Novatac flickering fix???

[big_erb]

I recieved my Novatac, and, have had some flickering with the light.. In playing with it for a lil bit it seemed to stumble across another method that might help..
I have read to pull the battery for 5 min, and to do a factory reset..

what i did.. I put a new battery in, did the battery detect, and noticed some flickering during or right after, so i immed. unscrewed the tail and did the detect over again.. with a non flickering outcome.. and no flickering between modes.. maybe I am wrong but my light seems to have some correlation between the flicker during battery detect..

so now i do a battery detect over if it isint a "clean" one and the light works Like a champ...

My Opinion: I have read lots of rants on this light, but as with anything with firmware, you are going to have glitches.. (remember the first palmpilots?) I love this light.. It isint the brightest. but the size, build and the ability to customize the usage makes this light more than worthwhile.. I mean come on.. how many mass produced lights temp sense?

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy big_erb, thanks for sharing that with us. It's a fine little light, and I've been enjoying the heck out of mine too. Enjoy!

 

[x2x3x2]

I disagree that anything with firmware are bound to have glitches.

The firmware on the LiteFlux lights is much more customizeable in everyway (higher resolution/steps when ramping, customizeable SOS and strobe), and works like a charm with no detectable PWM effects even at lower levels unlike the 120P. The LF3 (CR123 version) costs less than half of the 120P too

Not to add to the rampant bashing of the 120P so far, just letting people know that it IS possible to have something thats functionally better, more versatile and cheaper

 

[Rob187]

Thanks for the tip. I'll try it if my 120P flickers again.

 

[big_erb]

Let me revise my statement...

Firmware is prone to glitches, its a simple truth.. it took several versions for palm to correct severe problems.. Yes, there probably IS better out.. could they have done a lil more refinement on it probably.. but.. I have had NO "deal breaker" prob's occur on this light, and am quite happy with it.. and its size, ruggedness, and what-not.. Bear in mind I have also sent back lights which were defective with zero firmware involved...

I really didnt start this thread to have it turn it into another novatac bashing session, but more-so to hopefully help people who love their Nova's and possibly picked them over "other" brands like myself..

 

[BytorJr]

I'll throw my 0.02 in. Most flashlight companies are not SEI/CMMI level 1, maybe some are level 2, but I bet none are level 4 or 5. But absolutely none of these cool flashlights are safety critical so they are bound to have some glitches.

PS....not that I believe one has to be SEI/CMMI level anything to have quality software...it's just one of those industry standard things that have to some degree brought the USA down in ability to produce and compete...would we have landed on the moon with that much paperwork? NO WAY. I've seen folks with no rating kick level 4 ratings butt!!!!!!!!

So firmware issues are relatively common, but better testing and procedures SOMETIMES can uncover these issues before fielding.

 

[senna94]

I'll throw my 0.02 in. Most flashlight companies are not SEI/CMMI level 1, maybe some are level 2, but I bet none are level 4 or 5. But absolutely none of these cool flashlights are safety critical so they are bound to have some glitches.

PS....not that I believe one has to be SEI/CMMI level anything to have quality software...it's just one of those industry standard things that have to some degree brought the USA down in ability to produce and compete...would we have landed on the moon with that much paperwork? NO WAY. I've seen folks with no rating kick level 4 ratings butt!!!!!!!!

So firmware issues are relatively common, but better testing and procedures SOMETIMES can uncover these issues before fielding.

You know, I really want to believe what you are saying................but I have no idea what you are talking about!!!!!! LOL!!!!!!!!!! Just kidding. I believe manufacturers of flashlights or any other product should self impose stringent standards of manufacturing and quality control in all aspects of their products. Particularly ones that demand a premium price for said product. I don't mind paying for something that is well made and delivers functionality as advertised. Just my 2 cents.

 

[matrixshaman]

I disagree that anything with firmware are bound to have glitches.

The firmware on the LiteFlux lights is much more customizeable in everyway (higher resolution/steps when ramping, customizeable SOS and strobe), and works like a charm with no detectable PWM effects even at lower levels unlike the 120P. The LF3 (CR123 version) costs less than half of the 120P too

Not to add to the rampant bashing of the 120P so far, just letting people know that it IS possible to have something thats functionally better, more versatile and cheaper

I've never seen any PWM on the Novatac or HDS - I can't say I've checked thoroughly into this but I have both and neither has over shown noticeable PWM flicker. Aren't the LifeFlux all twisties? Can you throw a Liteflux hard against a concrete wall a couple hundred times and still have it work? Liteflux are nice lights but I don't see the same quality in some ways I see in a Novatac.