To give people a better idea what some of the extra modes look like, I made videos…
Dale sent me a diffuser for my BLF Q8, and it makes the candle mode look a lot more like a candle. The light is warm-tinted and spread evenly in all directions. Everything still works without a diffuser, but for that it’s best to ceiling-bounce the beam.
3 minutes of lightning storm mode:
3 minutes of candle flicker mode:
Play both videos at the same time if you want to simulate taking shelter by a fire while a storm goes by. ;P
When you reach reach either the minimum or maximum ramping level, does the light simply stop adjusting, or does it start ramping back in the other direction?
It stops. To ramp again, release the button and hold it again.
At the top end, it can sometimes be difficult to tell when it stopped. OTOH, it can also sometimes be difficult to see the blink at the top end, particularly when looking into the distance outside.
BC blinks. As you said, bottom and top of the ramp are pretty obvious anyway. But as long as they can be changed at compile time I’m good with anything.
There have been some complaints about the mid-ramp blink on the D4. I find it useful as a reference point, but some dislike it.
Should the FW3A have mid-ramp blinks?
Currently the default setup is:
Smooth ramp floor: Lowest setting which lights up.
Stepped ramp floor: About 10 lumens.
Both ramp ceilings: Highest regulated mode, 8×7135 or about 3 Amps or ~1000 lumens. (full FET still accessible via turbo)
Blink when passing 1×7135 boundary, ~150 lumens, or level 65/150.
Blink when passing 8×7135 boundary, ~1000 lumens, or level 130/150.
Blink when ramp hits ceiling.
No blink at moon, because it’s usually pretty obvious when it hits bottom.
A “blink” means the light shuts off for 8ms. Each ramp step takes 16ms. So, it’s off for half of that individual step, half of a 60fps “frame”, just long enough to see.
So… which of the following reference points should blink when the user hits or passes them?
A. Floor
B. ~150 lm, level 65/150
C. ~1000 lm, level 130/150 (highest regulated level)
D. Ceiling
Some prefer “none”, some might like “ABCD”. I like “BC”. What sounds good to you?
I like moon and max. Like my photon freedom.
I like the blink at moon because the Crescendo UI ramps down and up without stopping. and I like to know when I reach the bottom of the same reasons people like to know when the top is reached. Don’t like to press again to make sure.
ABCD blinks.
One thing I don’t like about ramping firmware is not knowing where I am, how much power is being used.
Blinks at these stages help greatly.
Personally I like the blinks at A and D. C would be helpful to know when you are leaving/entering full regulation. I don’t think b is really needed as you can just have it where you need/want it
If you are ramping up and hit the C point are people actually quick enough to stop it before it ramps over? I have a habit of redoing contact with the tail on the D4 to make sure it’s at a regulated level.
My preference is no blinks. Maybe a blink at D but definitely no mid-ramp blinks. Ramping UIs are much cooler when you can smoothly go from moonlight to max.
I think if there was a ‘shortcut’ to a known regulated level, ie 150lm, does that negate the need for blinks for some users?
Just my 2c though, naturally you should do whatever gets most votes.
Will be good if it possible UI can be switched to very simple mode so old and other people can use it.
For ex. On-Ramp-Off, On-On-Turbo-Off.
Enough…
And even with incorrect clicks, the mode can not be changed. Mandatory without memory, so always can starts from known/familiar position.
Maybe something like 16 clicks for total mode changing…
Some older people I know lost themselves in Q8 because of their short memory and the many features/modes of the device.
You know that when we buy for our parents, the price is not as important as the exact satisfaction of their needs.
So this will have lightning and candle blinkies? Is party strobe the one that makes movements look slow motion, and will this have that too?
Yes.
Tixx wrote:
I like the blink at moon because the Crescendo UI ramps down and up without stopping.
I’ve been meaning to change that, actually… do you think Crescendo should stop at the ends of the ramp? After spending more time on other ramping UIs, I’ve found it’s nice having it stop on its own.
On the FW3A, at least, the plan is for the ramp to stop at both ends. To turn around, release the button and hold it again.
contactcr wrote:
If you are ramping up and hit the C point are people actually quick enough to stop it before it ramps over? I have a habit of redoing contact with the tail on the D4 to make sure it’s at a regulated level.
No, it’s a single frame at 62fps, too quick for a human to respond. People aren’t expected to be able to do frame-perfect inputs.
The D4 thing (loosen tailcap, press button, tighten tailcap, to reset to 150 lm) doesn’t work well on the FW3A. It can be done, but it’s a bit more tricky because loosening the tailcap also disconnects the button. To make it work, you either need to wait a while or loosen it while the light is actually on. And then on reconnect, at least on my prototype, sometimes the contact ring gets a bit wonky so I have to loosen/tighten again to re-seat it. I think that’ll be fixed, and it should only affect the first prototype, but I’m not 100% sure yet.
However, for anyone who wants to hit precise levels every time, it also has a stepped ramp which can be configured to your specifications. It can have anywhere from 2 to 150 evenly-spaced steps, starting and ending at any of the 150 levels. The default right now is 7 steps from ~10 lm to ~1000 lm.
varbos wrote:
I think if there was a ‘shortcut’ to a known regulated level, ie 150lm, does that negate the need for blinks for some users?
See above.
Bonham wrote:
Will be good if it possible UI can be switched to very simple mode so old and other people can use it.
It has a mode specifically for this purpose. It’s called muggle mode.
The details are still up for debate, but so far this mode is about as simple as it can get. Only one level (150 lm), and the button merely turns it on and off. Once in muggle mode, it stays that way until the battery is removed.
To enter muggle mode, click 6 times from off.
There are basically three simplified UIs:
Lockout (4 clicks from off): Acts as a momentary moon mode, using the floor of the current ramp. Click 4 times to exit.
Momentary (5 clicks from off): Main emitter is on while button is pressed, or off otherwise. Uses the last-ramped brightness level. Good for Morse code and such. Physically disconnect power to exit.
Muggle (6 clicks from off): Extra-simple UI. Useful when non-enthusiasts borrow the light. Physically disconnect power to exit.
If you aren’t expected to be able to hit the mark then the blink seems a lot less useful to me? It seems like if regulation is very important to someone they could set a ramp ceiling at 130/150 and allow dbl click to 150/150 and ramp down from there for 131-150 or would it not allow that and go from 150 to 130 when you ramp down from turbo?
So this will have lightning and candle blinkies? Is party strobe the one that makes movements look slow motion, and will this have that too?
Yes.
Tixx wrote:
I like the blink at moon because the Crescendo UI ramps down and up without stopping.
I’ve been meaning to change that, actually… do you think Crescendo should stop at the ends of the ramp? After spending more time on other ramping UIs, I’ve found it’s nice having it stop on its own.
On the FW3A, at least, the plan is for the ramp to stop at both ends. To turn around, release the button and hold it again.
So this will have lightning and candle blinkies? Is party strobe the one that makes movements look slow motion, and will this have that too?
Yes.
Tixx wrote:
I like the blink at moon because the Crescendo UI ramps down and up without stopping.
I’ve been meaning to change that, actually… do you think Crescendo should stop at the ends of the ramp? After spending more time on other ramping UIs, I’ve found it’s nice having it stop on its own.
On the FW3A, at least, the plan is for the ramp to stop at both ends. To turn around, release the button and hold it again.
Yes, stopping would be good in my opinion.
+1 here, about Crescendo! And sorry for off-topic!
I’ve been using Crescendo firmware for the last few days and I find it “strange” to reach the bottom/top and then continue to ramp on the opposite direction. Stopping on the top or bottom thresholds would be nice
It will not be the case of the FW3A, of course! And so far I’m finding this Anduril UI incredible (only by seeing the diagram)
Wow! I might have take up smoking weed (again)
It stops. To ramp again, release the button and hold it again.
At the top end, it can sometimes be difficult to tell when it stopped. OTOH, it can also sometimes be difficult to see the blink at the top end, particularly when looking into the distance outside.
.
Your name is already there, N° … 804 and 805
.
http://budgetlightforum.com/comment/1255477#comment-1255477
.
Sorry for my bad English
(google translator) , (https://www.deepl.com/translator)
In for one please.
BC blinks. As you said, bottom and top of the ramp are pretty obvious anyway. But as long as they can be changed at compile time I’m good with anything.
This would be my frst time to join a BLF specials product prior to release… Count me in for one.
Thanks to pepin for taking care of the interest list!
ABCD for me.
So this will have lightning and candle blinkies? Is party strobe the one that makes movements look slow motion, and will this have that too?
Hi,
can you put me on the list for 2 pcs?
I asked some 20 days ago but still can’t find myself on the list.
Thanks
When will the list be updated?
I signed up a few months ago.
The list hasn’t been updated ever since.
I can’t find myself on the list.
For me option B and C please.
Thanks
Ps: i allready love the ui
Everything is moddable!
I like moon and max. Like my photon freedom.
I like the blink at moon because the Crescendo UI ramps down and up without stopping. and I like to know when I reach the bottom of the same reasons people like to know when the top is reached. Don’t like to press again to make sure.
The B/C option sounds reasonable, Thats just my preference; to many blinks would be annoying.
ABCD blinks.
One thing I don’t like about ramping firmware is not knowing where I am, how much power is being used.
Blinks at these stages help greatly.
- LEDs & Other Stuff - - UI CheatSheets - - CRX Flashlight Builds - - CRX Stuff for Sale -
Personally I like the blinks at A and D. C would be helpful to know when you are leaving/entering full regulation. I don’t think b is really needed as you can just have it where you need/want it
-the- Throw calculator - Pulsars list
If you are ramping up and hit the C point are people actually quick enough to stop it before it ramps over? I have a habit of redoing contact with the tail on the D4 to make sure it’s at a regulated level.
My preference is no blinks. Maybe a blink at D but definitely no mid-ramp blinks. Ramping UIs are much cooler when you can smoothly go from moonlight to max.
I think if there was a ‘shortcut’ to a known regulated level, ie 150lm, does that negate the need for blinks for some users?
Just my 2c though, naturally you should do whatever gets most votes.
Put me in for one please. Thanks
Will be good if it possible UI can be switched to very simple mode so old and other people can use it.
For ex. On-Ramp-Off, On-On-Turbo-Off.
Enough…
And even with incorrect clicks, the mode can not be changed. Mandatory without memory, so always can starts from known/familiar position.
Maybe something like 16 clicks for total mode changing…
Some older people I know lost themselves in Q8 because of their short memory and the many features/modes of the device.
You know that when we buy for our parents, the price is not as important as the exact satisfaction of their needs.
Please add me to the list for one. Thanks.
Eschew obfuscation.
For me B/C too.
The list on the Original Post is not updated as The Miller has been away for some time!
Member pepinfaxera is updating the list on this post:
http://budgetlightforum.com/comment/1255477#comment-1255477
Your name is already there, #782
MY REVIEWS THREAD /// My Flashlight Collection /// YouTube Channel
Mods: 1 / 2 // TIR: 1 / 2 // Others: Biscotti 3 + 1*7135 / Triple TIR w/ XP-G2 /// My Review's Blog (PT) /// OL Contest 2019 /// OL Contest 2020 /// GIVEAWAYs: 1 / 2
FWIW, here’s the running vote tally…
As a reminder, the options are: (where in the ramp to blink)
Totals:
14 votes:
Yes.
I’ve been meaning to change that, actually… do you think Crescendo should stop at the ends of the ramp? After spending more time on other ramping UIs, I’ve found it’s nice having it stop on its own.
On the FW3A, at least, the plan is for the ramp to stop at both ends. To turn around, release the button and hold it again.
No, it’s a single frame at 62fps, too quick for a human to respond. People aren’t expected to be able to do frame-perfect inputs.
The D4 thing (loosen tailcap, press button, tighten tailcap, to reset to 150 lm) doesn’t work well on the FW3A. It can be done, but it’s a bit more tricky because loosening the tailcap also disconnects the button. To make it work, you either need to wait a while or loosen it while the light is actually on. And then on reconnect, at least on my prototype, sometimes the contact ring gets a bit wonky so I have to loosen/tighten again to re-seat it. I think that’ll be fixed, and it should only affect the first prototype, but I’m not 100% sure yet.
However, for anyone who wants to hit precise levels every time, it also has a stepped ramp which can be configured to your specifications. It can have anywhere from 2 to 150 evenly-spaced steps, starting and ending at any of the 150 levels. The default right now is 7 steps from ~10 lm to ~1000 lm.
See above.
It has a mode specifically for this purpose. It’s called muggle mode.
The details are still up for debate, but so far this mode is about as simple as it can get. Only one level (150 lm), and the button merely turns it on and off. Once in muggle mode, it stays that way until the battery is removed.
To enter muggle mode, click 6 times from off.
There are basically three simplified UIs:
Hopefully that covers most needs.
If you aren’t expected to be able to hit the mark then the blink seems a lot less useful to me? It seems like if regulation is very important to someone they could set a ramp ceiling at 130/150 and allow dbl click to 150/150 and ramp down from there for 131-150 or would it not allow that and go from 150 to 130 when you ramp down from turbo?
.
Your name is already there N° _ 897 and 898
.
. http://budgetlightforum.com/comment/1255477#comment-1255477
.
Sorry for my bad English
(google translator) , (https://www.deepl.com/translator)
Tried 6 times from off. Just played with my Q8 and I had to remove the batteries again…
An elderly man can not remember how many times 4-5-6 he has to click on a flashlight mode.
…
Yes, stopping would be good in my opinion.
It’s a mile marker along the road, not a destination.
What were you trying to do?
Texas Ace Lumen Tube and JoshK Sphere calibrated with Maukka lights
Click this to go to signature links. I'm still around, just not reading many new threads.
+1 here, about Crescendo! And sorry for off-topic!
I’ve been using Crescendo firmware for the last few days and I find it “strange” to reach the bottom/top and then continue to ramp on the opposite direction. Stopping on the top or bottom thresholds would be nice
It will not be the case of the FW3A, of course! And so far I’m finding this Anduril UI incredible (only by seeing the diagram)
MY REVIEWS THREAD /// My Flashlight Collection /// YouTube Channel
Mods: 1 / 2 // TIR: 1 / 2 // Others: Biscotti 3 + 1*7135 / Triple TIR w/ XP-G2 /// My Review's Blog (PT) /// OL Contest 2019 /// OL Contest 2020 /// GIVEAWAYs: 1 / 2
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