Fenix P3D problem...am I just stupid?

[Karl in NY]

I just received a new P3D-Q5 in the mail today and can't operate it (duh?)

Instructions say to rotate "bezel" to change modes, then lightly tap tailcap switch to change brightness. I'm assuming that "bezel" means the forward threaded lamp housing, since that's how the mode is changed on my Fenix P1D (which operates perfectly).

Rotating that part has no effect. The tailswitch switches the light between what seems like about a 60 lumen constant-on to strobe. No low, high, turbo or SOS modes seem to be available.

Which is defective, me or the light? Am I missing something obvious?

 

[WadeF]

To engage turbo mode you fully tighten the head of the flashlight. Once in turbo mode you can press the clicky switch (enough to change modes, but not enough to click it off) and you can switch between turbo and strobe.

If you loose the head it should drop to low, then you can tap the switch to go low, medium, high, sos, low, medium, high, etc.

 

[Gunner12]

Wait, did you say Turbo mode only seemed like 60 lumen(the top part of the light tightened)? That seems too low.

Loosen the top part a bit(called the bezel) and you have low-medium-high-SOS.

Tighten and you get Turbo-strobe.

Change modes in each group by tapping the tailswitch.

 

[Karl in NY]

Guess I got a dud, then.
I can loosen the head until it is past the o-ring being completely exposed, with no mode change. Totally unlike what I'm used to on my P1D. I'm used to loosen, re-tighten quickly for mode change, but no dice.

Guess it goes back to Fenix-Store.com.
Plus, they pissed me off by cutting the price of the light by $15
about 30 minutes after I ordered it, with no adjustment to my order.

I will call them tomorrow...I was completely pleased with my P1D order from them, however, so just take this as frustration as in all fairness I haven't even spoke to them yet about this order. I suspect they will make it good, but I'm entitled to a tantrum, right?

Appreciate your reply.

 

[Karl in NY]

Wait, did you say Turbo mode only seemed like 60 lumen(the top part of the light tightened)? That seems too low.

Just checked it again now that it's almost dark outside and in.
Looks like I actually have turbo and strobe, with non-functional bezel switching. No high, medium, low, or SOS modes.

 

[Gunner12]

Loosen the bezel a bit, a half turn should be snough(and don't tighten it), you should now be in the much dimmer low mode. If this doesn't happen, then you have a broken light and try to get a replacement/refund.

 

[Karl in NY]

I removed the lamphead, thinking maybe I had dirty terminals.
It's not clear how it makes the transition to Turbo mode, it seems
that tightening the lamphead may apply pressure to the lamp module possibly activating a concealed switch behind the circuit board.

Anyhow, I cleaned the single contact, replaced the lamphead, and now it works OK in all modes. It was definitely stuck in Turbo.

Impressive light, now that it's working.

 

[pbs357]

Glad to hear you got it working, the P3D is no slouch, that's for sure!

 

[WadeF]

If Fenix-store dropped the price right after you ordered, let them know and they should credit you.

 

[Gunner12]

I think it works by having two contact points.

Look at the bottom of the head, you should see bare Al and a contact ring on the bottom of the circuit board. When the bezel is slightly loose, the power is only being transfered from the thread to another contact point in the light.

When the bezel is tight, the power would also be sent to the contact ring on the bottom of the circuit board. The board senses this power and changes to turbo mode.

I think that's how it works.

 

[Crenshaw]

my first P1D-CE dropped 10 dollars the day after i bought it....

i paid 70$ for it!

Crenshaw