HDS Systems EDC # 15

[the.Mtn.Man]

I got my Lee filter pack today and after trying a number of different gels, I finally settled on 506 (marlene) which gave me a really nice neutral white color. It's just enough to take the bluish edge off the light without swinging it too warm. I cut it to fit on the outside of the lens, just under the bezel where it's held into place. I considered removing the bezel and mounting it underneath the lens for a more permanent installation, but I'm concerned that the heat from the LED might cause it to warp and wrinkle.

It's not quite high CRI, but it's better than it was. The most notable difference is that things that are brown now look brown instead of grey.

 

[SuperTrouper]

I cut it to fit on the outside of the lens, just under the bezel where it's held into place. I considered removing the bezel and mounting it underneath the lens for a more permanent installation, but I'm concerned that the heat from the LED might cause it to warp and wrinkle.

How do these filters stay in place? Are they adhesive or do you have to stick them on somehow?

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

No adhesive. I just cut it carefully to size and stuck it on the front where just enough of it goes under the top O-ring to hold it in place.

 

[Skylumen]

Hello All!

I have been collecting and modding flashlights for a while now. I have heard a lot about HDS and I just cant imagine how good can it be and why it is so darn expensive. Anyhow, I just ordered a roatry. Cant wait to see if it lives up to the reputation.

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

Tonight I changed the battery in my Rotary, and after I screwed it back together, the light turned on for seven seconds indicating a soft reset (not unusual), but then it started randomly blinking and ignored all inputs from either the button or the dial. I removed the head, let it sit for several seconds, but same thing again with the random blinking (at least it seemed random; maybe there was a pattern?). I removed the head again and examined it and noticed that a fair amount of lubricant was sitting on the contact ring inside the head on the circuit board, so I cleaned it off with a q-tip then reassembled the light which operated normally after that.

What in the world was going on? Was it really just dirty contacts?

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

double post

 

[PoliceScannerMan]

What in the world was going on? Was it really just dirty contacts?

if it fixed the problem, I would say yes. I've had all kinds of lights act funny, after a good cleaning they went back to normal.

 

[TyJo]

Tonight I changed the battery in my Rotary, and after I screwed it back together, the light turned on for seven seconds indicating a soft reset (not unusual), but then it started randomly blinking and ignored all inputs from either the button or the dial. I removed the head, let it sit for several seconds, but same thing again with the random blinking (at least it seemed random; maybe there was a pattern?). I removed the head again and examined it and noticed that a fair amount of lubricant was sitting on the contact ring inside the head on the circuit board, so I cleaned it off with a q-tip then reassembled the light which operated normally after that.

What in the world was going on? Was it really just dirty contacts?

I think that could be the firmware code. On the older lights if you did a factory reset and didn't let the button go (held it down after the reset was complete), the light would go into a flashy sequence indicating the firmware code. On the rotary, this process will still produce a flashy code like you have described, but I'm not sure if it indicates the firmware code.

I have gotten this sequence once or twice when changing batteries and I am not sure how I did it. I tried to replicate it and I could not. Did you have customization enabled? Since I have disabled programming months ago I don't think I have encountered the flashy sequence when changing batteries.
EDIT: It could be that the lubricant was interfering with the signal wire/threads? There should be two separate paths of current and maybe they got crossed and that is the error sequence?

 

[mrlysle]

Tonight I changed the battery in my Rotary, and after I screwed it back together, the light turned on for seven seconds indicating a soft reset (not unusual), but then it started randomly blinking and ignored all inputs from either the button or the dial. I removed the head, let it sit for several seconds, but same thing again with the random blinking (at least it seemed random; maybe there was a pattern?). I removed the head again and examined it and noticed that a fair amount of lubricant was sitting on the contact ring inside the head on the circuit board, so I cleaned it off with a q-tip then reassembled the light which operated normally after that.

What in the world was going on? Was it really just dirty contacts?

Mine will do that occasionally, also. Timing seems to be critical. And if you start to screw the head back on, and the threads aren't just right, and you back it off and try again for instance, and contact is broken, even for a split second, the reset doesn't work, and the light gets confused as to what your putting in it, and does the blinky thing. When mine does, I take it back apart, wait a full minute, get the threads lined up without the battery in it, so I know it'll go first time, then slip the battery back in and start screwing it together with no hesitation. Works correctly then every time. FWIW.

 

[Hiro Protagonist]

I call mine "ice blue" as it has three blue trits installed around the battery tube . . . go Dremmel tool!

I love ice blue. . . and, the tint in NO LONGER BLUE!!!! Nice neutral tint. Ice Blue is my go to light for around the house duties. Perfect.

Pics of the trits and the business end of "ice blue" please!

 

[chanjyj]

Woot! My first Ra / HDS light arrived today! Used 140GT w/ AlTiN Ti bezel. Now I can finally understand what all the fuss is about. The light feels great in my hand and the clicky interface is pretty cool but I've got a feeling that there'll be a rotary in my future.

Ah. So the bezel is still the old one?

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

I have gotten this sequence once or twice when changing batteries and I am not sure how I did it. I tried to replicate it and I could not. Did you have customization enabled?

Actually I did. I just disabled it, so we'll so how it goes for future battery changes.

 

[the.Mtn.Man]

Ah. So the bezel is still the old one?

My Rotary has the new "HDS Systems" branding and no website address. Just the company name and serial number.

But now that I look at the picture above, that light is also sporting the mounting holes for the clip, so it looks like an older model. Old bezels won't mate with the newer bodies with the square threads.

 

[rickdarris2004]

Just took the plunge and ordered my first HDS Clicky Executive 200. Sat and thought on it for awhile, and then read through this thread and it pretty much convinced me. I will make sure to give my thoughts when it comes in!

 

[TyJo]

Just took the plunge and ordered my first HDS Clicky Executive 200. Sat and thought on it for awhile, and then read through this thread and it pretty much convinced me. I will make sure to give my thoughts when it comes in!

Excellent choice and welcome to CPF!

 

[rickdarris2004]

Excellent choice and welcome to CPF!

Thanks for the welcome! I have been carrying a PD10 for awhile and needed a bigger step up. This thread was really helpful!

 

[Phil40000]

I would like to use the immense knowledge of these particular HDS lights and ask a question if I may.

Which of these lights in particular (tactical? rotary? 170?, 200?) provides the most throw?) I seem to remember reading that the 170 tactical had the best throw due to a different reflector on the 200 lumen model but can't be sure.

Many thanks,

Philip

 

[mrlysle]

The 170t with the GDP emitter has a slightly tighter beam and probably throws the best.

 

[Phil40000]

Thanks Jeff, that is good news as i just bought the 170 tactical EDC light.

 

[bansuri]

Problem with my EDC Basic 60: Whenever I use it instead of the Rotary I keep trying to adjust the output by spinning the tailcap!

​