A wireless remote switch?

1stein · 2019-08-27T08:54:42.000Z

I’m thinkig of making a remote momentary switch. I need it for my bike thrower.
When biking it’s a seldom need to light up very distant area - must be long straight way ahead to find some use for it. But it does happen I encounter such stages.

The light there is for now only in my mind is a C8 size (possibly with short tube) and a remote control. I plan to use L4P 9A driver and Luxeon V or LH351D. And here challenges start:

- 9A will be probably too much for the standard remote wired switch - I don’t negate making it by myself with a solid L6 switch.

since wires build up a resistance I’m keen on not having any wires. Thus the question: do you see any solution for wireless control? e.g. radio waves, bluetooth or other? It’s just simple function: single button.
Must admit I’m no electronic engineer. I can solder, reflow, put parts together but that is about it.

Please advise.

Mike_C · 2019-08-27T09:09:22.000Z

Personally I don’t think using a light with a mechanical switch for this is the way to go. E-switch solution would be batter, then you don’t have to worry about resistance in wires and therefor wouldn’t really need wireless to begin with. If you really want to use the L4P driver I guess you have to, but I would suggest you reconsider.

Phlogiston · 2019-08-27T09:46:56.000Z

I remember loneoceans did a FET tailswitch board, if that helps:

GFS16 - Battery Indicator Tailcap Light & 1mR FET Tailswitch! (Rev B) Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts

Hello BLF, TL;DR: I built a tailswitch system comprised of two PCBs, called the GFS16 System. First is a 18mm Taillight board which provides the regular taillight, and also features a battery sensing system to change the LEDs colours when the battery voltage is low (Rev B features 5uA standby current!). Second is a 16mm Tailspring/FET board, which allows replacement of the switch for a super low resistance FET, allow for the best performance in high current flashlights. All PCBs are up on OSHP…

You could wire your remote switch to operate the FET and let the FET handle the heavy load.

Mike_C · 2019-08-27T09:52:08.000Z

Phlogiston:

I remember loneoceans did a FET tailswitch board, if that helps:

GFS16 - Battery Indicator Tailcap Light & 1mR FET Tailswitch! (Rev B)

You could wire your remote switch to operate the FET and let the FET handle the heavy load.

Oh yeah, I forgot about that one. That’s a good suggestion, you can use clicky switch driver and avoid the hassle with wireless remote.

1stein · 2019-08-27T10:32:12.000Z

Thanks guys. FET tailswitch is way beyond my capability.
E-switch is probably the best way to go, but still need to investigate what and how. Do you recall any thread related?

Mike_C · 2019-08-27T12:25:18.000Z

I don’t know of a thread specifically for this. Essentially you just need a E-switch supported driver, and instead of having the switch on the light you run the switch cables out of the light.

I had an idea to add a connector to one of my lights so I could plug in external e-switch when using it on my bike but I couldn’t find a good enough connector for the light I was making it for. I’m now going to use a light with micro USB slot and build an external E-switch with a micro USB cable.

1stein · 2019-08-27T12:50:37.000Z

Mike C:

I don’t know of a thread specifically for this. Essentially you just need a E-switch supported driver, and instead of having the switch on the light you run the switch cables out of the light.

I had an idea to add a connector to one of my lights so I could plug in external e-switch when using it on my bike but I couldn’t find a good enough connector for the light I was making it for. I’m now going to use a light with micro USB slot and build an external E-switch with a micro USB cable.

Right, I think I’ll give it a try. Thank you for hints. Just don’t know how I can use E-switch for both: momentary and on/off. Should I search for any specific driver? Or any controlled with E-switch would do the job? I mean in terms of momentary function.

Mike_C · 2019-08-27T13:04:49.000Z

Someone else will have to respond to that. I develop my own drivers and have little knowledge of the capabilities of others. I know that some E-switch drivers and firmware do support full momentary modes but I don’t know which. Hopefully you’ll get suggestions from others on that point.