Interest collect for a new Sofirn design: tube style18650, magnetic ring control, USB-C charging, 500 lm max (AKA grandma light)

[OldSkol]

I’m interested in one at least
Personal want from wishlist
Magnetic ring, color not black, magnetic base, holster
Thanks
O S

[Petr_J]

I’ll take two pieces.

[LEDicrous]

Hi,

Can you please clarify:

• TIR optics?
• does it have pocket clip and a lanyard?
• OK to have a small indicator LED flashing/solid red when voltage is low (instead of simply dim)? This, of course, in addition to the shut off function when voltage is too low.

Also, can you please explain what is a magnetic control ring ?

operation will be a magnetic control ring with off-low10lumen-med100lumen-high500lumen, nothing else (and so not infinitely variable). No other or hidden modes or options. The magnetic ring is at the core of what this flashlight must be.

[anonymous_user]

@LEDicrous

Also, can you please explain what is a magnetic control ring ?

It might be easier to understand if you look up reviews of a light such as the Jetbeam RRT-01.

But basically there is a portion of the flashlight body that you turn to access the different modes. In some designs, it can be infinitely variable so you turn the ring like a faucet and it will slowly brighten or dim depending on the direction. In other designs, the ring clicks into indents as you spin it and it has specific lumen levels like low, medium, and high. This is more like turning the knob on a pedestal fan.

[LEDicrous]

@anonymous_user

It might be easier to understand if you look up reviews of a light such as the Jetbeam RRT-01.

But basically there is a portion of the flashlight body that you turn to access the different modes. In some designs, it can be infinitely variable so you turn the ring like a faucet and it will slowly brighten or dim depending on the direction. In other designs, the ring clicks into indents as you spin it and it has specific lumen levels like low, medium, and high. This is more like turning the knob on a pedestal fan.

Wow this is genius. And this for a light aiming to be solde for around $20? How can that be possible? I don’t see thid mechanism even on light costing $90, Armytek for example.

[anonymous_user]

Magnetic control rings in general are not a popular choice for UI. Jetbeam has several lights with ’em. Nitecore has a few too.

[Lightbringer]

SD02, SD05, WK20, …

DV-S9 for a magslider, etc. (<20bux)

[toddcshoe]

@LEDicrous

@anonymous_user

It might be easier to understand if you look up reviews of a light such as the Jetbeam RRT-01.

But basically there is a portion of the flashlight body that you turn to access the different modes. In some designs, it can be infinitely variable so you turn the ring like a faucet and it will slowly brighten or dim depending on the direction. In other designs, the ring clicks into indents as you spin it and it has specific lumen levels like low, medium, and high. This is more like turning the knob on a pedestal fan.

Wow this is genius. And this for a light aiming to be solde for around $20? How can that be possible? I don’t see thid mechanism even on light costing $90, Armytek for example.

Are you in the US? Do you want one? Well not the exact light being talked about here but, a variable ring controlled light. I have a few extra laying around. Shoot me a US address and I will ship you one.

[LeftWing]

Sounds like it’ll be an interesting little light.

I’m in for one

[LEDicrous]

@anonymous_user

Magnetic control rings in general are not a popular choice for UI. Jetbeam has several lights with ’em. Nitecore has a few too.

Why not popular? Is it because it reduces the IPx waterproof rating?

[djozz]

@LEDicrous

@anonymous_user

Magnetic control rings in general are not a popular choice for UI. Jetbeam has several lights with ’em. Nitecore has a few too.

Why not popular? Is it because it reduces the IPx waterproof rating?

Waterproofness is very good, in fact many diving lights use it.
They are not really popular to make because it is structurally a bit more advanced, and more expensive, than a simple switch. I looked up the magnetic sensor that is used in the VR11R and it is almost 2 dollar for the component alone (when bought on ebay). Manufacturers must be very sure of the popularity, so the preparedness to pay a bit more, of magnetic control rings before designing a light with it, and that is what we attempt to show them with this thread.

[jon_slider]

@anonymous_user

In some designs, it can be infinitely variable so you turn the ring like a faucet and it will slowly brighten or dim depending on the direction. In other designs, the ring clicks into indents as you spin it and it has specific lumen levels like low, medium, and high. This is more like turning the knob on a pedestal fan.

brilliant explanations

a couple examples of rings with clicks and or a series of discrete levels includes Sunwayman M10r (4 steps), HDS Rotary (24 steps) and Spy007 (7 steps)
the last two are still available today

the original post in this thread was heading towards a 4 Step Rotary dial, along the lines of the M10r I think

.

Other examples of Infinitely variable include Sunwayman V10r and V11r
these are no longer in production

Im happy to hear there has been some consideration of producing a new Infinitely variable light, at some point

Stepless Infinitely Variable is my favorite UI

[hank]

Sofirn SD03 is another ($15) rotary switch light. It feels quite solid in use (three levels, with detents that click). I like it a lot.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Sofirn-SD03-Scuba-Diving-Flashlight-18650-Dive-Light-Torch-Underwater-Powerful-Cree-XM-L2-LED-Flashlight/32825380664.html

[LEDicrous]

From OP
Wishlist.
*infinite variable control ring instead of discrete modes

Is it a good idea? With wear in time, would this spin so well like a freewheel? ie. the ring moves unintentionally by the vibrations. And causing the light to flicker as a result. The other consequence could be the ring will be set in any random position each time you use it? Because the wheel will likely spin if it rests in a moving space like a car or backpack.

Beside that, this project is wonderful. Would you be OK to add a headlight version (90° angle)?

[mr_magoo]

@LEDicrous

From OP
Wishlist.
*infinite variable control ring instead of discrete modes

…Would you be OK to add a headlight version (90° angle)?

A fairly compact right angle headlamp with an infinitely variable control ring on the end would be awesome! Especially if it had a nice low low (.2 lumen) and a strong detent at off so you didnt have to lock it out when not in use.

[lensmanmark]

I’d be up for at least 4.

[MyRants]

I'm in for 4. Probably will buy more if the light lives up to expectations, especially if there's some colors other than solid black or gray available.

[fourbyfive]

Dos por moi, gratzi

[ThirdHandChain]

Infinitely variable brightness is a good idea I feel. If the charging port is sound, and the ring is infinitely variable I'm definitely interested.

[dodo]

I’m in for 1