There doesn’t have to be a FET. For example, Mtn’s Moonlight Special driver can run FET+1 firmware even though it has no FET. Instead it has 7x350mA on one channel and 1x350mA on the other (or maybe it uses 380mA chips, I forget).
Yes, they seem to gather outside elevators, frantically pushing the already lit button. They are also noticeable in traffic jams, apparently trying to get messages through to each other via morse code in some secret language.
I doubt it, it seems to me that the main current path through the outer tube will be maintained even when unscrewed a little. All that would be locked out would be the connection to the tail e-switch via the inner co-axial tube, preventing it from functioning.
The inner tube contacts the driver ground at the end of the tube, the rest of the tube is anodized and therefore doesn’t conduct electricity… hence a mechanical lockout should work as far as I can see. ToyKeeper?
Mechanical lockout works, but it’s a little awkward. Instead of unscrewing the tailcap, it unscrews between the pill and the tube.
There is also a soft lockout function on 4 clicks, which is reasonably fast to enter/exit and doubles as a momentary moon or low mode. It takes about a second. In comparison, the D4 takes about 3-4 seconds to enter/exit lockout.
As for the poll, there are 54 votes so far and it seems smooth ramp has a clear lead. The 3-mode clicky option has been consistently in last place. The other three options keep trading places in the middle. Perhaps I should start on a smooth-ramp muggle mode soon.
It also sounds (from discussion only) like most people prefer 6 clicks to exit, rather than disconnecting power. That’ll take a little extra space, but it should be doable.
I’ve been following the poll, and it is polarised If there has to be a muggle mode, then yes please, 6 clicks on, 6 clicks off, but please make them very rapid (should not be a problem with an e-switch).