What kind of Switch for Kai/DX Drivers?

[bbgobie]

If using those cheap DX/Kai drivers on a bike light, what type of switch should be used? Is it a momentary normally off?
Sorry if this is a stupid question.

 

[HEY HEY ITS HENDO]

no it aint no stupid question, tons of stuff baffles the hell out of me too!!
you would need to apply power (main switch) to switch it on,
then, switch off > on quickly to change modes with an additional momentary/normally closed (on) switch

 

[bbgobie]

Thx.
Would the same apply to the Task LED bflex/nflex/maxflex etc?
I thought most peoples bike lights I've seen with these only have 1 switch.

 

[dom]

What HEY HEY means is you use a reverse clicky switch -available from DX as well.

These switches interrupt main power for as quick as you press/release (to change modes) without turning the main power off.
When you press the button harder -it will turn the main power off.

The bFlex ,ect. use a normally open (N/O) momentary switch -which can use only a tiny fraction of power,provided by the driver itself, and the power to the LED isn't interrupted in the mode switching.

Cheers
Dom

 

[LukeA]

What HEY HEY means is you use a reverse clicky switch -available from DX as well.

It doesn't need to be a reverse clicky or even a clicky at all. It can be a toggle, slide, whatever, as long as it has a constant-on function and is rated to handle the DC current. Modes will still work.

 

[dom]

Hi Luke
You don't think a reverse clicky would be best for his situation?

One light press would be safer and quicker than trying to operate a toggle or on/off button.

Even better just to lash out and get a driver that can use a momentary remote button operating near your thumb - unless you don't mind staying in one light level.

Cheers
Dom

 

[LukeA]

Hi Luke
You don't think a reverse clicky would be best for his situation?

One light press would be safer and quicker than trying to operate a toggle or on/off button.

Even better just to lash out and get a driver that can use a momentary remote button operating near your thumb - unless you don't mind staying in one light level.

Cheers
Dom

I think a forward clicky would work best. (select mode with presses, then lock it in with a click, but of course YMMV), but I don't think a toggle would be very much more difficult to operate than a reverse clicky. Well, maybe a little.

But I definitely agree with you that a pushbutton with no momentary would be a pain to operate, especially from a bike.

 

[dom]

I like forward clickies on torches but for bikes it wouldn't be too good if you need/want to shift
down/up a light level while on the move.

I've been totally spoiled with the bFlex -anything other would drive me mad i think.

Cheers
Dom

 

[Jamesdh266]

What is a forward clicky switch? how is it different from a reverse?

 

[dom]

Forward clicky will apply momentary power with a slight press. Used mostly in tactical lights when you just need a brief flash
of light. If your light has different levels,you can run thru them with slight presses of the switch
then when you get to the level you like,push harder (CLICK) to leave power on.

You have to turn main power off to be able to run thru the levels again.

Reverse clicky is the reverse
Click on for constant power,(slight press will do nothing),then you can press slightly for level changes.Press harder(CLICK) to turn off again.

You can change levels of light without have to switch power totally off.

Cheers
Dom

 

[bbgobie]

With the Bflex/maxflex just a momentary normally open is required if I'm reading right?

The problem with reverse clicky is finding a source. I've only seen the ones on DX. Is there anywhere else to get one? Specifically a waterproof one? Every other part I've ordered is IP67 sealed and there's no point if the switch is gonna be the weak point. Also panel mount preferred.

I was thinking a 3 position Off-On-(On) switch would work fairly well as well, but can't find one either.

Am I understanding correct that with a standard on-off switch to change modes, you would flip it to off and back on quickly?

 

[Cemoi]

The problem with reverse clicky is finding a source.

You may want to try Mouser who has a huge selection of switches (search for "switches").

 

[bbgobie]

Hi Cemoi,
When looking at their list of switches.
What switch function am I looking at to get a Reverse clicky effect?

 

[Cemoi]

What switch function am I looking at to get a Reverse clicky effect?

Unfortunately I am myself quite puzzled when looking at their (long) list of functions, and hope that a more enlightened CPF member will give some advice to the both of us.:thinking:

 

[bbgobie]

I'm thinking just a regular (is it latching) pushbutton on-off might Work.
When it sticks out, the light is on. If you start to push it in (if its break before make) the circuit would break, thus if you let go it would cycle modes.
If you press it in all the way it would go off.

 

[rufusbduck]

I'm thinking just a regular (is it latching) pushbutton on-off might Work.
When it sticks out, the light is on. If you start to push it in (if its break before make) the circuit would break, thus if you let go it would cycle modes.
If you press it in all the way it would go off.

I tested the switches on my existing lights and that's what they turned out to be. Click them on and then a half press is momentary off or full press to click is off. These are the Judco manufacturing pushbutton (flatpac)switches available from digikey. These can also use the silicon button covers from dx or kai.