My Quest for the perfect EDC user interface. (E-switch)

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

After failed attempts to have my UI written. I have decided to have a go at it myself. This thread will be a time line of my progress. The UI will change but the concept will be the same. I will attempt to remove restrictions of my current lights. And add features I believe are handy in a EDC interface.

Following post will be updated and changed as I learn and make progress.

Lights in mind at this time- D4 FW3A H03

10-10-18 Found some videos on C
10-20-18 Learning to type. My right most fingers don’t want to work with my mind.
11-17-17 Adding - Sports Mode.
11-28-18 Rethinking Functions ramp sequence/initiation. Rethinking the special modes altogether. Maybe selective.
1-23-19 Been distracted with the DW3R1.
2-5-19 Updating Functions ramp initiation. Cleaning up.
90% sure this is it.
2-6-19 Possibly add Smooth ramp. Lockout(hate). Switch light support.

2

C-Click(tap) P-Press(hold) PP-Press Press

1C-on/off Force or last mode memory. Select function in function loop.

P-From Off ramps up lowest 2C level. P-from on ramps up/down brightness or functions. PP from on ramps down.

CP- Enters or returns to last CP ramp. Momentary if P is held over 1.5 seconds.

2C- From OFF enters 2C ramp. From ON enters 2C ramp ,or toggles 2C--2C.

2CP long Shortcut to MAX-Function. Momentary if P is held over 1.5 seconds.

3C-From off or on enters 3C.

Ramps and step spacing in lumens.

2C ML 1 2 3 4 8 16 32 65 130 300 -Host Temp Limit

2C 1 3 6 12 25 50 100 200 400 800 1/2max Max.

3C ML 1 2 3 4 6 8 12 16 25 32 50 65 100 130 200 300 400 600 800 1/2-max Max

CP ML 1 2 3 4 6 8 12 16 25 32 50 65 100 130 200 300 400 600 800 1/2-max Max

2C 2C 3C CP have there own memories 2C 3C and CP can be set to FUNCTIONS.

Constant light -- Voltage report/beacon -- Bike flasher -- Strobe -- Specials

P for 6 seconds at the bottom of 2C - 3C - CP enters functions.

P for 6 seconds at the bottom of 2C enters Auto Off.

P for 6 seconds at the TOP of 2C enters Temp Report / Temp Set

P for 6 seconds at the TOP of 2C enters functions for 2CP shortcut.

4C - FORCE. 4C from FORCE level turns on last mode memory.

5C - MOMENTARY/BOOST. 5C-P Enters momentary set up.

6C - SPORT MODE. (May change click number)

7C - SMOOTH / STEP . Toggles between stepped ramps and smooth ramps. (May change click number)

10C - SAVE (May change click number)

11C - LOCK (May change click number)

3

FUNCTIONS

Function loops/ramps will be accessed by holding 6 seconds at bottom of 2C-3C-CP brightness ramp , there will be a couple flashes then the light will go to 2-3 lumen level. You can P around the functions all day long. Once function is selected 1-click to returns to brightness ramp.

Constant light---Voltage report/beacon---Bike flasher---Strobe---Special Modes

Constant light-

Lets you have 4 easy to access ramping light levels.

Voltage Report/Beacon-

Light will blink out the voltage 5 times in 1's and 10ths. After the 5th time it will flash the 1's every 8 seconds. The flash brightness is adjustable.

Bike flasher-

Goal is to have 3 pulse flashes at a ramping frequency. Will work from any other mode to allow adjustment of the constant light and the flash brightness. EXAMPLE: 3C then ramp down into functions loop, find your desired pulse frequency, click to save, set your pulse brightness(300 lumen). 2C or CP to another ramp, set your constant light brightness(200) 3C to go back to bike flasher. You will have a constant 200 lumen light with a 3 pulse 300 lumen flash. Flash brightness can be adjusted with a PRESS. The flash brightness can be lower then the constant light level. Entering from off will just be the 3 pulse flashes. Can also be used as beacon.

Strobe-

Goal is to have single pulse flash at a ramping frequency. Slow to hyper fast. Adjust brightness with a PRESS.

Special Modes-

Uncertain about these at this time.

4

OTHER FEATURES

AUTO OFF-

ramp will be accessed from holding(?6 seconds?) at bottom of 2C brightness ramp.

Auto Off ramp/loop will consist of constant light(off) 1x flash for 1 minute, 2x flash for 10 minute, 3x flash for 30 minute 4x flash for 1 hour. 1 click at set time exits Auto OFF. Starts after last input.

TEMP REPORT/ SET -

will be accessed by ramping out the top of 2C. 6 second thing again. After the initial ramp flashes, it will report the temp, and the set temp, continuing to press will inter max mode. Once in max click when the host is at your desired temp.

FORCE -

Select a level click 4 times. Light will always turn on at this level with a single click. 4 clicks from current force level turns force off.

MOMENTARY -

Set up with a 5C-P. P activates, a release returns to previous state. Power cycle to exit this feature. 5CP will enter function set up Press to ramp to desired function. Click to save function. Light will go to brightness ramp. Press to select brightness. Click to save. The next 5C will return you to selected brightness and function.

SPORTS MODE -

Disables shutting the light off. Power cycle to exit. Good for preventing light shutting off when not intended.

SAVE -

Working on.

LOCK-

Set light to your liking. Click 11 times. Disables all ramping and function changes except 2C ramping. 11C toggles on and off. Could be considered a Muggle mode, If 2C, 3C and CP are set accordingly

LOW VOLTAGE PROTECTION-

Will step/ramp down to a sustainable level. With a brief OFF between every step. Something you notice, but won't make you crash. If your in a blinky it goes constant light while stepping and return to function when sustainable. Will step rather quickly until it reaches a level it can sustain. Goal is to give plenty of light at lower levels. When it reaches a set voltage it will voltage report x/times then turn OFF. Doing a power cycle, will voltage report if cell is less than 3.7 volts.

TEMP CONTROL-

Step/ramps down when a set temp is reached. It will not increase brightness if cooled.

Other-

ANY held P (momentary) overrides LVP & Temp Control.

Voltage Report/Beacon overrides LVP and AUTO OFF

5

I have changed how the UI enters functions. I feel like the 6 second Press at the bottom and top of ramps is easier to remember. I also feel like it might be slower to select desired function, but I been asking myself how often would I really need to select a function, and how important is the time it takes to select a function.

I am also thinking about a Battery Saver function that slowly reduces output after the light is on at a constant level for determined amount of time.

6

I understand where you are coming from - about 10 years ago I felt the same way. I wanted the lights (and other devices) to act the way I thought they should, and the only option was to learn how to accomplish it myself. In my case that initial impetus evolved into my entire career developing embedded firmware for lighting products for an LED manufacturer (you may be able to guess which one by my location). What you are setting out to do is a very lengthy and difficult task, and will likely take years as you said. I felt the need to reply however since it seems so close to my own experience and you should know that it is possible to succeed.

7

Thank you for the Positive reinforcement. It is much appreciated.

8

Learn to type

9

Doing laundry

10

I could use both hands to type iffn I could see through them.

11

Thank You, I needed a smile.

12

I am back to work so it will have to wait till winter.