About the flashlight being visible in the dark, that sounds useful, but I hesitate that it should be done with a small led, like many BLF lights have behind the switch button. Apart from that it does not have a switch button, a even faintly lighted led that is continuously on when the flashlight is switched off will have say 100 micro-amp drain, no problem when the battery is charged once every two years, but when the light is in the drawer for 4 years it has emptied the battery. Is that worth the advantage of a locator light?
B. Grandma is dead.
On a more productive note. I prefer lanyard holes that are large enough for paracord. I’m going to tell Grandma that she should hang this light up by her keys or her coat or by the door and if she’s stepping out after dark it should go with her.
I’d rather put a bright “on” light at the “switch” to have a clear visible indicator that the light is still on. On low (especially in ramping) that is often not easy to see otherwise and will be a common problem “oh I thought its off”.
A locator light will just be confusing and in my opinion its not necessary as most people know where they put it at home (it is usefull when the light is in a backpack or similar, but at home there is dedicated place for the flashlight).
In addition, please make all switches/rings large enough and “grippy” while also easy to turn. Important is a easy visible and tactile feedback for the switch und positioning. hand eye coordination is just one of the things older folks loose too fast, so make it easy to know what one did by looking (visible marker) or feeling (physical marks)
The charging port needs to be easy accessable. those floppy plastic covers and most of the twisty srcew-on covers are a no go for grandma. she could never use it.
I hope for a “best of two worlds” solution for the easy operation of this flashlight: magnetic ring visible and grippy enough while still making the light look good and not like a some bulky eldery-aid.
But we are many months away from a first prototype, there is ample time to evaluate these type of features.
Would someone please start BudgetDriverForum?
And convince HJK to publish driver reviews?
Or failing that, find where we can buy better drivers to swap into our amateur hobbyist toy flashlights?
EDIT: oops. He’s been reviewing drivers for quite a while:
You could make it beep when the battery gets low, like a smoke alarm.
Older people already know what to do when they hear that (call a young person to find the damned thing).
I liked djozz’s review of the SD03, particularly that it can easily be used with gloves on.
Is it moddable?
I’m always looking for lights I can mod to amber emitters, for myself and elderly friends whose sleep is easily disrupted by white lights.
This looks like an easily held onto shape and a simple UI.
I disagree. I have Olights that use their special magnetic dock. They are most inconvenient when you can’t find the dock or forget to take it along and then find yourself needing to scramble for a charger that you can borrow. Pretty much impossible at times. Whereas you can alomost certainly borrow a USB cord or if need be buy a USB cord at the grocery, the pharmavy, etc.