Laughing...

[JohnK]

Re: Laughing... not really

I wondered about this control system.

Would you trust your life to your computer operating system ?

I like things that go "on", and "off", and maybe "inbetween" with mechanical stuff doing it.

 

[chiaroscuro]

Re: Laughing... not really

'the Arc 4-- the light that suffers no fools'..... a possible ad approach? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/naughty.gif

 

[Gransee]

Re: Laughing... not really

I would absolutely prefer a computerized system to a mechanical system. I say this because I have sufficient understanding of both types of systems and their weaknesses.

There is a difference between a system that is more likely to fail because of wear and tear versus failing because of user error. For me personally, I can control user error but have less of an effect on the laws of physics causing a mechanical design to fail.

Case in point, the uC in the Arc4 allows the use of a much more reliable power switch that can last almost a million cycles. But people thinking the Arc4 is more than a simple flashlight and then plunging into some obscured extra functions, then getting lost is more likely to fail than a clunky mechanical switch that onlys last 1000 cycles.

In one case it's gonna fail no matter what you do (just carry spares). In the other case, as long as you treat it as a simple flashlight (or know what you are doing when you click it more than the once needed to turn it on) it will last quite a bit longer. And that is part of the advancement of technology.

Peter

 

[Gransee]

Re: Laughing... not really

Am I connecting with you guys? What I am saying is simple. It is rare for a person to have a problem with the Arc4 when they are just clicking it on and off.

When I get a call it usually starts with, "I was trying to get into the options menu...." etc.

So should I add a GUI or get rid of the menu altogether? No, I just ask that you guys take your time. If you want to use it for more than on/off, understand there is some effort involved. Actually, it is more than just some effort, it can be downright annoying at first! I hated my first Arc4 until I got used to it. Now I carry it everywhere. I think there are others that also have a similiar experience.


Peter

 

[Radagast]

Re: Laughing... not really

I've had a lot of mechanical gadgets fail on me. Iron rusts, rubber gets brittle, parts wear out. I had a very good computer that Lasted me 6 years with no crashes and no repairs. I needed to replace because technology has progressed so much that it was a dinosaur. It still works fine.

 

[Badbeams3]

Re: Laughing... not really

[ QUOTE ]
Gransee said:
Yes, I figured out what happened and I frequently can elimenate "mysterious phenomena" .

I don't mean to sound insensitive, The Arc4 acts like a regular flashlight as long as you think it is a regular flashlight. It does not respect those who take it's special abilities lightly.

Peter

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh my god, what have you created. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/whoopin.gif Thank god it is just a light (maybe)...what would you have done if.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif

 

[jtice]

Re: Laughing... not really

Well, my freinds have had trouble with my Arc4 also.
If you are a person, that gets really frustrated trying to work a TV remote,,, the Arc4 is gonna **** you off. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

But, with some practice, and some PATIENCE, it will be ok.

I am very good at figuring things out like this, and have been around electronics all my life. So this was not new to me.
But, it still took me about 3 times, to get my primary and secondary set.
But, now, its fine, I can jump into any mode I want, the first time.


ALSO.........
See the thread I am going to writeup right now!!! On how the Arc4 actually, really does learn your clicking style!!

 

[Likebright]

Re: Laughing... not really

I have become comfortable with my Arc4 now and it is a chore to use my other mechanical switch lights. It is great to glide right from monetary to continuous on. And zip from bright to dim at will. I think the thing is a joy to use. "But" when I first got it --- it was a pain in the @$$ till I understood what was going on.
Mike

 

[Microxot]

Re: Laughing... not really

What the Arc4+ needs.. more buttons! and really small led lights! yeah, that's it! maybe even an LED number grid. Yeah, it may shorten the battery life a bit, but BOY! wouldn't it look cool and easy to program!

What do you mean the new Arc4led+ only have a battery life of 5 minutes???

 

[lambo]

Re: Laughing... not really

[ QUOTE ]
Likebright said:
It is great to glide right from monetary to continuous on.

[/ QUOTE ]

Likebright,

I just had to laugh at your little Freudian slip there. Are you sure you like everything about your light? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Rex]

Re: Laughing... not really

Thanks to this "funny" episode, I now have firmly decided to purchase Mr Bulk's VIP instead of Arc4.

 

[Likebright]

Re: Laughing... not really

Lambo,
Think that was my thumb typing that.
Mike /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif

 

[Mark_Larson]

Re: Laughing... not really

They are two different creatures. They don't complement each other, but they both have features the other doesn't.

 

[Elmie]

Re: Laughing... not really

[ QUOTE ]
rex said:
Thanks to this "funny" episode, I now have firmly decided to purchase Mr Bulk's VIP instead of Arc4.

[/ QUOTE ]

So be it. I have the Arc4+ and would never trade it for anything else!
My friend has a L5 and is plenty impressed by the Arc4+.

This is the only light I need now. It has great throw for its size, different brightness settings and great battery life.

 

[Rothrandir]

Re: Laughing... not really

[ QUOTE ]
Elmie said:
...This is the only light I need now...

[/ QUOTE ]

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/poke2.gif

 

[chamenos]

Re: Laughing... not really

the arc4 isn't meant for luddites /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[snakebite]

Re: Laughing... not really

if you cant set the clock on your vcr this light will probably **** you off too! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[srue]

Re: Laughing... not really

I think some people are missing the point here that the light doesn't have to be complicated. If you are concerned about the overly complex interface, just pretend it is a normal flashlight. Press the button once to turn it on. Press it again to turn it off. You never have to concern yourself with the additional features. The light does not require you to master the intricate details in order to turn it on.

If the extra features bother you, just ignore them. The light is still worth its price without them.

 

[Psychomodo]

Re: Laughing... not really

agreed /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/buttrock.gif

 

[Darell]

Re: Laughing... not really

[ QUOTE ]
Likebright said:
It is great to glide right from monetary to continuous on.

[/ QUOTE ]
Not really sure what you mean here. How do you "glide from momentary (I'll assume that's what you meant /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif) to continuous." This, in fact, is one of the things I don't like about the Arc4 control. In my mechanically-switched lights with clickies, I can do exactly this. Take a Kroll, for example. I want a bit of light so I press for momentary... I realize I want it latched on, so I just push harder. No darkness inbetween, and nothing else to do. I don't have to decide first if I want momentary or latch, because one comes right after the other. In the Arc4, if you start with momentary, you have to let it go dark, and click it back on.... or has this somehow magically changed?