Sounds good to me :+1: . I have a mod I’m working on right now (in the planning and ordering-things phase) that’s more involved than my mods typically are. I think I’ll use the competition as inspiration to post a (non-contest) build thread about it.
Depending on how November 3 goes, January 20 might be an emotional day for many in the US
I’m open to whatever. I do agree it’ll be nice to have it end after holiday craziness.
Right after last year’s contest we had discussed allowing contestants to have their 3D parts printed in aluminum and stainless steel at services like shapeways.com.
I see that continues to be forbidden, only plastic flashlights are allowed for us digital designers. I guess I’m out.
This year I am not sure if I will be able to be IN, due to academic and professional duties! If I do, it will be entering with a mod only, nothing like last contest.
Still, I just stepped in to thank for the initiative and to wish all the contestants good luck and imagination with the builds and mods
Apologies for that. The comp is pretty much a copy and paste from last year. My personal view is outsourcing does not fall within the Old-Lumens spirit of making something in your garage. That aside i vaguely remember you making reasonable argument for it to be accepted. I am curious to know how many other people would be interested in a "no holds barred, as much money as you can throw at it - Outsourced category" ?
No interest at all in watching others spend money on having what could amount to others building a light for them to call their own.
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As for comparing a pcb from oshpark to a pcb taken from an existing light or readily available retail stock to outsourcing 3D printing of a type that is not possible to do at home, a line must be drawn somewhere. If a 3D printed body, cap, or other major part is allowed to be outsourced, then can I learn how to design and program for CNC maching and then send that file to a shop that can produce the item for me?
The main difference is that the 3D printing machine adds material and the CNC machine removes material. Both use computer software to control the machine that puts out the finished item.
For now I believe it is too late to simply say okay to a rule change for this year. Perhaps there should be fresh discussion looking to future contests. If we want to discuss this further do ya’ll think we should have a thread someplace that is dedicated to the topic, rather than veer off the topic of this years contest builds?
It has nothing to do with that. OL was renowned for his hand built and machine made work the competition is in his name and in his honour / style.
That said, there is no reason whatsoever why another competition couldn’t be run alongside it if there was enough interest, but completely separate - maybe now is the time to start one, and maybe you are the man to do it.
That competition could be a free for all no holes barred and no rules. I think it’s a good idea - we could see some real works of expensive art.
No reason why you couldn’t run it as the entrants would probably be minimal and so would not take a whole lot of work/effort on your part. You could name it the New Lumens Competition, which would seem apt.
Maybe arrange a few prizes from some 3d print suppliers, maybe even a small 3d printer as top prize, I would imagine some company may well help out. Just an idea. :+1:
I have opened a thread for all such discussions HERE and would appreciate it not flooding into this thread, as it is basically derailing it into off topic discussion as another member pointed out.
I would appreciate all the comments being deleted and reposted/moved there as it is easier to read.
The Old Lumens contest has added categories and evolved with the times, so evolution isn’t forbidden.
A new competition is a good idea, I like how you think…
Unfortunately last year’s Old Lumens competition almost didn’t happen because of low interest. Nobody opened the competition until super late, and even then there were so few entries a new thread was started to discuss the lack of interest and motivate for the legacy of Old Lumens to live on.
So I predict a second competition, requiring a rare set of skills and motivation, would not fair well at all.
I think the difference is, it’s basically impossible to build a driver (beyond the most basic, resistor-only drivers) yourself. So whether you buy one from Convot/Mtn E. or get it printed by Oshpark, there’s not a lot of difference. In fact Oshpark is probably more work since you have to reflow it.
For a flashlight part - host, bezel, what have you - these can be made. So drawing a picture, or designing an advanced 3d model - and having it made by someone else, is a lot different to me.
Also, an interesting question: could Fritz enter a FW3A under the claim that he designed it and Lumintop machined it to spec? What if he bought a host version and then assembled it?