The driver is a FET+N+1 design, so it should have regulated output up to around 3 amps, IIRC, and the ability to go much higher than that for turbo modes. Output will mostly be limited by ability to dissipate heat.
The driver itself is custom-designed for this light.
Yes last details are put on paper for LT to make it and create the first prototype
The double tube for the e switch in the tail is unique and that alone requires custom design.
Then it is ready for TK and others to play with software to use the FW3A leds as receiving light flashes from a screen to allow programming of the driver without opening (only the hardware is in place and TK made a testsl setup to prove it can work, this needs a tremendous amount of work but if that work is put into it the hyis ready. (And it is logical new projects take this into account as well))
Having used my D4 and other 10+ amp pocketable lights for a while I feel the need for setting a different ramp ceiling (I’m not the first to come up with this, but now I experience the need myself). The regulated 3A is a great and logical ceiling because it is regulated and because (from own measurements on a S2+) a light this size will not self-destruct at 3A (by just).
Would two ramp groups be an option for the FW3A? One to absolute max and one exactly the same but going to 3A.
(that would be simpler and more precise for the user than a user-settable variable ramp ceiling, as has been discussed as well)
Hmm, a ramp with a factory-set limit which isn’t user-configurable? Hadn’t thought about that. What do people think?
I was originally thinking maybe three operating modes:
User-configurable smooth ramp
User-configurable stepped ramp
A smooth-ramp “muggle mode”
That last one would perhaps go from 10 lm to 3 Amps. Perhaps it could still be configurable, but only when muggle mode isn’t active? Even 3 Amps could still be a bit much for sustained use. In any case, it’d be kind of like momentary mode, where it’s a one-way trip and requires a special action to exit. Probably cutting power or maybe some sort of click sequence.
The regular ramp modes would have safe factory defaults, but still have access to turbo and the ability to change the ceiling and floor if desired.
If a factory-hardcoded one is desired, exactly like the regular ramp but with parameters set in stone, I think it’d be relatively easy to add. Much easier than a separate muggle mode… but it would still have access to everything else too, like blinkies. Is that a thing people want?
Personally I’d be interested in something like the second option (don’t have a ton of use for a muggle mode), something like an “edc” mode that still has a moonlight, but only goes through the regulated ramp. That way, I could avoid starting any fires in my pants during daily carry, but still change to the retina searing fun mode on occasion.