farmersckn,
If you are still out there, thanks for the background info.
I have always liked flashlights.
Probably one of the first hints of flashaholism was that I used to wait every year for the Radio Shacks in my area to give away their free plastic 5 cell flashlights at Christmas. Then I would collect coupons and go to the two different Radio Shacks in my area. They were actually pretty decent lights for being free promotional items. At one point I believe I had 5 of those lights.
How did this become your hobby?
Actually, most recently, it started a couple of summers ago when I purchased an inexpensive LED headlight from a local hardware store. That combined with a semi-shared passion with you. I love to ride bikes. As my moniker suggests I am into mountain biking. In my area I would rather put up with the rattlesnakes, bears, and mountain lions then the cars that you roadies have to deal with.
When I found this little 7 LED head light I was very impressed and called the company and told the owner I had an idea for an LED bike light. He liked the idea and it just so happened one of the manufacturers he was dealing with was wanting to change the design of one of their bike lights at the same time. They also liked my idea. The only problem is that after 7 generations of prototypes I told this person to can the project because this particular manufacturer just could not get one problem fixed without creating another. Now the rest of the industry has started to take interest in LED's for bike use. I have since come up with another design he will present to the manufacturer of his flashlights (Non CPF, but designed to be inexpesive decent quality hardware store LED flashlights that can retail for under $25). My idea is just for an inexpensive backup light for endurance riders or commuters. Throughout the prototyping process I had to get familiar with LED's, build light testing aparatuses, get a good light meter and a decent multimeter, write accurate evaluations of the prototypes, etc.
All of this was to be able to explain to the manufacturer how I knew what was and was not wrong with the different lights. During this time the business owner regularly started asking me to test different lights he was considering selling. He is strictly a wholesaler(primarily to small retail hardware stores chains) so the lights he sells need to be decent quality and have minimal returns. I have done this mostly as a favor. As time went on I started to amass a collection of neet prototypes. (By the way, some of the different Chinese 1 watt LED's are getting really nice.)
What are your goals in relation to your hobby?
To become rich and take over the world by putting mind control chips in every flashlight I touch.
Actually flashlights are a fun diversion from the kaos of daily life.
If there were something you could change about the status quo, about how the industry is right now, what would it be?
I would make it illegal for monster companies to sue the innovative little guys for all manner of dubious reasons when in reality they are afraid of the little guys innovations and unwilling to change themselves. :tsk::tsk::tsk:
What's the most you have spent on a flashlight? Will you spend more?
How about the most I spent on a cheap flashlight, around $500.
I drove to the Northern California get together, in July, with a Salad my daughter (Le Cordon Blue trained) prepped for me so I could get a free Nuwai .5 watt flashlight for bringing a dish. Actually I wanted to see the area and AmondoTech (very impressive operation) too. Also I met Modamag and he modded my Elektrolumens Quad bike light for me to have two power levels. Wayne was going to do that this summer, but had to move to Oregon. Modamag stepped in and helped me out. Thanks again Modamag :bow: :bow: :bow:
Is this about survival, or preparedness in case of emergency? Or is it related to some other need?
All of the above + lights are fun
Two examples
1. The great positive people that can be met at CPF and at get togethers like the one mentioned above fulfill an innate need most people have for community in our increasingly fragmented and alienated society.
2. This summer we were camping with several families. One young and very incredulous daughter (around 7 years old) of one of my wife's and my friends , was going around asking questions about nearly everything and believing almost nothing.
I finally silenced her by saying on a particularly bright and sunny day.
Do you know I have the light of the sun in my pocket?
The immediate and authorative answer was no you don't, that is impossible!
So I pulled out my U binned Orb Raw and shined it toward her face from about 3 feet away.
Not at her eyes, just toward her face.
Her jaw dropped, she became silent for the first time in days and walked away totally amazed and mystified. :hahaha:
Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:
