Improving on the little monkey

[jeffthehunter]

I know this has been discussed a bit before http://littlemonkeycaving.co.uk/QuickTour.aspx
I am currently a Petzl ultra user and I want to improve on both designs (not that the Ultra is a good starting point, at all. I really like the design of the little monkey.

• Great combination of throw and flood
• great capabilities for brightness and long term use. Generally, caving is pretty decent at 100-200 lumens. once in a while, really bright is great. once in a while really dim is great.
• great waterproofing
• multi-type battery

Here's how I think I could improve it

• simplify the battery design to use a straight 3.7 volt system based on battery pack or just 18650's in a nice holder
• allow mounting directly on the back of the helmet or allow an extension to allow for pocket carry
• change the clicky switch on the back of the light to something mounted on the inside of the side of the helmet

What would I keep the same:

• housing - this is quality and i will try to replicate
• 2 led setup for throw and flood

Outstanding questions that I am thinking about and I would appreciate any help with:

LED's - CREE XM-L's
For the throw LED, what is the optimum optic?
Drivers - Should one separate the drivers for each LED for simplicity? If so, what to use?
Control – what is a good option for a side mount switch?
Battery holder – any high quality holders?

 

[ahorton]

Is this a fantasy, or are you actually going to make it? Both are fun/interesting and one often turns into the other.

It might be good to state at the start that the application is caving.

It seems to me that the only thing you really want to change is the switch location.

 

[jeffthehunter]

Well I guess assuming that my light will be better could be a fantasy. Started making the housing already. Got the batteries.

You make a great point about my changes...not much yet. Where do you think I could improve elsewhere?