Official "Firefly" Thread

[DSpeck]

Official \"Firefly\" Thread

At the request of others, and because it's a good idea, I am starting this new thread to discuss the "Firefly" light I will be producing this summer. It was originally Larry's (tvodrd's) design, and I thank him for his generosity in allowing others to use it. Please see the "small LS/123 light" thread for the original design.

I really like the design, and many people requested someone to build this light, so I'm stepping in to do that. It will have some variations from the original, but will stay true to the intentions of Larry's design - about as small a light as you can make using a Luxeon and a 123 battery.

My design will use a dat2zip MadMax driver/regulator board for the electronics. It will have a cut-down optic in it for photon management. I suggested using a flood-style integral reflector, but that was not seen as a popular move.

If there is demand for it, I will offer the light as complete but for the sandwich, and those who have a sandwich already can pop in their own unit, thus saving the cost of the driver.

The finish of the light will be hard anodized, but I would prefer to use a different colour, rather than the standard natural or black that most companies use. I am partial to making this light in a dark blue HA, so as to be distinct from everyone else's light. If you have an opinion on this issue, please use this thread to express it. I will try to post pictures of samples of the colour once I've discussed it with the anodizers, so everyone can have an idea of what it will look like.

The delivery time for this light is to be "before the end of the summer". I would like to have them done even earlier than that, but I have had delays in some previous projects, so I am trying not to make promises I can't keep. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Please use this thread for all discussions of the Firefly, so I can keep track of and respond to them... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[yclo]

Re: Official

First dibbs!

 

[FalconFX]

Re: Official

2nd! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

You might (I stress the might) be able to have it where someone can stick in a complete MadMax+ module, or instantly switch it out for a complete BB500 or BB400 (hot swappable LS /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif )... Somewhat like the current drop-ins... You can switch in different colored LSs, switch in a smaller current-drawing LS for longer runtime or a blaring one for brightness.

Just a thought...

 

[Trent]

Re: Official

Thanks for making this light, a lot of us are waiting for it.Blue is great for the color. Are yor going to serial # them? Are you going to offer it with out the Madmax for sure so we could go ahead and order it in case there is a shortage when your light comes out? Can we get on a waiting list for your light? A lot of questions but Im excited about the prospect of getting one of these.
Thanks Trent

 

[Roy]

Re: Official

I like the idea of at least haveing the option to supply my own pill.

I'd like to keep the cost down...how much would be saved by NOT anodizing the Firefly?

Is bead blasting cheaper than anodizing? I like the way bead blasting hides seams and creates a non slip surface. I have a Brinkmann LX that has been trimed down and bead blasted...a nice satin finish.

Like you I like a flood light in something this snall...an option? Kinda like a Mc Flood?


You build it and they will come!

 

[revolvergeek]

Re: Official

I think a dark blue HA would be perfect! Any rough guess-timates on pricing? Are there any plans for colored LS's?

 

[x-ray]

Re: Official \"Firefly\" Thread

Wouldn't simply removing the optics allow a quick switch from spot to flood (assuming the optics are not holding the Badboy/Madmax module in place) ?

I like Roys beadblasting idea /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[DSpeck]

Re: Official

Well, that's a lot of questions in a short time! Cool... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

The Madmax modules (yes, that part is definite) will be user-replaceable. I am in discussions with Wayne as to the modules I will use. BTW, if you use a Madmax+ in this little guy, you WILL burn your fingers, and I expect it won't take too long, either. I'm using the Madmax because it can be turned down a little to reduce the heat produced.

There are no current plans to offer these with any coloured luxeons, but since the module will be replaceable, I don't see that as a problem.

Roy, I plan to anodize them all, as not anodizing them won't save much money. Where you'll save is installing your own module. I am ordering enough modules for all of the planned units, but you may order yours without one.

I am aiming for a price of around $100-$110, depending on my costs. There is quite a bit of machining on these, so I don't expect it to be much less than that.

I will look into having these laser-etched - that's a good idea.

 

[tsg68]

Re: Official

I am in too, I prefer natural HA but would still go for the blue.

later,
TSG /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[AlphaTea]

DSpeck---You da man!!

DSpeck, Im so excited about this new project of yours! I am MOST IMPRESSED with my UBH II and E2C. Im all for keeping the costs down, but having a choice in HA/Bead blasting or with/without MM or BB is a cool idea. My choice would be for a <font color="brown">Beadblasted</font> one without a sammich. Reasons:
All of my flashlights are either HA of some kind or Black (MM's dont count) except the McLux. I think the beadblasting on the McLux is just plain Bitchin'! Picking our own optics and sandwich would cut down on assembly time and cost. Of course, you might get a price break for bulk.
How ever you decide to do this, Im sure that you will get orders for at least 200 or more and each will be worth twice the asking price. Make a lot of extras too, these have a pretty big "WOW" factor and word of mouth along with buddy-demo's can sell oodles!
One last thing...Im not gonna pay $601 for one of these

Damn Doug, you type fast, I went to let the dog out while I was typing this. By the time I got back and finished there were two post before mine...

 

[FalconFX]

Re: Official

I second some sort of engraving...

Maybe a CPF engraving...

 

[d'mo]

Re: Official

Sorry guys, I've got first dibs from a PM sent to Doug a few weeks ago. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif Mwhuahahhahahahah!

 

[Kercheval]

Re: DSpeck---You da man!!

As I mentioned in your previous thread on this, I would be in for at least a couple of these.

- A deep blue HA would be fine.
- Optics. You might consider making the well of this light a bowl which would double duty as a flood (similar to the CMG Ultra or Arc AAA) but would fit the NX05 turned optic you will supply. This would give a reasonable internal look. I am not sure about the tolerances around the LED or the mounting you will use against the bezel.

Do you have a ETA for when ordering is likely to commence?

 

[DSpeck]

Re: DSpeck---You da man!!

d'mo's right, he posted a long time ago. Now, not to worry, there will be plenty for all!

Kercheval, I like your idea of the turned bowl/reflector, but I think the copper will absorb a fair bit of the light, so it won't do that much for the beam. I'll check it out. Ordering for these is a couple of weeks out, as I haven't sent out the RFQs for the machining yet.

AlphaTea, I hear you on the beadblasting, but I don't think it will look as good under the anodizing - a smooth surface under the anodize looks the best. I would really rather do these all the same finish. I don't want to get into multiple finishes (like adding the EN of the TK McLux), as the cost goes up quite a bit, and bare aluminum would get all scratched up farily quickly. This is a premium piece - it should look good for as long as possible! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[obeck]

Re: Official \"Firefly\" Thread

Im in for at least one, maybe two depending on final price.

1. I like the drop in MM option. In fact, I probably would not get one (or two!) without that option, as I
have too many luxeon lights (including sandwiches) already.
2. I like the "different color" idea. I also liked the two-toned look with the bronzy/brassy section of the
original "small 123"
3. Some amount of focusing/beam forming would be good, but it is not essential if it greatly increases the
size/complexity/heat buildup of the light.

I'd say that my biggest concern with the small 123 design is the heat build up... will it be too hot to hold or be a fire
hazard?

 

[DSpeck]

Re: Official

obeck - the heat shouldn't be too bad. Larry found that his (running from a micropuck) didn't get too hot to handle, and that's why the Madmax module - so you can adjust it down if it gets too hot.

 

[belyo]

Re: Official

A fantastic project started. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Is there the person who can make a color sample with Photoshop? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Mr. Blue]

Re: Official \"Firefly\" Thread

Oh Brother, another light!


I AM IN!!!!!

 

[The_LED_Museum]

Re: Official \"Firefly\" thread

I thought this thread was for Tektite's Firefly, but I see I was mistaken. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/icon15.gif
I see this is *another* flashlight I absolutely, positively must have!!!!!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/eek.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/ooo.gif
I don't have any Mad Max's from the Sandwich Shop though, so I'd need a TK unit. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

 

[Joe400]

Re: Official

DSpeck thats great news! You can also count me in. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif