Nitecore Firmware help

Flashlight Modding and DIY Parts
1

Hello-
New to the forum, and looking for some help. I’m a product designer that is working on a project that involves possibly modifying an existing light. I know NOTHING about flashlights and hoping someone in this forum is up for making a few bucks and tackling a challenge. Following is what I would like to do:

The project involves modifying the firmware on a NiteCore TINI 2. Currently as sold the light is very typical in that it has a few different output modes from 1-200 lumens and a momentary 500 lumen option. What I’d like to do is eliminate all the modes except the 200 lumen one and possibly increase it to as high as possible. Essentially one mode ON/OFF as bright as possible.
The TINI2 has usb-c charging and is easily dissassmbled as the aluminum housing is held together with screws.
As stated earlier I know nothing about this stuff and dont intend to go down that rabbit hole, so I’d be looking to hire someone to take this on.
Anyone interested?..or this this an foolish proposition?

Thanks

2

It’s good to have you here, boarder1!

3

That’s not possible. The firmware is owned by Nitecore and not open-source.

4

Dumb question from a mechanical engineer: what is the legal obstacle to do away with the Nitecore owned firmware and make it an on-off light?

5

Almost all flashlights have closed source firmware, which makes them almost impossible to hack. The only options are to design your own or buy a ready-made compatible driver circuit board.

Since the Tini 2 is not a standard shaped “tube light”, you will have to design your own driver, and the effort required here may be high. It may be easier to buy a single mode light or a light that can be programmed to single-mode. For example, Convoy’s lights that use “12-group” drivers can be programmed to single mode.

6

OK good to know. Thats why I’m asking the folks who know this stuff. My other thought was that I would reach out to the manufacturer and see if they would be open to creating a custom firmware. The up-side for them is we would be buying quite a large number of these and may be worth their time. Low chance they will bite, but worth a shot.
thanks

7

You could swap the controller, but you would likely need an adapter to match the pinout. The there’s just the matter of reverse engineering the driver to understand how it can be controlled.

8

This may require a large number of orders. Many flashlight brands will “OEM” for other brands to some extent, but they usually just put other brands’ logos on the products. To truly customize the UI(firmware) or something, you may need a large number of orders.

9

Welcome to the forum! If I understand your needs correctly:

Size: keychain
Format: the nitecote is a flat/box shape, is this mandatory shape?
I’m assuming you want a built-in battery rather than one the end user can change?
USB-C Rechargeable

User interface:

  • Single mode
  • Press and hold for activation or click to toggle on and off?
  • Must have thermal stepdown (?)
  • Lockout function to prevent it activating in a bag/pocket?
    LED: cool white, preference of output over colour rendering
    Output: 200 lumens+
    Throw(?)
    Runtime:(?)
    Level of ingress protection/waterproofing?

I believe (I’m not into firmware myself) you could modify and flash new firmware to a Sofirn SC21 Pro

Should be able to get 200+ lumens for 30min, the stock light is reviewed here.

10

I am kinda commited to the TINI2 as it fits my form/function requirements. Thanks for the insight though.

11

If you only need 1 mode on-off no temperature control, no battery level indication no charging you can just bypass the driver and direct drive the LED via some 7135s