Arc-AA?

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Gransee

Flashlight Enthusiast
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Jan 26, 2001
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Mesa, AZ. USA
No! Run away!! OK, this week was shaping up to be a typical week at Arc when a rep from one of our machine shops came by with this...

arcAAproto.jpg



Arrg. As some of you may remember, we have tossed the idea for the Arc-AA around for several years now. I have tried to kill it off in several ways. But you guys are persistant so I ordered some drawings made. But I stopped short of the prototypes because we really can't afford yet another flashlight project right now.

Let me repeat that: we have a lot irons in the fire right now. Spending money on R&D for a new flashlight would not be wise.

But then this shows up and the machine shop (because they want more sales) offered to produce them without any tooling costs. And since the design is basically a stretch of the AAA model, R&D is about as cheap as it is going to get. Now we still have to buy the first shipment, o-rings, retainers, batteries, etc. But if you guys snap these up, we might actually come out ahead of the game instead of behind. I just don't want to harm the LS4 project in any way!!!

So here's what I propose. I will post the specs I know on the Arc-AA, get a price (later this week?) and see what you guys think. Everyone who wants in on this, please post here. I will count the requests. If we get 200 units requested, I will try to make the light. Otherwise, we will wait for a more opratune time. Your vote does count! Let me repeat; I am asking you if you would buy this light. I am not asking for suggestions on a flashlight design contest (thanks). /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

And yes, someone will invariably want to compare the Arc-AA to the Infinity or the Ultra. These lights are quite different in construction, circuit and features.

Note: we would only offer 1 model at this point. That is the standard rank white in a dark green HA.

Arc-AA

- ~10 hour run time on a single AA cell (double that with a lithium)
- Waterproof to over 100 feet
- Nitrile o-ring
- Type III HA dark green (see anodize poll thread for pic)
- B2S LED driven by stock Arc-AAA circuit board ("Standard")
- Crimp fix
- Foam retainer
- Chemkote
- Split ring in lanyard loop
- Duracell AA cell included
- Same brightness as Arc-AAA, same semi-regulated circuit ("semi" added per Darell's request)
- Aluminum reflector for single 5mm LED
- Cost a little more than the standard AAA model
- 1.5 ounces with alkaline battery
- 0.680" diameter
- 3.1" length
- Would be available factory direct and through the top Arc dealers

I think this light would fit in the task/pocket catagory and be less of an EDC. Because it is quite waterproof and can use a lithium battery, it is a good back up light for your bug-out bag, glove box, etc.

Peter
 
Yes!!! I'll be good for at least one. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif Doug
 
I think you were right the first time, that's so identical to a CMG Ultra there's no point to it. It's just a me-too product. Gee, it will even be dark green! Are you going to etch "U. S. Government" in it too? With the Inova X1 coming out, yet another 1AA Nichia light in a crowded field seems to have no purpose.

I say if you want to make a light in that form factor, do something interesitng like put an underdriven Luxeon into it, maybe 200 mA or so with a simple molded optic, and with a Madmax style regulator set up to give 1-2 hours of runtime with an alkaline. That will fill a currently unfilled void, and will be more of the premium type of product that I think you're trying to specialize in than yet another ho-hum Nichia light.

Frankly I think 5mm 1-cell lights will be everywhere in a year or two, and nobody's going to care that they use $0.20 Taiwanese 6000 mcd leds instead of $2.00 9000 mcd Nichias or that they use ordinary Mag-style anodizing instead of HA3, as long as they retail for $7.95 instead of $30. If you want to make a premium product it should actually do something different, like have 5x the brightness.

Also, I'd say make the bezel quite a bit longer, like the Mag Solitaire's at least. The current Arc AAA and CMG AA models are fiddly to turn on and off, since the bezel is so narrow.
 
i'm in!!

paulr...yes, other lights may also be somewhat the same...but this in an arc /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

i would also imaging a slight increase of brightness due to larger reflector /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

and peter...i know you asked for no suggestions...but since it's using a aa battery, maybe you could up the power? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Game On!

I'm in for at least one! Maybe two.

Offer this guy in 2 colors, Peter: HA3 and Dark Red to match my CPF 2003 AAA's that shipped today!

Brian
 
Peter---I think that you were right the first time; Arc doesn't need this product (unless it is going to open up a marketing avenue which you haven't been able to penetrate up until now).

I already own a bunch of AAA's and I'm waiting (and saving) for the LS4.---Marc
 
I like it! I`d buy one.

But, I`ll voice part of the concern that has already been voiced. Dark Green Hard Anodize? Single AA? As bright as the AAA? Sounds too similar to the CMG Ultra.

Then again, it`ll have that Arc quality that we all know and love. Just, please, do it in a different colour. I like the CPF-2002-edition dark blue, or that snazzy red of the 2003 edition would be real nice too. Just not green - to make it stand out from that other one.

icon12.gif
 
I'm in for at least one. I like the idea of the lithium battery. I can throw it into the tool or tackle box and forget it until needed.
 
if it doesn't cost much for arc to produce...why the heck not?!

i think there would be a very good demand for this!
 
I'd buy one as long as the cost was not prohibitive . . .

Thanks for the offer!

Who else would talk to his customers and give them information like this?

Keep up the good work Mr. Gransee! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

The waiting begins again . . . /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/popcorn.gif


"Lux" /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Micro-E makes a good point that an AA light may open a marketing avenue for Arc. In particular it may qualify Arc as an alternate source for whatever US govt entity is buying the CMG Ultra-G's. The USG contract number is even helpfully engraved in the newer Ultra-G's that Countycomm is selling. My guess is Peter has that in mind and is already working on it, but if not, Countycomm seems to specialize in getting stuff like this into the procurement channel, so he might want to talk to them.
 
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