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

I can see points for both options, but I do know that I use my D4 less often than I intended to when I bought it because of the potential for burned fingers and lighting pants on fire (even if I’m not lying!). I carry a variety of flashlights, use them most days, know how to be safe and understand the dangers and I still can see the value in the second option.

Turbo in a light this size is not a feature that I’d use often. I’d show off to friends and family with it or use it if I need a lot of light quickly. Neither of those situations require minutes (or even a single minute) of turbo so I’m not so worried about a stepdown at the first sign of overheating.

I can guess that there are a bunch of folks who hate the thought of throttling down a light with this much potential, but I think that the second option is wisest.

What about an additional “expert mode”?
That might not be optimal from the manufacturers’s point of view, though. :laughing:

Btw: Btw: With this lamp you could - if not yet available - make a master degree in control engineering. A self-optimizing deadbeat algorithm would be fine.:smiley:

TK, I think you need to map it. Even when running off just the 7135s this is a hot torch, but not something to be feared by the experienced who understand what turning on the FET can do.

Thermal feedback isn’t going to work on this one, I think you know that now.

So, map it, build a profile that works safely, subtly, and keeps the thing within limits (whatever they might be).

Or just go for it and to hell with the consequences. Lumintop might not like that though …

Expert mode is when you set the thermal ceiling to the maximum it’ll allow, and intentionally skew the sensor calibration so it thinks it’s cold all the time. That’ll effectively turn off thermal regulation entirely.

But, like… don’t do that. :slight_smile:

Turbo ramp-down always seems better for me in real-world applications.

I have not been a participant in the creation of this light. I sure plan on buying one though. For whatever it’s worth, I’m with Wilson. Go with the safer option.

@ TK…… I say do whatever you think is best in the big scheme of things. :+1:

Exactly.

The FW3A implements a few things to reduce the heat issues compared to a D4…

  • Three emitters instead of four.
  • Regulated output up to ~1100 lm instead of ~150 lm.
  • Button on tail instead of side, so it’s harder to hit by accident.
  • Much faster access to lockout, and less need to exit lockout for quick tasks.
  • User-adjustable ramp ends, so the ceiling can be lowered.
  • Default ceiling is ~1100 lm instead of full turbo (though turbo is still accessible).
  • Smoother regulation which is less prone to overshooting and oscillating.
  • Temperature sensor calibration, for more consistent and predictable behavior.
  • Muggle mode, for use while lending the light to others.

… but it has less thermal mass and is still rather overpowered on turbo. The highest mode is like 500% of its sustainable power level, and the potential change would make it drop down faster to ~150% or ~200% where the regular algorithm works better.

I think you should err towards B as well. Whether it's the full-on "drop straight to regulated" or altering the ramp-down to be a lot more aggressive, it seems clear the "invisible" stepdown just doesn't work. It wouldn't on the D4 either. About how long will it run on turbo before stepdown?

I definitely think the quicker step down should be standard. If there is enough memory, maybe an option can be added to turn it off in programming.

If not too late, please put me in the list for one (1).
Thanks

Option A.

I'm in for one thanks.

Please add me to the list for one!

Respectfully

You are number No. #728 on: Interest List , Post # 4 , ” Page 1 , “:FW3A, a TLF/BLF EDC flashlight - SST-20 available, coupon codes public - #4 by FW3A_Team

See:

For a total of 1 lights .
How many Flashlight do you want in total? … x … units? .

I would prefer option B (with a fast but smooth step-down over the course of a few seconds).

I don't like lights that can become too hot to hold (and I don't want to have to worry about the light). Also if the light becomes too hot (with option A) it could potentially cause the thermal regulation to overshoot (which is of course undesirable).

BTW: have options to lower the sensor lag been discussed? For example these silicone rubber things could improve things a bit.

Pepinfaxera, sometimes people forget they already joined the list. If they ask for one light multiple times, they are still asking for just one light. :wink:

:+1:
But, you must ask them

Coffee without coffee?
Powerful flashlight without power?
.
*That’s a lot of 3000 lumen? Make it 2500 lumen.
.
5 or 10 second turbo? I don’t accept it.
If that’s what it is, I don’t buy.*
.
I have two, D4 Emisar, with Nichia 219CT 83CRI, 5000K and XP-L hi,
Nicha gets very hot.
XP-L hi also heats up, but less so.
Step Down works
and the leds don’t burn out.

My bad.!

Just one light please!