Slightly different approach to a dual stage quad SSC

[Robban]

I finally completed my own little quad P4 after many hours of frustration... It isn't quite what I had planned (was planning triple stage) but I'm quite happy with it anyways. I just figured someone else might find this helpful so I thought I'd post what I did. This is by no means an original idea, the Orb uses a similar idea for the switch, but I don't think I've seen anyone do it with this type of mod.

I decided when I started that I wanted at least dual stage output on this light but I absolutely hate having an external pot or switch because I think they completely destroy the look of a light. I wanted to be able to switch between levels simply by rotating the head of the flashlight, so I made it happen using a reed switch and some resistors.

Enough jabbering, I think the pictures should be pretty self explanatory so here goes (sorry about the poor quality, I really need to get myself a macro lens):

The reed-switch-resistor-combo that does the switching. It's a normally open switch.

And here it is stuffed into the light held in place by simple hot glue which will be replaced by epoxy once I'm happy with the twisty action of it.

The magnet that activates the switch. It's simply glued down onto the switch housing on a spacer (a bit of antenna cable ). Took a couple of tries to get the distance and placement correct.

I guess that's about it, hope someone finds it useful

 

[nein166]

I like your application. And I think you took the pot off a shark and go to the hi and low with the resistors. Does this give you 2 preset levels(via resistors) depending on the reed switch position?

 

[Robban]

I like your application. And I think you took the pot off a shark and go to the hi and low with the resistors. Does this give you 2 preset levels(via resistors) depending on the reed switch position?

Exactly. When the switch is open the Shark acts as if no pot is connected at all and thus gives you as much as it can give. When the switch is closed the resistors get connected and the output drops. Just wish I had set the low output a bit lower but I'm quite happy with it as it is