Do what I do, memorize the UI you like (anduril) and then install new replacement drivers (some of them custom boards) in all your lights so they all run the same UI.
I agree. That’s why I still like to put the A6 driver in my lights. Simple, cheap, bulletproof.
i know it’s all a bit sci fi, why not just go with ramping with memory…but then you find ahh, need to wap on turbo because there isnt time to ramp up, once your there it would be nice to one click back to where you were and then is born ‘modes’, as soon as you get used to 2 things going on, your mind broadens into 3 modes, and finally you get so involved in the whole thing that you loose track of multiple mode types…
it’s a vicious circle isnt it lol…tripple click back the beggining then?
edit in…it’s all gunna need a basic language soon, like a regulated body and set functions to encompass all modder’s into one union and standardisation….theyre going to take us all over!!
I agree. Complicated UI's prevent me from giving otherwise decent flashlights to friends/relatives as gifts. The exception being if there is a programmable UI where I can lock out the user from inadvertently making changes. The last thing I want to hear is somebody calling me back saying they did something and can only go between Moonlight and SOS.
On a personal note, flashlight sizes and function (throw vs flood) usually have specific use cases for us. I don't need my penlight having a strobe. I don't need a long-range thrower with a moonlight mode. I bought an expensive Surefire light for a girlfriend once because it had two modes and was bulletproof. It did what it claimed to do and nothing more.
We also don't need flashlights claiming 5000 lumen, but can only do it for 45 seconds, but that's another rant.
That is when you really notice it, when you give a FL to someone .
I tend to agree, mostly. However, I do like the option to program a light the way I want it. IMO, Zebralight’s new programmable UI has it right. It’s flexible enough to allow you to set up the light the way you want it, but simple enough that you can remember how to reprogram it if you want, without the need to look it up.
I find that UI’s like Anduril and NarsilM go way to over-the-top. Yes, they’re extremely flexible and programmable, but you absolutely need a spreadsheet and flow-chart in order to be able to do it. And even then, it’s often so complex that you screw it up a couple of times before getting it right. With those lights, I usually just give up and leave it on default ramping, even though it’s not quite what I want. So, I’m probably missing out on a lot of the features, simply because they’re too difficult to use.
So, yes, I like the flexibility that the new UI’s provide, but only to a limit. Too much of a good thing is often not good. I like flexibility, but not complexity. Some lights just shove too many features in them, without them really being important enough to warrant the increase in complexity.
I want a Telepathic UI that can read my mind… ON/OFF Tint and what level I want, then I’ll be happy….
hmm telepathic UI, might get tricky lol, a bit like the festal virgin spirit things that do what ever you want, tisnt a blessing, and ermm is it greek mythology where it’s actual an eternal punishment, fair do’s the batteries in a torch wont last quite that long.
I always go back to ZL and olight because of the UI. Same reason my meteors only lasted a week with me. I hate press and hold for off, half presses and tail switches. I keep all my lights similar UI and prefer instant access to turbo or moonlight.
It would be cool if a USB rechargeable light could access the programming in a windows/android/iOS window and set it up that way.
without compromising the water resistance, i’e. the Chinese rubber thong grommet, the one that fits in the hole but that’s about all lol.
I hear what your saying Gebe & somewhat agree. But as long as the UI is user programmable, I don’t care how complicated it is. I just set it how I want it & forget it.
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Edit: By “user programmable”, I mean by a few clicks and/or half clicks. Not re-flashing, using a smart phone or computer, saying magic words & Hokus Pockus, or using black magic.
Just a few simple clicks… half or full. 
There are ups and downs to both. I prefer to have a choice if given a choice. And having the freedom of choice is always hard. But there’s a lot out there if all you want a limited UI as well.
What is _really _needed is an easier way to program the UI - via smartphone app, Bluetooth, USB, whatever. Hitting a button 2000 times to get to a config menu, then another 600 times to get to a specific setting, etc., etc., is not my idea of fun, though I understand it’s the best that can be done with one button. Even having to take a driver out of a pill to flash it can be a pain for a noob. Heck, I find it a pain. On larger lights where there’s more real estate on the driver how about a half-pitch micro DIP switch? A nice 40 cent part to make life easier?
The good thing about most of our complicated UIs is that you can always set them to be as simple as you need. You can’t get more straightforward than Biscotti on mode group 12.
In a perfect world you would order the light with the mode group you want already pre-flashed permanently, but let’s be serious,
the vendors can’t even box the right tint you ordered when the choice was only between 2 variations, cold white or slightly less cold white:)
Sad but true.
That is funny! Thanks for that!
At the end of the original post you seem to indicate that a basic ramping is fine. I suspect your frustration is with all of the additional features and modes. I realize I may be understanding incorrectly.
When I got my Thrunite TH20 headlamp it loved it. A basic ramping interface with memory, as well as shortcut to moonlight and turbo. Is this what you mean by an acceptable ramping interface? The BLF UI is a variation of the same thing. It’s equally easy to use. There’s no need to make it more complicated. However, there’s the option to do so.
The only downside I can see is the accidental activation of an unwanted mode without the manual around to get you back out. Other than that I see no downside to the complexity, which is essentially non-existent until summoned.
it is hard to control a lot of features with just 1 button.
there are lights that have simple UIs but they don;t have a lot of features either.
I wonder if it’s reasonable to expect to one day a budget flashlight have a such feature?