Fraz Labs Mechanical Flashlights (formerly QTC Non-Battery Crush)

[bignc]

Any of you out there had to run a 2 person business with all the complications and unforeseen disruptions? Then you will let speckacuda know we appreciate her and understand priorities must be addressed. In her stead, some images:

Yes, actually! Why I am soooooo patient! Thanks for the pics too!

 

[bignc]

Unprotected battery inside.
View attachment 39154

Is this the Lumenite? Wondering for size comparison purposes…

 

[speckacuda]

So sorry, I wanted to make a few things before the photos (namely, a sleeve for the 18650, which I'll add to the site for download. I'll also add a sleeve for the 21700 in case someone wants to use something other than orings, even though they work fantastically). The LED board is 20mm, and the reflector is a GAGGIONE (we use both LLC07N Narrow Collimator Ø 35 mm narrow beam PMMA collimator and LLC17N, I think that's the faceted one). I am trying to get Fraz on here for an in-depth explanation, but if he doesn't then I'll be back with some more info in a bit!

Here's the tailcap screwed all the way in., and all the way out (below).

Also, there's a tailcap removal tool on the site free to download and 3d print (if y'all need one and don't have a way to print it, let me know and I will try to get one out in the mail to you). Any other questions, just ask!!

 

[knucklegary]

Is there internal o-ring(s) on tail cap?

Delrin rod comes in 18mm and 21mm ID. What material are you using for sleeves?

 

[speckacuda]

Is the black sleeve a section of belted rubber hose?

No, it's a sleeve I 3d printed out of some ABS filament!! I'll have it on the site for download before we list the Lumenite II's just in case anyone wants to use that instead of Fraz's use of o-rings (unsure of size, but I'll be back with that info as well).

 

[knucklegary]

At first glance the cross-section appears like a rubber hose, lol

 

[speckacuda]

At first glance the cross-section appears like a rubber hose, lol

Any rubber hose would work, we have also used some cheap, clear, plastic tubing in the past with great success! Really, anything that saves a trip to the store will probably work (even duct tape!)!

 

[bignc]

Congrats to those who got the 18650 QTL! I was not able to check email as often this weekend as i did last and missed it. Enjoy all and congrats FL "crew!"

 

[Mgizler]

I can print a bunch of the sleeves and tools out if you need me to.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

 

[TimeOnTarget]

I subscribed to the in stock email.
Here's to hoping that there will be lights available soon.
Thanks

 

[turbodog]

I'd like to try some new emitters for my 'qt' model. Can someone post a link to some warm white & cool white emitters in the medium/high power rating?

I think my original board got too hot and is not running very bright anymore.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Board got too hot?
This is still early learning for me but wondering if you have flipped the qtc? Have you cleaned contacts (Lip of the body? Piston contact to body? Positive contact? Battery positive if using same battery all of the time?)

You very likely have done those things but wanted to mention it for other members as well.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

Once again, still in the beginnings of the learning curve but experimentation with lubricants has not been conclusive. Still in the single trial phase but it may be that thick grease is not good for body/piston contact, even if spread thinly as possible.

There is a grease called NoOx (?) that I have used on lead battery contacts, and a grease used when aluminum is part of the electrical path and especially if connected to copper (Noalox) that I use on our LFP batteries. Neither seemed to be any good at all for this qt flashlight.

Any ideas for a lubricant?

 

[knucklegary]

Try a pure silicone paste such as Mission, made in California. It is thinner than NoOx and 760G and you'll need to apply it more often, tho works great on rotating parts

 

[KITROBASKIN]

I tried silicone oil that was for shock absorber fluid in a radio controlled car; single trial was not good but will try thicker silicone paste, thanks!

 

[PattPickle]

I'd like to try some new emitters for my 'qt' model. Can someone post a link to some warm white & cool white emitters in the medium/high power rating?

I think my original board got too hot and is not running very bright anymore.

Any 3v LED mounted on a 16mm mcpcb will work. Check out Kaidomain, the Convoy store on AliExpress or MtnElectronics. Let me know if you need specific suggestions.

I doubt anything is wrong with the LED. Most likely the QTC pill is wearing out or needs to be flipped/re-centered.

Once again, still in the beginnings of the learning curve but experimentation with lubricants has not been conclusive. Still in the single trial phase but it may be that thick grease is not good for body/piston contact, even if spread thinly as possible.

There is a grease called NoOx (?) that I have used on lead battery contacts, and a grease used when aluminum is part of the electrical path and especially if connected to copper (Noalox) that I use on our LFP batteries. Neither seemed to be any good at all for this qt flashlight.

Any ideas for a lubricant?

I primarily use Haynes on the o-ring and Nano Oil on the threads and piston. This design is interesting because the threads can be heavily lubed for smoothness, no need to worry about conductivity. The piston is where that all happens.

I'm planning on making a video where I change emitters and explain a couple pointers for better performance from QTC lights. I think I've now changed LED's in my two Nuggets 75+ times. It's just so much fun. I've tried:

219b's and many 519's (dedomed as well)
LH351's
SST20 and SST40
Cree XPL HI, XML2, and the 3v 50.3
Osram

I've also tried a bunch of TIR's and even managed to briefly fit a reflector into the 20mm model I have (great beam but it was ultimately too long).

It's also fun to apply some glow paint inside where the TIR mounts.

I love playing with these lights.

 

[KITROBASKIN]

That's great information.

I have tried that NyoGel PG-44A on the threads, and using different substances on the flat lip of the body where the piston meets. Electrical contact grease was not useful (single trial) but the latest thing I tried is mineral oil! So far so good.

Randy of (former) PFlexPRO gave me some substances years ago. One I think is Kratox(?) that was not helpful on the body lip but I used some of his thread grease with success.

I even tried Ballistol; not helpful single trial.

Have you seen what kind of lube is on the threads where the body and the length adjustment piece (negative contact) meet? That is part of the electrical path.

 

[turbodog]

Any 3v LED mounted on a 16mm mcpcb will work. Check out Kaidomain, the Convoy store on AliExpress or MtnElectronics. Let me know if you need specific suggestions.

I doubt anything is wrong with the LED. Most likely the QTC pill is wearing out or needs to be flipped/re-centered.


I primarily use Haynes on the o-ring and Nano Oil on the threads and piston. This design is interesting because the threads can be heavily lubed for smoothness, no need to worry about conductivity. The piston is where that all happens.

I'm planning on making a video where I change emitters and explain a couple pointers for better performance from QTC lights. I think I've now changed LED's in my two Nuggets 75+ times. It's just so much fun. I've tried:

219b's and many 519's (dedomed as well)
LH351's
SST20 and SST40
Cree XPL HI, XML2, and the 3v 50.3
Osram

I've also tried a bunch of TIR's and even managed to briefly fit a reflector into the 20mm model I have (great beam but it was ultimately too long).

It's also fun to apply some glow paint inside where the TIR mounts.

I love playing with these lights.

I bypassed the qtc
led is dim still

will look for new emitter

 

[ecmp]

Hello,

Would anyone have information on below:

1.) How many turns from completely off to max brightness?

2.) Board, lens, emitter, and amperage combinations.

3.) Weight and dimension specifications for each battery type / light model.

Wishlists, and if these are possible or not.
- all copper models for better heat sinking. (would threads wear out too fast?)
- push button tailcap

Thanks!