Hello everyone! I hope that I don't violate any forum rules with this post. I was reading this forum for a long time but never post anything. I guess it's a time to start
I've created a EDC flashlight in a size of credit card. Look at photos:
My main goals were to achieve as many lumens as we can, wide dispersion and a size of usual credit card to fit any wallet. I guess that result is good. But to produce such flashlights in bulk I need additional equipment so I've started a campaign on Kickstarter: CardLight project
If you like what we've done please support us or spread the word about this project.
It’s a nice concept. I like the idea of having a light in my wallet for emergency needs. How long does the light last on a charge? Are you planning on having other led tints other than the cool white? The light looks very bluish in the video comparing it to the phone light.
It is 6500K cree leds. Sure I can use leds with another color temperature.
CardLight will last for ~ 45-50 minutes. Built in battery is very small as you understand, though I tried to maximize it’s capacity.
Sorry, but it charged only wirelessly. I could make charging via usb but the thickness will be at least 4 mm.
I use 12 pcs of 3x2mm Cree leds. Don’t remember exact model number but I’ll look in my drawings today.
Looks good! Thanks for showing us your light! You’ll find that we’re into options around here. Lots of guys on this forum modify lights to get what they want and some build lights from scratch. Please stick around - you’ll fit right in! One thing you’ve already got going for you: you’re using Cree LEDs in your product.
I’d personally like to see a more Neutral White, like 5000K, or even 4500K. Others are really into Warm White. So, if you offer those choices, you’re more likely to get sales around here. Not many are really into Cool White around here, although it’s understood that CW is where you get the highest output bins.
Any reason why you didn’t use XQ-E emitters? They are only 1.6mm x 1.6mm. Your card could be a tiny bit thinner. That is, unless there’s another component taking up the space.
On your Kickstarter project page, you say you need money “to produce special tools ( moulds, assembling tools, pcb’s etc )” Can you elaborate? What do you need moulds for? What kind of assembling tools do you need? Where are you currently getting your pcb’s?
With so many modders in here you just know someone will want to pull it apart!
I think the light looks great and is a very unusual and very useful form factor. As others have expressed, a neutral to warm tint would probably gain more traction here.
One question. Is the battery replaceable when it dies or will this be basically a throw-away item when that happens?
By “replaceable”, I don’t necessarily mean “easily swapped out” but perhaps along the lines of other sealed items (think iPhones) which can be done by any careful hobbyist with access to YouTube and ebay.
