FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public

Yes, it isn’t the end, but I think it’s a good beginning. With, as you said before, some open source hardware and firmware, it could grow bigger, faster. What do you mean about the bootloader? Are you talking about a bootloader in the flashlight?

Oops.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-ab&q="programming+via+USB"+patent

Well, but, China …

It’s early days yet. Pogo pin connections are a start, allowing a “bare metal” re-flash.

Putting a bootloader into the MCU, whilst obviously possible, would just be a waste of space and resources, of no utility to the vast majority of consumers who would never use it, nor want it, nor even know how. And adding cost. Nevermind the complication of adding USB or Bluetooth connectivity.

These are just torches. They should not be over-complicated, just because it is possible.

Easily turned on and off-able is my test, combined with handing them to “muggles” to see how they manage.

Even I need crib sheets to understand some none-intuitive BLF stuff, I cannot retain all of it in memory, and no, my brain is still pretty sharp. It may make perfect sense to the designers, but, practically, a lot of it is unused/unusable. I like to play around with new things like all of us, but after a while determine a configuration that suits me, and never change it afterwards.

Configurability, and personal choice is great, but is it actually necessary, or worthwhile, in such a simple basic device as a torch ?

Frankly I think that some of the people developing code might contribute to the greater good better, if they applied their talents instead to e.g. 3D printing, CNC control, and other such useful stuff.

As for the hardware designers, ploughing the same old furrows, no real innovation, well, if it still works for them and their customers, so be it. The clever ones are probably too busy in their day jobs to be distracted with trivial things such as torch drivers.

I think that I have reached “peak torch”, and don’t have a use, or a want, never-mind a need, for much more.

well, consider how far we’ve come from the days when all the “budget” flashlights came with “next mode memory”
Imagine a world in which the manufacturers had stayed with that kind of flashlight .

You can get plenty of head-torches where you just have to wave your hand in front.

Thought control ? well that might be coming.

So little innovation actually happening here.

E.G. an “Ultimate” lantern that doesn’t even have a PIR motion detector to turn it on. And off.

Never-mind any sort of remote control. Bluetooth, WiFi, even just a dedicated keyfob.

Even my Poundland selfie stick came with a bluetooth remote button that works. Coin cell included. For £1.00

Meanwhile the discussion there still seems to be all about USB C vs. micro.

And how the battery-bank output is so difficult. Again, I can go to Poundland and buy one there, that even includes a poor 18650, for £1.00, and works very well. Boosts up my ’phone nicely, when required.

Basic stuff.

EDDDDDITTTT-
I’ll take one of each, XPL-HI & Samsung emitter,
that is whenever it is done

Please put me down for 1 light with Samsung emitters.

This is a sweet looking light, thank you guys for doing this.

Remote control of lights is useful. And once you get BT you enter security nightmare. Firmware upgrade is a necessary but deeply insufficient band aid.

Oh yes there is one thing people can't do and that's get off the damn thing .

Get off your phone !!!

Interested in one with LH351D

If it counts, most of my “real” work is about making information infrastructure — making the plumbing which lets computers and the internet work, developing operating systems and other stuff people rely on but don’t think much about. Last I checked, my code is used on at least a sixth of the internet.

I generally try to keep all that away from my hobby time though. Flashlights are a nice break from work, a way to relax.

Wow, “at least a sixth of the internet”!! :open_mouth: . :open_mouth:

As an average mere mortal, I am honestly seriously impressed!!

I had no idea TK…. much respect for your work besides the flashlight hobby!! :+1:

I mean, I don’t want to spill the beans, but she did work on something that can work even on a toaster :wink:

The more we learn about Keeper the deeper the rabbit hole. Can we trust her operating systems on our electronic devices? Is she(not really positive male female or robot) a “plumber” hired by the CIA/KGB to write code to infiltrate and spy on us (Illuminates)? If I ramp my D4S up or down holding my thumbprint on the switch is my whereabouts immediately recognized by operatives of some foreign governments be it friendly or hostile? We all agree TK has more grey matter than all of the alien “greys” that are in close contact with “her”. “She” has already conquered 1/6th of the intraweb. Can we just stand by and let this continue? Ancient Alien Theorists say (NO).

would like to have one of each emitter :+1: :smiley:

Mostly, I just wanted to head off the implication that people might be wasting their time by spending it on BLF. This is a good place, and people shouldn’t feel bad about enjoying shiny things together.

Amen, and you did head it off extremely well too!! :+1:

I know you were not bragging & never took it that way in the least. But to me, the more I learn of your accomplishments the more amazed I am. :slight_smile:

That is simply an honest statement. Nothing less, nothing more. :slight_smile:

Don’t worry, if TK was a KGB agent they wouldn’t need so much subterfuge, they just make her program the AI for the weapons and let the autonomous weapons conquer the world by themselves while they take a vacation. It’s not like she would make software as defective as SkyNet.

[quote=ggf31416]

That’s what they WANT you to believe! :open_mouth:

SkyNet...

defective?