Nitecore TM 26 User Manual Download Page 1

User  Manual

Features

·

The world’s smallest 3800 lumen LED flashlight

·

Utilizes 4 x CREE XM-L2 LEDs

·

Integrated multi-function OLED display 

·

Thermal protection circuit prevents overheating

·

Compatible with both 18650 Li-ion and CR123 batteries

·

Intelligent charging circuit with voltage detection charges safely and 

rapidly

·

Exceptionally long runtimes using 4 × 18650 Li-ion or 8 × CR123 

batteries

·

Capable of using 1 × 18650 or 2 x CR123 batteries in emergency 

situations

·

Eight rapidly switchable brightness levels and modes to select from

·

Innovative single button two-stage switch provides a user-friendly 

interface (Patented)

·

Toughened ultra-clear mineral glass with anti-reflective coating

·

Integrated “Precision Digital Optics Technology” provides extreme 

reflector performance

·

Stainless steel bezel ring protects core components from damage

·

Constructed from aerospace-grade aluminum alloy

·

HAIII military grade hard-anodized

·

Waterproof in accordance with IPX-8 (submersible to two meters)

Dimensions

Length: 142mm (5.6”)

Head diameter: 68 mm (2.68”)

Head side-length: 57mm (2.24”)

Tube diameter: 50mm (1.96”)

Weight: 438g (15.45oz) (without battery)

Accessories

 

Charger, quality holster, lanyard, and spare O-ring

Battery Options

Operation instructions

Battery installation

Unscrew the tailcap, insert 4 × 18650 Li-ion or 8 × CR123 batteries with 

the positive (+) end pointing toward the flashlight head. Replace the 

tailcap. In special circumstances, such as emergency situations, between 

one and three 18650 Li-ion or two and six CR123 batteries may be used. 

Thanks for purchasing NITECORE!

Output & Runtime

NOTICE

The above data has been measured in accordance with the international 

flashlight testing standards ANSI/NEMA FL1 using 4 x Nitecore 18650

3.7V 

2600mAh) and 8 x Nitecore CR123

3V 1550mAh batteries under laboratory 

conditions. The data may vary during real-world use due to battery type, 

individual usage habits and environmental factors.

Lockout Function

With the light turned on, press the switch all the way down and hold 
for more than one second. The light will turn off and enter into 
lockout mode. Lockout mode consumes almost no battery power 
and prevents the light from accidentally turning on. Simply press the 
switch and hold for more than one second to exit lockout mode.

NB: 

If the display button is pressed when in lockout mode, the 

OLED display will show the words “LOCK OUT” as a reminder.

Power Tips

1. With the light switched on, the power indicator will blink once 

every two seconds when power levels reach 50%.

2. With the light switched on, the power indicator will blink rapidly 

when power levels are low.

Note: 

When the light is being used in ultra-low mode, the blue 
power indicator will turn off to help conserve power.

Thermal protection

 

As the TM26 is very compact, extended operation in Turbo mode 
will cause the body temperature to continually rise, thus, making it 
too hot to comfortably hold. As a result, Nitecore does not 
recommend using the TM26 in Turbo mode for extended periods. 
The TM26 has an integrated thermal protection circuit which 
prevents overheating. With the light turned on in Search/Turbo 
mode, for user safety and to protect the flashlight from failure, the 
TM26 will automatically reduce its output to prevent overheating 
once it has reached 60 degrees.

Precaution: 

When the flashlight is hot, do not attempt to cool it by 
submerging it in liquid. Due to the differences in 
internal and external air pressure the TM26 may 
suffer irreparable water damage.

Changing / Charging Batteries

When the power indicator blinks rapidly it means the batteries need 
to be replaced or recharged. Alternatively if the light becomes dim or 
unresponsive to adjustment this also indicates batteries need to be 
replaced or recharged.

Maintenance

Every 6 months, threads should be wiped with a clean cloth followed 
by a thin coating of silicon-based lubricant.

Warranty Service

All NITECORE® products are warranted for quality. DOA / defective 
products can be exchanged for replacement through a local 
distributor/dealer within the 14 days of purchase. After 14 days, all 
defective / malfunctioning NITECORE® products will be repaired 
free of charge for a period of 18 months from the date of purchase. 
After 18 months, a limited warranty applies, covering the cost of 
labor and maintenance, but not the cost of accessories or 
replacement parts. 
The warranty is nullified in all of the following situations:
1. The product(s) is/are broken down, reconstructed and/or modified 

by unauthorized parties.

2. The product(s) is/are damaged through improper use.
3. The product(s) is/are damaged by leakage of batteries.
For the latest information on NITECORE® products and services, 
please contact your national NITECORE® distributor or send an 
email to [email protected]

®

ALL-ROUND Flashlight Expert

TM 26

NITECORE (SYSMAX)

 is a member of PLA

TO, participating in and helping to 

develop the ANSI FL1 standard of measurement. Product testing data is in 

accordance with these internationally recognized scientific standards.

Note 1:

 

Due to the strain using less than 4 x 18650 or 8 CR123 places 

on batteries, Nitecore recommends using this feature only when 

necessary and for short periods of time. Please see point 

number 1 in the warning below.

Note 2:

 

After loading batteries, “NITECORE” will be displayed on the 

OLED screen for 2.5 seconds followed by battery voltage 

(accurate to 0.01V) after which the TM26 will enter into standby 

mode.

WARNING

1. Using less than 4 x 18650 or 8 x CR123 batteries can lead to turbo 

mode malfunctioning, can trigger the overload protection circuit in 

Li-ion batteries and can even lead to explosion of CR123 batteries. As 

such Nitecore recommends this function is used with caution and only 

when necessary.

2. Insert batteries with the positive (+) end pointing toward the flashlight 

head.

3. Do not mix rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries.

4. Do not mix batteries of different types/brands.

5. Do not mix batteries of different charge levels.

6. Do not use lithium batteries without a protected circuit board.

7. This product does not support unprotected 18650 Li-ion batteries. 

Please also ensure that all the 18650 batteries used in the TM26 have 

a button top configuration or they will not make contact with terminals 

in the battery compartment. We recommend Nitecore 18650 batteries 

for the best performance and reliability.

Charging the TM26

1. Connect the charging cable to the flashlight and the A/C power adapter 

to the wall outlet as shown in the adjacent image. Fully charging four 
depleted 18650 batteries takes approximately 7 hours.

2. Under normal charging conditions, the on/off switch’s blue indicator 

light will blink twice every second and the OLED screen with display 
the word ‘Charging...” together with battery voltage. 

3. If a problem is detected while charging the TM26 will stop charging, the 

blue indicator will blink rapidly and the OLED display will show the 
word “ERROR”. This is usually caused by faulty or incorrectly inserted 
batteries.

General Operation

NB:

 The TM26 utilizes a 2-stage switch similar to a camera shutter 

button. The light’s numerous functions are selected according to the 
depth the switch is pressed.

The TM26 has two modes: Daily mode and Turbo mode. With the TM26 
turned off, pressing the switch partway down will activate Daily mode. 
Alternatively, with the TM26 turned off, pressing the switch all the way 
down will activate turbo mode. The TM26 is turned off by pressing the 
switch all the way down.

Brightness Selection In Daily Mode

1. With the TM26 turned on in Daily mode, press the switch partway down 

to select a brightness level of ultra-low, low, medium or high. The 
selected brightness level will be memorized when the light is turned 
off. 

2. With the TM26 turned on in Daily mode, press the switch partway down 

and hold to enter into turbo mode. A second partway press will revert 
back to the brightness level last used.

Bright Selection In Turbo Mode

With the TM26 turned on in Search/Turbo mode, partway presses of the 
button will cycle between high and ultra-high mode. There is no memory 
function in Search/Turbo mode. 

Momentary Daily / Turbo Mode

1. With the TM26 turned off, press the switch partway down and hold to 

activate Momentary Daily mode. Release the switch to turn the light off 
again.

2. With the TM26 turned off, press the switch all the way down and hold 

to enter into Momentary Turbo mode. Release the switch to turn the 
light off again.

Standby Mode

With the TM26 turned on, press the switch all the way down and release 
within one second to enter into standby mode. In this mode, the light will 
consume small amounts of power to maintain the settings in the MCU 
(micro control unit) but appear to be turned off. When in standby mode 
the power indicator light will flash once every three seconds to show the 
location of the light.

OLED Display

1. When the TM26 is turned on, the OLED display will activate 

automatically and show lumen output, brightness mode, battery 
voltage, battery status, approximate runtime and temperature. After 
displaying this information for several seconds the OLED display will 
turn off. The display can be reactivated by pressing the display switch 
and the information can be cycled through with subsequent presses of 
the switch.

2. When in Standby mode, a single press of the OLED display switch will 

activate the OLED and display battery voltage for 10 seconds.

3. When using Nitecore’s NBP52 high-performance battery pack, the 

actual runtime will be twice the figure displayed on the OLED panel. 

NB: 

The TM26 has an integrated thermal protection circuit which 

prevents overheating. Please refer to the “Thermal protection” 
section of this manual for details.

Special Strobe / SOS mode and 

Location Beacon

With the light turned on, press the switch all the way down twice in quick 
succession to access strobe mode. When in strobe mode, press the 
switch partway down to cycle through SOS, location beacon and strobe 
modes. To select any of these modes simply release the switch when it is 
displayed. To turn off the light (enter into standby mode) fully press and 
release the switch.

NB: 

When in any of the special modes, the OLED display will remain on 

to display which mode is being used.

Demonstration mode

When entering standby mode simultaneously press and hold the display 
switch and the on/off switch to enter into Demonstration mode. In 
Demonstration mode, the OLED screen will cycle through the TM26’s 
various messages. Simply press any button to exit Demonstration mode.  

 *Warning: 

Charge 18650 rechargeable Li-ion batteries only, do not attempt to 

charge non-rechargeable batteries, CR123 or RCR123 batteries.

SIZE

Nominal voltage

Compatible

Primary Lithium battery *

CR123

3V

Yes (Compatible but can 

NOT be recharged)

Yes (Compatible but can 

NOT be recharged)

18650 Rechargeable Li-ion battery

18650

3.7V

Yes (Recommended and 

can be recharged)

Rechargeable Li-ion battery *

RCR123

3.7V

TURBO

HIGH

MID

LOW

LUMENS

1850

LUMENS

3800

LUMENS

600

LUMENS

150

45

min

1

h

5

h

45

min

2

h

30

min

8

h

15

min

48

h

2

h

15

min

32

h

LOWER

LUMENS

3

1000

h

750

h

445m 

(Beam Distance)

49000cd 

(Peak Beam Intensity)

 IPX-8, 2m 

(Waterproof AND Submersible)

1.5m 

(Impact Resistant)

CR123

18650

4. When charging is 

complete, the blue 
indicator will remain on, 
and “CHG.FINISHED” 
along with battery voltage 
will be displayed on the 
OLED screen.

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