18650 Light with Focus and Multi-Mode
- Thread starter rmteo
- Start date
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Linger
Flashlight Enthusiast
:candle:
it's getting lonely waiting in this thread.
Did this project get canned?
it's getting lonely waiting in this thread.
Did this project get canned?
rmteo
Flashlight Enthusiast
As mentioned in post #92 above, the initial focus (no pun intended) will be on the 2C and 2D versions of the light.
In order to meet the design criteria (in particular the compact size and the focus/zoom capability) no COTS components are used. The driver is a custom design based on a SEPIC configuration for operation in the 1.8V-5.0V range.
Right now, I am working on the custom optics for the focusing/zooming mechanism. This is an complex/expensive area. I am getting some prototype lenses machined in Acrylic. To give an idea of the cost, here is a quote from a USA based optics manufacturer:
Rough Order Magnitude (ROM) for 5 acrylic aspheric condenser lenses to be SPDT is: ~ $950.00ea + $350.00 setup (5-6weeks delivery).
For 5 pieces of prototype lenses, the cost is $5,100 with a 5-6 week delivery. Estimated cost of the production tooling is in the $35-40K range.
In order to meet the design criteria (in particular the compact size and the focus/zoom capability) no COTS components are used. The driver is a custom design based on a SEPIC configuration for operation in the 1.8V-5.0V range.
Right now, I am working on the custom optics for the focusing/zooming mechanism. This is an complex/expensive area. I am getting some prototype lenses machined in Acrylic. To give an idea of the cost, here is a quote from a USA based optics manufacturer:
Rough Order Magnitude (ROM) for 5 acrylic aspheric condenser lenses to be SPDT is: ~ $950.00ea + $350.00 setup (5-6weeks delivery).
For 5 pieces of prototype lenses, the cost is $5,100 with a 5-6 week delivery. Estimated cost of the production tooling is in the $35-40K range.
Mountainman38
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Oct 9, 2008
- Messages
- 7
That's a lot of scratch. I really hope this is a viable project for you, because the 18650/2*CR123 focusing multi-mode light is exactly what I've been waiting for.
My two Jetbeam II's are getting lonely, waiting for a big brother....
If possible, I'd like to put in a vote for a forward click switch, too. A little more length is something I'd gladly trade for the utility and ease of use of a forward switch.
Linger
Flashlight Enthusiast
re: $$
yeah, costly outlay. I guess it's my ignorance that I don't see how the lens is such an order of magnitude more complex then what a technologist does grinding out optical lenses for my glasses at the local Optical Boutique.
It sounds like rtmeo has plans for a major market share to be making such an investment. I fully agree on the concept - if all other features are include, a focusing flashlight makes a fixed beam obsolete. Question that remains is, will rtmeo's light be able to include all the other features of current market flashlights (durability, water resistence)
Glad to know it's still moving forward
Linger
yeah, costly outlay. I guess it's my ignorance that I don't see how the lens is such an order of magnitude more complex then what a technologist does grinding out optical lenses for my glasses at the local Optical Boutique.
It sounds like rtmeo has plans for a major market share to be making such an investment. I fully agree on the concept - if all other features are include, a focusing flashlight makes a fixed beam obsolete. Question that remains is, will rtmeo's light be able to include all the other features of current market flashlights (durability, water resistence)
Glad to know it's still moving forward
Linger
recDNA
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2009
- Messages
- 8,765
I think weather proof as opposed to truly waterproof is fine but the big price tag will scare me away. Too bad because a multimode focusing flashlight sounds great to me. I personally prefer 2 X CR123 but I'm in the minority there.
Linger
Flashlight Enthusiast
iirc it was meant as a competetor for m@g instruments. Look in post #1 and you'll see a pleasant target price.
rmteo
Flashlight Enthusiast
The target market (as far as price is concerned) is not quite as low as M@G (well maybe the M@Gcharger and possibly the newer models such as the XL) and not as high as SF - more along the lines of Streamlite, Pelican, LL, etc. At about $100, it should be price competitive even with many of the import lights. This is for a USA designed and made product with a feature mix not currently available in other lights.
recDNA
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2009
- Messages
- 8,765
I misunderstood an earlier post about the cost of lenses. $100 sounds great. I thought it was going to be 100(s)
Sorry about that chief.
recDNA
Flashaholic
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2009
- Messages
- 8,765
NO! LD01...with no battery!
Linger
Flashlight Enthusiast
Maybe a revivification of the this project will come.
