Gransee
Flashlight Enthusiast
Rough draft of the instructions:
Arc6 Instructions
Congratulations on your purchase of the Arc6 flashlight!
Features:
Uses 1, lithium battery (CR123)
2, easy to access brightness levels
Menu with 7 levels plus strobe
Low battery indicator
Over temperature protection
Compatible with rechargeable lithium batteries
Insert photo or drawing of light here calling out major parts which can be referred to as the owner reads how to use the light.
To change the battery:
Loosen battery compartment by turning counter-clockwise while holding head with other hand. Remove battery compartment. Remove dead battery by tipping battery compartment so that battery slides out.
Install new battery with positive (+) contact facing towards front of flashlight.
Screw battery compartment onto head. Tighten until LED lights up and then loosen until it just turns off. The Arc6 is now ready to be used.
Note:
If the flashlight is to be stored for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the flashlight and store the battery in a cool dry place.
If the battery is inserted in reverse, the light will not function. Remove and insert the battery correctly with the positive (+) contact facing towards the front of the flashlight (LED end).
Turning the light on at the low brightness level:
This flashlight has two (2) easy to access brightness levels. These can be accessed by either pressing the tail button or tightening the battery compartment. The tail button has 2 levels of pressure activation.
Note: the low brightness level is useful for close-up work, protecting your night vision, etc.
Momentary use
Press the tail button approximately half way to full. This will activate the low brightness level. The light will stay on only for as long as the button is held. Releasing the button after such a continuous press will shut the light off.
Turning the light on at the high brightness level:
Note: the high brightness level is useful for seeing things at a distance or lighting a larger area. This level is activated in a similar way to the low brightness level except that the button is pressed to full.
Press the tail button all the way to full. This will activate the high brightness level. The light will stay on only for as long as the button is held. Releasing the button after such a continuous press will shut the light off.
Constant use
Both methods above describe how to activate the high and low brightness levels for momentarily or short durations of usage. The Arc6 can also be turned on at either level for extended use.
For constant use, the light can be turned on and left on by twisting the battery compartment clockwise. As the compartment is tightened, first the low level and then the high level of brightness will be activated.
Low battery warning:
When the battery is almost depleted, the LED will automatically dim in steps. The speed at which it steps depends on how depleted the battery is. At times, it may appear to step down so rapidly as to flash.
You may continue to use the flashlight with a partially dead battery at a lower brightness if needed for emergency reasons. However, we recommend you replace the battery to restore brightness.
If the light is turned off and then back on without replacing the depleted battery, the light will attempt to come on at a lower level. When the cell is extremely depleted, the Arc6 will cease to produce light. Please exchange the battery with a fresh battery.
The Arc6 uses a single CR123 size lithium battery.
High Temperature Warning:
The Arc6 is designed to produce more light output than other flashlights in it size. However, this makes temperature management more important since higher power levels means more heat is generated. Under certain conditions and if left unchecked, this could produce enough heat to cause burns to the hand.
Therefore, the Arc6 includes a temperature sensor that monitors the housing temperature. In the event that the housing does begin to approach the temperature safety limit the high temperature warning will indicate by automatically dimming the LED power until the temperature begins to drop. Once the light has cooled off, full power will again become available (if the battery permits).
The temperature limit engages at about 125-135F as measured on the outside of the head. Again, this is done to protect the user's skin. Modern electronics are good to about 185F (85C) and modern LEDs are good to over 300 degrees (K2 is rated at a max of 150C, which is 302F). Therefore, the limit which is designed to protect skin also keeps the electronics and LED well below their limits.
The difference between the LED dimming automatically because of a low battery and because of a hot LED is that with a hot LED, the flashlight will be quite warm.
The temperature fallback drops to level 3 from any level above level 3 while the battery fallback drops to the next lower level. Therefore, the temperature fallback is sometimes a much larger drop.
It is normal for the Arc6 to get quite warm during operation. This is normal. It should not get hot enough however to cause a burn or to damage its components. If you help the flashlight stay cool, it can run at full power for a longer period of time. For example, at level 6, if the Arc6 is left on an insulated surface, it may throttle back after 2 minutes. But if held in a human hand, it may run for 10 minutes before reaching temperature limit. This example assumes a fresh battery, room temperature, etc.
Using Rechargeable Lithium Ion Cells and how the low battery warning works
This section is mostly about rechargeables but the low battery function also applies to non-rechargeables.
Rechargeable Lithium Ion cells are recommended for users who use their Arc6 frequently. This practice should save money with frequent use when compared to using non-rechargeable cells. Please note that rechargeable batteries do require special attention to maximize their cycle life. Consult the instructions that come with your rechargeable battery system for the correct care and use of your rechargeable battery.
The Arc6 is designed to be used with either non-rechargeable lithium ion cells or rechargeable lithium ion/lithium polymer cells. Rechargeable lithium ion cells can have a higher voltage (3.3-4.2volts) and require a safety cut-off (usually 2.5v) to prevent over discharging the cells.
Most rechargeable cells (Battery Station brand for example) have a built in breaker than interrupts power when the cell voltage is near 2.5v. A potential problem while using protected cells is that the light may suddenly go dark without warning. Please be aware of this when using protected cells in mission critical circumstances. Usually, in the event the battery breaker trips, you can turn the light switch off, the breaker will reset and then you can turn the light back on at a lower level. Be warned though that the light will go out suddenly again and you should change cells immediately.
We recommend un-protected cells (Powerizer or MP brands for example) in the Arc6 for the best performance. These cells will not only deliver more current but provide more of a warning when they are depleted. By "unprotected" we mean no over discharge or over current protection. All cells should have a PTZ that protects from over pressure/temperature from within the cell.
As a cell is depleted, the light will begin to step down 1 level at a time. When this happens, you should change the cell. If done soon after you see the warning, the cell usually will be kept from over discharge. There is a potential for over-discharge however. Frequently over-discharging a lithium cell will reduce its lifespan.
If the light automatically drops to level 1 or the user selects level 1, the light will not automatically drop any lower. It will not shut off by itself until the battery is too low to operate the electronics. This is a safety feature meant to provide an emergency level of light but it can over discharge your rechargeable. The electronics will continue to operate down to about 1.7volts.
All batteries tend to partially recover their voltage when the light is turned off. This can be used in an emergency situation to provide brief pulses of light from a battery that is too dead to operate the electronics continuously. If the light fails because of a dead battery, wait for several minutes and then try it again at the lowest level. It may fire for a few seconds or longer before going out again. This may be enough to see an exit or find another battery.
Virtual Stage
In addition to the 2 mechanical stages (low/high), there is a virtual stage that can be used as well. This stage is a product of timing how long it takes for the switch to transition from off to stage2. If that transition is slow (more than about a second), stage2 is activated. If that transition is less than a second, stage3 is activated.
From the factory, stage2 and stage3 are programmed with the same level to reduce the chance that novices may be confused by the operation.
Stage3 can be programmed in the settings menu to any of the levels or strobe.
Since people tend to press the button suddenly in an emergency, it is a good idea to program stage3 for say strobe or the highest power level. This makes it intuitive to get full output in an emergency.
Accessories and other features:
There are other battery compartment designs planned.
Replacement sapphire window, silicone o-rings, reflector. LED upgrades.
Rechargeable system. This includes 2 rechargeable 123s and a desk charger.
Full Feature List:
- Microprocessor controlled
- Buck/boost converter topology supports both rechargeable and non-rechargeable cells
- High power LED
- Digital Temperature and voltage monitoring for prolonged battery/LED life
- Access the levels you need quicker and with less button presses: True 2-stage push button tail switch makes the Arc6 much easier to use than older single stage designs
- Push button employs low current switching for improved contact life
- Sapphire window is more scratch resistant than Lexan and more break resistant than glass
- Silicone o-rings throughout
- Mil-spec Type III Hard Anodized Aluminum housing
- User serviceable parts/upgradeability for prolonged ownership value
- Improved low power modes produce a smoother, whiter beam than the competition
- Optional tail stand/guard pack with titanium pocket clip
- Made in Arizona, USA
Specifications:
Processor: Atmel Tiny84 with 8k of flash memory
Switch: 2-stage twist and silent push button with 3rd virtual stage
Voltage input range: 1.7-4.5 volts
Voltage and temperature sensors for fallback functions
Vbat fallback programmed to about 1.8volts
Temperature fallback programmed to about 125-135F
Runtimes
How long the light will run with a particular battery and at a particular output level combination varies from unit to unit. This has to do with variations in total system efficiency.
Generally, levels below level 3 can run for more than an hour while levels above level 3 generally run for less than an hour.
This data will be refined as the total population of units manufactured increases.
Flashlight Lovers on the Internet
To meet and talk to other flashlight aficionados, please visit the Arc Flashlight forum on the CandlePowerForums.com website.
The designer of the Arc flashlight series, Peter Gransee goes by the userid, "gransee" on the CPF forums.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Include with instructions or post online?
Settings Menu
To enter:
Twist head to stage 1 (low)
Press button to stage2 (high) about 10 times (or until light changes flashing)
There are 3 stages (2 mechanical and 1 virtual). Each stage is identified by a flash code. 1 flash for stage1, 2 flashes for stage2, etc.
To change a particular stage, press the button once to cycle to the stage you want, then press and hold to select that stage. The light will then flash three times to indicate you have selected an option and then it will display the current setting for that stage. You then can press the button once to cycle to the next level. It will continue to cycle with each press. There are currently 8 levels. 7 brightness levels and 1 strobe. To select a level, press and hold until the light flashes 3 times. That level is then saved to flash and will be stored even if the battery is changed. It can be overwritten by entering the menu and selecting a different level.
The setting menu is automatically exited when a level is saved.
Off
Twist to Stage1
10 stage2 presses
Main menu
stage1
sub menu for changing stage1 level
stage2
sub menu for changing stage 2 level
stage3
sub menu for changing stage 3 level
brief press: cycle to next option
long press: select option
Known issues
Sometimes when cycling through the stages in the settings menu, the flash code is uneven in its timing. For example it may flash once slowly and then twice at a faster rate. This has to do with the timing precision of the microcontroller and is normal.
Sometimes, with some batteries, the light may flicker in its output. This seems to occur mostly with higher voltage rechargeables (especially with new rechargeables charged at 4.2volts or higher). It tends to go away after a minute or two of usage. It also tends to go away with older cells. This is caused by instability in the analog feedback loop and is a known issue. Other than occasional flickering, it has not caused any other problems.
Lower voltage cells tend to produce a higher light output. This has to do with how current is sensed by the electronics. This can be compensated by using a different level setting.
It is possible for the kilroy spring (part of the PD switch mechanism) to become bent flat enough for there to be no space between stage1 and stage2 switch activation. This can be fixed by bending the kilroy spring back up with your finger.
It is normal for the converter to hum or whine during operation.
Sometimes with a new battery, the light may noticeably ramp in brightness (ramping in less than a second) the first time a particular level is used. This is normal and is produced by a function in firmware that seeks the best converter settings for that particular battery/level combination. Sometimes this ramping also produces a momentary shift in LED color. Subsequent uses should be normal after the processor has adjusted to the new battery.
--
peter
Arc6 Instructions
Congratulations on your purchase of the Arc6 flashlight!
Features:
Uses 1, lithium battery (CR123)
2, easy to access brightness levels
Menu with 7 levels plus strobe
Low battery indicator
Over temperature protection
Compatible with rechargeable lithium batteries
Insert photo or drawing of light here calling out major parts which can be referred to as the owner reads how to use the light.
To change the battery:
Loosen battery compartment by turning counter-clockwise while holding head with other hand. Remove battery compartment. Remove dead battery by tipping battery compartment so that battery slides out.
Install new battery with positive (+) contact facing towards front of flashlight.
Screw battery compartment onto head. Tighten until LED lights up and then loosen until it just turns off. The Arc6 is now ready to be used.
Note:
If the flashlight is to be stored for an extended period of time, remove the battery from the flashlight and store the battery in a cool dry place.
If the battery is inserted in reverse, the light will not function. Remove and insert the battery correctly with the positive (+) contact facing towards the front of the flashlight (LED end).
Turning the light on at the low brightness level:
This flashlight has two (2) easy to access brightness levels. These can be accessed by either pressing the tail button or tightening the battery compartment. The tail button has 2 levels of pressure activation.
Note: the low brightness level is useful for close-up work, protecting your night vision, etc.
Momentary use
Press the tail button approximately half way to full. This will activate the low brightness level. The light will stay on only for as long as the button is held. Releasing the button after such a continuous press will shut the light off.
Turning the light on at the high brightness level:
Note: the high brightness level is useful for seeing things at a distance or lighting a larger area. This level is activated in a similar way to the low brightness level except that the button is pressed to full.
Press the tail button all the way to full. This will activate the high brightness level. The light will stay on only for as long as the button is held. Releasing the button after such a continuous press will shut the light off.
Constant use
Both methods above describe how to activate the high and low brightness levels for momentarily or short durations of usage. The Arc6 can also be turned on at either level for extended use.
For constant use, the light can be turned on and left on by twisting the battery compartment clockwise. As the compartment is tightened, first the low level and then the high level of brightness will be activated.
Low battery warning:
When the battery is almost depleted, the LED will automatically dim in steps. The speed at which it steps depends on how depleted the battery is. At times, it may appear to step down so rapidly as to flash.
You may continue to use the flashlight with a partially dead battery at a lower brightness if needed for emergency reasons. However, we recommend you replace the battery to restore brightness.
If the light is turned off and then back on without replacing the depleted battery, the light will attempt to come on at a lower level. When the cell is extremely depleted, the Arc6 will cease to produce light. Please exchange the battery with a fresh battery.
The Arc6 uses a single CR123 size lithium battery.
High Temperature Warning:
The Arc6 is designed to produce more light output than other flashlights in it size. However, this makes temperature management more important since higher power levels means more heat is generated. Under certain conditions and if left unchecked, this could produce enough heat to cause burns to the hand.
Therefore, the Arc6 includes a temperature sensor that monitors the housing temperature. In the event that the housing does begin to approach the temperature safety limit the high temperature warning will indicate by automatically dimming the LED power until the temperature begins to drop. Once the light has cooled off, full power will again become available (if the battery permits).
The temperature limit engages at about 125-135F as measured on the outside of the head. Again, this is done to protect the user's skin. Modern electronics are good to about 185F (85C) and modern LEDs are good to over 300 degrees (K2 is rated at a max of 150C, which is 302F). Therefore, the limit which is designed to protect skin also keeps the electronics and LED well below their limits.
The difference between the LED dimming automatically because of a low battery and because of a hot LED is that with a hot LED, the flashlight will be quite warm.
The temperature fallback drops to level 3 from any level above level 3 while the battery fallback drops to the next lower level. Therefore, the temperature fallback is sometimes a much larger drop.
It is normal for the Arc6 to get quite warm during operation. This is normal. It should not get hot enough however to cause a burn or to damage its components. If you help the flashlight stay cool, it can run at full power for a longer period of time. For example, at level 6, if the Arc6 is left on an insulated surface, it may throttle back after 2 minutes. But if held in a human hand, it may run for 10 minutes before reaching temperature limit. This example assumes a fresh battery, room temperature, etc.
Using Rechargeable Lithium Ion Cells and how the low battery warning works
This section is mostly about rechargeables but the low battery function also applies to non-rechargeables.
Rechargeable Lithium Ion cells are recommended for users who use their Arc6 frequently. This practice should save money with frequent use when compared to using non-rechargeable cells. Please note that rechargeable batteries do require special attention to maximize their cycle life. Consult the instructions that come with your rechargeable battery system for the correct care and use of your rechargeable battery.
The Arc6 is designed to be used with either non-rechargeable lithium ion cells or rechargeable lithium ion/lithium polymer cells. Rechargeable lithium ion cells can have a higher voltage (3.3-4.2volts) and require a safety cut-off (usually 2.5v) to prevent over discharging the cells.
Most rechargeable cells (Battery Station brand for example) have a built in breaker than interrupts power when the cell voltage is near 2.5v. A potential problem while using protected cells is that the light may suddenly go dark without warning. Please be aware of this when using protected cells in mission critical circumstances. Usually, in the event the battery breaker trips, you can turn the light switch off, the breaker will reset and then you can turn the light back on at a lower level. Be warned though that the light will go out suddenly again and you should change cells immediately.
We recommend un-protected cells (Powerizer or MP brands for example) in the Arc6 for the best performance. These cells will not only deliver more current but provide more of a warning when they are depleted. By "unprotected" we mean no over discharge or over current protection. All cells should have a PTZ that protects from over pressure/temperature from within the cell.
As a cell is depleted, the light will begin to step down 1 level at a time. When this happens, you should change the cell. If done soon after you see the warning, the cell usually will be kept from over discharge. There is a potential for over-discharge however. Frequently over-discharging a lithium cell will reduce its lifespan.
If the light automatically drops to level 1 or the user selects level 1, the light will not automatically drop any lower. It will not shut off by itself until the battery is too low to operate the electronics. This is a safety feature meant to provide an emergency level of light but it can over discharge your rechargeable. The electronics will continue to operate down to about 1.7volts.
All batteries tend to partially recover their voltage when the light is turned off. This can be used in an emergency situation to provide brief pulses of light from a battery that is too dead to operate the electronics continuously. If the light fails because of a dead battery, wait for several minutes and then try it again at the lowest level. It may fire for a few seconds or longer before going out again. This may be enough to see an exit or find another battery.
Virtual Stage
In addition to the 2 mechanical stages (low/high), there is a virtual stage that can be used as well. This stage is a product of timing how long it takes for the switch to transition from off to stage2. If that transition is slow (more than about a second), stage2 is activated. If that transition is less than a second, stage3 is activated.
From the factory, stage2 and stage3 are programmed with the same level to reduce the chance that novices may be confused by the operation.
Stage3 can be programmed in the settings menu to any of the levels or strobe.
Since people tend to press the button suddenly in an emergency, it is a good idea to program stage3 for say strobe or the highest power level. This makes it intuitive to get full output in an emergency.
Accessories and other features:
There are other battery compartment designs planned.
Replacement sapphire window, silicone o-rings, reflector. LED upgrades.
Rechargeable system. This includes 2 rechargeable 123s and a desk charger.
Full Feature List:
- Microprocessor controlled
- Buck/boost converter topology supports both rechargeable and non-rechargeable cells
- High power LED
- Digital Temperature and voltage monitoring for prolonged battery/LED life
- Access the levels you need quicker and with less button presses: True 2-stage push button tail switch makes the Arc6 much easier to use than older single stage designs
- Push button employs low current switching for improved contact life
- Sapphire window is more scratch resistant than Lexan and more break resistant than glass
- Silicone o-rings throughout
- Mil-spec Type III Hard Anodized Aluminum housing
- User serviceable parts/upgradeability for prolonged ownership value
- Improved low power modes produce a smoother, whiter beam than the competition
- Optional tail stand/guard pack with titanium pocket clip
- Made in Arizona, USA
Specifications:
Processor: Atmel Tiny84 with 8k of flash memory
Switch: 2-stage twist and silent push button with 3rd virtual stage
Voltage input range: 1.7-4.5 volts
Voltage and temperature sensors for fallback functions
Vbat fallback programmed to about 1.8volts
Temperature fallback programmed to about 125-135F
Runtimes
How long the light will run with a particular battery and at a particular output level combination varies from unit to unit. This has to do with variations in total system efficiency.
Generally, levels below level 3 can run for more than an hour while levels above level 3 generally run for less than an hour.
This data will be refined as the total population of units manufactured increases.
Flashlight Lovers on the Internet
To meet and talk to other flashlight aficionados, please visit the Arc Flashlight forum on the CandlePowerForums.com website.
The designer of the Arc flashlight series, Peter Gransee goes by the userid, "gransee" on the CPF forums.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
Include with instructions or post online?
Settings Menu
To enter:
Twist head to stage 1 (low)
Press button to stage2 (high) about 10 times (or until light changes flashing)
There are 3 stages (2 mechanical and 1 virtual). Each stage is identified by a flash code. 1 flash for stage1, 2 flashes for stage2, etc.
To change a particular stage, press the button once to cycle to the stage you want, then press and hold to select that stage. The light will then flash three times to indicate you have selected an option and then it will display the current setting for that stage. You then can press the button once to cycle to the next level. It will continue to cycle with each press. There are currently 8 levels. 7 brightness levels and 1 strobe. To select a level, press and hold until the light flashes 3 times. That level is then saved to flash and will be stored even if the battery is changed. It can be overwritten by entering the menu and selecting a different level.
The setting menu is automatically exited when a level is saved.
Off
Twist to Stage1
10 stage2 presses
Main menu
stage1
sub menu for changing stage1 level
stage2
sub menu for changing stage 2 level
stage3
sub menu for changing stage 3 level
brief press: cycle to next option
long press: select option
Known issues
Sometimes when cycling through the stages in the settings menu, the flash code is uneven in its timing. For example it may flash once slowly and then twice at a faster rate. This has to do with the timing precision of the microcontroller and is normal.
Sometimes, with some batteries, the light may flicker in its output. This seems to occur mostly with higher voltage rechargeables (especially with new rechargeables charged at 4.2volts or higher). It tends to go away after a minute or two of usage. It also tends to go away with older cells. This is caused by instability in the analog feedback loop and is a known issue. Other than occasional flickering, it has not caused any other problems.
Lower voltage cells tend to produce a higher light output. This has to do with how current is sensed by the electronics. This can be compensated by using a different level setting.
It is possible for the kilroy spring (part of the PD switch mechanism) to become bent flat enough for there to be no space between stage1 and stage2 switch activation. This can be fixed by bending the kilroy spring back up with your finger.
It is normal for the converter to hum or whine during operation.
Sometimes with a new battery, the light may noticeably ramp in brightness (ramping in less than a second) the first time a particular level is used. This is normal and is produced by a function in firmware that seeks the best converter settings for that particular battery/level combination. Sometimes this ramping also produces a momentary shift in LED color. Subsequent uses should be normal after the processor has adjusted to the new battery.
--
peter
Last edited:
:huh:
