Gransee
Flashlight Enthusiast
Arc Flashlight FAQ
v 3
last updated 8/10/05
As of 7/1/2005, some Arc products are once again being offered by Peter Gransee. The new company has offered to provide limited service to owners of Arc-AAA and Arc-AA products. Please send an email to [email protected] to initiate service.
The new website is up at www.arcflashlight.com
The new brighter Arc-AAA is being offered however demand is strong and back orders are the norm.
This FAQ is obsolete. The new FAQ is at www.arcflashlight.com/faqs.shtml
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Here is the original post introducing the Arc-AAA to the CPF in 2001.
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Arc Flashlight is a manufacturer of LED flashlights producing three basic lines, the Arc-AAA, Arc-AA and the Arc-LS (Luxeon Star). Within these lines are various models. This is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) reference for anything pertaining to Arc Flashlight.
If you are a new owner of an Arc flashlight, we recommend that you read this FAQ to get full use out of your flashlight.
To search this FAQ while viewing this page with IE, press "[ctrl] F" and enter your search word.
If you have any suggestions or additions to this FAQ, please post here.
Graph of products.
Arc-AAA
What is it?
The Arc-AAA is a small, keychain sized LED flashlight designed for Every Day Carry (EDC). It is powered by a single AAA cell.
Specs
<ul type="square">[*]20,000 MCD, 3 lumen output (independently verified by several sources)
[*]Winner of the 2002 Lummie Award for, "Best LED flashlight" and "Best Every Day Carry Flashlight"
[*]No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged LED
[*]AAA cell – no expensive lithium batteries required
[*]Fits on key chain or use included pocket clip (new!)
[*]Waterproof to 50 feet (tested 100% to 340 feet)
[*]Type III HA Anodized Aluminum (more scratch resistant than the cheaper type II used on other flashlights)
[*]ChemKote interior finish for improved corrosion resistance
[*]5 hour run time on good alkaline cell (5 hours to 50% brightness)
[*]Automatic "Sun/Moon mode" (See below)
[*]10 Year warranty
[*]2.7 inches long by 0.5 inches in diameter
[*]Weighs 0.75 ounce (with battery)
[*]Duracell AAA alkaline cell included
[/list]
The Arc-AAA is available in two grades: Standard and Premium. Both grades use a hand selected white LED but the Premium grade is of a warmer tint of white. Please note that the Arc-AAA is smaller than it may appear. The actual diameter is less than an AA cell and about 1/2 inch longer.
Retail prices are:
Standard $28.95
Premium $39.95
What to expect when ordering the Arc-AAA.
LED types
The Arc-AAA use a 5mm Nichia LED part number NSPW500BS. Like all good LEDs, Nichia bins these LEDs by tint and flux. The Standard Arc-AAA uses a R or S flux and B2 or B3 tint. The Premium Arc-AAA uses a S flux with a B2 or B1 tint. The difference between the Standard and Premium is the Premium will have a warmer tint. All white LEDs tend to have a blue center and the Premiums are no exception. The difference is the Premiums will have less blue than the standards. The S flux is rated at 6400mcd at the factory but we overdrive the LED at approximately 45mA to produce about 20,000mcd.
What is the LE?
The Limited Edition (LE) is an early designation for the Premium Arc-AAA. Starting in 2003, Arc changed the designation of the LE to Premium Edition. Except for the inscription, the flashlights are identical in finish and LED.
Batteries
For the Arc-AAA, we recommend you use the least expensive alkaline cell you can find that does not leak. We recommend you check and change the cell from time to time to prevent the cell from leaking and damaging the Arc-AAA. Premium batteries will provide a longer run time but are not worth the extra cost in our opinion.
We recommend and use Duracell brand alkaline cells in our lights. Our 5 hour run time claim is based on a fresh Duracell Alkaline.
Rechargeable cells will work in the Arc-AAA and produce a slightly dimmer output. The self discharge common to NiCad and NiMH cells may cause the flashlight to not be ready if left unused for an extended period of time. Because an alkaline will last for several month of normal use, we recommend an alkaline cell over a rechargeable.
The new 1.7v Energizer Lithium AAA cells have been tested and will work fine in the Arc-AAA. These cells are more expensive than alkaline but will improve brightness, runtime, shelf life, cold weather performance, weight, etc.
Cold Weather Performance of Batteries
Over the years, we have accumulated some experience with various chemistries in cold weather use. The quick answer to cold weather use is Lithiums are better at handling the cold than Alkaline, rechargeable, etc.
With Alkaline, anything below about 40 degrees Fahrenheit could cause the light not to turn on or only dimly. Since all of our lights are designed for personal use, they typically are carried in a warm pocket. This will help with cold weather use. If the light is not carried in your pocket and it won't start because the battery is too cold, remove the cell and warm it up in your hands. Once the cell is warm enough to start the voltage converter, it can be exposed to colder temperatures. This because the converter can operate at a lower voltage once it initially starts and also the light and battery produce a small amount of heat in operation. The Arc voltage converters have a lower startup voltage requirement than most of our competitors. So for given battery, the Arc is more likely to make it work.
Lithiums can operate at 30-40 below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Startup and rundown performance is excellent. For cold weather usage, the new Energizer Lithium AAA cells are recommended.
Run Times
We conservatively estimate the run time with a good cell (Duracell) at around 5 hours. Although, your results may vary and many users report run times of over 6 hours. Every Arc model will continue to produce light after their rate run time but at less than 50% brightness. The Arc-AAA for example will still be producing a diminished output after 12 hours of use. With typical usage each cell will last several months. The Arc-AAA will produce a longer total run time than 5 hours if used intermittently.
Sun/Moon Mode
The Arc-AAA includes an electronic regulator circuit that helps maintain a more consistent output during the life of a battery. Compare this to conventional flashlights that more noticeably dim as the battery is depleted. The regulator in the Arc-AAA is a very compact design optimized for "partial" regulation. Please see further down in this FAQ for a more detailed description of regulation.
Basically, "Sun" mode is the bright operation of the flashlight and "moon" mode is the dim light produced by the light when the battery is nearly dead. When stating run time for our lights, we list the "sun" mode length for a given battery type. The Arc-AAA is capable of producing about 5 hours of sun mode.
With only 40% of the remaining capacity left in the AAA battery, the Arc-AAA will still be producing about 80% of it's original brightness.
The transition from sun to moon is fairly smooth on the Arc-AAA with most battery chemistries and you may not notice it very easily. With alkaline cells, it is not an abrupt change.
Links to Reviews
FlashlightReviews.com
Brock's Review
Dan's Data
The LED Museum (Premium Arc-AAA review)
The LED Museum (Standard Arc-AAA review)
The Torch Reviews Site
Competitors
Here's a video showing the difference in efficiency between the Arc-AAA and the Mag Solitaire.
Arc efficiency demonstration (".wmv" 818kb)
Notice the battery is the same in both cases. There are many differences between these two lights. The reason the Arc is brighter is that is uses a LED and other "new" technologies.
A page comparing the Arc-AAA to the CMG Sonic
Accessories
The Arc-AAA is now shipping with a pocket clip.
Maintenance
1. Regularly clean the threads of dirt and aluminum oxide (the black gunk)
2. Check battery for leakage
3. Apply grease to threads and o-ring for good water seal and smooth operation. Almost any kind of grease may be used (Petroleum or non-petroleum is fine)
4. Clean battery contacts with a pencil eraser if they get fouled to improve light output.
See the DIY Arc-AAA Maintenance page on how to maintain all the various parts of the Arc-AAA.
Mods
There are several user modifications of the Arc-AAA. This section will be updated.
So far, I have seen mods including:
N-cell version
LS versions
brass bodies
double ended version
C, D cell candles
Version History
Not all of the version history of the Arc-AAA is remembered. Arc has upgraded this light many times in the past 2+ years.
1.0 First offered in May of 2001. Had gasket instead of o-ring. Type II finish.
1.? Switched to O-ring which made the units waterproof
2.5 Switched to Type III anodize, new retail packaging
3.0 Added ChemKote
3.1 Added roll crimp to increase reliability
3.2 Change circuit design and layout to slightly increase output
3.3 Changed inscription to "Arc" only, circuit to fix regulator stalls
Issues and other questions
Thickness of Lanyard Lug wall.
From time to time, we have people ask us if the lanyard hole on the back of the flashlight has too thin of an outer wall. They are worried that it will break or wear through in time. The hole is designed to be that distance from the rear surface and with that thin of a lip for two reasons. One is to clear the tool that cuts the hole and the other is to reduce scratches when installing the split ring. It also reduces the chance the split ring will be bent out of shape during installation.
We have used that thickness for over 3 years now and have not received even one report of a lug failure. In extreme cases, the split ring has deformed from excessive tension, but the lug itself has not broken through. Lug failure is possible of course, but we feel that this part is reasonably designed.
Why isn't there a glass or plastic lens over the front of the Arc-AAA?
The LED has an integral lens. By recessing the LED inside the reflector, we protect it from most types of damage without the problems of a separate lens (scratches, breakage, less brightness).
++++++++++++++++++
Arc-AA
What is it?
The Arc-AA is a small, pocket sized LED flashlight designed for Every Day Carry (EDC). It is powered by a single AA cell.
Specs
<ul type="square">[*]20,000 MCD, 3 lumen output
[*]Features same circuit as the award winning Arc-AAA
[*]No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged LED
[*]Powered by a single, easy to find, AA cell (alkaline, rechargeable, lithium, etc)
[*]Fits on key chain or carry in pocket
[*]Waterproof to 50 feet
[*]Type III HA Anodized Aluminum (more scratch resistant than the cheaper type II used on other flashlights)
[*]ChemKote interior finish for improved corrosion resistance
[*]10 hour run time on good alkaline cell (10 hours to 50% brightness)
[*]Automatic "Sun/Moon mode" (See FAQ)
[*]10 Year warranty
[*]3.0 inches long by 0.7 inches in diameter
[*]Weighs 1.3 ounces (with lithium battery)
[*]Duracell AA alkaline cell included
[/list]
The Arc-AA is available in one grade: Standard with a SB2 Nichia LED.
Retail price is $34.95
Order page for the Arc-AA
The Arc-AA borrows many of the features of the Arc-AAA. Please see the Arc-AAA section of this FAQ for more detail.
++++++++++++++++++
Arc-LS
What is it?
The Arc-LS is a series of LED flashlights using the high power Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds. Different power levels and configurations are available. The 1W series is designed for Every Day Carry (EDC).
LS Models:
<ul type="square">[*]First Run
This was the first flashlight on the market using a Luxeon Star LED. It was voltage regulated. The LED version used was the Low Dome LED.
[*]Hybrid
This was a hybrid of the rev1 and rev2 technologies
[*]LS1
This was the first total Rev2.
[*]LS2
First flashlight on the market to use the High Dome LED. Rev2 tech.
[*]LS3
First flashlight on the market to use the 5watt Luxeon Star. Rev2 tech. 2x123 battery. Waterproof. Shipped to Arc Fans in January of 2003. Discontinued in favor of longer life emitters and better technology used in the LS5.
[*]LSL
Renamed LS1 with v2.1 improvements. Low Dome LED
[*]LSH
Renamed LS2 with v2.1 improvements. High Dome LED
[/list]
Standard vs Premium
The Premium units are about 50% brighter than the standard units. They also have a slightly better tint ranking. Please note that the human eye has trouble seeing differences in brightness of 50%. It is more apparent when holding the two units side by side or when using a light meter. The best bang for the buck is the standard. The Premium is for those who need the absolute best. Please see below for more on the different LED types.
Specs for the current LSL and LSH (1W) series
<ul type="square">[*]Winner of the 2003 Lummie Award for, "Best Every Day Carry Flashlight"
[*]No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds
[*]DC/DC Setup with current-mode regulator, auto sun/moon mode, multi-battery support, reverse polarity protection, thermal circuit breaker
[*]LED optics protected by .030" AR coated, scratch resistant LEXAN lens
[*]50 feet water proof
[*]1x 123 photo lithium pack with tail switch included (battery included), other packs available, see below
[*]Type III hard anodized/chemkote Aluminum
[*]Cobalt/Gold positive battery contact
[*]Simple, reliable housing construction w/knurled grips
[*]Other power packs available so light can be used with larger but more economical "AA" cells (see order page for details)
[*]Dimensions with TSP-123 included are 3.2 inches long by .950 inches in diameter
[*]Total weight with 123 cell installed is 2.2 ounces
[*]10 Year warranty/30 day satisfaction guarantee
[*]Made in the USA
[/list]
What to expect when ordering an Arc-LS...
Instructions
Insert battery with positive contact facing towards the flashlight head. If a TSP (Tail Switch Pack) pack is used, press tail switch slightly for momentary use or until it clicks for constant on. If P-123 pack is used, twist pack to turn light on and off. Do not over tighten pack.
The LS includes an electronic regulator circuit that helps maintain a more consistent output during the life of a battery. Compare this to conventional flashlights that more noticeably dim as the battery is depleted. In normal operation, the LS will maintain 95% of max output ("Sun" Mode) for the useful life of the battery (typically several hours) after which it will transition to "moon" mode, which may last as much as an hour. As the LS transitions from Sun to Moon mode, it will flicker for a minute or less. This is normal. Results will vary with battery used, temperature, etc. The light should not flicker with fresh batteries (loosen/tighten the switch if it does).
Online Copy of the Instructions included with each Arc-LS.
LED Types
The LEDs selected for use in the LS are hand sorted to be of the brightest and best tint. We use bin code 3 and 4 in the tint. The standard LS use an M-N flux while the Premium uses a P-Q flux.
Versions
0.9 - First shipped in December of 2001. voltage regulated, 3-packs,
1.0 - First shipped in February of 2002. Switched to NX05 optics
400 Hybrid – Bridge between version 1 and version 2. Had new circuit of version 2 in housing of version 1. Circuit set for 330mA (mistakenly reported as 400mA)
500 hybrid – Same as 400 but circuit is set for ~400mA (mistakenly reported as 500mA)
2.0 New current regulated circuit design, thermal circuit breaker, higher output. Waterproof, slimmer design, Lexan protected optics, new 1pc head design
2.1 Flex washer (fixes flex failure)
In late 2002, we changed the battery packs from the twist design to the TSP (Tail Switch Pack) design.
Batteries
The most compact configuration is to power the light with a single 123 lithium cell. We recommend the 123 cell pack for light to medium usage because it is more likely to be carried and therefore be available when you need it the most. We have tested 12 different brands of 123 cells and found that all were suitable for use in the LS. Some last longer but cost more. In our tests, we are mostly concerned about the cell leaking and damaging the light. We did not observe any lithium cells leaking when used correctly in the LS. We recommend you purchase 123 cells based mostly on price. However, with alkaline and NiMH, we recommend you purchase based mostly on the reliability of the cell since we have observed that cheaper brands of NiMH and Alkaline tend to leak.
Besides working with alkaline and lithium cells, the LS is also designed to work with rechargeable (NiCad and NiMH) cells. In some cases, an accessory power pack will be required to work with a particular size or combination of cells. The circuit will automatically cut off at about 1.4 volts and will protect your NiMH and NiCad from excessive discharge. Because the LS is a high drain device, NiMH will typically provide superior run time compared to alkaline cells. The circuit will operate in a voltage range of about 1.4 to 3.4 volts. We do not recommend you use batteries over about 3.2 volts as this could possibly damage the LED and circuit. Any damage to the flashlight caused by over voltage is not covered under warranty.
Rechargeable 123's for the Arc-LS
Here's a picture showing the two packs available for the Arc-LSL, LSH series:
Run Times
The Arc-LS has the following average run times:
- 2 hours with a good Lithium 123 cell.
- 1.5 hours with 2xAA alkaline
- 2.5 hours with 2xAA NiMH
- 3+ hours with 2xAA Lithium
Note: these are average and your results will vary. In normal use, the single 123 cell will last about a month.
Because of variations in LED Vf (forward voltage), temperature, cell variations (within the same brand), switch resistance, etc- run times will vary by as much as 50% from unit to unit with the same brand of new battery. This means that a good 123 cell may run in continuous mode a total of 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours. Run times for all battery types are lengthened when the light is used intermittently. With 5 minutes per use, a good 123 cell could provide as much as 2.5-3.5 hours of total usage. That is why the numbers provided in the above list are averages only. Variations of this type is normal for electrical equipment.
Links to Reviews
FlashlightReviews.com
Equipped to Survive
Comparisons
This picture should provide some indication of size and output
(picture provided by Sean Edwards)
Accessories
Current accessories offered by Arc include:
1x123 size nylon carry pouch
TSP2AA power pack
5-pack of 123 cells
Please check our website for a current list of accessories.
Maintenance
Please note that the LS ships with a thin plastic lens protector applied to the lexan lens (front part of flashlight). This protector can be left on or removed, it is your choice. If left on, it will help protect the lens from scratches. If you choose to remove it, this may be done by using a soft sharp implement like your fingernail or a plastic pick.
The o-ring is made of Buna-N (Nitrile) and can be used with petroleum or silicone based grease. About every 2-6 months, the o-ring can be lubricated with silicone or similar type of grease. Your local electronics store sells silicon grease for $3-4 a tube. Only a small amount of grease is needed to make the threads and o-ring smooth and quiet. Over time, the threads will accumulate a dark residue composed of dirt and/or aluminum oxide. This can be cleaned by adding oil to the threads (which puts the residue into suspension) and then wiping off with a cloth. The threads should then be lubricated with grease.
The outside of the flashlight can be washed with warm, soapy water. Solvents are not recommended because they may melt the Lexan lens.
The LS optics are protected by an AR-coated Lexan lens. The AR coating is silicon based and will help reduce appearance of scratches. If scratches do appear they can be buffed out with a polycarbonate polish.
In order for the light to attain its 50 feet water depth rating, the battery compartment must be tightened past the o-ring, the lens must be intact and the Kroll tail button tightened snuggly. The rubber boot should be tucked under the lip of the switch and squeezed by the tightened switch. It is common to see a loosened switch boot leak water into the battery compartment. In testing, we have been able to consistently reach 100 foot of depth when the tail switch is properly installed. The optics are rated at 50 feet and this depth should not be exceeded.
Link to DIY maintenance on the Kroll tail switch
Arc-LS Serial number data
This page provides a partial listing of Arc-LS serial numbers.
++++++++++++++++++++++
Arc4
What is it?
The Arc4 is an evolution of the Arc-LS series of LED flashlights using the high power Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds. Different power levels and configurations are available. These lights are designed for Every Day Carry (EDC) use.
Standard vs Premium
The Premium units use less power from the battery than standard units. This is because the LEDs used are more efficient. This improves their run times at the same brightness. They also have a slightly better tint ranking. Please see below for more on the different LED types.
Arc4 Specs
<ul type="square">[*]1 watt, High Dome Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds producing 33 lumens (Premium version, Level 1)
[*]Proprietary microprocessor based power supply. DC-DC buck/boost topology, Power regulation, Calibrated brightness, multi-battery support, reverse polarity protection
[*]LED optics protected by new .092" LEXAN lens
[*]water proof (depth pending)
[*]1x '123' 3V lithium pack with tail switch included (battery included), other packs available, see below
[*]Type III hard anodized Aluminum
[*]Cobalt Gold positive/negative battery contacts
[*]Simple, reliable housing construction w/knurled grips
[*]Other power packs available in the future
[*]Dimensions with TSP-123 included are 3.2 inches long by 1.0 inches in diameter
[*]Total weight with 123 cell and clip installed is 2.9 ounces
[*]Input voltage range: 2.0V to 6.75V
[*]Limited Lifetime warranty/30 day satisfaction guarantee
[*]Made in the USA
[/list]
Primary Features: simple single button user interface, rechargeable
battery protection, reverse battery protection without diode penalty,
graceful power reduction for weak batteries, thermal management,
intrinsically safe design
Settable Options: SOS emergency signal, button lock, force primary,
locator flash, ready-for-service indicator, semi-momentary tactical
mode, pure-momentary tactical mode
Previous LS designs were current regulated. The Arc4 is the first LS to be Power regulated. This provides an even more precise control of the output brightness.
LED Types
The LEDs selected for use in the Arc4 are hand sorted to be of the brightest and best tint. We use bin code 3 and 4 in the tint. The standard LS use an M-N flux while the Premium uses a P-Q flux.
Hardware Versions
1.0 - 1/2004 Production
Software Versions
107 First Production Candidate
108 Added triple click to dim
109 Fixed various bugs
111 found bug, fixed in 112
112 Smoothed regulation (first version that was shipped, very small production run)
114 simplified calibration
115 found bug, fixed in 116
116 Improved 123 cell detection and run down (1.8v cutoff), second version shipped, tiny production run
123 Improved brightness calibration sequence. Changed power formulas to increase dynamic range, first "large" production run
128 Changed "find me" to L10, tweaked tint management code (not shipped)
129 Changed "find me" to L16
130 Resend of 129 (shipped)
205 Broken switch detection routine now defaults to secondary brightness setting. Added more resolution to x calibration process.
Note the software was numbered by the date it was produced. For example, the 116 version was finished on January 16th, 2004.
All models of the Arc4 are programmable and the software can be upgraded. We provide 1 free software upgrade for each Arc4 sold. After that, upgrades cost $20/unit + shipping each.
Units sold as "Factory seconds" should also be software upgradeable. However, the upgrade is not free and the $20 fee applies.
Run Times
The Arc4 has the following average run times:
- 20 minutes at level 1 with a good 123 cell
- 45 minutes at level 2 " "
- 2 hours at level 3 " "
- 3 hours at level 4 " "
...
Note: these are average and your results will vary. In normal use, the single 123 cell will last about a month.
Because of variations in LED Vf (forward voltage), temperature, cell variations (within the same brand), inductor variations, etc- run times will vary by as much as 50% from unit to unit with the same brand of new battery. Run times for all battery types are lengthened when the light is used intermittently.
Thermal Regulation
People often ask, "how does the Arc4 produce so much light out of such a small package?" The short answer is thermal regulation. This is a new concept for flashlights and was introduced by Arc starting with our LS1 design back in 2002. With the Arc4, we have taken that technology even further with some obvious results.
LEDs are most sensitive to heat. Managing that heat allows the LED to be driven at a higher power level more safely and more efficiently.
For example, safety: If the LED is not thermally regulated and the LED is driven at full power, there is high likelihood that the LED will overheat after several minutes of operation. This overheating reduces the lifespan and brightness of the LED. It also wastes power. The Arc4 is designed to keep the LED always at a safe level. This maximizes the LED lifespan and efficiency. We feel that the LED will have no problem delivering the full 50k hours as specified by the LED manufacturer. 50k hours is over 60 years of 2hr/day use.
All Arc products are covered under a lifetime warranty.
Links to Reviews
Craig Johnson's LED Museum
Accessories
Current accessories offered by Arc include:
1x123 size nylon carry pouch
5-pack of 123 cells
Please check our website for a current list of accessories.
Note: The previous Arc-LS series battery packs are not compatible with the new Arc4 because of the new switch design. You will notice the switch contacts are actually in the head of the flashlight with the Arc4.
The clip can be removed without affecting the operation or water-tightness of the rest of the light.
Future Accessories being evaluated for the Arc4 include:
- 2x123 pack
- 2xAA pack
- Nylon Pouch
- Tail guard
- Head mount
Maintenance
Please note that the Arc4 ships with a thin plastic lens protector applied to the lexan lens (front part of flashlight). This protector can be left on or removed, it is your choice. If left on, it will help protect the lens from scratches. If you choose to remove it, this may be done by using a soft sharp implement like your fingernail or a plastic pick.
The o-ring is made of Buna-N (Nitrile) and can be used with petroleum or silicone based grease. About every 2-6 months, the o-ring can be lubricated with silicone or similar type of grease. Your local electronics store sells silicon grease for $3-4 a tube. Only a small amount of grease is needed to make the threads and o-ring smooth and quiet. Over time, the threads will accumulate a dark residue composed of dirt and/or aluminum oxide. This can be cleaned by adding oil to the threads (which puts the residue into suspension) and then wiping off with a cloth. The threads should then be lubricated with grease.
The outside of the flashlight can be washed with warm, soapy water. Solvents are not recommended because they may melt the Lexan lens.
With each battery change, we recommend that you clean the battery compartment lip of any excess grease or dirt.
The retaining nut that holds the front Lexan window in place can be removed without voiding the warranty. The threads that hold this nut are not sealed. A spanner wrench (not provided by Arc) is required if you choose to remove this nut. This is to facilitate careful user service. The window can be cleaned, polished or replaced. Third party vendors provide glass substitutes for this lens that offer more scratch resistance at the cost of some shock resistance.
If your lexan window is scratched beyond repair (polishing did not help), Arc can send you a free replacement window upon request.
If you do remove the lexan window, take care to not touch the reflector. Attempting to clean or polish the reflector will likely make it worse. User damage to the reflector is not covered under our warranty. Please be careful with the reflector.
Arc4 Demonstration Videos
Basic Operation (1.69mb wmv)
Here's the same video at a lower bit rate for those on dial-up:
Basic Operation (216kb wmv)
Changing brightness levels(4.55mb wmv)
Changing the battery, RFS, dead battery indication (7.43mb wmv)
Changing levels for the Primary/Secondary settings(6.58mb wmv)
The Options Menu(7.53mb wmv)
Advanced Functions
The Arc4 has many advanced functions, please read the Advanced Instructions for more information.
These instructions will explain how to change the brightness levels, access the options menu, turn on the special functions, etc.
Arc4 Simulators
These simulators will enable you to test out the different functions of the Arc4. Both versions have been tested with Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
Flash version (plug-in required)
Java version
Other links
Pocket Reference Card
Arc4 testing
Japanese review of Arc4
Japanese basic Arc4 instructions
Japanese instructions for Arc4 options menu
A special note about the Arc4
The Arc4 introduces several new concepts to the world of flashlights. As such, it may be intimidating at first to use. We encourage new users to carefully read this FAQ, train on the simulators and watch the videos. Otherwise the Arc4 may appear to do wild things without reason. We have found that many of the so called, "my Arc4 is wigging out" type emails are people who recently got the light and are unaccustomed to its operation.
Misc questions about the Arc4
Faint LED Flash when Arc4 is off:
When the RFS is turned on, the software turns the uC on periodically to drain any residual charge on the input capacitors through the LED. This produces one quick dim flash about every 2-4 seconds. If this were not done, the unit would take forever to reset when then power is changed because of the hefty capacitor on the input.
It may be more visible when the light is cold because the LED becomes more sensitive to voltage at lower temps.
Turning the RFS off will shut off this housekeeping function but the light will take longer to reset. If you want to have the RFS off but also speed up the reset, press the button inside the head with your finger when you open the pack to change the cells. This will drain the capacitor within a few seconds.
Light flashes quickly when turned on:
Double Click does not work but triple click does:
Full power (boost) does not work but triple click does:
If you get these symptoms, please check your battery. It is probably dead. The Arc4 is programmed to do its best with the battery it has. If the battery is dying, it will automatically switch to a lower level so it can continue to provide some light for you. This is better than simply turning off. Each flicker is a step down in brightness. The light will continue to step down until it reaches a level the battery can sustain for while. When it can no longer provide even that level, it will then continue to step down again. The Arc4 can continue to provide some light from a battery that is too dead for other flashlights.
Once it has stepped down, the CPU remembers that the battery is unable to provide above a certain level. If you then attempt to switch to a higher level by double clicking or activating full power (boost), the request will be denied. However, since triple click selects the lowest level (Level 16), the chances are good that the battery can provide that level and so the light will allow you to switch to that level.
If your light is acting in this way, it is telling you as politely as possible that the battery is dead. Please replace the battery. Operation will then return to normal.
A note for people using rechargeable batteries:
If you are using rechargeables and the light has the above symptoms, the light is telling you the battery is depleted and should be recharged. Rechargeables can be damaged by draining them too far. The Arc4 can detect some types of rechargeables. When the cell voltage reaches the safety limit, the Arc4 will simply shut the light off. This will not occur until it has tried the higher levels first so you will have some warning.
If you are in an emergency situation and need to completely discharge the battery to get all the light you can, simply turn the light back on after it has performed the automatic shut off. The battery protect feature is then bypassed until the battery is replaced. We recommend you only use this feature in an emergency.
Switch Rattle:
As the rubber button on the Arc4 breaks-in, the metal plunger inside may start to rattle when the light is shaken. This only happens in some cases and does not interfere with the correct operation of the light. We have a cushion ring that can be added to the switch mechanism to dampen vibration. Please email us to request a free ring be sent to you.
LED Life in the Arc4:
Because the Arc4 utilizes Active thermal management, we expect the lifespan on the LED to reach the maximums stated by the LED manufacturer. Lumileds specifies the 1.25w LED to maintain 80% of it's output for 50,000 hours. That is 68 years at 2 hours/day.
Irregular Switch action in the Arc4:
With some batteries or under certain conditions, the switch in the Arc4 may not be as crisp in its click feel. Much of this is caused by the adjustment of the spring in the tail. If the spring is too stiff, the switch will be very sensitive and may not click at all. If it is too soft, the light may act erratic (the battery may loose connection and the light RFS every time you press the button) and the switch feel loose or mushy. If this happens, you can adjust the spring by removing it and either compressing it with pliers or stretching it out slightly. If that does not work, we can also send you a different spring. We stock both soft and hard springs.
Arc4 does not seem to have a Full Power level:
This is also sometimes called boost or burst mode. If the light is already set for level 1 and you press the button to go to full power, there will be no change since full power is level 1. However, if the light is set for a level other than 1 and you press the button to go to full power, the light will increase to level 1. This is useful for conserving power while providing quick access to the brightest setting.
Arc-4 Serial number data
This page provides a partial listing of Arc-4 serial numbers. You may look up production data by serial number.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Technology of Arc Flashlights
There are several technologies that make the Arc Flashlights possible…
LEDs
"LED" stands for "Light Emitting Diode". Enormously improved since their development in the 1960's, current LED's have surpassed the efficiency of the average incandescent light bulb. Combined with their rugged, unbreakable construction and long life of over 100,000 hours (over 11 years of continuous use) they make the ideal light source for high performance flashlights.
How do White LEDs work?
White LEDs work differently than the other colors because current white LEDs actually use a blue LED with a phosphor cap to produce white light. The phosphor converts some of the blue light into red/green which mixes with the blue to produce a white light. Getting this mix is a black art for the LED manufactures and there is currently quite a bit of variation from LED to LED. This also explains why a white LED has a blue cast to it.
LED Bin Codes Explained
In the manufacturing of semiconductor products, there is a variation of performance around the average values given in the technical data sheets. In LEDs, the variation is even greater than traditional CMOS found in your computer.
Like snowflakes, no two LEDs are alike. There are variations in color (tint), brightness (flux), forward voltage (Vf) and beam distribution/artifacts. Most LED manufacturers sort their LED by machine into bins. Each bin has a rank or window of values that all the parts in that bin fit within. In spite of the fact that only some of the variables are binned and the bins are fairly wide there can be quite a few bins. For the Luxeon Star, there are over 400 bin variations. A typical flux bin (Q for example) can have a 10 lumen window which means there will be an appreciable difference between parts even in the same bin.
From one extreme to another, a typical LED from the same production line, can have a 300% variation in one value alone.
Bin codes for 1W and 5W
A large percentage of the LEDs manufactured are unsuitable for flashlights in our opinion. Usually this is because the tint is too green for a white light. Arc hand sorts LEDs for each flashlight we make. With current yields, about 7 percent of the Luxeons received make it into a Arc-LS standard and about 1 percent make it into an Arc-LS Premium. This causes frequent shortages with the Arc-LS.
Even though Arc is so selective on the LEDs used, there will still be variations from unit to unit.
High Dome vs Low Dome
As explained above under how a white LED works, a phosphor layer is used to re-emit some of the blue light. In most white LEDs, the phosphor is applied as a cap or fill around the LED chip ("die").
Lumileds started manufacturing their luxeon stars with a phosphor cap. This is called the "low dome" design because the dome over the LED is low and flat. In 2002, Lumileds improved the Luxeon Star by coming out with the EOS process. This EOS process changed how the phosphor is applied to the die. The die now has a even coating over the entire surface. This change was included with the new inverted die geometry ("Tip Chip, Lambertian") in their "high dome" design. The high dome product has a higher dome over the LED with a rounded tip.
Low dome LEDs, which are in the majority, have a tint gradient across the beam. Typically, the center of the beam is blueish while the edges are greenish.
High dome LEDs have a more consistent tint across the beam. They also have a smaller object size which makes for a more focused beam for a given optic. HDs (high domes) also show the die pattern and bond wires more clearly in the beam.
Here are some helpful links on this subject:
<ul type="square"> [*]Low Dome vs. High Dome
[*]LSH vs. LSL - which do you like better and why?
[*]Perceived Brightness, LD vs HD [/list]
Farkle
Occasionally, you will see a sparkly pattern when looking into an off luxeon star. This pattern can also look like clear plastic chips. We call this "farkle" and it is common to practically all Luxeon Star flashlights that use the NX05 or NX01 optic. This is a cosmetic issue and will not affect the beam quality.
Farkle is caused by small pieces of silicon goop residue around the bezel of the LED. This is left over from the LED manufacture. The silicon is injected into the dome for optical coupling and there is usually a small amount of residue on the outside of the LED package.
At Arc Flashlight, we clean this bezel with alcohol swabs but invariably some farkle will remain. Again, this will not affect beam quality.
Lens Choices
From time to time, people occasionally ask us why we use Lexan in our lenses instead of Pyrex, OCL, sapphire or some other cool material. The pros for glass lenses is usually that they are harder to scratch and they transmit about 7-10% more light.
However, we believe Lexan is some of the best lens material around. The most important quality (beside transparency) in our opinion is its ability to withstand shock.
We have heard repeatedly about Pyrex and other glass/mineral lenses breaking. They chip, crack and plain shatter when the light gets used hard. Often, the lens will chip around the edge (under the bezel where you can't see it) because this is the weakest point. One small chip and that high priced light may no longer be waterproof.
Lexan can absorb more shock. They don't make bullet resistant "glass" out of Pyrex, they make it out of Lexan. Lexan is a brand name. The technical name is polycarbonate.
Sure, you can scratch the lens. But it is also easy to polish. The lens can be polished with toothpaste and a cotton pad.
As far as light transmission, we can easily make this up and more by simply using a more efficient converter and better quality LEDs. The end result is a high tech light that is brighter and more rugged than other lights in its size class.
Why do some manufacturers use Pyrex? Maybe because they buy a bunch of them for their incandescent lines. The old incandescent lights need them because they produce so much heat.
Link to thread showing how Lexan can withstand quite a bit of abuse.
Regulation
In some flashlights, regulation is used to provide a more consistent output. This feature typically appears in more expensive flashlights because it requires either an electronic circuit or some other type of regulator system.
A typical flashlight (without regulation) starts dimming as soon as you turn it on. This is because the battery drops it voltage as it is drained. After 15 minutes or so, a typical light could be as much as 1/2 the brightness as when it was first turned on. The rate of dimming varies with battery type, flashlight design, etc. LEDs are even more prone to dimming compared to incandescent (bulbs) when used in high brightness designs. This is because incandescent bulbs have a slight self-regulating effect.
Some manufacturers advertise their LED flashlights with incredible claims like, "over 50 hours of run time!", etc. Yes, these lights will produce light for over 50 hours but the light will be quite dim at that point. Didn't you buy that light to be as bright as when you bought it at the store?
Regulators cause the light to maintain a consistently bright output, even as the battery becomes depleted. As a result, regulated lights have a shorter advertised run time but the run time is more realistic for what you buy a light for.
Another advantage to regulated lights is that is makes it easier to use your batteries up completely. Non-regulated lights may be begging you to change out the batteries when there is still 50% power left.
Advantages of Regulation:
- Better utilization of the battery
- More consistent and dependable output
- Longer bulb/LED life
Disadvantages:
- Increased cost
- Can add to the weight/bulk of of the flashlight
Although a typical regulator adds a 5% overhead (step-ups typically add another 15-30%), I would not generally classify this as a loss since these circuits make better use of the battery (as relates to typically usage). As a result, you will typically get more light from a given battery in a light with a regulator. Step-ups (see notes elsewhere in this FAQ) will provide even more gains. Step-ups typically are used in conjunction with regulators.
There are several types of regulation. 3 types in particular are voltage current and power regulation. The Arc-AAA is partially voltage regulated, the LSL/LSH is current/thermal regulated and the Arc4 is power/thermal regulated.
There are many threads here in the Arc forum about regulation. Use the search function of the forum to find relevant topics.
Why is the Arc-AAA partially regulated instead of fully regulated?
Step-up
A "step-up" is an electronic circuit that multiplies the battery voltage to a level sufficient to brightly power the LED. Including a step-up in a flashlight allows the designer to use fewer cells, thereby making the light easier to carry.
A lot of simple LED flashlight just have three cells and a resistor to run the LED. The manufacturers tout these as "high tech", etc. Sometimes, they make the light small but cheap by using hard to find batteries that have higher voltages. However, these odd batteries usually provide poor "bang for the buck" and also are hard to find in an emergency.
Using a "step-up" allows the light to be made small enough to carry but not require unusual batteries. Step-ups are known as, "DC-DC Power Converters" by those in the electronic trade. Within the converter family, their are various topologies available. The Arc using a switching boost topology.
Sometimes a regulator is included with the step-up to provide a compact and consistent system.
Battery chemistries
Arc flashlights are compatible with various battery chemistries including:
- Carbon/zinc
- Alkaline
- Lithium
- Lithium Ion rechargeable
- NiMH rechargeable
- NiCad rechargeable
Each cells has advantages and disadvantages. Search this forum for user experiences with various chemistries.
With the Arc-AAA, we recommend alkaline cells. With the Arc-LS, we recommend lithium cells. The Arc-LS can also use NiMH cells to good effect.
Anodize
Every Arc flashlight is coated with Type III Hard Anodize. This HA finish is the hardest of all anodize types. It is substantially more scratch resistant than the softer type II anodize use on cheaper lights.
Safety Precautions
The following are general safety guidelines when operating an Arc Flashlight:
<ul type="square">[*]Do not leave flashlight with children unattended. The flashlight is small and its parts present a choking hazard
[*]Do not shine the light into the eye. The light is quite intense
[*]Use only as directed in instructions
[/list]
The LS will get warm during normal use. Although fairly efficient compared to a typical incandescent flashlight, all electrical conversions result in heat. Whereas incandescent typically radiate most of this heat forward via the reflector in the form of infrared, LEDs transfer most of their heat to the flashlight body, making the beam cooler. A high power LED flashlight with a good LED-to-chassis heat sink may therefore have a hotter chassis than a similar incandescent.
If left on an insulated surface for 10-15 minutes while on, it could even get quite warm (stabilizing at about 150-155F). Care should be taken when picking the light up after such a run. In designing the LS, we made the internal heat sink as conductive as possible to the outside housing in order to keep the LED cool. But these temperatures, although fine for the LED, can be a bit warm for the human hand. Do not leave in cribs with children or anywhere else where a hot flashlight could cause pain or discomfort. The light is designed to be used while being held in a human hand and in such use it should not get hot enough to cause discomfort. This is because the human hand has, "liquid cooling" which will help dissipate extra heat.
The circuitry of the LS includes a thermal sensor near the LED that will interrupt power to the LED in the event excessive temperature is detected. In testing, we were able to get the unit hot enough to trip the, "thermal circuit breaker" only when using rechargeable cells for long runs in an insulated environment. When the thermal shutdown occurs, the circuit continues to draw some current but the LED will be off. Turn off the power and let the light cool down before cycling it back on. While waiting for the light to cool down, it is good to open the battery compartment and vent any gasses produced by the hot battery. 123 lithium cells produce a signature organic odor when hot. All batteries produce gases (e.g. Hydrogen) during operation. This is normal. Do not use the flashlight in an explosive environment.
Some of the parts of this flashlight are small enough to present a choking hazard to both children and adults alike. Under certain conditions, the light produced by this flashlight may be bright enough to cause a loss of vision. Do not stare into the beam. Please do not let children use the Arc-LS without adult supervision.
Although the Arc-AAA and Arc-LS both operate with internal voltages below 4 volts (one of the requirements on an intrinsically safe flashlight), this flashlight is not yet rated for use in an explosive/flammable environment.
Factory "Seconds"
Because of standards we place on LED quality, run time, anodize quality, etc some of our production is marked as factory seconds. These are sold on our website on the closeout page. They are not covered under our lifetime warranty but they do come with a 15 day replacement guarantee. We are frequently out of stock on seconds so we recommend check our site often.
Arc Company
The Arc Company is based in Tempe, Arizona USA. It was started in May of 2001 by Peter Gransee. Peter got the idea for starting the company by wishing there was a better way to carry a small LED flashlight than the coin cell LED lights on the market at the time.
As the business grew, other people came on board. In October of 2002, Peter married Merri and the two now run the company together.
Currently, Arc employs about a half dozen people out of a small facility in Tempe.
Mission Statement/Design Philosophies
Mission Statement: Arc makes flashlights that matter.
This means we will design lights that are small enough to be with you when you need them the most, durable enough to survive wherever you may go and bright enough to get the job done safely.
Arc only makes flashlights with LED technology. This is because LED flashlights best meet our mission of small, durable and bright. Limiting our designs to one category also helps us focus our efforts.
In keeping with our design philosophy, we will emphasize utility over aesthetics. We prefer that our lights be in your pocket, ready to go and not in a museum display case.
Logical results of our philosophy include:
- We will utilize common battery types when at all possible
- Our lights will be designed to be drop resistant, water proof, corrosion resistant and easy to use (ergonomics).
Where to buy
You may buy factory direct from our website. We accept credit cards, money orders and paypal. The paypal address is [email protected]
We have several importers to various countries:
Canada:
Electronic Warehouse Direct
Germany:
Tool Shop
Hong Kong:
Supreme Co
Japan:
Belisimo
Ikariya
Outdoor Club
South Africa:
Tremac Industries
21 Hibiscus Street. Tel
27-21) 975 2700
Durbanville. 7550 Fax: (27-21) 975 2800
E - mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Exerbe
Vretenborgsvagen 16
12630 Hagersten, Sweden
Hans Wiechel
[email protected]
United Kingdom:
Farm Base
From time to time, Arc may also sell products through special promotions, OEM, etc. If you see a product that claims to be an genuine Arc and want to be sure, send us and email or call us.
Shipping
If purchased factory direct, Arc will ship your light via FedEx. Shipping to US addresses is $5. Please check our site for shipping costs to other locations. Yes, we ship internationally.
Why do we only use Fedex, have we every heard of the USPS? Yes, we used to use USPS, UPS, Airborne, DHL, Bax, etc. We have been around a while. All these other options ultimately made the product more expensive because they lost quite a few shipments. Claims were drawn out or not paid, etc. Yes, we are quite happy with FedEx. Thank you. If you want a more detailed explanation, feel free to call me.
(continued)
v 3
last updated 8/10/05
As of 7/1/2005, some Arc products are once again being offered by Peter Gransee. The new company has offered to provide limited service to owners of Arc-AAA and Arc-AA products. Please send an email to [email protected] to initiate service.
The new website is up at www.arcflashlight.com
The new brighter Arc-AAA is being offered however demand is strong and back orders are the norm.
This FAQ is obsolete. The new FAQ is at www.arcflashlight.com/faqs.shtml
--
Here is the original post introducing the Arc-AAA to the CPF in 2001.
--
Arc Flashlight is a manufacturer of LED flashlights producing three basic lines, the Arc-AAA, Arc-AA and the Arc-LS (Luxeon Star). Within these lines are various models. This is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) reference for anything pertaining to Arc Flashlight.
If you are a new owner of an Arc flashlight, we recommend that you read this FAQ to get full use out of your flashlight.
To search this FAQ while viewing this page with IE, press "[ctrl] F" and enter your search word.
If you have any suggestions or additions to this FAQ, please post here.
Graph of products.
Arc-AAA
What is it?
The Arc-AAA is a small, keychain sized LED flashlight designed for Every Day Carry (EDC). It is powered by a single AAA cell.
Specs
<ul type="square">[*]20,000 MCD, 3 lumen output (independently verified by several sources)
[*]Winner of the 2002 Lummie Award for, "Best LED flashlight" and "Best Every Day Carry Flashlight"
[*]No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged LED
[*]AAA cell – no expensive lithium batteries required
[*]Fits on key chain or use included pocket clip (new!)
[*]Waterproof to 50 feet (tested 100% to 340 feet)
[*]Type III HA Anodized Aluminum (more scratch resistant than the cheaper type II used on other flashlights)
[*]ChemKote interior finish for improved corrosion resistance
[*]5 hour run time on good alkaline cell (5 hours to 50% brightness)
[*]Automatic "Sun/Moon mode" (See below)
[*]10 Year warranty
[*]2.7 inches long by 0.5 inches in diameter
[*]Weighs 0.75 ounce (with battery)
[*]Duracell AAA alkaline cell included
[/list]
The Arc-AAA is available in two grades: Standard and Premium. Both grades use a hand selected white LED but the Premium grade is of a warmer tint of white. Please note that the Arc-AAA is smaller than it may appear. The actual diameter is less than an AA cell and about 1/2 inch longer.
Retail prices are:
Standard $28.95
Premium $39.95
What to expect when ordering the Arc-AAA.
LED types
The Arc-AAA use a 5mm Nichia LED part number NSPW500BS. Like all good LEDs, Nichia bins these LEDs by tint and flux. The Standard Arc-AAA uses a R or S flux and B2 or B3 tint. The Premium Arc-AAA uses a S flux with a B2 or B1 tint. The difference between the Standard and Premium is the Premium will have a warmer tint. All white LEDs tend to have a blue center and the Premiums are no exception. The difference is the Premiums will have less blue than the standards. The S flux is rated at 6400mcd at the factory but we overdrive the LED at approximately 45mA to produce about 20,000mcd.
What is the LE?
The Limited Edition (LE) is an early designation for the Premium Arc-AAA. Starting in 2003, Arc changed the designation of the LE to Premium Edition. Except for the inscription, the flashlights are identical in finish and LED.
Batteries
For the Arc-AAA, we recommend you use the least expensive alkaline cell you can find that does not leak. We recommend you check and change the cell from time to time to prevent the cell from leaking and damaging the Arc-AAA. Premium batteries will provide a longer run time but are not worth the extra cost in our opinion.
We recommend and use Duracell brand alkaline cells in our lights. Our 5 hour run time claim is based on a fresh Duracell Alkaline.
Rechargeable cells will work in the Arc-AAA and produce a slightly dimmer output. The self discharge common to NiCad and NiMH cells may cause the flashlight to not be ready if left unused for an extended period of time. Because an alkaline will last for several month of normal use, we recommend an alkaline cell over a rechargeable.
The new 1.7v Energizer Lithium AAA cells have been tested and will work fine in the Arc-AAA. These cells are more expensive than alkaline but will improve brightness, runtime, shelf life, cold weather performance, weight, etc.
Cold Weather Performance of Batteries
Over the years, we have accumulated some experience with various chemistries in cold weather use. The quick answer to cold weather use is Lithiums are better at handling the cold than Alkaline, rechargeable, etc.
With Alkaline, anything below about 40 degrees Fahrenheit could cause the light not to turn on or only dimly. Since all of our lights are designed for personal use, they typically are carried in a warm pocket. This will help with cold weather use. If the light is not carried in your pocket and it won't start because the battery is too cold, remove the cell and warm it up in your hands. Once the cell is warm enough to start the voltage converter, it can be exposed to colder temperatures. This because the converter can operate at a lower voltage once it initially starts and also the light and battery produce a small amount of heat in operation. The Arc voltage converters have a lower startup voltage requirement than most of our competitors. So for given battery, the Arc is more likely to make it work.
Lithiums can operate at 30-40 below zero degrees Fahrenheit. Startup and rundown performance is excellent. For cold weather usage, the new Energizer Lithium AAA cells are recommended.
Run Times
We conservatively estimate the run time with a good cell (Duracell) at around 5 hours. Although, your results may vary and many users report run times of over 6 hours. Every Arc model will continue to produce light after their rate run time but at less than 50% brightness. The Arc-AAA for example will still be producing a diminished output after 12 hours of use. With typical usage each cell will last several months. The Arc-AAA will produce a longer total run time than 5 hours if used intermittently.
Sun/Moon Mode
The Arc-AAA includes an electronic regulator circuit that helps maintain a more consistent output during the life of a battery. Compare this to conventional flashlights that more noticeably dim as the battery is depleted. The regulator in the Arc-AAA is a very compact design optimized for "partial" regulation. Please see further down in this FAQ for a more detailed description of regulation.
Basically, "Sun" mode is the bright operation of the flashlight and "moon" mode is the dim light produced by the light when the battery is nearly dead. When stating run time for our lights, we list the "sun" mode length for a given battery type. The Arc-AAA is capable of producing about 5 hours of sun mode.
With only 40% of the remaining capacity left in the AAA battery, the Arc-AAA will still be producing about 80% of it's original brightness.
The transition from sun to moon is fairly smooth on the Arc-AAA with most battery chemistries and you may not notice it very easily. With alkaline cells, it is not an abrupt change.
Links to Reviews
FlashlightReviews.com
Brock's Review
Dan's Data
The LED Museum (Premium Arc-AAA review)
The LED Museum (Standard Arc-AAA review)
The Torch Reviews Site
Competitors
Here's a video showing the difference in efficiency between the Arc-AAA and the Mag Solitaire.
Arc efficiency demonstration (".wmv" 818kb)
Notice the battery is the same in both cases. There are many differences between these two lights. The reason the Arc is brighter is that is uses a LED and other "new" technologies.
A page comparing the Arc-AAA to the CMG Sonic
Accessories
The Arc-AAA is now shipping with a pocket clip.
Maintenance
1. Regularly clean the threads of dirt and aluminum oxide (the black gunk)
2. Check battery for leakage
3. Apply grease to threads and o-ring for good water seal and smooth operation. Almost any kind of grease may be used (Petroleum or non-petroleum is fine)
4. Clean battery contacts with a pencil eraser if they get fouled to improve light output.
See the DIY Arc-AAA Maintenance page on how to maintain all the various parts of the Arc-AAA.
Mods
There are several user modifications of the Arc-AAA. This section will be updated.
So far, I have seen mods including:
N-cell version
LS versions
brass bodies
double ended version
C, D cell candles
Version History
Not all of the version history of the Arc-AAA is remembered. Arc has upgraded this light many times in the past 2+ years.
1.0 First offered in May of 2001. Had gasket instead of o-ring. Type II finish.
1.? Switched to O-ring which made the units waterproof
2.5 Switched to Type III anodize, new retail packaging
3.0 Added ChemKote
3.1 Added roll crimp to increase reliability
3.2 Change circuit design and layout to slightly increase output
3.3 Changed inscription to "Arc" only, circuit to fix regulator stalls
Issues and other questions
Thickness of Lanyard Lug wall.
From time to time, we have people ask us if the lanyard hole on the back of the flashlight has too thin of an outer wall. They are worried that it will break or wear through in time. The hole is designed to be that distance from the rear surface and with that thin of a lip for two reasons. One is to clear the tool that cuts the hole and the other is to reduce scratches when installing the split ring. It also reduces the chance the split ring will be bent out of shape during installation.
We have used that thickness for over 3 years now and have not received even one report of a lug failure. In extreme cases, the split ring has deformed from excessive tension, but the lug itself has not broken through. Lug failure is possible of course, but we feel that this part is reasonably designed.
Why isn't there a glass or plastic lens over the front of the Arc-AAA?
The LED has an integral lens. By recessing the LED inside the reflector, we protect it from most types of damage without the problems of a separate lens (scratches, breakage, less brightness).
++++++++++++++++++
Arc-AA
What is it?
The Arc-AA is a small, pocket sized LED flashlight designed for Every Day Carry (EDC). It is powered by a single AA cell.
Specs
<ul type="square">[*]20,000 MCD, 3 lumen output
[*]Features same circuit as the award winning Arc-AAA
[*]No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged LED
[*]Powered by a single, easy to find, AA cell (alkaline, rechargeable, lithium, etc)
[*]Fits on key chain or carry in pocket
[*]Waterproof to 50 feet
[*]Type III HA Anodized Aluminum (more scratch resistant than the cheaper type II used on other flashlights)
[*]ChemKote interior finish for improved corrosion resistance
[*]10 hour run time on good alkaline cell (10 hours to 50% brightness)
[*]Automatic "Sun/Moon mode" (See FAQ)
[*]10 Year warranty
[*]3.0 inches long by 0.7 inches in diameter
[*]Weighs 1.3 ounces (with lithium battery)
[*]Duracell AA alkaline cell included
[/list]
The Arc-AA is available in one grade: Standard with a SB2 Nichia LED.
Retail price is $34.95
Order page for the Arc-AA
The Arc-AA borrows many of the features of the Arc-AAA. Please see the Arc-AAA section of this FAQ for more detail.
++++++++++++++++++
Arc-LS
What is it?
The Arc-LS is a series of LED flashlights using the high power Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds. Different power levels and configurations are available. The 1W series is designed for Every Day Carry (EDC).
LS Models:
<ul type="square">[*]First Run
This was the first flashlight on the market using a Luxeon Star LED. It was voltage regulated. The LED version used was the Low Dome LED.
[*]Hybrid
This was a hybrid of the rev1 and rev2 technologies
[*]LS1
This was the first total Rev2.
[*]LS2
First flashlight on the market to use the High Dome LED. Rev2 tech.
[*]LS3
First flashlight on the market to use the 5watt Luxeon Star. Rev2 tech. 2x123 battery. Waterproof. Shipped to Arc Fans in January of 2003. Discontinued in favor of longer life emitters and better technology used in the LS5.
[*]LSL
Renamed LS1 with v2.1 improvements. Low Dome LED
[*]LSH
Renamed LS2 with v2.1 improvements. High Dome LED
[/list]
Standard vs Premium
The Premium units are about 50% brighter than the standard units. They also have a slightly better tint ranking. Please note that the human eye has trouble seeing differences in brightness of 50%. It is more apparent when holding the two units side by side or when using a light meter. The best bang for the buck is the standard. The Premium is for those who need the absolute best. Please see below for more on the different LED types.
Specs for the current LSL and LSH (1W) series
<ul type="square">[*]Winner of the 2003 Lummie Award for, "Best Every Day Carry Flashlight"
[*]No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds
[*]DC/DC Setup with current-mode regulator, auto sun/moon mode, multi-battery support, reverse polarity protection, thermal circuit breaker
[*]LED optics protected by .030" AR coated, scratch resistant LEXAN lens
[*]50 feet water proof
[*]1x 123 photo lithium pack with tail switch included (battery included), other packs available, see below
[*]Type III hard anodized/chemkote Aluminum
[*]Cobalt/Gold positive battery contact
[*]Simple, reliable housing construction w/knurled grips
[*]Other power packs available so light can be used with larger but more economical "AA" cells (see order page for details)
[*]Dimensions with TSP-123 included are 3.2 inches long by .950 inches in diameter
[*]Total weight with 123 cell installed is 2.2 ounces
[*]10 Year warranty/30 day satisfaction guarantee
[*]Made in the USA
[/list]
What to expect when ordering an Arc-LS...
Instructions
Insert battery with positive contact facing towards the flashlight head. If a TSP (Tail Switch Pack) pack is used, press tail switch slightly for momentary use or until it clicks for constant on. If P-123 pack is used, twist pack to turn light on and off. Do not over tighten pack.
The LS includes an electronic regulator circuit that helps maintain a more consistent output during the life of a battery. Compare this to conventional flashlights that more noticeably dim as the battery is depleted. In normal operation, the LS will maintain 95% of max output ("Sun" Mode) for the useful life of the battery (typically several hours) after which it will transition to "moon" mode, which may last as much as an hour. As the LS transitions from Sun to Moon mode, it will flicker for a minute or less. This is normal. Results will vary with battery used, temperature, etc. The light should not flicker with fresh batteries (loosen/tighten the switch if it does).
Online Copy of the Instructions included with each Arc-LS.
LED Types
The LEDs selected for use in the LS are hand sorted to be of the brightest and best tint. We use bin code 3 and 4 in the tint. The standard LS use an M-N flux while the Premium uses a P-Q flux.
Versions
0.9 - First shipped in December of 2001. voltage regulated, 3-packs,
1.0 - First shipped in February of 2002. Switched to NX05 optics
400 Hybrid – Bridge between version 1 and version 2. Had new circuit of version 2 in housing of version 1. Circuit set for 330mA (mistakenly reported as 400mA)
500 hybrid – Same as 400 but circuit is set for ~400mA (mistakenly reported as 500mA)
2.0 New current regulated circuit design, thermal circuit breaker, higher output. Waterproof, slimmer design, Lexan protected optics, new 1pc head design
2.1 Flex washer (fixes flex failure)
In late 2002, we changed the battery packs from the twist design to the TSP (Tail Switch Pack) design.
Batteries
The most compact configuration is to power the light with a single 123 lithium cell. We recommend the 123 cell pack for light to medium usage because it is more likely to be carried and therefore be available when you need it the most. We have tested 12 different brands of 123 cells and found that all were suitable for use in the LS. Some last longer but cost more. In our tests, we are mostly concerned about the cell leaking and damaging the light. We did not observe any lithium cells leaking when used correctly in the LS. We recommend you purchase 123 cells based mostly on price. However, with alkaline and NiMH, we recommend you purchase based mostly on the reliability of the cell since we have observed that cheaper brands of NiMH and Alkaline tend to leak.
Besides working with alkaline and lithium cells, the LS is also designed to work with rechargeable (NiCad and NiMH) cells. In some cases, an accessory power pack will be required to work with a particular size or combination of cells. The circuit will automatically cut off at about 1.4 volts and will protect your NiMH and NiCad from excessive discharge. Because the LS is a high drain device, NiMH will typically provide superior run time compared to alkaline cells. The circuit will operate in a voltage range of about 1.4 to 3.4 volts. We do not recommend you use batteries over about 3.2 volts as this could possibly damage the LED and circuit. Any damage to the flashlight caused by over voltage is not covered under warranty.
Rechargeable 123's for the Arc-LS
Here's a picture showing the two packs available for the Arc-LSL, LSH series:
Run Times
The Arc-LS has the following average run times:
- 2 hours with a good Lithium 123 cell.
- 1.5 hours with 2xAA alkaline
- 2.5 hours with 2xAA NiMH
- 3+ hours with 2xAA Lithium
Note: these are average and your results will vary. In normal use, the single 123 cell will last about a month.
Because of variations in LED Vf (forward voltage), temperature, cell variations (within the same brand), switch resistance, etc- run times will vary by as much as 50% from unit to unit with the same brand of new battery. This means that a good 123 cell may run in continuous mode a total of 1.5 hours to 2.5 hours. Run times for all battery types are lengthened when the light is used intermittently. With 5 minutes per use, a good 123 cell could provide as much as 2.5-3.5 hours of total usage. That is why the numbers provided in the above list are averages only. Variations of this type is normal for electrical equipment.
Links to Reviews
FlashlightReviews.com
Equipped to Survive
Comparisons
This picture should provide some indication of size and output
(picture provided by Sean Edwards)
Accessories
Current accessories offered by Arc include:
1x123 size nylon carry pouch
TSP2AA power pack
5-pack of 123 cells
Please check our website for a current list of accessories.
Maintenance
Please note that the LS ships with a thin plastic lens protector applied to the lexan lens (front part of flashlight). This protector can be left on or removed, it is your choice. If left on, it will help protect the lens from scratches. If you choose to remove it, this may be done by using a soft sharp implement like your fingernail or a plastic pick.
The o-ring is made of Buna-N (Nitrile) and can be used with petroleum or silicone based grease. About every 2-6 months, the o-ring can be lubricated with silicone or similar type of grease. Your local electronics store sells silicon grease for $3-4 a tube. Only a small amount of grease is needed to make the threads and o-ring smooth and quiet. Over time, the threads will accumulate a dark residue composed of dirt and/or aluminum oxide. This can be cleaned by adding oil to the threads (which puts the residue into suspension) and then wiping off with a cloth. The threads should then be lubricated with grease.
The outside of the flashlight can be washed with warm, soapy water. Solvents are not recommended because they may melt the Lexan lens.
The LS optics are protected by an AR-coated Lexan lens. The AR coating is silicon based and will help reduce appearance of scratches. If scratches do appear they can be buffed out with a polycarbonate polish.
In order for the light to attain its 50 feet water depth rating, the battery compartment must be tightened past the o-ring, the lens must be intact and the Kroll tail button tightened snuggly. The rubber boot should be tucked under the lip of the switch and squeezed by the tightened switch. It is common to see a loosened switch boot leak water into the battery compartment. In testing, we have been able to consistently reach 100 foot of depth when the tail switch is properly installed. The optics are rated at 50 feet and this depth should not be exceeded.
Link to DIY maintenance on the Kroll tail switch
Arc-LS Serial number data
This page provides a partial listing of Arc-LS serial numbers.
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Arc4
What is it?
The Arc4 is an evolution of the Arc-LS series of LED flashlights using the high power Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds. Different power levels and configurations are available. These lights are designed for Every Day Carry (EDC) use.
Standard vs Premium
The Premium units use less power from the battery than standard units. This is because the LEDs used are more efficient. This improves their run times at the same brightness. They also have a slightly better tint ranking. Please see below for more on the different LED types.
Arc4 Specs
<ul type="square">[*]1 watt, High Dome Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds producing 33 lumens (Premium version, Level 1)
[*]Proprietary microprocessor based power supply. DC-DC buck/boost topology, Power regulation, Calibrated brightness, multi-battery support, reverse polarity protection
[*]LED optics protected by new .092" LEXAN lens
[*]water proof (depth pending)
[*]1x '123' 3V lithium pack with tail switch included (battery included), other packs available, see below
[*]Type III hard anodized Aluminum
[*]Cobalt Gold positive/negative battery contacts
[*]Simple, reliable housing construction w/knurled grips
[*]Other power packs available in the future
[*]Dimensions with TSP-123 included are 3.2 inches long by 1.0 inches in diameter
[*]Total weight with 123 cell and clip installed is 2.9 ounces
[*]Input voltage range: 2.0V to 6.75V
[*]Limited Lifetime warranty/30 day satisfaction guarantee
[*]Made in the USA
[/list]
Primary Features: simple single button user interface, rechargeable
battery protection, reverse battery protection without diode penalty,
graceful power reduction for weak batteries, thermal management,
intrinsically safe design
Settable Options: SOS emergency signal, button lock, force primary,
locator flash, ready-for-service indicator, semi-momentary tactical
mode, pure-momentary tactical mode
Previous LS designs were current regulated. The Arc4 is the first LS to be Power regulated. This provides an even more precise control of the output brightness.
LED Types
The LEDs selected for use in the Arc4 are hand sorted to be of the brightest and best tint. We use bin code 3 and 4 in the tint. The standard LS use an M-N flux while the Premium uses a P-Q flux.
Hardware Versions
1.0 - 1/2004 Production
Software Versions
107 First Production Candidate
108 Added triple click to dim
109 Fixed various bugs
111 found bug, fixed in 112
112 Smoothed regulation (first version that was shipped, very small production run)
114 simplified calibration
115 found bug, fixed in 116
116 Improved 123 cell detection and run down (1.8v cutoff), second version shipped, tiny production run
123 Improved brightness calibration sequence. Changed power formulas to increase dynamic range, first "large" production run
128 Changed "find me" to L10, tweaked tint management code (not shipped)
129 Changed "find me" to L16
130 Resend of 129 (shipped)
205 Broken switch detection routine now defaults to secondary brightness setting. Added more resolution to x calibration process.
Note the software was numbered by the date it was produced. For example, the 116 version was finished on January 16th, 2004.
All models of the Arc4 are programmable and the software can be upgraded. We provide 1 free software upgrade for each Arc4 sold. After that, upgrades cost $20/unit + shipping each.
Units sold as "Factory seconds" should also be software upgradeable. However, the upgrade is not free and the $20 fee applies.
Run Times
The Arc4 has the following average run times:
- 20 minutes at level 1 with a good 123 cell
- 45 minutes at level 2 " "
- 2 hours at level 3 " "
- 3 hours at level 4 " "
...
Note: these are average and your results will vary. In normal use, the single 123 cell will last about a month.
Because of variations in LED Vf (forward voltage), temperature, cell variations (within the same brand), inductor variations, etc- run times will vary by as much as 50% from unit to unit with the same brand of new battery. Run times for all battery types are lengthened when the light is used intermittently.
Thermal Regulation
People often ask, "how does the Arc4 produce so much light out of such a small package?" The short answer is thermal regulation. This is a new concept for flashlights and was introduced by Arc starting with our LS1 design back in 2002. With the Arc4, we have taken that technology even further with some obvious results.
LEDs are most sensitive to heat. Managing that heat allows the LED to be driven at a higher power level more safely and more efficiently.
For example, safety: If the LED is not thermally regulated and the LED is driven at full power, there is high likelihood that the LED will overheat after several minutes of operation. This overheating reduces the lifespan and brightness of the LED. It also wastes power. The Arc4 is designed to keep the LED always at a safe level. This maximizes the LED lifespan and efficiency. We feel that the LED will have no problem delivering the full 50k hours as specified by the LED manufacturer. 50k hours is over 60 years of 2hr/day use.
All Arc products are covered under a lifetime warranty.
Links to Reviews
Craig Johnson's LED Museum
Accessories
Current accessories offered by Arc include:
1x123 size nylon carry pouch
5-pack of 123 cells
Please check our website for a current list of accessories.
Note: The previous Arc-LS series battery packs are not compatible with the new Arc4 because of the new switch design. You will notice the switch contacts are actually in the head of the flashlight with the Arc4.
The clip can be removed without affecting the operation or water-tightness of the rest of the light.
Future Accessories being evaluated for the Arc4 include:
- 2x123 pack
- 2xAA pack
- Nylon Pouch
- Tail guard
- Head mount
Maintenance
Please note that the Arc4 ships with a thin plastic lens protector applied to the lexan lens (front part of flashlight). This protector can be left on or removed, it is your choice. If left on, it will help protect the lens from scratches. If you choose to remove it, this may be done by using a soft sharp implement like your fingernail or a plastic pick.
The o-ring is made of Buna-N (Nitrile) and can be used with petroleum or silicone based grease. About every 2-6 months, the o-ring can be lubricated with silicone or similar type of grease. Your local electronics store sells silicon grease for $3-4 a tube. Only a small amount of grease is needed to make the threads and o-ring smooth and quiet. Over time, the threads will accumulate a dark residue composed of dirt and/or aluminum oxide. This can be cleaned by adding oil to the threads (which puts the residue into suspension) and then wiping off with a cloth. The threads should then be lubricated with grease.
The outside of the flashlight can be washed with warm, soapy water. Solvents are not recommended because they may melt the Lexan lens.
With each battery change, we recommend that you clean the battery compartment lip of any excess grease or dirt.
The retaining nut that holds the front Lexan window in place can be removed without voiding the warranty. The threads that hold this nut are not sealed. A spanner wrench (not provided by Arc) is required if you choose to remove this nut. This is to facilitate careful user service. The window can be cleaned, polished or replaced. Third party vendors provide glass substitutes for this lens that offer more scratch resistance at the cost of some shock resistance.
If your lexan window is scratched beyond repair (polishing did not help), Arc can send you a free replacement window upon request.
If you do remove the lexan window, take care to not touch the reflector. Attempting to clean or polish the reflector will likely make it worse. User damage to the reflector is not covered under our warranty. Please be careful with the reflector.
Arc4 Demonstration Videos
Basic Operation (1.69mb wmv)
Here's the same video at a lower bit rate for those on dial-up:
Basic Operation (216kb wmv)
Changing brightness levels(4.55mb wmv)
Changing the battery, RFS, dead battery indication (7.43mb wmv)
Changing levels for the Primary/Secondary settings(6.58mb wmv)
The Options Menu(7.53mb wmv)
Advanced Functions
The Arc4 has many advanced functions, please read the Advanced Instructions for more information.
These instructions will explain how to change the brightness levels, access the options menu, turn on the special functions, etc.
Arc4 Simulators
These simulators will enable you to test out the different functions of the Arc4. Both versions have been tested with Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
Flash version (plug-in required)
Java version
Other links
Pocket Reference Card
Arc4 testing
Japanese review of Arc4
Japanese basic Arc4 instructions
Japanese instructions for Arc4 options menu
A special note about the Arc4
The Arc4 introduces several new concepts to the world of flashlights. As such, it may be intimidating at first to use. We encourage new users to carefully read this FAQ, train on the simulators and watch the videos. Otherwise the Arc4 may appear to do wild things without reason. We have found that many of the so called, "my Arc4 is wigging out" type emails are people who recently got the light and are unaccustomed to its operation.
Misc questions about the Arc4
Faint LED Flash when Arc4 is off:
When the RFS is turned on, the software turns the uC on periodically to drain any residual charge on the input capacitors through the LED. This produces one quick dim flash about every 2-4 seconds. If this were not done, the unit would take forever to reset when then power is changed because of the hefty capacitor on the input.
It may be more visible when the light is cold because the LED becomes more sensitive to voltage at lower temps.
Turning the RFS off will shut off this housekeeping function but the light will take longer to reset. If you want to have the RFS off but also speed up the reset, press the button inside the head with your finger when you open the pack to change the cells. This will drain the capacitor within a few seconds.
Light flashes quickly when turned on:
Double Click does not work but triple click does:
Full power (boost) does not work but triple click does:
If you get these symptoms, please check your battery. It is probably dead. The Arc4 is programmed to do its best with the battery it has. If the battery is dying, it will automatically switch to a lower level so it can continue to provide some light for you. This is better than simply turning off. Each flicker is a step down in brightness. The light will continue to step down until it reaches a level the battery can sustain for while. When it can no longer provide even that level, it will then continue to step down again. The Arc4 can continue to provide some light from a battery that is too dead for other flashlights.
Once it has stepped down, the CPU remembers that the battery is unable to provide above a certain level. If you then attempt to switch to a higher level by double clicking or activating full power (boost), the request will be denied. However, since triple click selects the lowest level (Level 16), the chances are good that the battery can provide that level and so the light will allow you to switch to that level.
If your light is acting in this way, it is telling you as politely as possible that the battery is dead. Please replace the battery. Operation will then return to normal.
A note for people using rechargeable batteries:
If you are using rechargeables and the light has the above symptoms, the light is telling you the battery is depleted and should be recharged. Rechargeables can be damaged by draining them too far. The Arc4 can detect some types of rechargeables. When the cell voltage reaches the safety limit, the Arc4 will simply shut the light off. This will not occur until it has tried the higher levels first so you will have some warning.
If you are in an emergency situation and need to completely discharge the battery to get all the light you can, simply turn the light back on after it has performed the automatic shut off. The battery protect feature is then bypassed until the battery is replaced. We recommend you only use this feature in an emergency.
Switch Rattle:
As the rubber button on the Arc4 breaks-in, the metal plunger inside may start to rattle when the light is shaken. This only happens in some cases and does not interfere with the correct operation of the light. We have a cushion ring that can be added to the switch mechanism to dampen vibration. Please email us to request a free ring be sent to you.
LED Life in the Arc4:
Because the Arc4 utilizes Active thermal management, we expect the lifespan on the LED to reach the maximums stated by the LED manufacturer. Lumileds specifies the 1.25w LED to maintain 80% of it's output for 50,000 hours. That is 68 years at 2 hours/day.
Irregular Switch action in the Arc4:
With some batteries or under certain conditions, the switch in the Arc4 may not be as crisp in its click feel. Much of this is caused by the adjustment of the spring in the tail. If the spring is too stiff, the switch will be very sensitive and may not click at all. If it is too soft, the light may act erratic (the battery may loose connection and the light RFS every time you press the button) and the switch feel loose or mushy. If this happens, you can adjust the spring by removing it and either compressing it with pliers or stretching it out slightly. If that does not work, we can also send you a different spring. We stock both soft and hard springs.
Arc4 does not seem to have a Full Power level:
This is also sometimes called boost or burst mode. If the light is already set for level 1 and you press the button to go to full power, there will be no change since full power is level 1. However, if the light is set for a level other than 1 and you press the button to go to full power, the light will increase to level 1. This is useful for conserving power while providing quick access to the brightest setting.
Arc-4 Serial number data
This page provides a partial listing of Arc-4 serial numbers. You may look up production data by serial number.
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Technology of Arc Flashlights
There are several technologies that make the Arc Flashlights possible…
LEDs
"LED" stands for "Light Emitting Diode". Enormously improved since their development in the 1960's, current LED's have surpassed the efficiency of the average incandescent light bulb. Combined with their rugged, unbreakable construction and long life of over 100,000 hours (over 11 years of continuous use) they make the ideal light source for high performance flashlights.
How do White LEDs work?
White LEDs work differently than the other colors because current white LEDs actually use a blue LED with a phosphor cap to produce white light. The phosphor converts some of the blue light into red/green which mixes with the blue to produce a white light. Getting this mix is a black art for the LED manufactures and there is currently quite a bit of variation from LED to LED. This also explains why a white LED has a blue cast to it.
LED Bin Codes Explained
In the manufacturing of semiconductor products, there is a variation of performance around the average values given in the technical data sheets. In LEDs, the variation is even greater than traditional CMOS found in your computer.
Like snowflakes, no two LEDs are alike. There are variations in color (tint), brightness (flux), forward voltage (Vf) and beam distribution/artifacts. Most LED manufacturers sort their LED by machine into bins. Each bin has a rank or window of values that all the parts in that bin fit within. In spite of the fact that only some of the variables are binned and the bins are fairly wide there can be quite a few bins. For the Luxeon Star, there are over 400 bin variations. A typical flux bin (Q for example) can have a 10 lumen window which means there will be an appreciable difference between parts even in the same bin.
From one extreme to another, a typical LED from the same production line, can have a 300% variation in one value alone.
Bin codes for 1W and 5W
A large percentage of the LEDs manufactured are unsuitable for flashlights in our opinion. Usually this is because the tint is too green for a white light. Arc hand sorts LEDs for each flashlight we make. With current yields, about 7 percent of the Luxeons received make it into a Arc-LS standard and about 1 percent make it into an Arc-LS Premium. This causes frequent shortages with the Arc-LS.
Even though Arc is so selective on the LEDs used, there will still be variations from unit to unit.
High Dome vs Low Dome
As explained above under how a white LED works, a phosphor layer is used to re-emit some of the blue light. In most white LEDs, the phosphor is applied as a cap or fill around the LED chip ("die").
Lumileds started manufacturing their luxeon stars with a phosphor cap. This is called the "low dome" design because the dome over the LED is low and flat. In 2002, Lumileds improved the Luxeon Star by coming out with the EOS process. This EOS process changed how the phosphor is applied to the die. The die now has a even coating over the entire surface. This change was included with the new inverted die geometry ("Tip Chip, Lambertian") in their "high dome" design. The high dome product has a higher dome over the LED with a rounded tip.
Low dome LEDs, which are in the majority, have a tint gradient across the beam. Typically, the center of the beam is blueish while the edges are greenish.
High dome LEDs have a more consistent tint across the beam. They also have a smaller object size which makes for a more focused beam for a given optic. HDs (high domes) also show the die pattern and bond wires more clearly in the beam.
Here are some helpful links on this subject:
<ul type="square"> [*]Low Dome vs. High Dome
[*]LSH vs. LSL - which do you like better and why?
[*]Perceived Brightness, LD vs HD [/list]
Farkle
Occasionally, you will see a sparkly pattern when looking into an off luxeon star. This pattern can also look like clear plastic chips. We call this "farkle" and it is common to practically all Luxeon Star flashlights that use the NX05 or NX01 optic. This is a cosmetic issue and will not affect the beam quality.
Farkle is caused by small pieces of silicon goop residue around the bezel of the LED. This is left over from the LED manufacture. The silicon is injected into the dome for optical coupling and there is usually a small amount of residue on the outside of the LED package.
At Arc Flashlight, we clean this bezel with alcohol swabs but invariably some farkle will remain. Again, this will not affect beam quality.
Lens Choices
From time to time, people occasionally ask us why we use Lexan in our lenses instead of Pyrex, OCL, sapphire or some other cool material. The pros for glass lenses is usually that they are harder to scratch and they transmit about 7-10% more light.
However, we believe Lexan is some of the best lens material around. The most important quality (beside transparency) in our opinion is its ability to withstand shock.
We have heard repeatedly about Pyrex and other glass/mineral lenses breaking. They chip, crack and plain shatter when the light gets used hard. Often, the lens will chip around the edge (under the bezel where you can't see it) because this is the weakest point. One small chip and that high priced light may no longer be waterproof.
Lexan can absorb more shock. They don't make bullet resistant "glass" out of Pyrex, they make it out of Lexan. Lexan is a brand name. The technical name is polycarbonate.
Sure, you can scratch the lens. But it is also easy to polish. The lens can be polished with toothpaste and a cotton pad.
As far as light transmission, we can easily make this up and more by simply using a more efficient converter and better quality LEDs. The end result is a high tech light that is brighter and more rugged than other lights in its size class.
Why do some manufacturers use Pyrex? Maybe because they buy a bunch of them for their incandescent lines. The old incandescent lights need them because they produce so much heat.
Link to thread showing how Lexan can withstand quite a bit of abuse.
Regulation
In some flashlights, regulation is used to provide a more consistent output. This feature typically appears in more expensive flashlights because it requires either an electronic circuit or some other type of regulator system.
A typical flashlight (without regulation) starts dimming as soon as you turn it on. This is because the battery drops it voltage as it is drained. After 15 minutes or so, a typical light could be as much as 1/2 the brightness as when it was first turned on. The rate of dimming varies with battery type, flashlight design, etc. LEDs are even more prone to dimming compared to incandescent (bulbs) when used in high brightness designs. This is because incandescent bulbs have a slight self-regulating effect.
Some manufacturers advertise their LED flashlights with incredible claims like, "over 50 hours of run time!", etc. Yes, these lights will produce light for over 50 hours but the light will be quite dim at that point. Didn't you buy that light to be as bright as when you bought it at the store?
Regulators cause the light to maintain a consistently bright output, even as the battery becomes depleted. As a result, regulated lights have a shorter advertised run time but the run time is more realistic for what you buy a light for.
Another advantage to regulated lights is that is makes it easier to use your batteries up completely. Non-regulated lights may be begging you to change out the batteries when there is still 50% power left.
Advantages of Regulation:
- Better utilization of the battery
- More consistent and dependable output
- Longer bulb/LED life
Disadvantages:
- Increased cost
- Can add to the weight/bulk of of the flashlight
Although a typical regulator adds a 5% overhead (step-ups typically add another 15-30%), I would not generally classify this as a loss since these circuits make better use of the battery (as relates to typically usage). As a result, you will typically get more light from a given battery in a light with a regulator. Step-ups (see notes elsewhere in this FAQ) will provide even more gains. Step-ups typically are used in conjunction with regulators.
There are several types of regulation. 3 types in particular are voltage current and power regulation. The Arc-AAA is partially voltage regulated, the LSL/LSH is current/thermal regulated and the Arc4 is power/thermal regulated.
There are many threads here in the Arc forum about regulation. Use the search function of the forum to find relevant topics.
Why is the Arc-AAA partially regulated instead of fully regulated?
Step-up
A "step-up" is an electronic circuit that multiplies the battery voltage to a level sufficient to brightly power the LED. Including a step-up in a flashlight allows the designer to use fewer cells, thereby making the light easier to carry.
A lot of simple LED flashlight just have three cells and a resistor to run the LED. The manufacturers tout these as "high tech", etc. Sometimes, they make the light small but cheap by using hard to find batteries that have higher voltages. However, these odd batteries usually provide poor "bang for the buck" and also are hard to find in an emergency.
Using a "step-up" allows the light to be made small enough to carry but not require unusual batteries. Step-ups are known as, "DC-DC Power Converters" by those in the electronic trade. Within the converter family, their are various topologies available. The Arc using a switching boost topology.
Sometimes a regulator is included with the step-up to provide a compact and consistent system.
Battery chemistries
Arc flashlights are compatible with various battery chemistries including:
- Carbon/zinc
- Alkaline
- Lithium
- Lithium Ion rechargeable
- NiMH rechargeable
- NiCad rechargeable
Each cells has advantages and disadvantages. Search this forum for user experiences with various chemistries.
With the Arc-AAA, we recommend alkaline cells. With the Arc-LS, we recommend lithium cells. The Arc-LS can also use NiMH cells to good effect.
Anodize
Every Arc flashlight is coated with Type III Hard Anodize. This HA finish is the hardest of all anodize types. It is substantially more scratch resistant than the softer type II anodize use on cheaper lights.
Safety Precautions
The following are general safety guidelines when operating an Arc Flashlight:
<ul type="square">[*]Do not leave flashlight with children unattended. The flashlight is small and its parts present a choking hazard
[*]Do not shine the light into the eye. The light is quite intense
[*]Use only as directed in instructions
[/list]
The LS will get warm during normal use. Although fairly efficient compared to a typical incandescent flashlight, all electrical conversions result in heat. Whereas incandescent typically radiate most of this heat forward via the reflector in the form of infrared, LEDs transfer most of their heat to the flashlight body, making the beam cooler. A high power LED flashlight with a good LED-to-chassis heat sink may therefore have a hotter chassis than a similar incandescent.
If left on an insulated surface for 10-15 minutes while on, it could even get quite warm (stabilizing at about 150-155F). Care should be taken when picking the light up after such a run. In designing the LS, we made the internal heat sink as conductive as possible to the outside housing in order to keep the LED cool. But these temperatures, although fine for the LED, can be a bit warm for the human hand. Do not leave in cribs with children or anywhere else where a hot flashlight could cause pain or discomfort. The light is designed to be used while being held in a human hand and in such use it should not get hot enough to cause discomfort. This is because the human hand has, "liquid cooling" which will help dissipate extra heat.
The circuitry of the LS includes a thermal sensor near the LED that will interrupt power to the LED in the event excessive temperature is detected. In testing, we were able to get the unit hot enough to trip the, "thermal circuit breaker" only when using rechargeable cells for long runs in an insulated environment. When the thermal shutdown occurs, the circuit continues to draw some current but the LED will be off. Turn off the power and let the light cool down before cycling it back on. While waiting for the light to cool down, it is good to open the battery compartment and vent any gasses produced by the hot battery. 123 lithium cells produce a signature organic odor when hot. All batteries produce gases (e.g. Hydrogen) during operation. This is normal. Do not use the flashlight in an explosive environment.
Some of the parts of this flashlight are small enough to present a choking hazard to both children and adults alike. Under certain conditions, the light produced by this flashlight may be bright enough to cause a loss of vision. Do not stare into the beam. Please do not let children use the Arc-LS without adult supervision.
Although the Arc-AAA and Arc-LS both operate with internal voltages below 4 volts (one of the requirements on an intrinsically safe flashlight), this flashlight is not yet rated for use in an explosive/flammable environment.
Factory "Seconds"
Because of standards we place on LED quality, run time, anodize quality, etc some of our production is marked as factory seconds. These are sold on our website on the closeout page. They are not covered under our lifetime warranty but they do come with a 15 day replacement guarantee. We are frequently out of stock on seconds so we recommend check our site often.
Arc Company
The Arc Company is based in Tempe, Arizona USA. It was started in May of 2001 by Peter Gransee. Peter got the idea for starting the company by wishing there was a better way to carry a small LED flashlight than the coin cell LED lights on the market at the time.
As the business grew, other people came on board. In October of 2002, Peter married Merri and the two now run the company together.
Currently, Arc employs about a half dozen people out of a small facility in Tempe.
Mission Statement/Design Philosophies
Mission Statement: Arc makes flashlights that matter.
This means we will design lights that are small enough to be with you when you need them the most, durable enough to survive wherever you may go and bright enough to get the job done safely.
Arc only makes flashlights with LED technology. This is because LED flashlights best meet our mission of small, durable and bright. Limiting our designs to one category also helps us focus our efforts.
In keeping with our design philosophy, we will emphasize utility over aesthetics. We prefer that our lights be in your pocket, ready to go and not in a museum display case.
Logical results of our philosophy include:
- We will utilize common battery types when at all possible
- Our lights will be designed to be drop resistant, water proof, corrosion resistant and easy to use (ergonomics).
Where to buy
You may buy factory direct from our website. We accept credit cards, money orders and paypal. The paypal address is [email protected]
We have several importers to various countries:
Canada:
Electronic Warehouse Direct
Germany:
Tool Shop
Hong Kong:
Supreme Co
Japan:
Belisimo
Ikariya
Outdoor Club
South Africa:
Tremac Industries
21 Hibiscus Street. Tel
27-21) 975 2700Durbanville. 7550 Fax: (27-21) 975 2800
E - mail: [email protected]
Sweden
Exerbe
Vretenborgsvagen 16
12630 Hagersten, Sweden
Hans Wiechel
[email protected]
United Kingdom:
Farm Base
From time to time, Arc may also sell products through special promotions, OEM, etc. If you see a product that claims to be an genuine Arc and want to be sure, send us and email or call us.
Shipping
If purchased factory direct, Arc will ship your light via FedEx. Shipping to US addresses is $5. Please check our site for shipping costs to other locations. Yes, we ship internationally.
Why do we only use Fedex, have we every heard of the USPS? Yes, we used to use USPS, UPS, Airborne, DHL, Bax, etc. We have been around a while. All these other options ultimately made the product more expensive because they lost quite a few shipments. Claims were drawn out or not paid, etc. Yes, we are quite happy with FedEx. Thank you. If you want a more detailed explanation, feel free to call me.
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