Self programmable driver with usb port

[dirtech]

Could this work? A driver with a computer connection and some accompanying software so that the user user can program the number of modes and their functions tell the driver what chemistry they are using, any sort of low battery warnings or automatically going down a level, even incorporate the tight/loose bezels functions into the programmability. The space between the pos and ground should be enough room for a port.

Everyone has their favorite user interfaces and can find a light that works for them, but why not make one that would work for all. I was thinking about my liteflux and how convenient it would be to program it via PC.

Thoughts?

 

[PhotonWrangler]

It's actually been done by a CPF member here, although I'm not finding the thread at the moment. First time I've ever seen a flashlight with a USB port on it! :huh:

 

[DonShock]

I've got one of those drivers. It was made by Winney, IIRC. It's a hotwire driver and you can program different voltage levels for varying brightness, set low battery warnings and cutoffs, and set the speed for a soft start. I played with it a bit but mine has a glitch that I've never gone back to check out so it's just been sitting unused in the parts bin for the last couple years.

 

[carrot]

The Indium Smart was supposed to be this light.

And then the Arc6 that came after was also supposed to do this.

 

[RepProdigious]

Wow, that sure is mighty impractical! EX: Im out on holiday with my li-ion light, if the cells die and i need to swap to alkalines i all of a sudden need a complete computer to get the light to work? :thumbsdow

 

[Justin Case]

The JimmyM incan regulator has an in-system programming interface (a 6 pin header) to program the on-board ATMEL Tiny44 microcontroller. You hook up a programming box like an AVRISP Mkii to the regulator and the box's USB cable to a PC and run the programming environment (AVR Studio).

 

[dirtech]

Wow, that sure is mighty impractical! EX: Im out on holiday with my li-ion light, if the cells die and i need to swap to alkalines i all of a sudden need a complete computer to get the light to work? :thumbsdow

Well you could still have rear button programmability. Besides, how many lights do your have that require reprogramming to switch from li-ion to alkaline.

 

[dirtech]

The Indium Smart was supposed to be this light.

And then the Arc6 that came after was also supposed to do this.

$350 for the Indium Smart.

I remember a guy hear working on a driver that could be programmed via bluetooth.

Anyway, guess its been tried, but I wonder if it will become normal.

 

[carrot]

No, the Indium Smart became burdened with the realm of "what ifs" and amazing possibilities before the project was scrapped. From the beginning, it was designed to be the light that would never be obsolete, a lofty goal.

I think the real problem is many have tried but have had far too lofty a goal. I predict someone will succeed at some point, and it will be a far simpler light than the Indium Smart was planned to be.