Introducing -- The Vari-Needle !!!

[MR Bulk]

Dallas,

Oops, forgot all about trying the 6AA carrier! Wonder what run time with them would be on the lowest brightness setting? Hmmm -- too bad I'm at work!

 

[MR Bulk]

Oh yeah before I forget, I just ordered a dozen new dimmer switches this morning (Thanks Kevin!). But the news is this original VN uses a 25 ohm dimmer (with its presumed higher overall internal resistance even when cranked WFO), but the new switches will only be 15 ohms, with higher expected overall brightness when turned to max brightness (although it will be brighter than this one's 270 lux at the dimmest setting).

 

[paulr]

Here's a scheme I posted a while back. Remove the whole Mag switch assembly and epoxy a more or less intact Photon III into the hole left by the pushbutton (you might have to mill out the hole to make it big enough). Use the Photon's LED output to gate a power mosfet inside the Mag body (you'd run wires from the Photon down into the Mag for that). That lets you use the Photon's pushbutton controls to get the full range of Photon functions (PWM dimming, blinking, SOS, etc.) from the big light.

 

[PlayboyJoeShmoe]

You are killing all us poor boys out here Charlie!!!

I'm still waiting for (and frantically trying to figure out how to afford!!!!) a >damn brain!< 6aa piece for my SNII!

Very nice idea! I'm enjoying my SL TTs for their hi-lo outputs (hi-med-lo in 3C).

 

[JonSidneyB]

how cool, I want

 

[Tomas]

Charlie, assuming an even halfway decent control, the "WFO" resistance on either a 25 or 15 ohm rheostat will be "zero."

There should be no measurable or discernable difference in their "WFO" settings, only in their "minimum" settings. If I had to select a unit to use, I'd go for 30 to 40 ohms. Yes, the lowest setting would be very low, but the range would cover everything from "anemic Infinity" to "standard Needle" levels.

(The minimum setting of any decent rheostat is a direct metallic contact at the end of the resistance wire. There is no resistance wire, and should be no resistance more than a few milliohms from the contacts, in the circuit at that point.)

 

[MR Bulk]

Tomas,

Thanks for the enlightening info. But 270 was too dim for me!

 

[Sonic]

Charlie,
So this is the light I've been hearing about, very nice! I see you figured out a way to mount the switch without going into the tail cap. And I think you're right, two settings is all you'll ever need. Can't wait to see this one in person.
Darryl

 

[Orion]

I used a potentiometer before off 9 volts. It still functions well. Although, I did switch the 5 watt LED for a 1 watt. Not quite as bright, but still plenty bright a full power. I also moved the switches to a more user friendly position, closer to the head.

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB14&Number=206844&Forum=All_Forums&Words=dimmable&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=3weeks&Main=205503&Search=true#Post206844

 

[LEDmodMan]

[ QUOTE ]
MR Bulk said:
Thanks Wayne. It seems I've only been using the two -- bright and soft -- but it is kinda cool to spin it up slowly and watch the numbers run up on the light meter...

[/ QUOTE ]

Kinda like a jet engine spooling up... Ohhh ya!!!
/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grinser2.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

Very nice!!!

[ QUOTE ]
paulr said:
Here's a scheme I posted a while back. Remove the whole Mag switch assembly and epoxy a more or less intact Photon III into the hole left by the pushbutton (you might have to mill out the hole to make it big enough). Use the Photon's LED output to gate a power mosfet inside the Mag body (you'd run wires from the Photon down into the Mag for that). That lets you use the Photon's pushbutton controls to get the full range of Photon functions (PWM dimming, blinking, SOS, etc.) from the big light.

[/ QUOTE ]

There's a really good idea! I actually don't think that would be too hard... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thinking.gif

 

[MR Bulk]

Sonic: he lives! He POSTS!!!

Orion: yes, you are the first and the original. I am unworthy!

 

[LukeK]

Mr. Bulk -- my radio shack seems deficient of the appropriate pentiometers. I don't suppose you have an item number do you? Or perhaps you could point me in the direction of one? Thank you!

 

[Orion]

YOU, . . .MR Bulk, . . . unworthy of ME? I don't think so. I just got lucky. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif

You have a nice looking flashlight there! If I had any machining ability, mine wouldn't need the black electrical tape to hold the dimmer onto the flashlight. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

Anyway, good job on your dimming flashlight! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[imgadgetman]

Mr. Bulk,
I have a question for you. What excuse will I have to carry six flashlights if you make one that does about everything? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gifKeep up the good work.
imgadgetman