally more prone to damage. This light is showing less wear than any EDC I've ever used. I also think the Green colour is good because even if you do scratch it, it shows alot less than with a traditional black light.

thanks for the share, so you haven't had any problems with the light? Me I use it daily as a night light, then EDC it during the day.

 

[mhpreston]

I'm happy with mine and will change over batts when I can (alkaline at present). I did read another thread where water ingress was causing concern. I haven't tested mine but now believe it should be OK in the rain but avoid immersing it completely.