What's your favorite mode group?

[archer6817j]

Hi all,

I've been working towards more flexibility in the UI on my lights. I was hoping to offer a new driver that would allow up to 9 user selectable modes. However, I've run into a little hitch with that. See this thread if you can help me out with programming a PIC controller.

In the mean time, I hope to offer Blue-Label lights with a choice of programs on the same NANJG 105C driver that I've been using. The Ready-Made lights will still come with a basic H/M/L 3 mode setup. I know the 105C also has solder bridges that can allow you to access other modes, but there are two problems. One, they are way to large and too far apart to solder cleanly and easily...bad design. Two, right now the guy that is going to write the programs for me can only alter the default program. At this time, we don't know how to rewrite the base code to alter all of the on-board mode groups. PM or email if you can help with that.

So, the plan is to offer a selection of UI's that can be dropped onto the chip on an "as requested" basis. If you have suggestions for other mode groups please let me know. These are just the basic ones I've come up with.

* First some nomenclature:

• High: 100%
• Medium: 30%
• Low: 5%
• MoonLight: 1% (this will approximate .25 lux @ 1m, the ANSI definition of "moon light")
• FireFly: <1% (this is a low-low that is low enough you can look directly into the emitter without discomfort. I can't measure this low...but you get the idea)
• Strobe: self explanatory? Only needed by DJ's and people who carry guns for work (IMO)
• SOS: Errr, you can remember 3 long 3 short right? I don't plan to offer this as a mode since I can't "hide" it from the primary mode navigation

*NOTES:

1. The memory delay will be altered to have a 1 second interval instead of the current 2 second interval. This should make the lights much more user friendly and significantly lower the number of unintended level changes.
2. Alternately, the driver can be programmed with NO memory and can cycle modes in any order desired
3. #4 (below) was actually developed by a police officer for "duty" use. It has no memory and activates on High every time. It has a MoonLight mode for things like reading ID's up close at night and a strobe to use on people you don't like very much.
4. It is NOT possible to have the memory set during the OFF time, only the ON time
5. Hidden modes accessed by twisting the head are not possible
6. Multiple clicking is not possible (eg click 3 times for strobe)

MODE GROUPS:

1. 4 mode H/M/L/Moon (default)
2. 4 mode H/M/L/FireFly (full monty)
3. 3 mode H/L/FireFly (cat burglar)
4. 3 mode H/M/Moon (fridge burglar)
5. 3 mode H/Moon/Strobe (on duty) >> no memory <<
6. 2 mode H/L (old school)

So, do you vote for any of these or do you have suggestions about the UI you most prefer?

 

[mvyrmnd]

Unfortunately, none!

I prefer to start on low, with no mode memory at all.

 

[do15]

Unfortunately, none!

I prefer to start on low, with no mode memory at all.

What he says!

Failing that, I would choose 3 mode H/L/FireFly

 

[archer6817j]

Hi, I forgot to mention that it can be programmed with NO memory and just a scroll through interface. At this time I do not know how easy it will be to completely customize a program. The other (and first) option will be to choose from a batch of set programs. As I get things figured out I can potentially offer fully customized programs. That might involve extra cost, but we'll jump off that bridge when we get to it. Lights can also be returned for upgrades and changes of course 🙂

Keep the suggestions coming!

 

[dy5]

I'd favor: Moon/L/M/H/ no memory. Customizable would be good, but that 4-mode would cover most of my uses.

 

[tab665]

i prefer just high and low. medium mode is the red headed step child.

 

[keenism]

moon/M/L/H, also...would you mind letting me take a peep at the flash you want to edit?

 

[PoliceScannerMan]

I like how my Alpha is now. Flucero28 reprogrammed mine.

Firefly, L, M, H. Hybrid memory.

Remembers last mode used, but will revert back to firefly for mode change, no matter what level prevously used.

 

[nfetterly]

L / M / H - I could take Firefly, but no strobe. No memory.

Medium at 30% to 35% is good, I like the L / M / H because I often stop at M - no need to go to H, but it's difficult to use M after having seen H.

 

[BarryG]

How hard would it be for a "Quark" type of mode group?
Head tight-max
Head loose- firefly, low, med,high

I love my Quarks but have no need for flashy modes.







Barry

 

[Chicken Drumstick]

I think some of these are very good. But how about a 2 mode HIGH/Med always comes on in high?

I find I don't often need or want low, all I want is low enough that I can point the light at something close (your hand) and not have blinding glare. 30-50 lumens is fine for this.

 

[nbp]

Ready Mades currently come with H/M/L, no memory, is that correct?

I was gonna build up something on a 6P platform, but I'm thinking of diving into a DS Ready Made instead. About the same price, and who can say no to more Custom lights, right?

 

[archer6817j]

Ready Mades currently come with H/M/L, no memory, is that correct?

I was gonna build up something on a 6P platform, but I'm thinking of diving into a DS Ready Made instead. About the same price, and who can say no to more Custom lights, right?

Ready Mades are l/m/h with 2 second memory 🙂

 

[nbp]

Ready Mades are l/m/h with 2 second memory 🙂

Lol. That's nearly always my preferred UI, but I was actually hoping that for the purpose of this light it would be high first, maybe even w/o memory. That is too funny. Are the chips in these lights reprogrammable by smart people? (Read: not me)

 

[nbp]

Ahh, screw it. I just bought a Ready Made on the Custom BST. Had to see what all the fuss is about over this guy out of CA making flashlights. 😉

 

[Flucero28]

Lol. That's nearly always my preferred UI, but I was actually hoping that for the purpose of this light it would be high first, maybe even w/o memory. That is too funny. Are the chips in these lights reprogrammable by smart people? (Read: not me)

nbp, I cant promise to be very smart but I can sure help with your UI, PM or email me.

 

[nbp]

nbp, I cant promise to be very smart but I can sure help with your UI, PM or email me.

Will do, thanks Frank!

 

[KeeblerElf]

I like how my Alpha is now. Flucero28 reprogrammed mine.

Firefly, L, M, H. Hybrid memory.

Remembers last mode used, but will revert back to firefly for mode change, no matter what level prevously used.

I think this would be my favorite, too.

 

[Dr.Jones]

My best custom firmware ("lupodrv") for the NANJG linear drivers can be reprogrammed by the user with whatever modes you want 🙂 You enter programming mode by 8 very fast taps (half presses) and then it allows you to reprogram the current mode with a new brightness (from a ramp of 16 visually linear levels), strobe or beacon, or to add a mode, or to remove the current mode (i.e. you can change the number of modes; max. 6), or to change memory type between no-memory, classic memory, or short-cycle memory (memory, but jumps to 1st mode when you change modes again, I think some people call it hybrid memory here). 5 very fast taps en-/disable mode locking, i.e. it won't change modes any more, good for tactical/signaling purposes.

 

[neutralwhite]

i like the full monty mode!. if i have the alpha ready made, can I send it back to Jason for an update then?.
thanks.