500 Lumen - AAA Flashlight (photos) - Work In Progress - Part 2

[DBCstm]

After completing a long read about an hour ago on the logistics of LED lights, that .04, 1, 25, 500 makes a lot of sense. Big easily identifiable steps with a broad spread between the lowest and highest.

I have to agree with GL, Titanium end caps and a carbon fiber tube with pure white light...no tint whatsoever. I'm a happy man!

Edit: Being as how the ultra lows are fairly useless to me, 5, 25, 150, 500 might be more appropro. But then, like the man says, programmable sets for the discerning flashaholic would have us all walking around with shi#-eating grins on our faces!

 

[the_guy_with_no_name]

Working away on the subscriber update...
Perhaps far too much to cover but planning to reveal all the important details of course.
There are a few spec adjustments (compared to the original specs) but I think they are acceptable and I didn't want to hold things back.

Awaiting final timing confirmations and then planning to send out a mail.
1st purchase window will be, as mentioned to people who posted here to the effect of "I'm in for the X run".
No panic needed, as I will hold a place for a week.

After confirming the numbers, I will start a 2nd purchase window (ideally for people who have posted at least once either here or in Part 1 any time before the 2nd window starts).
I'm hoping for feedback so whilst its not a guarantee, or 100% bullet proof, at least one post lets me know that you can post a second with feedback. I hope that's understandable.

Then if there are any left, I hope to have a few for general purchase.

I'm going to do my best to scare you all with the update in terms of spec and to highlight that the Torpedo X is still a "beta" experimental version.

Planning to finalize pricing/options by today also....

Hi guy,

quick question. When the production units are available can I order several or are you going to limit how many can be ordered? Thank you

Hi sweet17,
Thanks for the question.
No limits! I'm seriously considering using something like indiegogo for the final production version so I can find the world's #1 circuit design/manufacturing team and get this baby completed perfectly.

I think the only real limit is how fast they come out of the shop and some of the more exotic materials.

Thanks Cataract,
Exotic Torpedo's.... :thumbsup:

I'm pretty unreasonably excited right now. This is pretty much the only light on my "buy" radar right now!

Thanks SL1,
just as excited to have you on board!

You know, that reminds me. Guy, I'd like to see you make something infinitely variable that could pump out 4-6000 Lms. In fact, I'd like a series of lights from Torpedo size to 2 stacked coke can sized, all infinitely variable, all getting the most out of their size in terms of lumens. The only thing I'd change about your Torpedo is to have it infinitely variable.

Hi RCantor,
Thanks for the suggestion.
Sounds like quite an undertaking.
I have a broad project outline that is modular and might fit the bill but its still somewhere in the future perhaps.

As for an IV Torpedo, of course in theory its possible, perhaps an upgrade for the future if there is enough demand.

Personally I don't like using infinitely variable lights as I'm always messing with the control ring. I prefer correctly sized steps. I like a factor of 5 from 1 level to the next.

For example start at 0.04 lumens, then 0.2, 1, 5, 25, 100, 500, 2'500 and maybe 10'000

That would be my perfect UI. With the option to disable any levels you don't want by programming it. Maybe I'd want to get rid of every second level so I have 4 levels, 0.04, 1, 25, 500.

I like the Zebralight UI on the SC52 and SC6330 I have. Very quick access to 6 levels between 0.01 and 500 for the SC52 and 0.09 to 2700 for the SC6330. You can get to any of those from anywhere in about 1 second once you're very familiar with it

Hi Steven,

Thanks so much for the feedback.
Levels, mode choices, UI....
I had quite a lot of different requests on the actual numbers.

The trick was finding a balance where the multiples (steps) work with the different battery chemistries and of course as close as possible to a preference that is practical and pleasing.
I'm not sure if the X mode spacing will be perfect just yet, but enough to give you a feel for the final version.

Definitely seems to be polar in regards to people either preferring IV or not.
Of course, there is no right or wrong, rather just preference

Still in "X"perimental mode. The production version probably will be a refined mirror of the "X".
I do see some of these ideas making into future releases. :thumbsup:

Thanks GL,

A refined mirror, perhaps even redefined mirror

This is exactly the problem. 3 of your 4 lowest must have levels are useless to me and I need much finer control between 100 and 500. With infinitely variable, everyone gets exactly what they need. A few years with a therapist should cure your OCD

And yes, I'm talking about a future series of lights, not changes to the poor Torpedo.

Hi RCantor,

Again, preferences are personal of course and vary greatly depending on intended purpose (or not).
I sure don't think its an OCD thing as I know an OCD'er who loves IV lights.

I know you totally meant the OCD thing in fun, though if I may, allow me to humbly suggest erring on the side of harmony in posts is a good thing in a global forum where comments can sometimes be easily misinterpreted
I should mention that since the unicorn returned from therapy, his horn glows in smooth variable steps some days and in sequenced jumps on others.

After completing a long read about an hour ago on the logistics of LED lights, that .04, 1, 25, 500 makes a lot of sense. Big easily identifiable steps with a broad spread between the lowest and highest.

I have to agree with GL, Titanium end caps and a carbon fiber tube with pure white light...no tint whatsoever. I'm a happy man!

Edit: Being as how the ultra lows are fairly useless to me, 5, 25, 150, 500 might be more appropro. But then, like the man says, programmable sets for the discerning flashaholic would have us all walking around with shi#-eating grins on our faces!

Thanks Dale,
The programming part of course would be awesome if it could fit inside.

Tgwnn

 

[NowIC]

Guy - it's always such a pleasure to read your posts. Your awesome products attracted me here, but it's the pleasant and interesting attitude you foster in your threads that keeps me checking in regularly. You have the markings of a great leader and if I can be so presumptuous as to think I am worthy, I would be proud to consider myself part of the tribe. Probably have to clean up unicorn poop or something like that in order to be formally indoctrinated though

 

[stevenkelby]

Well said

We're all anxiously waiting by our in-boxes for the email from Guy

 

[the_guy_with_no_name]

Guy - it's always such a pleasure to read your posts. Your awesome products attracted me here, but it's the pleasant and interesting attitude you foster in your threads that keeps me checking in regularly. You have the markings of a great leader and if I can be so presumptuous as to think I am worthy, I would be proud to consider myself part of the tribe. Probably have to clean up unicorn poop or something like that in order to be formally indoctrinated though

Hi NowIC,

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated :bow:
Of course you are worthy, the only test is if you can recite the mantra to protect you when family members come chasing you for buying too many flashlights.....
"I only have two hands"

Well said

We're all anxiously waiting by our in-boxes for the email from Guy

Thanks Steven,

I'm well into the update but I may be bordering (or going well beyond) sunrise to get some photos and all the formatting done.
Enjoying the process...

I did get some hard dates from the workshop though.

Expecting the first 10 to land about the 15th Sep, and assuming all is good, the rest will follow scheduled to arrive on the 25th.
One or two days to inspect the first batch and give a thumbs up, and if all is well, they will be the first "9" Torpedo X's to ship

Some last minute adjustments to specs were made,
and of course I couldn't help myself on getting a little crazy on planning out "The Torpedo X Experience".
It very much reminds me of the excitement and frenzy with the first batch of HF's that were shipped, with people stalking their postal workers, setting up hidden monitoring cameras, and more.....

Still have to remind everybody that the X is still a "beta" version, and though its quite stable, there are some minor UI "known issues" that differ from my intended spec.

Tgwnn

 

[Cataract]

You know, that reminds me. Guy, I'd like to see you make something infinitely variable that could pump out 4-6000 Lms. In fact, I'd like a series of lights from Torpedo size to 2 stacked coke can sized, all infinitely variable, all getting the most out of their size in terms of lumens. The only thing I'd change about your Torpedo is to have it infinitely variable.

:thinking: infinitely variable should be extremely easy to achieve with the HF... potentiometers are everywhere... Guy?

...
PS: Catract why so many branches in the tunnel? I got lost after the coke machine. Maybe some tyvek printed unicorn P resistant signs ???

The straight tunnel goes from near my place to near Guy. If you keep North to your back, the center one goes to Dale's place because we had to much rain and Texas was suffering and the leftmost branch to Australia simply because it's the exact opposite side of the planet for me and I always wanted to go there

Okay, there was a Unidroppings incident and the machinery just kept digging, so I pointed it in the furthest direction I could. It should be coming through anyday now.)

Tyvek sings in place, but you might have to rinse some dirt off now and then to see what's printed on them.

...
Thanks Cataract,
Exotic Torpedo's.... :thumbsup:
...

Still expecting a brass with titanium ring

Guy - it's always such a pleasure to read your posts. Your awesome products attracted me here, but it's the pleasant and interesting attitude you foster in your threads that keeps me checking in regularly. You have the markings of a great leader and if I can be so presumptuous as to think I am worthy, I would be proud to consider myself part of the tribe. Probably have to clean up unicorn poop or something like that in order to be formally indoctrinated though

*thoring a shovel towards NowIC*

Here, follow me. You won't need your shoes where we're going...

...
It very much reminds me of the excitement and frenzy with the first batch of HF's that were shipped, with people stalking their postal workers, setting up hidden monitoring cameras, and more.....

...
Tgwnn

I showed the postman what to feed Uni. He likes coming over now , althought the Unicorn drool tneds to mix all the ltters isnde the envelopes, but his bag is water proof, so very little harm done.

 

[climberkid]

I'm happier to take a product in process that we have time to fix before main release. Other wise is too late!
I tend to destroy electronic products and expose even the smallest weaknesses... something having to do with my electromagnetic energy or something. My wife doesn't let me touch her phone or drive her car because I always find something wrong.

 

[stevenkelby]

Thanks for the update Guy, we're enjoying the process too

Get some sleep if you can, we can wait longer.

Best regards,

Steve.

 

[DBCstm]

And you were wanting to play with my Poker?

 

[climberkid]

Aww crap. You caught me Dale. I should never have revealed my weakness.

 

[nbp]

Edit: NM...

 

[Got Lumens?]

:thinking: infinitely variable should be extremely easy to achieve with the HF... potentiometers are everywhere... Guy?



The straight tunnel goes from near my place to near Guy. If you keep North to your back, the center one goes to Dale's place because we had to much rain and Texas was suffering and the leftmost branch to Australia simply because it's the exact opposite side of the planet for me and I always wanted to go there

Okay, there was a Unidroppings incident and the machinery just kept digging, so I pointed it in the furthest direction I could. It should be coming through anyday now.)

Tyvek sings in place, but you might have to rinse some dirt off now and then to see what's printed on them.
...

I showed the postman what to feed Uni. He likes coming over now , althought the Unicorn drool tneds to mix all the ltters isnde the envelopes, but his bag is water proof, so very little harm done.

IV should be named the Torpedo Elitist

This straightness requires much more than branches. Somehow, someway one must be able to stop free fall and turn :thinking:
The solution can only be seperate tunnel entrances before free fall happens. Thinking in reverse what happens when one returns . . .
Does one bounce off the sides of the tunnel before the branches? There's gotta be a landing zone within the primary tunnel to prevent this bouncing effect and stop gradually to exit via the primary entrance without widening and ruining all your dediated work so far

Working away on the subscriber update...

Hi sweet17,
Thanks for the question.
No limits! I'm seriously considering using something like indiegogo for the final production version so I can find the world's #1 circuit design/manufacturing team and get this baby completed perfectly.

As for an IV Torpedo, of course in theory its possible, perhaps an upgrade for the future if there is enough demand.

Thanks GL,

A refined mirror, perhaps even redefined mirror

I should mention that since the unicorn returned from therapy, his horn glows in smooth variable steps some days and in sequenced jumps on others.


Thanks Dale,
The programming part of course would be awesome if it could fit inside.

Tgwnn

Guy :thumbsup: on the update.


Sourcing a leading manufacturer is prebuilt within you genes. I have all the confidence and faith you will do what is best. IV should be considered. There are so many uses and applications for the Torpedo that it could appeal and include more Torpedo owners than just fixed. Personally I would love to see the implement of emitter choices down the road. NW, WW, HCRI, UV. Programability would also add more to the fixed version or a hybird of both fixed and IV. I have no doubt material choices will probably come soon after the final release.

Guy should consider adding strobe to one of the offshouts to open up the tactical market. The inplemintatin of the momentary Hi accesory for the HF's was just the first step, or tow test for testing the waters.


Your Welcome kind sir. Redefined is AOK in my book.


The Uni is your karum guide. He likes both, and is comfortable to be in company of such an understanding one as you. Take good care of Uni, Catract has only allowed a choosen few to see him.

Take all the time necessary to evaluate the implimentation of programming. It would be totally awesome if it happens. I hope that everyone understands there maybe a delay in this happening, if it does. The good news is that Guy probably has many more other great flashlight ideas to release in the interum if it does.

Note: Please don't stalk your postal worker. Instead, tear open the package in front of them so they can drool with wonder You could possibly be creating a convert to flashaholism .

GL

 

[the_guy_with_no_name]

Thank you all for your patience.
Update is mostly done, mainly just some photo's and editing.

I am however waiting on some final checklists to come back from the workshop before I can pull the trigger,
and there is one possible final adjustment I'm having them verify (which could potentially delay completion by a maximum of 15 days but not more) and I want to ensure the schedule is rock solid before the buzz starts.

I'm expecting the final word on the timing by this time tomorrow though I may be able to send the update out before that, just hold off on orders until its confirmed.
All that aside, this is the most thorough and detailed pre-completion checklist to date so I'm feeling quite good about things going smoothly.

:thinking: infinitely variable should be extremely easy to achieve with the HF... potentiometers are everywhere... Guy?

Hi Cataract,
Yes, of course.
I've explored POTs but did not find anything small enough with the right range.
Definitely preferable to QTC IMHO.

I'm happier to take a product in process that we have time to fix before main release. Other wise is too late!
I tend to destroy electronic products and expose even the smallest weaknesses... something having to do with my electromagnetic energy or something. My wife doesn't let me touch her phone or drive her car because I always find something wrong.

Thanks Alex,
Especially on the "we" part.
How fortunate I am to have "we" meaning all of everywe here.

Thanks for the update Guy, we're enjoying the process too

Get some sleep if you can, we can wait longer.

Best regards,

Steve.

Hi Steve,

Thanks on the we too. I pushed hard but caught myself falling asleep....
Almost, almost there now.

Guy :thumbsup: on the update.
GL

Thanks GL,

Of course, a pleasure.

Just a couple of inches to go, pushing a seemingly huge freight train so lots of concentration required with every inch and whilst its certainly moving, it can be a little difficult to notice some days, but nonetheless its most definitely moving....

Tgwnn

 

[Tixx]

Question: is max still 500lm? Just figured since the emitter changed a few times, that may have changed as well. Thanks!

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

 

[NowIC]

Hi NowIC,

Thanks for the kind words, much appreciated :bow:
Of course you are worthy, the only test is if you can recite the mantra to protect you when family members come chasing you for buying too many flashlights.....
"I only have two hands"



Tgwnn

Guy - I only have two hands ... I'm ready!

 

[NowIC]

*thoring a shovel towards NowIC*

Here, follow me. You won't need your shoes where we're going...

I'm right behind you! But there's something strange about this shovel...

 

[climberkid]

I'm right behind you! But there's something strange about this shovel...

If you look closely its made of copper HFs. But be careful, I don't know the last time GL charged the Nukes in it...

 

[recDNA]

Are these going to be sold or are they already spoken for?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

 

[climberkid]

Are these going to be sold or are they already spoken for?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

The preliminary "X" run is being finalized right now. TGWNN is preparing a handful for those who have been active in the threads and expressed interest in helping with working out the bugs.
When that feedback is received he will make the necessary changes and have a mass amount made for normal sales.
Any more questions, just ask!

 

[the_guy_with_no_name]

A quick status report...
I'm about 85% of the way with the subscriber update.
There are still a ton of other things I need to prepare (like a Torpedo X pre-order page on my website) though I'm planning to send the update out first, then tackle the pre-order page.

Its looking like a 50/50 chance of getting it out before sunrise but no panic required as there will be a buffer of time between the update and being able to pre-order.

Question: is max still 500lm? Just figured since the emitter changed a few times, that may have changed as well. Thanks!

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 2

Hi Tixx,

That is a very good question!
The answer is for the production version, yes though I hope we might be able to exceed it.
For the X version there are some changes to output on different modes but as we are not too far away from the update,
kindly stay tuned and all will be revealed :bow:

Guy - I only have two hands ... I'm ready!

Initiation complete :twothumbs

Are these going to be sold or are they already spoken for?

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

Hi recDNA,
Thanks for the question.
The majority are likely spoken for but there's a possibility I'll have some available for general purchase in the latter part of next month.

Tgwnn