Orbita Lighthouse Stainless Steel Flashlight

Status
Not open for further replies.

ernsanada

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
2,962
This is a quick look at the Orbita Lighthouse Series Stainless Steel Flashlight.


From Orbita's website.

" Included in this package: One (1) Lighthouse Series Flashlight, Two (2) rechargeable 3.7 Volt Lithium-Ion batteries (2600 mAh), a two-channel 115 VAC battery charger, lantern base and a convenient nylon carrying holster.

Orbita's Lighthouse Pocket Flashlight, powered by a high-energy rechargeable #18650 Lithium-Ion battery, delivers an unprecedented level of intense white light with great efficacy. The XLamp XP-G (Q5) emitter made by CREE, Inc. (a fine example of American technology) provides a high beam light output of 350 Lumens and is life rated for 100,000 hours of operation. It is protected by a sealed lens which is scratchproof and impact resistant. Structural components are all machined from 18/8 stainless steel bars. There are no flimsy stamped metal or plastic parts. Choose from Stainless Steel, Carbon Fiber or Hardwood bodies which are hand turned by North Carolina craftsmen and protected with a durable acrylic coating. Flashlights are dustproof and splash-proof to IP54 standard. There are six (6) user selectable lighting programs. By softly pressing the glow-in-the-dark power button, or double clicking it, you can scroll through and select any one of the six modes of operation (see table). Turn power on or off in any selected mode with a single click.

Operation Mode * * * *Intensity * * * * *Duration
Search Light * * * * * * Very High * * * *2-3 Hours
Reading Light * * * * * *Medium * * * * *8-10 Hours
Defense Strobe * * * * Very High * * * *2-3 Hours
S.O.S Signal * * * * * * Very High * * * *4-5 Hours
Lantern Mode * * * * * Very Low * * * 120 Hours
Beacon Mode * * * * * Very Low * * * 150 Hours

Length: 4 3/4" Diameter: 1 1/4" Product Weight: 7oz "


Various models.

Orbita.jpg




I ordered the Stainless Steel version.

DSC_0746.jpg


DSC_0748.jpg


DSC_0749.jpg


DSC_0753.jpg


Uses XPG Q5

DSC_0781.jpg


DSC_0791.jpg


Has 8 Leds for lantern mode and beacon mode. Lantern mode all 8 Leds light up. In beacon mode 2 Leds lights and it moves in a clockwise motion.

DSC_0784.jpg


Reverse clickie switch. Memorizes last setting when shut off. High, medium, strobe, SOS, lantern mode and beacon mode.

DSC_0783.jpg


This is the lantern base. The rear tail cap needs to be removed then the lantern base installed tail cap screwed back on for installation.

DSC_0764.jpg


DSC_0769.jpg




DSC_0767.jpg


2 UniqueFire Li-Ion Rechargeable 3.7V 2600mAh 18650 battteries and a AC 100V-240V travel charger is included. I don't know if the batteries are protected or unprotected, it did not say on the batteries.

DSC_0771.jpg


DSC_0775.jpg


DSC_0778.jpg


A holster is included. It seem pretty heavy duty IMO.

DSC_0750.jpg


DSC_0751.jpg


The light is very hefty due to it's Stainless Steel construction.

DSC_0786.jpg


DSC_0787.jpg



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Stainless Steel finish is excellent.

The overall build quality is excellent.

The beam tint on my light is a nice white color. Smooth beam with no artifacts. I do notice though when first turned on my light blinks after 3 seconds noticeable in high and medium mode. It does not blink in the other modes.

I paid $100.00 shipped Fedex. It seems like a very good deal because you get 2 batteries, charger, holster and lantern stand. The deal expires May 31, 2013.

If you want the other models they cost $50.00 more.
 
Last edited:

buds224

Enlightened
Joined
Jan 3, 2012
Messages
837
Location
Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan
Light blinks after 3 seconds? Does it stop or continue to blink?

Also, from the pics, I'm not liking the rear clickie design. Do you think it would be difficult to turn on if one were wearing gloves? TIA
 

ernsanada

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
2,962
Light blinks after 3 seconds? Does it stop or continue to blink?

Also, from the pics, I'm not liking the rear clickie design. Do you think it would be difficult to turn on if one were wearing gloves? TIA

No it just quickly blinks. I have a couple of lights that will do that.

I just tried activating the rear switch with gloves no problems.
 

ernsanada

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
2,962
The description Orbita say's "The XLamp XP-G (Q5) emitter made by CREE, Inc"

Check this CREE XP-G Q5

I don't know if it's a rebranded Ultrafire XG-V3. I don't have one to compare side by side.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

ernsanada

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
2,962
Now messing with the light I only get the quick single blink in medium mode only. It happens when you scroll through the light levels to medium and or turn it on in medium mode.
 

ernsanada

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
2,962
Orbita Lighthouse SS @ 126"

DSCN2657.jpg


Orbita Lighthouse SS @ 35' (High mode)

DSCN2662.jpg


Orbita Lighthouse SS @ 35' (Medium mode)

DSCN2663.jpg


Orbita Lighthouse SS @ 35' (High mode)

DSCN2664.jpg


Orbita Lighthouse SS @ 35' (Medium mode)

DSCN2665.jpg
 

RedForest UK

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
1,365
The description Orbita say's "The XLamp XP-G (Q5) emitter made by CREE, Inc"

Check this CREE XP-G Q5

I don't know if it's a rebranded Ultrafire XG-V3. I don't have one to compare side by side.

Yes, but that is again very warm white, unlike the cool tint of your light. There are no cool white XP-G Q5s which is what made me think.

Also, thanks for quoting my post. Disappointingly, it now seems to have been removed.

It looks like the same light in almost every respect, and I would be willing to bet that it's the same OEM with a few design changes, added accessories and price mark-up. The lantern base is certainly a new addition though.
 
Last edited:

Racer

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
384
Also, thanks for quoting my post. Disappointingly, it now seems to have been removed.

I thought your removed post posed a valid question. Also, I think the fact that it was removed is a form of answer to your question, as the removal of this post will be. Who knows if these are the same two lights, but we're not allowed to ask? The manufacturer seemed friendly and knowledgeable, and I was hoping to see a good discussion. This was a light that really looked interesting. I guess a frank and honest discussion is only possible if you're talking about a company that's not a paid advertiser of this board. I'm disappointed too.
 

RedForest UK

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
1,365
Now messing with the light I only get the quick single blink in medium mode only. It happens when you scroll through the light levels to medium and or turn it on in medium mode.

According to the specifications here (with the assumption it's the same light): 'When in Hi mode, it'll flicker 2 seconds after clicking on the light, then click off immediately, do this again (off-on-off-on) and goes for F5 LED mode'

The other review linked previously explains it like this:

'1) Turn on in high mode -> Light flashes after 2s -> Quad click -> F5 (5mm) led mode (main led turns off, 5mm leds are on)
2) Turn on in F5 (5mm) led mode -> Light flashes after 2s -> Quad click -> Main led mode (F5 leds turn off, main led is on)
3) Turn on in low (Custom) mode -> Light flashes after 2s -> Quad click -> Ramping starts -> Turn off when desired level of light is reached -> Turning on memorizes this setting.'

Do you know if your version has the ramping feature from low mode?
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Racer

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
384
I don't see how it's even a bad thing if it's the same light with a whole bunch of value added, like a cool lantern base, wood handles and white LEDs around the ring. It was the lantern base that caught my eye. It seems a natural progression of the discussion to address the fact that it looks identical to lights by at least 2 different manufacturers. Why wouldn't we be allowed to ask that?
 

Dubois

Enlightened
Joined
Feb 12, 2012
Messages
660
What's the problem? Two nice quality batteries, 33% discount - what's not to like? :whistle:
 

Racer

Enlightened
Joined
Nov 7, 2011
Messages
384
Just that a little but more honesty/transparency would've been nice.

That was my only issue as well and of course, pet peeve haha. The light itself looks interesting. If I remember, Orbita already said somewhere around here that they tried unsuccessfully to contact the original maker of the Gat light and went with another factory, presumably the only other known maker of this type of light. But I don't remember where they said exactly.


What I think would be cool would be the value added stuff flashaholics normally care about, like efficient circuitry and good tint, and maybe a forward switch. The luxury stuff is nice, too, though, but I'd rather see meat and potatoes. For example, put a Nichia 219 in the center. That would give it high end cred. right there.
 

ernsanada

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Apr 29, 2004
Messages
2,962
According to the specifications here (with the assumption it's the same light): 'When in Hi mode, it'll flicker 2 seconds after clicking on the light, then click off immediately, do this again (off-on-off-on) and goes for F5 LED mode'

'1) Turn on in high mode -> Light flashes after 2s -> Quad click -> F5 (5mm) led mode (main led turns off, 5mm leds are on)
2) Turn on in F5 (5mm) led mode -> Light flashes after 2s -> Quad click -> Main led mode (F5 leds turn off, main led is on)
3) Turn on in low (Custom) mode -> Light flashes after 2s -> Quad click -> Ramping starts -> Turn off when desired level of light is reached -> Turning on memorizes this setting.'

Do you know if your version has the ramping feature from low mode?

Now my light only flashes in medium mode. I tried changing different brand batteries but it still does the same thing.

I tried the quad click in medium mode because that's the only mode the light flashes in but it will change to the other levels. It does not do what the other light can do customize your UI.
 
Last edited:

RedForest UK

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Nov 28, 2009
Messages
1,365
Yes, there is certainly value added. The changes seem to have been in general well thought out.

The switch from colour to white LEDs gives it a more classy rather than gimmicky appearance and is the main change in my opinion. The optional wooden handles also add a touch of class. The lantern base is a decent addition and the inclusion of batteries and charger (although not of high quality, but probably sourced via the same OEM; the non-orbita version has also been re-branded as the Uniquefire UF-F8) is useful too.

The switch in UI confuses me a little, and seems not to have been fully implemented; leaving the blink in at med mode despite removing the functionality of it. If they had put a Nichia 219 or XP-G2 in there to distinguish it a little, and hidden the blinky modes like most high quality brands instead of switching to an alternative 5 mode scroll-through interface then they could have possible justified the price increase.

As it is it just seems too steep for anyone in the know w/regards decent LED lights. Although it does look unique, and will probably sell to better off customers of the general public.
 

Eneloops

Newly Enlightened
Joined
Mar 19, 2012
Messages
171
Yes, there is certainly value added. The changes seem to have been in general well thought out.

The switch from colour to white LEDs gives it a more classy rather than gimmicky appearance and is the main change in my opinion. The optional wooden handles also add a touch of class. The lantern base is a decent addition and the inclusion of batteries and charger (although not of high quality, but probably sourced via the same OEM; the non-orbita version has also been re-branded as the Uniquefire UF-F8) is useful too.

The switch in UI confuses me a little, and seems not to have been fully implemented; leaving the blink in at med mode despite removing the functionality of it. If they had put a Nichia 219 or XP-G2 in there to distinguish it a little, and hidden the blinky modes like most high quality brands instead of switching to an alternative 5 mode scroll-through interface then they could have possible justified the price increase.

As it is it just seems too steep for anyone in the know w/regards decent LED lights. Although it does look unique, and will probably sell to better off customers of the general public.

Thank you for this. How hard would it be to swap those outer LED's with some 365nm UV LED's? Or close to that . . . seems like then it would be more useful. Unless their placement makes them not directional enough?
 
Last edited:

Drywolf

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Feb 18, 2008
Messages
1,246
Location
Golden Poppy State
I have one and just from the pictures it is identical. I swapped the colored leds for white Nichia's back when I ordered it from DX a couple of years ago. The stainless joints needed a little thread compound to make it stay tight. I use my light as a night light when at home and away. The battery compartment will hold a callies 3100mah protected cell. The UI is slightly different as mine is High/variable with memory/SOS/Strobe and then the eight outside LEDs all on or rotating two at a time.
The lantern base is cool...

pic_01.jpg


pic_02.jpg


pic_03.jpg
 
Last edited:

CarpentryHero

Flashlight Enthusiast
Joined
Jul 4, 2010
Messages
3,095
Location
Edmonton
Added value to a Uniquefire? That's a cool idea, but the price seems high if that's what there doing
 

NowIC

Enlightened
Joined
Aug 19, 2010
Messages
200
At a $100 delivered with charger, battery, etc., I'm thinking it could be a pretty good value - just ordered one :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top