Batch 002
DC0 — Batch 002
Model: DC0
Production: April 2026
Variants: Titanium, Aluminum, Mule
Driver: Okluma 15mm Buck v1.1
Firmware: DC0 v1.1 (complete rewrite)
Specifications
| Emitter | Nichia 519A, 4500K, 90+ CRI |
| Optic | 20° TIR (Mule: no optic) |
| Driver | Okluma 15mm constant-current buck |
| Battery | Vapcell F15 14500 Li-ion 1500mAh (included) |
| Switch | McClicky forward tail switch |
| Materials | Titanium / Aluminum (varies by listing) |
| Regulation | Constant current, 2% variance across full battery range |
Modes
Three modes, accessed by clicking the tail switch. Short click cycles through modes in order.
| Mode | Output | Runtime (est.) | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moonlight | ~5 lumens | 150+ hours | Close-up tasks, preserving night vision |
| Low | ~50 lumens | ~12 hours | General use, walking, around the house |
| High | ~300–500 lumens | ~1 hour | Full output, search, distance |
High mode output depends on battery state. With a fresh cell (above 4.0V), the light starts at ~500 lumens and steps down to ~300 lumens once the driver reaches 55°C — typically within a few minutes of continuous use. On a partially charged cell (below 4.0V), the firmware caps output at ~300 lumens from the start, which is the same level the light settles into after thermal stepdown. Either way, your sustained output is ~300 lumens — a full charge just gives you a burst of extra output up front.
Runtime measured FL1-compliant using a Vapcell F15 14500 cell.
Mode Memory
The light remembers your last-used mode. Turn it off and back on — it picks up where you left off. Memory uses wear-leveled EEPROM storage designed to last the lifetime of the light.
How It Works
The tail switch is momentary. A quick press-and-release cycles to the next mode. Hold the switch down to keep the light on — release to turn it off. A full press will cause the switch latch and remain on. Another full press will unlatch and turn the light off.
- Short press: Next mode (Moonlight → Low → High → repeat)
- Hold: Light stays on in current mode
- Release: Light turns off
- Full press: Light remains on in current mode
The firmware includes bump filtering — brief accidental contact with the tail switch won't change your mode.
Battery Protection
The firmware monitors battery voltage and protects the cell as it discharges. If you see three blinks, the battery is getting low. As voltage continues to drop, the light steps down to moonlight to conserve remaining charge, and eventually shuts off to prevent cell damage.
At high mode, the light steps down silently rather than blinking — you'll notice the brightness drop but it won't flash in your face. Temperature alerts use four blinks to distinguish them from low battery.
Thermal & Overload Protection
The driver monitors its own temperature continuously. At 55°C it steps down from high mode automatically. At 90°C — which should never happen in normal use — the light shuts off entirely as a safety net.
Runtime Graph — High Mode
FL1-compliant runtime test, Vapcell F15 14500:
The constant-current buck driver maintains flat, regulated output until the battery is depleted. No gradual dimming — you get consistent light for the full runtime, then LVP steps in to protect the cell.
Recommended Battery
Vapcell F15 — 1500mAh 14500 Li-ion. High drain, good capacity for the size. Available from most battery retailers.
Important: Use only unprotected flat-top 14500 Li-ion cells. Do not use AA batteries — the voltage is too low and the light will not function.
Care
- Keep the threads clean and lightly lubricated
- Inspect the O-rings periodically — replace if cracked or flattened
- Remove the battery for long-term storage
- Avoid leaving the light on high mode unattended
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Light won't turn on | Dead or missing battery | Check battery is inserted correctly and charged |
| Light blinks 3 times then dims | Low battery voltage | Charge or replace the battery |
| Light blinks 4 times then shuts off | Thermal shutdown (overheating) | Let the light cool down, check for airflow obstruction |
| Mode won't change on click | Click too short or too long | Use a firm, quick press-and-release (~150ms) |
| Stuck in moonlight | Limpmode activated (very low battery) | Charge or replace the battery |
| High mode seems dimmer than expected | Turbo lockout (battery below 4.0V) | Use a fully charged cell |
What's New in Batch 002
- New 15mm buck driver. Custom constant-current buck converter replaces the old linear driver. Flat regulated output across the full battery range (2% variance), better efficiency, and no more gradual dimming as the cell drains. The new board includes programming pads accessible with the light assembled — firmware can be updated without disassembly.
- Rewritten firmware (DC0 v1.1). The entire firmware was rewritten from scratch. Four-stage low voltage protection with configurable thresholds, thermal stepdown, turbo lockout on partially charged cells, bump filtering, and wear-leveled mode memory. Every engine is tested on the bench before shipping.
- Centrifugal barrel finish. New finishing process for a more consistent surface texture.
- Stronger clips. Upgraded clip design with better retention. New forming die for the attachment radius — previously shaped by hand, now consistent across every clip.
- Vapcell F15 14500 included. Ships with the newer 1500mAh cell, a meaningful bump in runtime over previous batteries.
Questions? support@okluma.com