Tag: Acebeam

  • Acebeam UC3A Review: Pocket Flashlight, Big Features

    Key Takeaway

    – Ultra-compact 65g EDC with replaceable 10440 USB-C battery and AAA support
    – Dual-button operation: main forward light (moonlight+3 modes) and side light (white + red/green/blue + police flash + rainbow)
    – Strong magnetic back and clip for versatile mounting as a warning light, ambient light, or PC case DIY tool
    – Sidelight blue tint is muddy/purple; no standalone yellow mode
    – Priced $40 on Amazon with promo code 4TBZINQJ

    At just 65 gramms, ths tiny flashlight from Acebeam’s UC3A is almost unnoticable as everyday carry. We visited their Shenzhen facility after Computex, where we tryed not only the new K1 but also other lights. Our main focus was on this small device, which offers a wide range of features for its size. It uses a replaceable battery, wich is a big plus for such a compact tool

    Battery and Power Details

    Acebeam uses a AAA-sized lithium-ion battery, or more precisely, a 10440 cylindrical cell. This secondary cell has a USB-C port, wich is quite tightly integrated into the cell itself. We have only been familiar with larger AA-format batteries having USB-C up to now. This design is both an advantege and a disadvantage, as you must remove the cell to charge it. However, spare cells make it easy to carry a backup, though the single cell is not yet available for purchase. The flashlight also supports standard AAA-format primary batteries, but we was unable to test this feature

    Battery Performance

    At 1.5 watt-hours, the UC3A’s battery is quite small, which we noticed during a hands-on test. One of the flashlights no longer had a full charge and was visibly dimmer than the model with a full battery. This allows you to indirectly gauge the battery’s status, since this compact model doesn’t have a battery indicator. The performence is limited but acceptable for such a tiny device

    Operating the Two Buttons

    Operating the flashlight using the two buttons is pleasantly straightforward. The first button controls the main forward light. Holding this button down while switching the flashlight on activates the moonlight mode. A single press starts both front lights in the normal medium mode. Holding this button down cycles through three modes, but not moonlight mode, wich is a slight inconvenience. The second button controls the sidelight, which took some getting used to, as the white light is operated the same way but has only two brightness levels

    Sidelight Colors and Modes

    Other colors can also be selected after switching the light on, needing a double-click on the second button to cycle through red, green and blue. Each of these also has a flashing mode. Theres also a police flashing mode with alternating red and blue flashing for those who like that sort of thing. The final mode is a rainbow animation, wich is quite nice. The blue light appears muddy and tends towards purple, so we wouldnt use that color, but the red and green met our expectations

    Practical Uses and Application

    The side light serves two functions. Firstly, it acts as a warning or attention light, attaching to a backpack, belt or cap with the clip. Secondly, the white version functions as an ambient light. The strong magnetic back panel is particularly well-suited for this purpuse. In our opinion, this makes the flashlight a great tool for DIY projects inside a PC case. We’ve previously used Nitecore’s LA10 or Fenix’s CL09, but those are purely lanterns whereas the UC3A also functions as a flashlight

    Comparison to Older Models

    Interestingly, there are several development generations between the UC3A and the CL09/LA10, and neither has received a successor. Overall, we liked the UC3A, it isnt a powerhouse due to its size but its bright enough for everyday use. This also applies to the sidelight. The two white light settings are sufficient for dim environments and situations with more ambient light. The only missing feature is a yellow warning light, wich the flashlight can simulate via rainbow effect but cannot be selected as a single light

    All in all, the UC3A offers a decent range of features in a compact package, making it ideal to carry with you everywhere. Acebeam is currently selling the flashlight at Amazon for $40, available in orange, black or green. Acebeam also gave us a promo code: 4TBZINQJ, wich should further reduce the price at checkout. However, we dont know how long this code is valid or if it is available for every Amazon customer


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    • Acebeam Boosts 21700 Battery to 20Wh and 5,600mAh Capacity

      Acebeam Boosts 21700 Battery to 20Wh and 5,600mAh Capacity

      Key Takeaway

      1. Acebeam introduces two new cylindrical 21700 batteries with capacities of 5,000 mAh / 30A and 5,600 mAh / 15A, with the latter offering a notable 20 Wh increase over common models.
      2. The 20 Wh battery is compatible with Acebeam’s A2 Battery Storage Box, which allows for direct charging and includes safety features.
      3. These batteries can potentially upgrade the capacity of existing power banks, but size compatibility should be verified beforehand.
      4. The higher-capacity battery costs around $22, while the more powerful one costs approximately $23, with additional savings when purchasing in pairs.

      Introduction to the New Batteries from Acebeam

      Recently, Acebeam has launched two new cylindrical batteries that seem quite promising for various tech gadgets. One of these has a capacity of 5,000 mAh and a discharge current of 30 A, with a power rating of 18 Wh and voltage of 3.6 V. The second option provides a slightly higher capacity of 5,600 mAh (20 Wh, 3.59 V) but with a lower discharge current of 15 A. These batteries are designed to power high-demand devices and have caught considerable attention in the tech community.

      Comparison to Other Batteries in Market

      In comparison, these new batteries aren’t the first ones to reach such ratings. Nitecore and Fenix already offer batteries with approximately 22 Wh, making Acebeam’s 20 Wh model a notable, yet not extraordinary, improvement. Nevertheless, for Acebeam, this increase in capacity is considered significant, especially in the context of consumer electronics and power solutions. It represents a meaningful step for those wanting more battery life from their devices without compromising size or weight.

      Use in Power Banks and Fitment Details

      Many power banks utilize 21700 batteries, commonly with capacities of 10,000 mAh or 5,000 mAh at 3.6 V, especially in models that combine two or more cells for higher capacity. Larger power banks of around 20,000 mAh often employ four such cells, offering extended usage times. If you own a power bank designed for 21700 batteries, you might be able to increase its capacity by replacing old cells with these new ones, but it’s crucial to measure your device carefully beforehand as fitment isn’t always guaranteed with every holder.

      Physical Characteristics and Compatibility

      Both versions of these batteries are relatively lightweight, each weighing roughly 2.6 ounces. An interesting feature is that only the 20 Wh variant is compatible with Acebeam’s new A2 Battery Storage Box, which allows for the batteries to be charged directly within the holder. The company assures that several safety mechanisms are built in, making it safer for users during operation and charging processes.

      Pricing and Additional Accessories

      • The higher capacity 20 Wh battery is priced at about $23.
      • The 18 Wh model costs slightly less at approximately $22.
      • Purchasing two of corresponding batteries could save some money.
      • The A2 Portable Storage Box, equipped with a USB-C port, is available for around $10 and provides a handy way to store and charge these batteries.

      Overall, Acebeam’s new offerings in cylindrical batteries are noteworthy, especially for users seeking more power efficiency in their portable devices.

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