I have several flashlights with infinite variable rings, but, although I like the infinite control I’ve found that they are really not that handy…especially locating them in the dark.
Lateley I’ve really become enamored with electronic side switches. The ergonomics just can’t be beat unless you use a tactical cigar grip. I believe the next logical evolution will be infinite variable electronic side switches.
Has anyone heard any whispers about future switch designs?
The Ultrafire T50
However I am unhappy with the UI; an electronic switch can do so much more… So I developed a driver firmware for the NANJG drivers that is suitable for that kind of flashlights. Unfortunately I have yet to find one that is easily moddable. The T50 has a terrible design inside, the UF-H2/H3 is quite small and not that easy to mod, and I don’t even get the driver of the SkayRay King open.
Maybe the GF1 or the new JM07…
The crelant CS models all have that.
The side switch is an electronic switch connected to a pin of a microcontroller. Depending on the program you have on it, it can be set to variable output, max output, what ever you want within the limits of the light (maybe even output a tune in the form of different light levels).
I’d like to see a side switch that rotates. Forward clickie + potentiometer or something. Click for on/off, twist for modes/output.
I would just love an electronic side switch that you depress and hold to activate infinite ramping.
Cough Cough. :D
Crelant needs to move up to type 3 anodizing before I seriously consider one.
My Eluma SA-2 has a forward click with a button near the head for ramping plus 3 mode option. I like it.
Keith
I was looking at those. Don’t need the extra length of the tail switch. The forward clicky isn’t electronic. That’s not a bad thing, I just want to see more electronic switches. Also the ramping is too fast. I’d like to see it work it’s way up slower through the lower end.
If Sunwayman could take their C20C and C10R and make the switch ramp up and down slowly, that would be the cats ass.
How about a PilotPTK module and custom programming?
I haven’t reached the customizing stage. I don’t understand the electronics jargon in the world of modding. I don’t even know how to solder. I’m kind of an off the shelf guy now.
However I’m slowly picking up the simpler things and plan to stick my baby toe in the water in the near future. I’ll start with selecting a host and a drop in. I’ll need to be asking the forum every single little question and advice on every single step and decision.
I don’t want to start out Mickey Mouse though. My first will have to be the best that’s possible or I’ll lose interest.
I know that sounds weird…but that’s just me.
You could do what I'm doing. :) Mine is being sent direct to PCC who is custom making a host for it and installing it. :D All I had to do was right the program. (Really easy)
Can you describe that a bit more detailed, scaru? Pics, price?
It is the PilotPTK module I won in the charity auction, I paid 85 dollars for it. (Something like that) PilotPTK made a program maker type thing where you select in a drop down box what you want it to do and it generates the code. Then you type that into MPLAB and export it and email to to PilotPTK. He wired it up and sent it to PCC.
PCC is making a 3D maglite into a host for me and he is wiring the switch for momentary. This makes it function like a electronic switch. I paid PCC 76 dollars for this.
The program is infinitely variable and if I hold down the switch for 5 seconds (not sure about the time) it switches to hidden modes. Those are Strobe, SOS in morse code, and beacon. Beacon is on for 1 second then off for 10.
If you have any other questions tell me.
I don't have any pics yet but once I get some I will post them. :D
I see. So it’s a Mag 3D modded to momentary. Interesting idea.
Personally I’m looking for something smaller (and cheaper) though.
My driver implements that ‘press quite long for hidden modes’, too 
Yep, the problem is it needs a minimum of 9 volts to operate so it is hard to do anything small. I thought about a 1D mag with 3 14500s but decided to go with something more practical. :D
Photon Proton Pro is another light with infinite side switch.
I’m just finding side switches to be ergonomicaly superior. I have lots of tail switches and rotary dials and am finding my preference is changing to side switches as the correct placement for easiest control.
Side switch, with infinitely variable the Varapower come to mind. Might find a used one. There modded maglites
Ohh the Jetbeam Rrt0 or 01 which is all twistie action, that way your not adding length by having the switch and control ring so close together