Light for Life PC3.300 User Manual

PC3.300 User Guide

For the best performance,
allow your light to charge for
a minimum of 24 hours before
routine use.

For enhanced performance for
the lifetime of your light, always
store the light in charging mode
on its charger when not in use.

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PC3.300 User Guide

5.11 Tactical
4300 Spyres Way
Modesto, CA, USA, 95356
www.511Tactical.com

Copyright © 2010, 5.11 Tactical, All rights reserved

Light For Life™ Service Center Numbers:
USA Call: 1-888-511-4LFL (4535), Europe Call: [phone]

I. Operating Instructions

A. On/Off Operations
B. Charging the PC3.300
C. Mounting the PC3.300
D. Hardwiring Installation Instructions
E. AC Adapter Instructions

II. Care and Use of Flashlight and Charger
III. Safety Precautions
IV. Safe Disposal of Waste Electrical Products
V. Technical Specifi cations
VI. Certifi cations
VII. Warranty and Service Information
VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

TAC5382

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PC3.300 User Guide

Congratulations on your purchase of the PC3.300 Flashlight. The PC3.300
is a rugged professional fl ashlight with FlashPoint® power technology.
The revolutionary 90-second recharge allows the user to maximize the
fl ashlight’s incredible features without the need for batteries or replacement
components. The PC3.300 consistently performs in a wide temperature
range, is water resistant, and will provide a lifetime of dependable service
even in the most rigorous environments.

Unlike conventional rechargeable fl ashlights, the Light For Life™ is
designed to be stored on the charger when not in use.

®

power technology.

For the best performance, allow
your light to charge for a minimum
of 24 hours before routine use.

For enhanced performance for the
lifetime of your light, always store
the light in charging mode on its
charger when not in use.

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PC3.300 User Guide

I. Operating Instructions

A. On/Off Operations

The PC3.300 flashlight is operated with a multi-function button

There are multiple modes of operation with the PC3.300. You may activate the
various modes by pressing the side or tail buttons (I/O) on the flashlight.

Modes (depending on the type of configuration)
Peak – 200 lumens
Standard – 70 lumens
Low Light – 20 lumens
Strobe – 150 lumens
Ramp – 20 to 200 lumens

There are also three different configurations for the button depending on the
type of flashlight purchased. The three different configurations are identified
as P1, P2, and P3.

P1:

1. Peak - from any mode, hold down button and keep it down, release
button and revert to previous mode.

2. Standard - single click.

3. Strobe - double click.

Click once from any mode to turn flashlight off.

P2:

1. Peak – single click.

2. Ramp – hold button down and keep it down and light will steadily
increase in brightness, release button for desired brightness.

3. Strobe - double click.

Click once from any mode to turn flashlight off.

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PC3.300 User Guide

P3:

1. Peak - from any mode, hold down button, release button from any mode
and flashlight turns off.

2. Standard – single click.

3. Low Light – double click.

Click once from any mode to turn flashlight off.

B. Charging the PC3.300

The recharging of the flashlight is a simple process of inserting the flashlight
into the charging unit until it “snaps” into place. The blue LED indicator light
on top of the charging unit will display the recharge cycle performance.
Unlike conventional flashlights, the Light for Life is designed to be stored in
the charger when not in use, and in no way shortens or negatively affects its
run-time or use.

For optimum performance of your Light For Life flashlight, please:

• Charge the PC3.300 flashlight for 24 hours before routine use.

• Store the PC3.300 flashlight on the charger when not in use.”

The flashlight can be used immediately out of the box using the standard
90-second charge. Once the 24 hour charge cycle is complete, the flashlight
will continue to recharge in only 90 seconds. The light is designed to be
placed on the charger and stored, while plugged-in, indefinitely with no
performance degradation. In fact, leaving the light stored on its charger will
help maintain its maximum performance.In addition, the charging unit uses
very little power once it has completed its charge cycle and the blue light
stops flashing.

“The low power consumption of the charger will NOT drain your car’s battery
when leaving the flashlight stored in the charger and connected through the
DC plug.”

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PC3.300 User Guide

To Charge:

Insert the connector side (opposite the I/O button) of the PC3.300
flashlight into the charger unit. The magnet embedded in the flashlight will
automatically “snap” and hold it in proper alignment with the charger. Once
inserted, the flashlight will immediately begin its 90 second charge cycle.

The status of the charge is indicated by the blue LED on the charger. The
LED will begin with a slow steady blink and increase its speed until it reaches
a steady illumination at the end of the cycle. This steady blue light indicates
the PC3.300 is fully charged and ready for use.

The PC3.300 flashlight may be removed from the charger unit at any time
during the charge cycle without negative effects. Removing the PC3.300
flashlight before the blue light turns a steady glow results in an incomplete
charge and reduced flashlight run time.

After the initial charge cycle, there may be brief periods of additional LED
activity. This is perfectly normal as it indicates the ongoing maintenance
of the energy stored in the capacitors. Our FlashPoint® Power Technology
constantly monitors the level of power available in the unit to ensure that
your flashlight is always fully charged and ready for peak performance.

Note: High Temperature Charging

Your flashlight charger has automatic temperature overload protection.
Charging in high temperatures (i.e. 120 degrees Fahrenheit or more) may
temporarily reduce the run time slightly.

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PC3.300 User Guide

C. Mounting your Flashlight (Automotive Mounting)

1. Select a suitable location for mounting, e.g. the transmission
“hump.”

2. Remove the flashlight from the charger.

3. Secure the charger base to the mounting location using the screws
provided. (NOTE: It is recommended that the charger be installed
with an up or down power cord orientation – see the images below
which shows the 2 recommended charger orientations).

4. Insert the cigarette plug end of the power cord into the vehicle’s
cigarette lighter or 12V accessory outlet.

5. Do not remove the cigarette lighter plug from the cord. The
cigarette lighter plug contains a mandatory fuse and ensures
proper polarity with the vehicle’s electrical system. For questions,
please contact the service team of 5.11 Tactical at [phone] in
the U.S. and [phone] in Europe or an authorized distributor.

cord-down
orientation

cord-up
orientation

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PC3.300 User Guide

D. Hardwiring Installation Instructions

The Light For Life™ charging unit is a sophisticated power management
device. When actively charging the flashlight, there are periods of
moderate current consumption throughout the 90 sec recharge cycle. In
order to ensure reliable operation, all of the connections from the charger
to the vehicle’s 12 volt power source must be solid, secure, and perform
with very low resistance.

Any modification to the charger’s power cord or cigarette plug connector
should be proposed by an engineer well versed in automotive power
distribution systems and their effect on peripheral equipment.

CAUTION: ONLY QUALIFIED SERVICE TECHNICIANS SHOULD ATTEMPT
TO “HARDWIRE” OR PERMANENTLY INSTALL THE CHARGING UNIT INTO
A VEHICLE’S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.

The existing cigarette plug connector contains an 8 amp “fast blow” fuse
that must be replaced with an equivalent value if it is ever removed from
the charger’s power cord.

All wire runs should be short as possible and use 14AWG wire.

All wire terminations should be crimped using only recommended tools
AND SOLDERED to minimize resistance.

• Do not splice into existing ground or power wires.

• Do not share crimp connectors with any other electrical device.

• Do not use multiple butt connectors on a single run of wire.

• The charger positive wire should exist on its own fuse.

• Do not share power with other devices.

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PC3.300 User Guide

Please contact the service team of 5.11 Tactical® at [phone] in the
U.S. and internationally at [phone] or an authorized distributor for
authorized hardwire installation procedures and components.

E. AC Adapter Instructions

The 5.11 AC Adapter converts the AC power in your home or office to
a direct current (DC) power source required by your Light For LifeTM
charging unit. It replaces the 12 Volt DC power that is used when the
charger is connected to the DC outlet or cigarette lighter outlet in your
vehicle.

Set Up Instructions

1. Remove the AC power cord from the box and insert the small end of the
dual line cord into the female receptacle on the Adapter.

2. Insert the large end of the line cord into your AC power source.

3. Connect the large female “cigarette plug” on the adapter to the male
plug attached to the flashlight charger.

On/Off Operations

The 5.11 AC adapter does not contain a separate on/off switch and will be
fully energized and operational as soon as it is plugged into an AC power
source or wall outlet. You must unplug the AC power cord in order to turn
the adapter off.

II. Care and Use of Flashlight and Charger

1. Although the flashlight is designed to be water resistant, do not
submerge it in water.

2. Prevent the charger from prolonged or extensive exposure to water.
A wet flashlight from the rain is fine to be placed in the charger, but

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PC3.300 User Guide

the charger needs to be installed in a dry environment.

3. For optimal efficiency it is necessary to periodically inspect and
provide preventative maintenance on the PC3.300 flashlight. If at
any time the light becomes soiled, clean with a soft cloth and mild
detergent.

4. For lens cleaning, use a gentle camera lens cleaner and lens cloth.
Rub gently to remove any fingerprints on the lens.

5. It is imperative that chemicals and harsh abrasives NOT be used.

6. This flashlight is not suitable for use in high pressure environments.

7. DO NOT dismantle flashlight when cleaning.

8. Keep the charging contact holes free of debris.

9. Keep foreign objects out of the charger base.

III. Safety Precautions

DANGER

DO NOT REACH INTO WATER TO RETRIEVE THE CHARGER UNIT OR
ADAPTER IF IT IS STILL PLUGGED IN.

WARNING

To reduce the risk of product malfunction and personal injury due to shock or
burns, do not expose the charger unit or adapter to water, liquid, or exces­sive condensation.

WARNING

If the charging unit or adapter is saturated by water, liquid, or excessive con­densation, unplug the unit immediately and allow it to dry completely before
plugging it back in and resuming charging.

CAUTION

The PC3.300 flashlight is not classified as intrinsically safe, meaning it is not
approved for use in hazardous atmospheres. It is important that the PC3.300
flashlight not be used in areas requiring explosion proof lighting.

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PC3.300 User Guide

CAUTION

Make sure the charger unit or adapter is disconnected from any other power
sources when performing any routine cleaning or maintenance. Do not try to
repair the unit, charger or adapter. In case of problems or questions, please
contact the service team of 5.11 Tactical at [phone] in the U.S. and
Internationally at [phone] or an authorized distributor.

CAUTION

To avoid the risk of fire, electrical shock, or personal injury caused by
improper handling of the charger, do not attempt to use the charger unit to
charge any other flashlight or rechargeable device. Do not use any other
brand of charger with the PC3.300 flashlight.

CAUTION

Do not shine the flashlight directly into the eyes as this may cause severe
damage to eyesight.

CAUTION

Although the PC3.300 Flashlight is designed to be splash-proof, full submer­sion of the flashlight is not recommended. All use not in conformance with
instructions will void warranty.

CAUTION

Do not attempt to service the flashlight, adapter or charger unit in any way.
Do not insert metal objects into the charger unit or flashlight contact holes;
doing so could result in personal harm or injury and permanent damage to
the unit. All use not in conformance with instructions will void warranty.

CAUTION

The PC3.300 contains strong magnets. To avoid potentially dangerous health
effects, users with pacemakers should consult their pacemaker manufac­turer and/or doctor and use caution when using this light. If you experience
adverse effects while using the light, discontinue use immediately and
consult a doctor.

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PC3.300 User Guide

CAUTION

Additionally, magnets can damage magnetic media such as floppy disks,
credit cards, magnetic I.D. cards, cassette tapes, video tapes, or other such
devices; they can also damage televisions, VCRs, computer monitors, and
other CRT displays. As a result, please take care to avoid bringing PC3.300
into proximity with these types of devices.

CAUTION

In rare instances, radios broadcasting in close proximity to the flashlight may
cause electromagnetic interference with the functionality of the light. If you
experience this, please call 5.11 Tactical at 1-888-511-4LFL (4535) in the U.S.
and [phone] in Europe.

IV. Safe Disposal of Waste Electrical Products

If at any time in the future you should need to dispose of the PC3.300
flashlight or any of its parts, please note that waste electrical products
should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where
facilities exist and check with your local authority for disposal and recycling
advice.

V. Technical Specifications

Product Code: PC3.300

Standard Output: 70 lumens (45 min runtime)
Peak Output: 200 lumens (13 min runtime)
Reserve Output: 20 lumens (15 min runtime)
Strobe: 150 lumens (135 min runtime)
Low Light: 20 lumens (240 min runtime)
Ramp: 20-200 lumens (variable runtime)

Energy Storage: Non-Replaceable

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PC3.300 User Guide

Energy Storage Life 500,000 Charges
Recharge Life: 50,000 Charges
Charge Time: Approximately 90 Seconds

Fuse Rating: 8 amps
Length: 8.75”
Barrel Diameter: 1.20”
Head Diameter: 2.00”
Weight: 10oz.

Product Code: AC Adapter
Standard Output: 12 VDC @ 5 A, 65W
Input: 100-240 VAC 50/60 Hz @ 1.8A
Ideal Operating Temperature: 0ºC to +40ºC

VII. Certifications

Conforms to: UL Std. 2089 and UL/ANSI Std. 60950-1
Certified to: CAN/CSA Std. C22.2 60950-1

VII. Warranty and Service Information

Light For Life™ Limited Warranty

5.11, Inc. (“5.11”) warrants each Light For Life® product (“Product”) sold
by 5.11 or its authorized dealers to be free of defects in materials or
workmanship for as long as you own the Product, or for the maximum period
allowed by the laws of your jurisdiction, if less. Please note, however, that

5.11 warrants the chargers for Light For Life

®

products for a period of one

year from the date of purchase, but the chargers are otherwise subject to the

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PC3.300 User Guide

same terms and conditions of this warranty.

Exclusions from Coverage

Excluded from coverage under this warranty are the following:

• Products purchased other than from 5.11 or from an authorized

5.11 dealer.

• Damage resulting from abuse or misuse.

• Damage resulting from extended wear and tear.

• Damage resulting from tampering or a customer modification.

• Damage resulting from exposure to a caustic substance.

• Consequential, incidental, indirect, punitive, exemplary, and/or special
damages (although some states in the United States do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of consequential or incidental damages, so this
exclusion might not apply to you).

THIS WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE WARRANTY PROVIDED BY 5.11
RELATING TO THE PRODUCT AND, TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED
BY LAW, 5.11 DISCLAIMS ALL OTHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES.

What You Will Need to Do

To return a defective product for warranty service, please call us at 1-888­511-4LFL (4535) in the U.S. and [phone] in Europe. If 5.11 determines
that the product is defective, 5.11 will either replace the product or repair the
product. All determinations made by 5.11 will be within 5.11’s sole discretion.
All returns by 5.11 in the United States will be sent using ground shipping;
shipments being returned to a P.O. Box will be made using U.S. Mail. All
returns to international customers will be sent using standard shipping.

Please note that this guarantee does not affect our statutory rights.

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PC3.300 User Guide

State and International Laws

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights which vary from state to state in the United States and in other
countries.

VIII. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why doesn’t my flashlight seem to hold the charge as stated?
Q: Why doesn’t my flashlight have the run time as stated?
Q: Why won’t my flashlight go into “high” mode?
Q: Why is the blue light on the charger only blinking slowly?

A: For best results, it is recommended that the flashlight’s first charge
cycle be for 24 hours. Once this first charge cycle is complete, the flashlight
will perform at its optimum level. It is also recommended for the flashlight
to be periodically placed on the charger for 1 hour. The flashlight maintains
optimum performance when left on the charger when not in use.

Q: Why won’t my 12-volt AC adapter work with my charger?

A: Please ensure that your 12-volt AC adapter is rated for a minimum of 7
amps. Many typical AC adapters have ratings of less than 7 amps. Please
see the 5.11 website or contact our customer service team at +1.866.451.1726
to purchase a 5.11 AC adapter.

Q: Why won’t my flashlight charge when my vehicle is not running?

A: Some vehicles are designed to disable the power to the cigarette plug
connector when the ignition is turned off. It is recommended that your
vehicle is started during the 90 second recharge cycle for the flashlight. This
light maintains optimum performance when left on the charger when not in
use.

Q: May I leave the flashlight on the charger when not in use? Would
this cause any problems with the longevity of the capacitors’ charging

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