Switch technology

[Frankey128]

I was looking at the differences between the new tikkina2 and tikka2 from Petzl and I noticed that the Tikkina had a very different switch 'feel' to it.

I was told that the difference between the tikkina and the rest of the range was: the tikkina contained a mechanical switch and the rest of the new range contained electronic switches.

I am just wondering what the differences are between the two types? and how do they work?

Thanks all

 

[drmaxx]

A mechanical switch makes or breaks the current flow between batteries and led/electronics. There are different systems but bottom line is that you add a piece of metal between two contacts. Benefit: Simple technology, foolproof, no current flowing if off. Disadvantages: mechanical failure possible, prone to sparks and therefore a concern for ex-protection, and especially in modern lights has to deal with relatively high currents (several A).

An electronic switch just acts as an impulse that tells the electronics to turn on / off the current. Benefits: the switch is even simpler (but not the electronics behind it), no current going through the switch, can trigger different evens, such as changing modes.... Disadvantage: Parasitic drain (there is always a current flowing through the electronics), soft feeling (generally no click).

 

[Frankey128]

Thanks for the swift answer drmaxx.

If the TIKKINA2 switch controls the on/off of current how is the multiple output level achieved? (the tikkina has hi, lo modes).

Regarding an electronic switch, a button press sends a binary signal? to a controller or some sort? I am just guessing here, Not done any electronics for a while.

Thanks

 

[Mark620]

The Tikkina may have a 3 way switch.

 

[Frankey128]

I did think that the tikkina could go from high to off in one click (like the rest of the range) but when looking at it again it has to follow the high - low - off cycle.

Thanks for the replies, most helpful