Is it possible to add a ramping switch/knob to a flashlight? Do you have to change out the processor?
usually ramping is done in the driver, controlled by an electronic (momentary) switch.
the first one that springs to mind is Mattaus’s mag mod
The answer is yes… flashlights can have ramping switches.
But as musicmagic mentioned, this is usually done with the driver. So you’d need to use a driver that specifically supports this. Many lights with ramping use an electronic momentary switch so the light ramps as long as the button is held down.
Some lights like the Jetbeam RRT-01 use a magnetic ring that goes around the head of the light. The ring basically acts as a dimmer switch.
Another way to do ramping without a driver is with QTC (Quantum Tunneling Composite)… squishy stuff that drops in resistance as it’s compressed. However, QTC wears out and is touchy, so isn’t the favored method of dimming a flashlight.
Is there a 17mm driver that supports a ramping switch?
hi not sure if I understand what you re looking right, but i am experimenting with a very simple driver in my build for “2nd. Annual BLF Scratch Made Light Contest” and I am using a DIP switch for the moment and surprisingly am getting good results. theoretically its not a very good idea because DIP switch is not meant for power switch but logical deviations with low mA but for me its working for now , liability in time its a another matter I will see how behave in time 
. will try to find time to post in my thread my actual progress regarding driver and my idea. hope it will help.
Looking to be able to add a “dimming” switch or knob to led lights so can gradually increase brightness rather than jumping 5–50–100%
ok I will update my driver section and there I think you will find your answer
edit
in the end of the first post you will find some use of switches in simple DIY drivers, will complete it in the days to come. hope it will help somehow.
link:
I’m thinking about this too.
I’m thinking thumbwheel.
Just like a dimmer on a light at home:
Not sure how to come up with the mechanics though, considering waterproofing for example…
But the direct relation between wheel (potentiometer) position and brightness is what I’m after.
JonnyC has a STAR firmware for momentary use, it uses a njang style driver with one of the stars set as a switch input.
My SF Skyline 1 has a 17mm bd with a Dimming curcuit+ switch in the Tailcap.
DrJones luxdrv has a ramping option, you can compile just for ramping and it will ramp up and down and stop when you release the push button at the level you want, when you turn it off and back on it will remember you last setting