"Introducing "Draco" [Accepting Deposit].

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modamag

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Introducing Draco - The "innie winnie little" light that breath out fire.
... well at least the thought :nana:

viewiso5rh.jpg


viewrear7ko.jpg


viewfront1mv.jpg

Image scale are:
2.92:1 on 800:600 resolution monitor
2.29:1 on 1024:768 resolution monitor
1.82:1 on 1280:1024 resolution monitor
1.44:1 on 1600:1200 resolution monitor

This project has been on-again, off-again since my last birthday. There are so many beautiful and bright limited production LEDs light out there but none of them are quite small enough. The one that I want is ... well unobtainium.

So here it is month after month after month and still nothing small enough for my ever growing bulk of a keychain. (which includes 3x cars, 2x houses, and a bunch of bedrooms.)

The CAD designs have been designed and re-designed as material sourcing evolved. Right now it's sitting on rev #5. The project is far from complete, but as of right now I'm running low on steam and inspiration :sick: Hopefully this post will generate some energy and propell the project towards completion!

=== Light Specification ===
Light Body: Titanium 6AL-4V | Aluminum AA6061
Thermal Management: Integrated E-Can & LED base
Len: Optical Grade Saphire
Reflector: Custom 11mm reflector (McR-11)
Light Source: Premium S@@O@ emitter
Power Source: 10280 Li-Ion
Electronic converter:
· [1]Constant Current Regulation (Hi/Lo)
· [2]PWM Control (Low/Usr/Burst)
Dimension:
· 43mm L x 13mm OD * Non Lanyard version (not available!)
· 47mm L x 13mm OD * Lanyard version
· 56mm L x 21mm max OD * Turbo Head
Weight:
· ~ 12 grams (0.424 oz) * Titanium version
· ~ 7 grams (0.246 oz) * Aluminum version
Runtime:
· ~ burst setting = 15 minutes
· ~ low setting (40mA) = 4.0 hours
Miscellaneous:
· Water proof, custom o-ring protection at all junctions
Possible Options:
· 21mm Turbo Head utilizing McR-18 & 2mm Saphire Lens
· Mineral glass len (suggested by idleprocess)
· Premium LuxIII U@0@
· TiN/TiCN coating (suggested by Icebreak)

=== Pricing ===
=== Aluminum 6061-T6 (Nickel Electroless plating) ===
Draco (complete light) ... $130
Turbo head... $50
Extended Battery Pack (AAA) ... <$30

=== Titanium 6AL-4V (TiN / TiCN coating) ===
Draco (complete light) ... $240
Turbo head... $100
Extended Battery Pack (AAA) ... <$80

=== Goals ===
Here are some goals that I had for making this light.
· Smallest and shortest production light series
· Usable amount of brightness with intended illumination range of < 8' (2.5 meters) for the standard head.
· Durability, keychains are dropped, dip, scratch, and thrown everywhere so will the poor light so it need to be able to stand the harsh physical and chemical abuse.
· Affordability, yes we can make a "perfect" EDC but if it's only for Bill Gates then it's useless. EDC is for "Every dude carries".
· Finally most important of all (to me) ... sex appeal ... if the light does not look nice it should be at your side.


=== FAQ ===
Why Saphire Lens?
- Saphire is the 2nd hardest (behind diamond) natural substance so scratch resistance. Thermally & chemically resistance.

Why don't you specify the full bin code?
- Currently I'm targeting TY0H but if in 3 months better stuff such as UY0H might be available then it'll change. :naughty:

What's the difference between S-bin Luxeon I and U-bin Luxeon III?
- LuxI will generally be noticibly brighter than the LuxIII
- LuxI will also maintain a closer tint to the spec due to the drive level.
- LuxIII will be "underdriven" so it's lifespan will be better.
- LuxIII also have better thermal management which is important in such a small light.

Why bother with TiN or TiCN coating while titanium is already hard and corrosion resistant?
- Although Ti have great corrosion resistance but when it comes to halides (chlorides and fluorides) it doesn't do so well. I want this to go thru a standard wash/dry cycle w/o any problem.
- Titanium on titanium threads tend to gall (stick) so the coating will make it better.
- Galvanic corrosion due to Ti / Cu junction (negative contact) will be reduced.
- Electrical conductivity significantly increased from 40 m?·cm -> 25 µ?·cm
- TiN got a beautiful gold color while TiCN is greyish for the camouflage military look.
- It all boils down to PERSONAL COLOR PREFERENCE because these coating are well OVER-DESIGNED for flashlight usage.

How do you estimate the runtime number?
Estimated runtime is calculated as follows.
Battery capacity = 3.7V * 180mA = 666 mWh
J-Vf Power Consumption = 3.1V * 40mA = 124 mWh
H-Vf Power Consumption = 3.0V * 40mA = 120 mWh
Converter efficiency ~90-95% so let's take 90% worse case scenario.

J-Vf runtime = ( 666 / 124 ) * 0.9 (efficiency) * 60 (converts to minutes) = 290 minutes
H-Vf runtime = ( 666 / 120 ) * 0.9 (efficiency) * 60 (converts to minutes) = 300 minutes


With all that said, I'm up for any suggestions and recommendations. :thanks:

Please post your interest on this thread just in case this comes to fruition.
If you want a specific serial number indicate that too just in case serial engraving occurs.
 
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modamag

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

=== Production Status ===
Light body Aluminum AA6061 - completed
Ti AAA Extension & Turbo Head - completed
Electro & Hand Polishing - completed
Chrome plating - completed
Laser Engraving - completed

Light body Titanium 6AL-4V - received
Ti AAA Extension & Turbo Head - completed
Electro & Hand Polishing - completed
TiN & TiCN coating - completed
Laser Engraving - received

Saphire Lens - received
McR-11 Reflector - received
Luxeon emitters - received
Electronic converters - received
Custom Orings - received

=== Update Post ===
1. CroMagnet teaser prototype pics 1, 2, 3, 4
2. Beam shots @ 3', 6', 14'
3. Pre-Production tuning
4. Prelimimary Pricing Schedule Released
5. Finalized Pricing Schedule Released
6. Submersible, hi/low beam shot
7. Aluminum Chrome plating announcement
8. Deposit/Payment thread.
 
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DFiorentino

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

Nothing much to add just yet, but you have my interest in one. I like the turbo head feature. Adds some versatility to the light. I'll take #1 or #5 serial numbers if it goes into production :grin2: .

:goodjob:

-DF

Oh, and just to add my interest lies in Ti w/turbo head. :grin2:
 
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flashlight

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

I just looked at my ruler & dang that's going to be small if it ever comes to be. *Subscribed* :D Dibs on #3 or #8.

My choice would be Ti since it's so small material cost hopefully won't be too high. :eek: This would be a twisty right? Any chance of a protected clicky tailcap option?

EDIT - Please change mine to Aluminum 6061-T6 (Nickel Electroless plating) Complete light #3. :eek:
 
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CroMAGnet

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

List moved to Payment thread. Please see my sigline for link.

Titanium Reference pics
Ti.jpg


List moved to Payment thread. Please see my sigline for link.
 
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tdurand

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

My suggestion is to start a sales thread as soon as possible. I'm in.
 

karlthev

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

I'm "in" for a Ti any number under 10....or low number if under 10 is not possible. :sssh:


Karl
 

russtang

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

I am in for at least one light. Maybe one of each. Next lowest ##available.

The ability to use some type of primary batt. would be a big plus for me also.
 

Bogus1

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

I would be interested if you can machine the Ti so it's light enough for a key chain.
 

karlthev

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Re: Introducing "Draco"

Well, in addition to my request for a Ti version, I'd like two others, these in Al... !!

karlthev
 
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