Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
Your point is well taken, but the success of the HDS should put to rest any fears of a programmable flashlight being unreasonably susceptible to failure.
Malkoff Devices--User Programmable Flashlight
- Thread starter Modernflame
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Your point is well taken, but the success of the HDS should put to rest any fears of a programmable flashlight being unreasonably susceptible to failure.
InvisibleFrodo
Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2014
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- 963
Malkoff and HDS are sort of apples and oranges... There are several seemingly small, but very important differences between a Malkoff and an HDS.
One really big distinction is the use of the McClicky forward clicky switch in the Malkoff while HDS uses a non user replaceable switch that is a reverse clicky. The end result is quite a different user interface even if you don't care about the programmability.
peter yetman
Flashlight Enthusiast
Never mind.
P
P
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thermal guy
Flashaholic
Big HDS fan here always will be. But imo malkoff lights are pretty straight forward. Meaning and I could be wrong here there is not much to them. A potted led module a tube and a switch.all very robust and proven. This is what I love so much about them hds lights are WAY more involved and complex. There is just way more to go wrong. And can't help to think that all the HUGE delivery problems hds has had at one time or another are due to this. Again imo
archimedes
Flashaholic
Big fan of both HDS and Malkoff ... but have had way more glitches with my HDS torches than my Malkoffs.
An intriguing idea (to me at least) would be the ability to order a light programmed the way you want. No user programability, and simplicity is retained. Imagine being able to buy an MDC for example, and specify 1, 2, or 3 output levels, and define what you wanted them to be. Want a single mode 25 lumen light? Want a 2-mode light with a moonlight mode and a super high mode? Why not let the customer order whatever he wants, and program the driver to deliver it?
marinemaster
Flashlight Enthusiast
HDS lost me at about $250 cheapest light they make...
For that money it should come with a FREE 18650 tube.
In addition I am not going to waste my money on arrogant HDS dealers.
When something is that expensive the dealers that represent HDS should be carefully chosen.
And no, I am not buying the HDS maker has no control over the HDS dealers.
For that money it should come with a FREE 18650 tube.
In addition I am not going to waste my money on arrogant HDS dealers.
When something is that expensive the dealers that represent HDS should be carefully chosen.
And no, I am not buying the HDS maker has no control over the HDS dealers.
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Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
Hmmm...As a Malkoff junkie and a prospective HDS customer, that's something to consider. No matter what happens, whether Malkoff creates this new thing or not, my high/low rings and my drop ins won't be going anywhere.
When I first read this thread I had not considered anything beyond light interfaces changing by a series of half press n hold like the "ten tap" system. And if Gene does that sort of thing I'm on board. I've had zero issues with a host of different companies using that approach.
If he ends doing something my laptop has to play a part in, that to me would be a step backwards. Like a trip back in time to the HexBright days or something.
I like what glimmer said in post 106.
If he ends doing something my laptop has to play a part in, that to me would be a step backwards. Like a trip back in time to the HexBright days or something.
I like what glimmer said in post 106.
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I like programmable lights, but I'm less and less willing to shell out for lights that use PWM. If this hypothetical programmable light uses the same PWM as the MDC, then I'm not interested. I notice the PWM used by my MDC every time I use the lower outputs for any length of time. Every time. Every. Single. Time. I tolerate it because I like almost everything else about the MDC, but I wish it were better (either enough higher frequency that I no longer notice it or a switch to current control of the LED).
--flatline
--flatline
INFRNL
Flashlight Enthusiast
I am not exactly sure how to respond to this, but i will say this... after I say, how did this become a Malkoff/HDS systems thread...hahaha
ok... A malkoff device is a straight forward device and will cost around _$100ish- $150ish MDC/MD2 M61. Straight forward and simple. Great design, durable, fairly good finish quality. A programmable Malkoff will most likely be more expensive if it ever comes to reality. 1-3 modes of output, currently
HDS systems is an entirely different class. Malkoff is like a Spyderco, HDS is like a Chris Reeves. There is a lot involved in a HDS and battery tubes are not just tubes like Malkoff. there are electronics in both the head and tail on an HDS.
Sure HDS is a bit more expensive but look at what you are getting for the price difference. Look at the whole picture and you will see that the price is not all that bad.
Possibly a more rugged light (subjective)
Higher tolerances in design/build quality
Better quality in fit/finish
user programmable with several additional features
24 modes of output easily accessible
Can be programmed to work as a Rotary and clicky
Light is actually calibrated and more efficient
I'm sure there is more to say but i will leave it here. A HDS Rotary can replace all Malkoff lights 350+ lm range into 1 single light (will keep up with an M61/MDC16650. I have many Malkoff lights which cost several hundreds to thousands of dollars; where i only need 1 HDS rotary to replace most of the Malkoffs i own. So HDS is not over priced and as good if not better than lights of higher output.
Most people do not look at all the details and complete picture and only focus on price. yes $250+ seems like a lot for 1 light, but you are getting many lights in one that is stupid simple to use, just as the Malkoffs. Malkoff and HDS are my 2 favorite brands and i will continue to support both.
Not sure where you are having issues with HDS dealers, I buy direct From Henry as i do from Gene, or i buy in the marketplace here and that is it for me. Both companies also have a great support system here which is a plus for me, but i will give credit to Malkoff for having the best customer service hands down.
I on the other hand have had more issues with Malkoff and none so far with HDS systems. I have told you this before, but You need to at least try one out, even if you buy from the marketplace (which is where i recommend to start)
I am always in for checking out new products from Gene, we will see what he brings this year
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Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Malkoff Devices--Ramping UI
I had a wonderful chat with Gene last week and he gave me permission to share some details about this project. His experiments with user programmable drivers yielded some fruit, but the user interface was too complicated. Gene prefers to make simple flashlights, so he's settled on a different idea.
Instead of programming the mode sequence with a series of clicks, it will having a ramping UI. You can choose one of two tracks:
1) The light comes on in moonlight mode, then with a double click and hold you can ramp up to your desired level. Or,
2) The light comes on in high mode, the with a double click and hold you can ramp down to your desired level.
Personally, I find this much more interesting than what we'd previously discussed when I started this thread. True to form, I forgot to ask about max output or the dreaded hush word.
Still no release date, but I have the impression it will happen in 2018.
What do you guys think?!
Instead of programming the mode sequence with a series of clicks, it will having a ramping UI. You can choose one of two tracks:
1) The light comes on in moonlight mode, then with a double click and hold you can ramp up to your desired level. Or,
2) The light comes on in high mode, the with a double click and hold you can ramp down to your desired level.
Personally, I find this much more interesting than what we'd previously discussed when I started this thread. True to form, I forgot to ask about max output or the dreaded hush word.
Still no release date, but I have the impression it will happen in 2018.
What do you guys think?!
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Jose Marin
Enlightened
Re: Malkoff Devices--Ramping UI
I hope it will have an option to turn memory off/on and hybrid. I prefer no memory but this way it overs everybody. Yeah modernflame that reminds of the crescendo firmware what youre describing. Would work nice in this type of light
I hope it will have an option to turn memory off/on and hybrid. I prefer no memory but this way it overs everybody. Yeah modernflame that reminds of the crescendo firmware what youre describing. Would work nice in this type of light
Modernflame
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Malkoff Devices--Ramping UI
I'm not sure about this detail. I don't remember him mentioning a mode memory, but I certainly don't claim to speak for Mr. Malkoff. I had a list of questions going into the phone call, but he's a great conversationalist and we migrated a bit from topic to topic. Forgot to ask.
I'm not sure about this detail. I don't remember him mentioning a mode memory, but I certainly don't claim to speak for Mr. Malkoff. I had a list of questions going into the phone call, but he's a great conversationalist and we migrated a bit from topic to topic. Forgot to ask.
Re: Malkoff Devices--Ramping UI
Sounds like a nice idea. Simple is good. Can't wait to see the end result!
Sounds like a nice idea. Simple is good. Can't wait to see the end result!
Re: Malkoff Devices--Ramping UI
Double click and hold sounds like maybe an electronic switch? How could that be?
The Crescendo with a reverse clicky uses a single click from off, then half press to stop at the desired ascending level. Two half presses ramps the intensity down, with a half press to stop ramping.
Thinking the only mode memory maybe either starts on high or starts on low.
The Emisar user interface is more efficient but needs an electronic switch.
We need more details, please. Respect to Malkoff
Double click and hold sounds like maybe an electronic switch? How could that be?
The Crescendo with a reverse clicky uses a single click from off, then half press to stop at the desired ascending level. Two half presses ramps the intensity down, with a half press to stop ramping.
Thinking the only mode memory maybe either starts on high or starts on low.
The Emisar user interface is more efficient but needs an electronic switch.
We need more details, please. Respect to Malkoff
Re: Malkoff Devices--Ramping UI
I think this UI is very interesting.
if possible I would change only a few things.
from off: long press turns on the flashlight in moonlight mode. long press gradually increases the power of the flashlight. when releasing the button the lantern stops to increase the power and stays in that power.
from the off: double click turns on the flashlight in maximum mode.
(long press decreases gradually the power of the flashlight. when releasing the button the flashlight stops to decrease the power and records this power) this functionality does not have to exist, but it would be an extra.
from the off: a single click starts the flashlight in the last mode / power used.
What do you mean, "having to choose between two tracks"?
would it be something similar to the streamlight's tentap system?
would it be something similar to the products we have today? (lmh head, sho head, etc)
what I do not like is having to choose between a flashlight model that starts in moonlight and another one that starts in high mode.
it is much, much better to have these two features in one flashlight without having to buy a FMO head (First Moonlight Output) and another FHO head (First High Output).
I think this UI is very interesting.
if possible I would change only a few things.
from off: long press turns on the flashlight in moonlight mode. long press gradually increases the power of the flashlight. when releasing the button the lantern stops to increase the power and stays in that power.
from the off: double click turns on the flashlight in maximum mode.
(long press decreases gradually the power of the flashlight. when releasing the button the flashlight stops to decrease the power and records this power) this functionality does not have to exist, but it would be an extra.
from the off: a single click starts the flashlight in the last mode / power used.
What do you mean, "having to choose between two tracks"?
would it be something similar to the streamlight's tentap system?
would it be something similar to the products we have today? (lmh head, sho head, etc)
what I do not like is having to choose between a flashlight model that starts in moonlight and another one that starts in high mode.
it is much, much better to have these two features in one flashlight without having to buy a FMO head (First Moonlight Output) and another FHO head (First High Output).
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Cobraman502
Enlightened
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2015
- Messages
- 367
So you want the crescendo UI that's in the Emisar d4. I find this UI very nice. You could us this UI in a tail click light, just needs to be reverse clickly to work without an electronic switch.
perfect!
