Any changes to original AAA??

[Robocop]

This may be a bad time to ask however with all the interest, and approval, over the new Ti AAA it seems the changes are very well accepted. I personally very much like the ability to exchange the light engine and emitter and the simple fact the user can slightly bend the LED to center it makes everyone happy.

It seems now that the ability for the user to fine tune their light is a win-win situation and especially for those of us (myself included) who are very picky as to the little things like tint and centered emitter.

So my question is do you plan on offering a future run of the standard AAA versions with the changes available on the Ti versions such as a removeable circuit and various kits or even a lens as well?

I am curious if any others would purchase a light that is basically the same as the Ti version however having the standard aluminum body and new user changeable features as the Ti..? Just curious as it would be nice to have similiar features as an option on the standard version AAA.

By the way very nice job on the Ti version and I am happy to see the new found buzz over ARC once again.

 

[Blue72]

Water Resistance is pretty important to me so I would have to pass.

 

[olrac]

I don't think the depth rating has been posted yet as it is still being tested so it might be that the water resistance is still there.

 

[Blue72]

I don't think the depth rating has been posted yet as it is still being tested so it might be that the water resistance is still there.

I was assuming if the aluminum one did not have a sealed lens like the titanium version. Even if it did I am not sure if I would want it it since it would take the simplicity away from the original model.

 

[carrot]

I was assuming if the aluminum one did not have a sealed lens like the titanium version. Even if it did I am not sure if I would want it it since it would take the simplicity away from the original model.

The aluminum Arc-AAA has the LED epoxied into the head for water resistance.

 

[Robocop]

I did not even think about the lack of potting and it is a good point however the new design seems to be water-proof enough for average EDC use. It seems that the changes were designed with the end user in mind and as such are a very welcome change for many of us.

Personally I like the new design and was curious if others would be just as excited to see the modability carry over to the standard AAA versions. Rather than exchange the light for centering or nagging tint or beam quality the user can simply order cheaper kits and experiment a little.

 

[Owen]

Personally I like the new design and was curious if others would be just as excited to see the modability carry over to the standard AAA versions. Rather than exchange the light for centering or nagging tint or beam quality the user can simply order cheaper kits and experiment a little.

I would. I'd love to be able to do that. That same Arc AAA-P is still on my keys, and while all those dozens of other lights have come and gone, nothing has taken it's place. Shoot yeah, I'd like a better, upgradeable version of it. I have no interest in paying extra for a Ti model, though.
Can't compromise waterproofness, though. My Arc has been through the washing machine and dryer at least three times

 

[Gransee]

Adding the sapphire window cuts light output by about 8-10% and does not increase water resistance over a potted head. The window also increases the length of the head, which is compensated on the Ti version by a lack of rivet (which it doesn't need because ti is more corrosion resistant than Al). The aluminium version must have its light engine crimped in place since aluminium oxide forms in gaps between the housing and the circuit board, causing ground issues.

Basically, there were some features made possible by using the more expensive material that we exploited.

peter

 

[Robocop]

Well it was worth a shot and I believe I was hoping for a similiar light in aluminum HA simply for the modder in me. I just finished looking over the 4 AAA lights I have from years back and I really do like them however would love the ability to easily swap LEDs.

I had no idea the changes to the Ti were allowed due to the type material and it really is a very nice set up. If I had the cash and they were available I would most likely buy one simply because I would have no fear of a ringy beam or tint....I could simply change it to whatever I wish.

 

[McGizmo]

Adding the sapphire window cuts light output by about 8-10% and does not increase water resistance over a potted head. .......

I beg to differ a bit here. I was cautioned by the Nichia rep a few years back when he saw that I was submersing some of the LED's in water. He mentioned that the epoxy envelope was subject to moisture degradation and that Nichia recommended against submersion of the LED. I believe he even mentioned that high humidity could impact the lumen maintenance of the LED. The sapphire window does keep the LED from exposure to the elements.

I won't claim that this is a significant difference but it is a difference where the LED is exposed on one hand and sealed behind a window, on the other hand.

 

[Sub_Umbra]

Wow, that's interesting. I'm going to start controling the humidity on my replacement stock of lights with 5mm LEDs... Thanks.

 

[Robocop]

Well honestly when I posted this thread I was thinking along the lines of less hassle for ARC by removing all of the picky things many of us complain of on other models. You know the tint complaints....off center LEDs...blotchy beams...type stuff.

With the Ti ARC versions there is really not much to complain about. The Ti has an even finish and the LED can be adjusted or even changed for little cost out of pocket. Add any 5mm LED you wish or have different pills for different days if you wish. I think the design was a home run as far as taking away all of stones and arrows so many of us throw. I just realized you can remove the lens and with a little satin tape over it simply pop it back in and no more blotchy beam the 5mm LEDs are so well known for....brilliant I say and a very nice change.

I think I was really hoping for something without knowing the details of why the Ti light was easier to have these changes. None the less I learned a little about the new version and will still enjoy the AAA versions I have now.

 

[McGizmo]

...... I just realized you can remove the lens and with a little satin tape over it simply pop it back in .....

A point of clarification if I may. To remove the window, you need a fine dental pick, needle or straight pin to stab or work behind the retaining O-ring and pull it out of its groove. The window could then be popped off of its O-ring seal and removed. The window is not going to come out until its retaining O-ring has been first removed.

 

[Gransee]

Don, I have never heard of the epoxy envelope being so moisture sensitive that it is a problem in a flashlight like this. Would you provide a link to such a caution or warning on Nichia's website or datasheet? The Nichia NSPW500GS datasheet (nichia.com), specifies that LED meets the JEIDA ED-4701 spec for moisture resistance. Manufacturers like LRI (Photon), etc have been using exposed LEDs in flashlights for going on 20 years now. Any data you have on this is appreciated.

peter

 

[regulator]

I would bet that the warning has more to do with elements in water affecting the clarity of the epoxy. It may either get cloudy or yellow over time. I find it hard to believe moisture is an issue if only the epoxy portion of the led (and not the metal leads/underside) is exposed. Interesting.