TheStar - BLF driver firmware for a GB light - What options do you want to be selectable by stars?

You can see the archived poll results on the Wayback Machine:

https://web.archive.org/web/20221220093741/https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/72661

I got so fed up with the driver problems of a previous group buy that I decided to write a better one.. ;)
The driver features implemented so far are:
- High PWM (~19kHz, totally unnoticeable & silent)
- Four modes: LowLow-Low-Med-Turbo (0.2%, 2%, 25%, 100% = 2.8A)
- Turbo timer (ramp down to about 1.4A after 2min to prevent over heating)
- Memory kicks in after 1s on
- Low voltage protection (step down in multiple steps + finally shut down the light)
- Ability to choose mode order: Low to High by default, or High to Low with star soldered
- Ability to disable LowLow mode by soldering another star
- Ability to disable mode memory by soldering yet another star (starts then always on 1st mode: LowLow, Low, or Turbo, depending on the other settings)
- Three hidden strobe modes (loop through all modes twice without over 1s pause to access: Strobe -> 1s beacon -> 10s beacon)
But the question is: Are the stars used for the features that require most changes? Or would it be more important to disable turbo timer for bicycle use? Or maybe to permanently disable the hidden blinky modes? If yes, which option should be removed?
Or are there other changes which would be required before we announce the GB?
Please vote for the most important one and tell other two in your comment. Thanks!

Change Mode order (L->H vs. H->L)

Disable Moonlight (Lowlow) mode

Disable Turbo timeout

Well, that's "Other".Laughing

Depends the light is it a small edc or a big like c8 or more

Probably a well built 26650 zoomie.

26650 zoomie like these :wink:

edit :

If using in 26650 zoomie.

Turbo time out
Hi , depand on using mass aluminium can handle heat until battery down.
Low
Hidden blinky modes

Why not, if you want to build "some dozen", and sell them low enough.. ;)

But I was thinking of this one:

STAR firmware by JohnnyC does this as well

Alot of us have used the source code from JohnnyC and thru “tweaking” certain parts of the code reversed pretty much all the options, different builds that have H>L reverse with star or L>H reverse with star, every option that you can imagine

I built a custom Ultrafire 602C w/ the 4*7135 driving a XP-G, 1 min turbo timeout, H>L, w/ moonlight modes, and no memory it works quite nicely and since there are no “stars” to solder I had to build the firmware to behave default w/ no stars how I wanted it to behave w/o soldering stars by using JohnnyC’s firmware.

Right. I should have mentioned that my version of the firmware is originally based on JonnyC's STAR.. Just refactored it here and there, heavily optimizing for size, adding hidden blinky modes, voltage monitoring which works also in blinky modes etc.

..but the idea of GB is that also those members who can't program their own drivers would get a most optimal firmware in their GB lights => that allows changing three options by soldering (or marking with pencil, or conductive paint, or..).

This poll is about which three options are the most wanted ones. :)

Assuming mode memory applies to the strobe setting, once it’s accessed — it’s fine as is.

(I carry a light as a pedestrian, turn it on in crosswalks — always to strobe before stepping off the curb, because I’ve had cars come up so fast I didn’t have time to puzzle through multiple clicks on other lights. I always carry one I can leave set on blinkenlight).

If used with the suggested 26650 zoomie, I do not think I would like a timer step-down, it can handle the 2.8A continuously.

The rest of the UI: I love it!

I would like to see the option for number of modes. For example no star one mode, full on. Star 1= 2 modes etc.

Ah shoot…I guess having the hidden clickies…would like to see a double tap and hold for flashies, release back to mode before you double tapped to get strobe

Other than that…good on ya…most awesome!

Do you plan that the seller flashes the driver or do you want to order them to your home flash and then send them to the users?

H/M/L
no memory
no turbo timer
no need for firefly

i use conductive paint to connect the stars…

easy to remove (when on Batteryside) with some thinner and a Q-tip :wink:

so playing around with the funktions is easy…

L/M/H
no memory
no turbo timer
firefly please

this is exact what i like!

the - where'd you get that zoomie? Look'n for better quality zoomies, but still budget. You got a link? More specs?

Yes, also the blinky modes are memorized. You are fine as long as you use it more than 1s at a time.

Seller (or manufacturer) flashes the drivers.

See your PM. :)

Half time results:

Judging by the answers so far, it seems like the three settings which can be modified with stars would be:
1. Mode order
2. Mode memory
3. Turbo timer

..which would leave the lowlow mode enabled and hidden modes available. At least I would be ok with those settings. Any objections?

I have to add that turbo timer is a requirement by the manufacturer. They say that 6x7135 is the maximum they are willing to do, or warranty will be void. 8x7135 + turbo timer should be ok for them. That would leave the buyer the option to disable the turbo timer and thus void the warranty. ;)