Problem? with Olight T20

[toomanyhobbies]

Hi, everyone.

Although I have been enjoying reading all the very informative posts here at CPF for quite some time, I just recently joined and this is my 1st post.

I just got my first "high-tech" light yesterday, the T20 S.E., and I am very pleased. Hopefully, I will post again later my thoughts on this light.

While testing it out last night, I noticed that if I tap the tail on a hard surface (countertop), it makes a single flicker. I don't remember how I caused it the first time, but I did it many times afterward to verify it was really happening.

I checked to make sure nothing was hitting the tailswitch, and verified that both the bezel and tailcap were on snug. The batteries also seem to be making good contact at both ends, so I am thinking loose connection in the head.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any idea what could be causing it?

Thanks,
Rod

 

[Flic]

Could just be the batteries compressing the spring due to the impact. As soon as the spring extends, contact is re-established.

 

[Hitthespot]

First off I don't think knocking your flashlight against hard surfaces is a good idea.

Now having said that I took out my T20 and tried the same thing. If I hit it hard enough it does flicker and loose connection for a spit second. I think it is the batteries loosing contact with the tail cap spring. Surely not anything I am going to worry about.

If you can shake the light and it stays on I would say you don't have a problem. Smashing it into hard surfaces does not seem like a fair test for any light to me.

My 2 Cents

Bill

 

[Gunner12]

When you hit the light on a table, it flickers?

Well, seeing as the batteries have inertia, if you hit the light on the table hard enough, the batteries could overcome the spring in the tailcap and temporarily disconnect from the head contact. That would cause the flickering. In short, yes, it is normal.

A fix would be having another spring on the head contact, but the you'll need a slightly longer tube.

How do you like the light?

 

[half-watt]

While testing it out last night, I noticed that if I tap the tail on a hard surface (countertop), it makes a single flicker. I don't remember how I caused it the first time, but I did it many times afterward to verify it was really happening.

I checked to make sure nothing was hitting the tailswitch, and verified that both the bezel and tailcap were on snug. The batteries also seem to be making good contact at both ends, so I am thinking loose connection in the head.

Has anyone else experienced this or have any idea what could be causing it?

i have a T20-Q5 and it intermittently switches modes (not o.p. [output] levels) just by pointing the light in a new direction or changing which hand holds the light.

no contact is being made with the tailcap switch. positioning the head to slightly different positions by rotating it, as well as fully tightening it down, makes no difference - the mode switching still occurs in response to movement of the light (no smacking, striking, hitting, or other mistreatment, whether intentional or unintentional is involved). the movement is NOT swift, nor does shaking of the light occur, so there is insufficient momentum for the batteries to compress the tailcap spring, nor is there in many cases axial movement, yet the mode switching occurs just as if half-presses of the tailcap switch were being performed.

at times it makes the light virtually unusable as it goes from constant o.p. to strobe mode and then to flashing. it is very difficult to keep it in a constant o.p. mode.

my original T20 did NOT have this problem. i'd love to try the T20 tailcap on the new T20-Q5 light, but i gave the original T20 away to a 12yr old boy in my neighborhood. so, that is no longer an option.

 

[toomanyhobbies]

First off I don't think knocking your flashlight against hard surfaces is a good idea.

Now having said that I took out my T20 and tried the same thing. If I hit it hard enough it does flicker and loose connection for a spit second. I think it is the batteries loosing contact with the tail cap spring. Surely not anything I am going to worry about.

If you can shake the light and it stays on I would say you don't have a problem. Smashing it into hard surfaces does not seem like a fair test for any light to me.

My 2 Cents

Bill

I agree - the first time was accidental, but made me curious. My other taps weren't too hard, but the inertia of the battery compressing the spring makes good sense to me (and apparently to everyone else responding, also). Having polled the audience, I would have to say "batteries losing contact - Final Answer."

It doesn't seem to flicker when I shake it or tap it against my leg.

Thanks to all! :twothumbs

Rod

 

[toomanyhobbies]

When you hit the light on a table, it flickers?

Well, seeing as the batteries have inertia, if you hit the light on the table hard enough, the batteries could overcome the spring in the tailcap and temporarily disconnect from the head contact. That would cause the flickering. In short, yes, it is normal.

A fix would be having another spring on the head contact, but the you'll need a slightly longer tube.

How do you like the light?

Yeah, the inertia thing seems to make the most sense - I don't think I will worry about it.

So far, I really like it. It's not perfect, but I chose it based on the reviews and comments here on CPF as it was closest to what my "ideal" would be, at the price I could afford right now. I hope to post more thoughts on it after I use it for awhile. It will definitely be my EDC for work and camping and everything else, especially since I have rechargeables for it!

Thanks,
Rod

 

[toomanyhobbies]

half-watt,

Yeah, I think I remember reading about your woes (or someone's similar symptoms) with the Olight on another thread - that's too bad. Although, I'm sure that kid is having fun!!

Mine doesn't seem to have those problems, though if you just slightly loosen the bezel it can change brightness with pushes on the bezel. I think others have debated whether that is a "problem" or a "feature."

Rod

 

[Flic]

I've had this problem on other lights, but not my T20. Have you checked to ensure the ring retaining the tailcap mechanism is tight? If not, remove the tailcap and use split ring pliers or fine needle nose pliers. Insert into the two holes on either side of the tailcap spring and tighten. Worked for my other misbehaving lights...

 

[half-watt]

half-watt,

Yeah, I think I remember reading about your woes (or someone's similar symptoms) with the Olight on another thread - that's too bad. Although, I'm sure that kid is having fun!!

Mine doesn't seem to have those problems, though if you just slightly loosen the bezel it can change brightness with pushes on the bezel. I think others have debated whether that is a "problem" or a "feature."

Rod

the issue is not changing light o.p. levels at the bezel. the issue w/the new T20 is changing modes (constant, strobe, flash) which is done via the tailcap. clearly, in some fashion, the tailcap is defective in my particular light (not in the first non-Q5 T20 i used to have).

since i just rcv'd it today, i haven't done much in the way of troubleshooting or repair. perhaps tomorrow?

 

[Hitthespot]

I guess the only thing I could add is I am very happy with my T20-Q5. It is one of my favorite flashlights. Some of the notible lights I own are a P2D-Q5 which I like a lot, a G2 with Q5 module I like alot, a E2e which is just an incredible light to me and I like it a whole lot, and I've played with the P3D Q5. Out of all of these lights my Olight is right in there of favorites. I hope mine does not develope any problems because it would be very disapointing. If I was to improve the Olight in any way it would be to give it a slightly tighter spot and a little more spill. Of course asking for both may be asking for too much. But I have my P2D Q5 for tight work and lots of spill. It reminds me a lot of my E2e the way it outputs a lot of light for working or walking. Neither are throw kings and the Olight throws better and thats what I like it for.

Bill

 

[toomanyhobbies]

I've had this problem on other lights, but not my T20. Have you checked to ensure the ring retaining the tailcap mechanism is tight? If not, remove the tailcap and use split ring pliers or fine needle nose pliers. Insert into the two holes on either side of the tailcap spring and tighten. Worked for my other misbehaving lights...

Flic,

Thanks for the suggestion - I will try that when I get home. I just cleaned up my workshop and I even know where my split-ring pliers are now!

Rod

 

[ernsanada]

Are any of you having problems with AW's Protected RCR123's fitting?

 

[toomanyhobbies]

Are any of you having problems with AW's Protected RCR123's fitting?

This only my second Li powered light. I don't have any of AW's cells - I have just tried primaries and the Tenergy 900mAh I got with the light from Battery Junction. One of those has to be shaken a little to get it out the rear if it is put in the position nearest the head; the rest slide in and out freely

BTW, ernsanada, I really appreciate your reviews; your unbiased review of the T20 and comparison with the P3D helped me make my final decision. :twothumbs

Rod

 

[Curious_character]

Are any of you having problems with AW's Protected RCR123's fitting?

I've got one of the newer Q5 models, and AW's protected RCRs fit with wiggle room to spare.

c_c

 

[garence]

TMH, I've also been eyeing the T20. It's a beautifully designed light with blazing power (160 lumens), and the smooth machined head reminds me a little of the LongBow. Where did you buy yours? I see BatteryJunction has it on sale for less than $50.

 

[half-watt]

UPDATE:

fiddled with the tailcap and now the mode-changing problem has vanished.

since i really didn't do anything definite to fix the problem, i expect that from time-to-time it may return - particularly when changing in fresh batts.

half-watt,...I think others have debated whether that is a "problem" or a "feature."
Rod

my take on this one:

it's a FEATURE if it does it on command/user-input.

it's a PROBLEM if it does it when i don't want it to, i.e. when i didn't explicitly or intentionally tap/flex the head.


on the T20-Q5 that i have, it's a semi-feature as it does it, most of the time, only when i want it to, though it's far more sensitive than the non-Q5 T20 i had which only did it when i intended it (for that light, it was a FEATURE). sometimes it happens if i bump it slightly.

 

[toomanyhobbies]

TMH, I've also been eyeing the T20. It's a beautifully designed light with blazing power (160 lumens), and the smooth machined head reminds me a little of the LongBow. Where did you buy yours? I see BatteryJunction has it on sale for less than $50.

So far I really like mine, but I reserve final judgment for a couple weeks so I can test it in various usages. I ordered it from BatteryJunction and shipment was prompt. I got the T20 Q5 SE (205 lumens), so it was a little more, but don't forget the CPF discount if you order from BatteryJunction!

I will say I wish the bezel were scalloped and only 8-sided (as it rolls too easily for my taste). More knurling on the body wouldn't hurt, either. But, all in all, it's exactly what it claims and it's the right light for me right now.

Just for fun, I've made a couple wand-diffusers for it and an attachment to use it as a tail-stand lamp/lantern.
This thing is a Blast! (My wife cannot understand how a flashlight can captivate my attention so.)

 

[RecycledElectron]

My AW RCR's fit with room to spare. It even takes a unprotected AW 17670, tight, but it works.

 

[toomanyhobbies]

I've had this problem on other lights, but not my T20. Have you checked to ensure the ring retaining the tailcap mechanism is tight? If not, remove the tailcap and use split ring pliers or fine needle nose pliers. Insert into the two holes on either side of the tailcap spring and tighten. Worked for my other misbehaving lights...

Tried this last night. Not only could I not tighten it, I couldn't loosen it either, unless I were to exert a lot more force, and I don't want to go there. Anyway, I really think what I am experiencing is the batteries' inertia causing the top one to lose contact with the head. It is very repeatable and never occurs under any other conditions.