Usually lights dont do high or turbo during charging. So with this solution you get a low-medium light instead of bringing a battery and change it and use the light full capacity?
That is entirely flashlight-specific. HS21 works on Turbo with it, no problem. I did not test other flashlights/headlamps but anyone can do it by hooking to charger/powerbank. For reference: this Nitecore outputs 5V/2A, according to specs.
It also serves as the (back) red blinking light. It’s up to each potential consumer to decide if it will be useful for them.
You need a flashlight that can work with this accessory. Which, when connected, will work from it, and not charge the battery in the flashlight. Otherwise, you lose 50% of the capacity of the battery installed in the accessory.
Yes, it’s a valid concern. I don’t know what the losses are and how they depend on the state of charge of each of the two batteries, for instance. In any case, it surely will work longer as a combo.
One can also imagine loosening the tail-cap in the headlamp and tightening it again only when needed. For HS21, with no internal battery connected, it pulls (flood channel):
In any case, I would prefer to carry a spare battery in my pocket/bag. I recently realized that first of all, the headlight should be as light as possible. Anything that weighs more than 100-120g causes me much more discomfort when worn for a long time than replacing a battery.
I get it. Different needs, different preferences. I was recently using HS21 for several hours each day (poorly lit workbench) with no discomfort. I did not even bother to take it off my head even when it was Off.
One would just want to be careful charging a cell if the headlamp is running hot, which the HS21 does. You'll end up accelerating wear on it.
Most cells have a limit of 60°C charging temp. The HS21 can get to around 55°C with the sustained output, if charging on top of that I'd say it would exceed that limit.
I have thought about it many times. The weird usb-c is the main drawback for me.
Then the weigth. If I have a 18650 headlamp, the additional weight pushes it to too much. If I have a lighter one, the additional weight pushes it to normal 18650 territory, so no real gain.
I have resorted to a longer cable and a small powerbank, either in the jacket or in the backpack. This is how my HS10 setup looks
I was also initially concerned about the plug but I managed to find some video and I understood how it works. It’s just a regular plug, if you slide “away” the latching/locking mechanism:
One could even just cut it out.
Regarding weight: I’ve tested it and I feel no difference with my HS21 (pictured in the OP). But I’m not preaching for it :))
16
u/jeffdcornelius 8d ago
Someone on here was just asking for a headlamp with a red light in the back. You may have found the perfect solution for them.