Novatac Long-Term

[candlelight001]

I just got a Novatac 85p (late to the game I know), and I think it's the coolest thing. I worry a bit though that as complicated as the software is, it might not be the most reliable light long-term. Two questions: In theory, does all the software make it more suceptible to failure? And, in practice, what's heavy users experience? Thanks!

 

[SunnyQueensland]

I have heard that some UI based flashlights can be unreliable but I think as the Novatac can be 'reset' to factory settings if something does go bad, you can simply perform this function and all 'should' be well...

I have a few lights that I would trust in an emergency, but the Novatac would be the first I would go for... :thumbsup:

I have never had to do this however...

 

[senna94]

I have had my 120P since they came out and EDC it since then. I have yet to have a problem with it. While I don't think it is as well made as my HDS U60GT which to me is as reliable as a hammer, the Novatac should hold up for many years. The great thing is if you ever do have a problem Novatac should take care of you. As far as software goes I don't think you can think of it in terms of traditional software (personal computers). It is more an algorithm embeded in the chip. I hope this helps.

Paul

 

[precisionworks]

It is more an algorithm embeded in the chip.

senna94 is exactly correct, a microchip, or μC, is a read only memory chip. It contains a non-volatile memory (EEPROM) that has all the algorithms set. In the NovaTacs, you select the four settings that you want, knowing that the other 18 settings are there if you later change your mind. μC are sturdy, able to absorb a few hundred Gs when your light drops to a concrete floor, waterproof, tolerant of -100F up to over 200F temps, resistant to vibration, etc.

Highly reliable, and long mean time between failure.

 

[scottaw]

Mine work great all the time...it's not military-tough usage, but it's taken a lot of drops, some onto concrete, hasn't failed me yet.

 

[joema]

...In theory, does all the software make it more suceptible to failure?...

Probably not.

Consider two lights, both with a microcontroller chip. They are identical except for amount of software (firmware) on the chip. One light is a simple on/off light. The other is a Novatac-type multi-level light.

Reliability should be about the same. There might be slight differences due to additional button cycles on the "big software" light -- switch might wear out a little earlier. In theory the add'l software itself could have bugs that impact reliability, but it's so simple I doubt that would happen.

Software controls items all around you which are far more critical than a flashlight -- elevators, airliner flight control systems, automobile braking/stability systems, etc. We usually don't worry about those, so I wouldn't worry about the software itself making a flashlight less reliable.

 

[wasBlinded]

What do you guys know? How can you explain all the Spam popups I'm suddenly getting on my 120P? I had it sitting next to that shifty Russian flashlight for only a minute, I swear. The funny way it was blinking at my 120P should have clued me in that something funny was going on....:scowl:

 

[SureAddicted]

if something does go bad, you can simply perform this function and all 'should' be well....

Why did i click on it?

Steve

 

[sawlight]

I very seriously doubt you will do anything to hurt it, as I have been unable to hurt mine!!!
Reminds me, I need to update my tourture test thread!!

 

[slvoid]

My first 120P had all sorts of weird "software" errors. I tried everything to clean and reset it and finally had to send it in.

Was probably a fluke.

 

[BassClefJeff84]

if something does go bad, you can simply perform this function and all 'should' be well...

or you can do this

 

[yaesumofo]

A light with less to go wrong is going to be more reliable in the long term.

Yaesumofo

I just got a Novatac 85p (late to the game I know), and I think it's the coolest thing. I worry a bit though that as complicated as the software is, it might not be the most reliable light long-term. Two questions: In theory, does all the software make it more susceptible to failure? And, in practice, what's heavy users experience? Thanks!

 

[magic_elf]

Also dont forget the mechanical aspects of the durabilty while most are focusing on the firmware. For example, a simple 1 stage direct driven light isn't any more reliable if its switch or any other part isn't made well.

 

[candlelight001]

Thanks for the thoughtful responses!

 

[candlelight001]

Would an 85 E or T be more reliable than a P because of the lack of programable options ie. less to go wrong? I guess I'm asking if they have a simpler circuit, or is it just that some of their features aren't activated. Thanks!

 

[Gunner12]

I think it's just the features aren't activated.

 

[Zenster]

Would an 85 E or T be more reliable than a P because of the lack of programable options ie. less to go wrong? I guess I'm asking if they have a simpler circuit, or is it just that some of their features aren't activated. Thanks!

While the E and T are not programmable by the user, they ARE programmed and do use firmware on a chip as does the P.

I wouldn't worry about the reliability of the Novatacs in any case.
Look at how there are a TON of them being used by CPF members, and you can count the number of people who've had problems on one hand.

At the same time, I wouldn't rely upon a Novatac any more than I'd rely upon a Surefire or any other light.
For general EDC, I carry only one light (often, the 120P), but anytime I think I "need" to have something reliable (running burglar alarm calls, etc,), I simply take two lights (and maybe three if I have the pocket space).

The Novatac is one of those lights that has proven itself in widespread, real world use. Since NO product of any kind can have a "perfect" track record (e.g., the Space Shuttle ), I think the Novatac line has turned out to be one of the best.

 

[BabyDoc]

I can not comment on the durability of tje p120 authoritatively, particularly since I have owned mine for less than a week. However, in that time, it seems that I have clicked that light thousands of times. I just can't stop playing with it! I would worry only about that clicky going bad, as much as I am playing with it. However, as long as we have a lifetime warranty and as long the Novatac Company exists, I am not going to worry about.
(Did you hear Sharper Image has gone Chapter 11 ? All those gift cards and warranties are worthless. I can't recall, but didn't they carry some neat flashlights at one time. Keep an eye out for sales!)