Reprogramming a Nitecore MT26

[Omega73]

Is it possible to reprogram a Nitecore MT26 to include a lower power output. Similar to a moonlight setting like I've seen in other lights ?

 

[enomosiki]

Short answer: No.

MT26 is preprogrammed. The whole "programmable" thing is an illusion, to be honest. When the head is tightened, you always get the maximum output. With the head loosened, you can cycle through the alternate output modes and have the light "memorize" that particular mode so that it will activate to it the next time you turn it back on when the head is loosened, but will end up cycling modes if you botch the process.

Not to mention the fact that 25 lumens is the lowest the light will do. To qualify as moonlight or firefly modes, they usually have to be sublumen (<1 lumen), usually 0.3 or less.

 

[Omega73]

Thanks for the reply. I am very green when it comes to flashlights of this caliber. I've had a 2 d cell maglight for probly 7 years and it finally died on me.
So I've been reading the forums and have noticed individuals who can perform custom modes into different "pills". Would it be possible to remove the circuits from the nitecore and have someone on the forum here reprogram it ?

 

[oKtosiTe]

Thanks for the reply. I am very green when it comes to flashlights of this caliber. I've had a 2 d cell maglight for probly 7 years and it finally died on me.
So I've been reading the forums and have noticed individuals who can perform custom modes into different "pills". Would it be possible to remove the circuits from the nitecore and have someone on the forum here reprogram it ?

If you're willing to go that far, you're probably better off considering some other lights...
Perhaps the Foursevens Maelstrom MM-X is worthy of your consideration?

 

[Gunner12]

Short answer: It's hard to reprogram them.

Longer answer:
These flashlight have a small computer, or microcontroller on them. This controls the modes and stuff. To reprogram them, the light will have to be disassembled to the point where the microcontroller can be reached. Next, assuming the microcontroller can be reprogrammed, a special tool (or solder a bunch of flywires and clips) must be placed on the microcontroller and a new program must be written and downloaded to it. That's generally how to go about reprogramming a light.

The hard part is getting to the microcontroller and having it communicate correctly with the computer. Some of them have locked memory, some might not be programmable after they are installed (I have no idea, haven't worked on commercial µc before, and only dabbled in it as a hobby), some might be epoxied in and very hard to access.

For the custom mode lights, the microcontroller is programmed with a special tool before the driver is installed, before there is any epoxy, disassembly, etc.

Like I mentioned, I don't work in this field, so take what I say with a grain (or lump) of salt.

 

[Omega73]

Thanks for the reply's, they are very informative. I'm going to look into different lights like mentioned above. I just saw the capabilities of the Armytek predator. That looks like it has the modes I would use often, without having to tear a light apart.