QK2A MKIII Trouble

Buck91

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So my brand new mkiii 2aa quark arrived today. I'm sad to say I already have email communication with customer service. UI acting funny occasionally switching from max to low... loose driver board... and this is just opinion but it seems way less than 500 lumens. Hope I just got a fluke but we will see. Haven't even decided on trying to return it as I see absolutely no reason the customer should ha e to pay for shipping on a defective product.
 

InvisibleFrodo

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Sep 16, 2014
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High mode is 300 lumens, not 500.
500 lumens requires a rapid double press.
Did you charge the batteries before using the light? When the batteries get low, the light switches out of high mode.
 

Jimmyboots

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Have you tried recharging the batteries or using fresh batteries? My Q2A did the same thing until I recharged the batteries.
 

InvisibleFrodo

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I never use any rechargeable battery without charging it first. This includes "precharged" cells.
 

Buck91

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Hmmm, well I appreciate the suggestions but yes I did ensure charged batteries. Additionally if you notice my use of the wording "max" not high. Which is why I noted 500lm.

In any case I'll update after customer service has the opportunity to address my issues.
 

TassyDeville

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I had a similar issue with my Preon P2 Mkiii when I got it, and the problem turned out to be the Recyko batteries that were included. Granted, that's AAA, not AA, but if you're using those, try switching them out to something better like Eneloop. That worked for me at least, and I get more time in high mode. But the Nichia LED still doesn't look quite as bright as I'd hoped so it became my indoor light. May not be super bright but I'm in love with the color of it! I'm looking at getting a Quark MKiii also, but I need something bright, so you may have just swayed me.
 

Buck91

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Ever resolve this? Same issue with mine, which I received today.


Yes and no. Eventually Jason must have got wind and offered to have me send the light in. I never did as after disassembling the head and reassembling it (just unscrewing, no electrical work) and "pushing" the driver board with my finger its been working perfectly. Not sure what the problem was originally. Still, I was very disappointed in the customer service but I am now very happy with the light!
 
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This is what mine is doing (as tested with the standard body PLUS the CR123 and single AA adapter tubes):

1. Batteries that came with it work fine. All rechargeables work fine.
2. Single Tenergy CR123A primary (3.1 volts brand new), flashes bright and then immediately goes to dim
3. Single Lithium, Energizer AA primary (1.81 volts new), flashes bright and then immediately goes to dim
4. Two Lithium, Energizer AA primary (3.62 volts), flashes bright and then immediately goes to dim

Software low voltage is 0.9 volts for one cell and 1.8 volts for two cells. This explains why one Li AA doesn't work. A new Li AA measures 1.8 volts, so the light thinks it has two AA cells in it that have dropped below the 1.8 volt threshold.

But why don't the CR123A and 2xAAs work? One CR123A is 3.1 volts, which is above the 1.8 cutoff. 2 AAs is 3.62 volts, also well above the 1.8 volt cutoff. My guess is that the high cutoff is right at 3 volts. I did review the website specs and it does say voltage range 0.9 - 3.0 volts, which covers rechargeables and alkalines. But the three replies I received from tech support only mentioned low voltage cutoff, so I am only guessing. I also have no idea what the single cell voltage range is, since 0.9 is low, but 1.8 is low cutoff for two cells. Must be something like 0.9 - 1.5 volts, since the light is rated for Alkalines.

I guess it boils down to user error. Light isn't designed to work with Li primaries.

Interestingly, all the other modes except high work just fine with Li primaries.
 
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Buck91

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Interesting. Haven't tried mine with L91s. Guess I'll do that eventually.
 

Got Lumens?

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BTTT

I have been running my QK2A on one RCR123 for months and have not experienced this problem.
I believe new MKIII's do draw more current on 100% than the older versions.
I use high discharge RCR123's due to the burst 100% in my single RCR123 tube.
I also tried 2 ReCyko NiMh's in te 2AA tube and that did not have that happen.
I'll try some Energizer Lithium Primaries and see what I get.
Have You requested an RMA?
Tech support at FourSevens mat be able to help walk You through diagnosing the trouble.
 

Buck91

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BTTT

I have been running my QK2A on one RCR123 for months and have not experienced this problem.
I believe new MKIII's do draw more current on 100% than the older versions.
I use high discharge RCR123's due to the burst 100% in my single RCR123 tube.
I also tried 2 ReCyko NiMh's in te 2AA tube and that did not have that happen.
I'll try some Energizer Lithium Primaries and see what I get.
Have You requested an RMA?
Tech support at FourSevens mat be able to help walk You through diagnosing the trouble.

As I said, after I disassembled, pressed my thumb against the driver board and reassembled it is working. Prior to that, customer service was completely unhelpful. No further troubles.
 
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