If I were to redesign the SF A2...

[o0o]

First, I'd add a really low power red LED to the head (on the side of the head--a small hole would need to be cut into the head to do this I think) that is visible without looking at the business end. This red LED would serve only one purpose--to warn when the main incandescent light is nearing falling out of regulation. It would give the user 5-10 minutes warning... the user could switch batteries without the incandscent bulb dimming--which should extend bulb life--and also allow the user to always have it at full power / best color rendition when performing SERIOUS tasks. The incandescent beam of the current A2 is WONDERFUL--which is why I'd like a low power / close to dropping out of regulation indicator so that I could change batteries right before a drop in output.

Next, I'd upgrade the LEDs. Instead of Nicheas, I'd use 3 Luxeon (or Cree) and underdrive them for runtime. I don't like the blue tint of Nicheas, and I also don't like the theoretical poor lumen maintenance lifetime. I think upgrading to Luxeons or Crees will improve the LED color, and ALSO essentially provide unlimited LED life (since they'd be underdriven). I'd then introduce the ability to use multiple output settings when in LED mode. This way, if one doesn't need full power (incandescent), one can use a medium setting--say 20 lumens, or a low setting--like 5 lumens to conserve power.

This would definitely add to the cost, but to me it would be worth it. My A2 is GREAT, but I really don't like the Nichea tint, or the fact that it drops out of regulation with little warning. Obviously, I don't see Surefire ever doing this, but one can always dream, right?

 

[Glen C]

Maybe you should speak to the Atomic Chicken and see if he can do something for you with his Aviatrix product?

 

[Daniel_sk]

Check this SF A2 thread. and read the Aviatrix mod threads, Bawko (Atomic Chicken) has produced a replacement ring for the A2 with better LEDs (more efficient, pure white), you can switch between a 1 and 3 LED mode, and you can choose between various colors (you can have for example 1 red and 2 white leds...).
I also think that the stock A2 LEDs should have a longer runtime, they have just an output of few lumens and they run only 20 hours on two expensive CR123A batteries, I would expect at least twice the runtime? I don't know if this could be done, and I am quite sure that a Cree LED wouldn't fit (look at pictures from the inside of thead - there is very little space inside..)

 

[mdocod]

the rebel might be doable... but take a look at the footprint of a luxeon/cree sometime and you'll see why it isn't an option... the other issue is that 5mm style LEDs have a lens built right into the tip, they are pre-focused.. luxeon/cree emitters have no built in focus, so the size would have to increase even further.

 

[defusion]

how about several differently coloured cree/luxeon LED's
primary incan, 1 red, 1 blue, and 1 white LED.
and maybe offer different combinations of led's for the more obscure ones yellow, green, purple, UV, IR, etc.

 

[FlashSpyJ]

wouldnt it just be a kroma, but an incan buld instead of the main led?

 

[defusion]

wouldnt it just be a kroma, but an incan buld instead of the main led?

basicaly yes, except higher efficiency LED's, but the incan (depending on use, we don't need another led vs. incan thread here) is the most important part for choosing it over the kroma.

 

[Blindasabat]

Perhaps Bawko can make the one red LED in the Aviatrix ring a low battery indicator. Maybe, I don't want to speak for him, but maybe he could program that to blink when battery voltage got low. But then it would probably require additional hardware on the LED ring, which I know is already a very VERY tight package.
I don't know that running an incan at low voltage appreciably lowers bulb life. I think that was discussed here about a year ago.

First, I'd add a really low power red LED to the head (on the side of the head--a small hole would need to be cut into the head to do this I think) that is visible without looking at the business end. This red LED would serve only one purpose--to warn when the main incandescent light is nearing falling out of regulation.... -which should extend bulb life

This would definitely add to the cost

Yes, about $50, see the Aviatrix.

 

[o0o]

Thanks all, I'll look into the Aviatrix product.

At first I was a bit confused when people were talking about Atomic Chickens and Aviatrix--since I've never heard of either.

After reviewing the posts a second time, I think I get it now: Atomic Chicken is a user name of a poster that owns Aviatrix (the company), and the Aviatrix is a brand of flashlight he makes that is similar to the A2?

 

[Atomic_Chicken]

Greetings!

Thanks all, I'll look into the Aviatrix product.

At first I was a bit confused when people were talking about Atomic Chickens and Aviatrix--since I've never heard of either.

After reviewing the posts a second time, I think I get it now: Atomic Chicken is a user name of a poster that owns Aviatrix (the company), and the Aviatrix is a brand of flashlight he makes that is similar to the A2?

Hehe... you ALMOST got it right!

The Aviatrix is a modification board that I sell for changing the features and operation of the Surefire A2 flashlight. Read all about it here:

Announcing: The Aviatrix! Fantastic new modification for Surefire A2 Aviators!

Best wishes,
Bawko

 

[DM51]

As usual, that ol' Bird just beat me to it. I was about to post the link to his Aviatrix announcement thread too.

The Aviatrix is all you'll ever want for your A2. I don't personally see the advantage of a "low battery" indicator - in fact for me it would be nothing but a nuisance. You get a good enough indication of a low battery when the A2 incan drops out of regulation, and at that stage you still have enough juice left to run the LEDs for quite a while.

 

[o0o]

I don't personally see the advantage of a "low battery" indicator - in fact for me it would be nothing but a nuisance. You get a good enough indication of a low battery when the A2 incan drops out of regulation, and at that stage you still have enough juice left to run the LEDs for quite a while.

I like knowing its time to change batteries before it runs out of regulation, rather than after the fact.

I pretty much use my A2 as an incandescent only--I really dislike the LEDs it uses. Therefore, whenever possible, my preference is to have the incandescent at near 100% as much as possible.

YMMV

 

[carrot]

Despite that there is not much warning when the incan is about to die (you can usually squeeze out another 5 minutes of bright white light when the incan originally dims) the good thing about the A2 is when the regulation dies you are not left without light. Some lights will just cut out completely, without warning.

 

[souptree]

I pretty much use my A2 as an incandescent only--I really dislike the LEDs it uses. Therefore, whenever possible, my preference is to have the incandescent at near 100% as much as possible.

YMMV

You are robbing yourself of greatness by not having the LEDs replaced. SF should be ashamed for the LEDs that came in my light. New LEDs made it a thing of glory.