Introducing: Groovy! , the prototype -- Part II

[dasfx]

Re: Introducing: Groovy! , the prototype -- Part

[ QUOTE ]
andrewwynn said:
i'm hoping to get in the works before the groovy is released that will make the light have functionality like the VIP but easier to operate.. stay tuned.


[/ QUOTE ]
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/popcorn.gif
Very cool. I'm in for one /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Amorphous]

Re: Introducing: Groovy! , the prototype -- Part

Excellent!! Beautiful champer radius, simple, yet eclectic!
Please put me down for #128, with my CPF name. Thanks /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Also, as a suggestion, I think a nice champer radius flat tail cap option (no switch) will make this even better if one wanted a shorter body configuration.

 

[andrewwynn]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

I will keep people posted on driver development.. been working with Fred since Dec on driver ideas for the groovy.. and i just got my hands on a prototype yesterday so i can actually build one. The plans are to build a 3-level driver right now.. that will work with the NG driver as a base or the LDO driver i build as the base.

I like amorphous' idea for the back.. to make a twistie i presume you mean.. it would really help with my 'infinite variable' model which requires a twistie, but it won't be in the cards for a while, but we can always hope for alternate body styles.. like 2-up or twistie, etc.

another 'happy dance'.. i can't get over how nice the groovy feels in the hand.. all smooth.. it's like the nicest little micro barbell. .

I don't know if there is any reason to make it shorter.. just to win an award? is there really any place for a light that it would 'fit better' or 'work better' in this case? even if it was a twistie it would be a lot easier to operate one-handed if it was exactly the length it is now. .

my pipe-dream.. Groovy-Two... 20IMS based reflector.. with a Ubin brightness emitter.. 'twistie' so it can be infinitely variable brightness and roughly the same length as now maybe a smidge less.. i think that might be possible with only a different bezel and bat case.. using the same exact body unit.

in any event.. always room for expansion, but for now.. the current groovy is absolutely magnificent.. i can't wait to get the driver built for it so i can see the beam pattern.. I think that the new opening will improve the beam.. my VIP with the exact same emitter/reflector combo has a much wider hot spot and i've not figured out exactly how/why.. i thought it was a difference in the tweaking of the reflector.. but i swapped reflectors and the VIP still has the wider hot spot.

I just got some feedback from fred that gives me a chance to get a driver developed .. it would be a fantastic thing if it's possible to get them developed fast enough to go into the first groovies, but don't hold your breath.. the NG straight up is a perfect mate if that shouldn't happen.

-awr

ps.. been bugging me that the subject chopped off the '2' :-)

 

[Amorphous]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Happy dance indeed. There are copious reasons to make a highly functional EDC light shorter for the purpose other than winning an award. It makes a big difference between a smooth 3.31 inches vs. something of the same length that is 2.75 inches carried in the jean pocket. Everything is a compromise, but the form factor for the Groovy is pretty utilitarian. In real life, I think the option of a shorter twisty tail will accentuate the already excellent design. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[PhotonFanatic]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

While we are still waiting for production time, we have been dreaming and tinkering with some of Andrew's ideas on drivers and some ideas for a twistie or clickie (or something in between) that would, in fact, be shorter in length and offer variable brightness levels.

And we have an interesting body design that needs to be prototyped and tested first before we post some drawings of it, but we are working away while awaiting the Groovy.

 

[andrewwynn]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Well.. thanks to Fred sending a prototype for me to play with.. after spending the day making nano drivers i spent the night making a fully operational 3-way drop-in driver for the groovy..

Soo.. ouch my back is killin' me.. that was a long haul because i went from nothing to fully operational in one sitting.. after making nano drivers all day as well.

Mode of operation: when it's twisted completely together it is in 'hi' and it is currently (pun intended) set to 900mA on high.. a 45 degree twist 'off' turns it to 'medium' which is currently set to 400mA.. and another 45 deg. twist puts it on 'low' which is set to about 175mA..

So... holy COW it's awesome.. i used one of fred's special cut-down IMS17 reflectors and it has a glass lens.. I measured 220fc on low.. 520fc on medium and 800fc on high..

I just measured my VIP-8 for comparison and it output about 600fc on high.

I am noticing one thing.. when i switch to low.. it starts lower than the setting and ramps up over about 1 sec.. i think i need a capacitor.. i'll keep you posted.

"I'm not at liberty to say" just how the "PM" works just yet but i'm still working on making it easy enough to fabricate that they could be mass produced. Mine alas did not qualify under that category.

thoughts of consideration while building: 'high' is set for turned on tight for best conduction.. I wanted one-hand brightness change which is no problem as long as the bezel is on tight.

I built the driver around the LDO driver design ala Mr. Al.. but i designed it around the NG or Wiz2.. and plan to make variations based on them asap. Obviously you won't be able to run them as high of power.. but the idea of using the NG750 vs 500 so you can have both.. 750, 500 and say 100.. best of all worlds.

If i can pull this off i'm sure a lot of people will really love it.. the functionality of VIP.. but the ease of a 'twistie' to change brightness (no two hand brightness).. (although i do change my VIP-8 with one.. it's not easy).

Well off to breakfast with my bro.. stay tuned.. i'll post what pics i can.

-awr

 

[Phylor]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Please put me down for #37. Thanks :-)

 

[andrewwynn]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Variable follow-up.. I wanted to make it clear that from the very beginning of working with photon fanatic and suggesting improvements to the design of the light.. that i've been trying to make 'aftermarket' mods that would work with a complete light and improve them.. this way it leaves dan free to come up with a final design that i have to work within a certain design envelope to work within.

Well.. i have to say.. it worked better than my wildest estimations.. the FINAL design that dan has come up with worked for me as a base for my aftermarket variable driver,.. which really means that this light is a great platform for just a basic user or a wild modder.. but it takes a lot of resources to make the likes of the 'varigroovy' and it's not really something that would be reasonable to get wrapped into the mainline production.. it just will make it too expensive to produce and than for most to buy.

However.. there will be a 'market' for a variable version, and that's precisely why i designed it to be able to work with a complete light.. but i wanted to make it clear that this variable version is just an after-market add on.. that there is no benefit to 'waiting' for the groovy to be updated to a variable version off-the line.

There is some chance that I might have the driver designed to the point where it could be modded shortly after you'd get your groovy.. or i'm working with Dan and Fred that it eventually would be an 'option' that when you were to buy a groovy you could choose which driver including the variable model.

The reality is.. there is no single-level light i've ever touched that i preferred to the groovy.. It is hands-down my favorite light (that actually comes on.. my MM i like better but it's a piece of wood)..

So.. here's my personal pitch for the groovy.. buy one.. or like me.. buy two.. (#001 and #101).... absolutely do not wait for a 'next version'.. the design is final and it's awesome.. I had a really wonderful talk with Dan tonight and i'm pumped for the production to get underway and i can get my groovies.. I'm actually likely to buy a handful of the regular production ones so that i have ones i can sell to people when they say 'where can i get one'... they really are that good.

There are a lot of 'run of the mill' flashlights.. and then there are exceptional ones.. that for whatever reason stand out.. The groovy really is just a stunning work of art.. and i only have a bare aluminum prototype.. I can't wait to get the nickel plated serialized models!

The success of the groovy depends on us 'fans' as a group to show it off, which i don't think will be very hard at all.. and there will be a reference to the website on the wrist lanyard, so help people make the plunge and get their own.. you will make them happy too.

I think one of the best parts of the groovy is that it is designed around the 'standard' sammie size... and i'm not sure if the point was made that i made my OWN mod to make the groovy upgraded to variable after i got it.. but it was a technically difficult and resource piggy thing to do.. don't expect that to be incorporated into the groovy before it's shipping or anything... and do expect that if i come up with alternative solutions that it will be able to be incorporated into a groovy you would already own.. i.e. 'buy now.. mod later'.. just like me.

Dan and Fred have been working really hard to make the groovy happen they now need our support to make it a raging success.. although there is a saying 'they sell themselves'.. and the phrase applies to the groovy.. just wait 'til you get your own, i would bet you each $10* you can not go w/o 'petting' your groovy.. and another $10 you can't avoid showing it off... but it takes a little push for people to realize the value of such an item. "why pay $120-150 for a light when you can buy one for $20"..

Answer: "why buy a bmw when you can buy a hundai" ?

*the $10 is not literal :-).. no way i'd believe you if you tried to claim it :-D

Well .. go go Dan.. i think production is maybe 2 months away but it's winding down now that i'm done pushing back production with 'my suggestions'. I think in the end they will totally be worth it.. i know that i'm pumped to sell these lights just because they are that cool with no regard to any kickbacks or anything and i can not say that about the 'before mods' version from December.. this final version is definitely worth it and the machining is phenomenal.. keep your eyes open for anything cncdan has his hands on.

back to the lab.. charger chips tonight.

-awr

 

[nrk]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Please add me to the list for Groovy #81.

Thanks. ;-nrk

 

[nethiker]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Please add me to the list as well for #65

Thanks,
Greg

 

[greenlight]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Quite a recommendation!!

 

[diggdug13]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

** deleted **

please remove me from the listing

Thank you
Doug

 

[StarEye]

Re: Introducing: Groovy! , the prototype -- Part

Hi

Please add me to the list, number #34 please.

Thanks!
StarEye

 

[Darkstar]

Re: Introducing: Groovy! , the prototype -- Part

Oh crap! Resistance is futile, I must have one of these works of art. Please put me down for a yet TBD s/n, NexGen 750. I'm not clear as to whether or not you are offering choices of the various optics but if so I would like the IMS 17mm reflector.

Thanks

PS
Andrew sent me

 

[Free]

Re: Introducing: Groovy! , the prototype -- Part

Please put me down for number 50.
I don't have an understanding of the driver and optics options, so I will wait for further clarification on those.

 

[shinning]

Re: Introducing: Groovy! , the prototype -- Part

Please sign me up for one as well! Thanks!

 

[bluesky]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

*Deleted*.... SPAMMER!

 

[Bogus1]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Please add #111 for me.

Any chance on getting these without guts? Does the variable mod require a driver?

Thanks

 

[andrewwynn]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

bogus: fred had mentioned that the first run version would be sold only as complete versions.. the first 200 engraved models.. and after that he'd open up sales to empty shells..

I am working with photonfanatic and will be working with drivers from dat2zip.. and there is a chance that we will have a direct solution to get a choice at the time of delivery... or.. there is also a good chance that i will work out some kind of a 'trade in' for the driver.. unfortunately the shoppe drivers are potted which makes them impossible to retrofit... may be able to get around that.. i'm about to make an order at the shoppe for some drivers and such..

The current recommendation is that assume you'll get a driver with the light.. pre-fab because that is a guarantee.. but that there is a chance i will have variable driver solutions available by the time of shipping and can work out a 'trade up' program... you guys can send me an email if you were interested in the possibility of upgrading your groovy to variable.. so i can get a sense of demand.. send an email to [email protected] If i had to guess.. the cost would be about $50 extra.. but that is just a ball park figure.. totally depends on a lot of things.. it's a big enough percentage of the cost of the light that it makes the groovy much less affordable for the average joe.. and a 1-level groovy is a more practical value for a lot of people.

One thing is i will definitely give precedence to people who sign up for the initial 200 groovies.

free: currently the plan is you have a choice of either the 500mA badboy next gen or the 750mA model.. 750 really pushes a 123 battery.. the 500 is a better choice IMHO for a primary cell..

There is some chance that i will have the production figured out for a rechargeable and/or variable driver but don't hold your breath.. if you assume you'll use the stock driver and i can pull off the timing to get either the variable or rechargeable model into the works than 'hip hip hurray'... if the timing works out that the upgrade would come later.. i will be working on finding a use for the lightly used drivers so you can trade them in and the cost to upgrade isn't too bad.

-awr

 

[Free]

Re: Introducing: Groovy!, the prototype - Part 2

Since I am a brightness freak /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/str.gif I think I will go with the 750...unless you make the variable available, and then I will have the best of both worlds.