Why Have Lights UI’s Become So Complicated?

LouieAtienza · 2019-02-24T20:03:36.000Z

There are ups and downs to both. I prefer to have a choice if given a choice. And having the freedom of choice is always hard. But there’s a lot out there if all you want a limited UI as well.

What is _really _needed is an easier way to program the UI - via smartphone app, Bluetooth, USB, whatever. Hitting a button 2000 times to get to a config menu, then another 600 times to get to a specific setting, etc., etc., is not my idea of fun, though I understand it’s the best that can be done with one button. Even having to take a driver out of a pill to flash it can be a pain for a noob. Heck, I find it a pain. On larger lights where there’s more real estate on the driver how about a half-pitch micro DIP switch? A nice 40 cent part to make life easier?

Jack_Kellar · 2019-02-25T00:21:35.000Z

The good thing about most of our complicated UIs is that you can always set them to be as simple as you need. You can’t get more straightforward than Biscotti on mode group 12.

Muto · 2019-02-25T00:46:32.000Z

In a perfect world you would order the light with the mode group you want already pre-flashed permanently, but let’s be serious,
the vendors can’t even box the right tint you ordered when the choice was only between 2 variations, cold white or slightly less cold white:)

Sad but true.

Gebe · 2019-02-25T00:46:36.000Z

Aleister:

That is funny! Thanks for that!

Hugh_Johnson · 2019-02-25T01:02:08.000Z

At the end of the original post you seem to indicate that a basic ramping is fine. I suspect your frustration is with all of the additional features and modes. I realize I may be understanding incorrectly.

When I got my Thrunite TH20 headlamp it loved it. A basic ramping interface with memory, as well as shortcut to moonlight and turbo. Is this what you mean by an acceptable ramping interface? The BLF UI is a variation of the same thing. It’s equally easy to use. There’s no need to make it more complicated. However, there’s the option to do so.

The only downside I can see is the accidental activation of an unwanted mode without the manual around to get you back out. Other than that I see no downside to the complexity, which is essentially non-existent until summoned.

wle · 2019-02-25T01:16:11.000Z

it is hard to control a lot of features with just 1 button.

there are lights that have simple UIs but they don;t have a lot of features either.

reno · 2019-02-25T02:34:57.000Z

DMS1970:

It would be cool if a USB rechargeable light could access the programming in a windows/android/iOS window and set it up that way.

I wonder if it’s reasonable to expect to one day a budget flashlight have a such feature?

Barry0892 · 2019-02-25T02:54:18.000Z

think about the phone, at first we just use it to call, then add messenger, pics, apps……boom, you can do anything via your smart phone but only do several things with it!

something existed is just in case, some are for common use.That’s why we need more lights and more complicated UIs

Bad news is many muggles purchased Q8 because of the awesome driver, but give bad feedback after they found don’t know how to use the complicated UI!

They will say if I can only use on and off, ramp up and down, why wouldn’t I choose a cheaper one or a bigger brand?!

Boaz · 2019-02-25T05:49:28.000Z

I think the user interfaces could be simpler and have an easy lock feature so no one ever falls into a triple flash mode by mistake.

Sadly most non-a-holics have problems figuring out what a half click is and endlessly hammer on and hammer offdoing full clicks to change modes ...

Alas I hate the hold to turn off a light .It's absolutely non intuitive and fools me into a un nessesary trip around the sequence instead of a simple on and off .I like the user interfaces that after a second or two the next click is ...off ... I also dislike the hold to run thru the modes instead of just a click .

Barry0892 · 2019-02-25T08:51:21.000Z

Boaz:

I think the user interfaces could be simpler and have an easy lock feature so no one ever falls into a triple flash mode by mistake.

Sadly most non-a-holics have problems figuring out what a half click is and endlessly hammer on and hammer offdoing full clicks to change modes …

Alas I hate the hold to turn off a light .It’s absolutely non intuitive and fools me into a un nessesary trip around the sequence instead of a simple on and off .I like the user interfaces that after a second or two the next click is …off … I also dislike the hold to run thru the modes instead of just a click .

do you mean, click to turn on and change modes, click to turn off after several seconds(let’s say 10s) not using? What if I wanna turn off right after changing modes?

I think best way to make it simple is use two switches. One to turn on / off, the other to change modes.

Ryzbor · 2019-02-25T09:38:41.000Z

The Skilhunt H03 UI but without sublevels, strobes hidden deeper, and hold for 0.2s for off would make a tremendous muggle friendly UI even wihout explanation of how it works.

Boaz · 2019-02-25T10:04:06.000Z

Barry0892:

Boaz:

I think the user interfaces could be simpler and have an easy lock feature so no one ever falls into a triple flash mode by mistake.

Sadly most non-a-holics have problems figuring out what a half click is and endlessly hammer on and hammer offdoing full clicks to change modes ...

Alas I hate the hold to turn off a light .It's absolutely non intuitive and fools me into a un nessesary trip around the sequence instead of a simple on and off .I like the user interfaces that after a second or two the next click is ...off ... I also dislike the hold to run thru the modes instead of just a click .

do you mean, click to turn on and change modes, click to turn off after several seconds(let’s say 10s) not using? What if I wanna turn off right after changing modes? I think best way to make it simple is use two switches. One to turn on / off, the other to change modes.

like 3 seconds not ten .. if you click within 3seconds it goes to the next mode . Longer than 3seconds?. it shuts off and restarts in mode#1 at what ever you've set that mode to be . Archeon made this UI and if you held down on the button in any mode it smooth ramped so you could set any mode to any output . It's a very user friendly driver 'cept for it's foul low frequency PWM .

Cosmodragoon · 2019-02-25T10:21:23.000Z

Beyond nostalgia for “the good old days”, I think there is something to be said for hardware controls. Having a physical slide switch or dial that sets the mode could offer a lot of advantages. You’d have an easy way to know and control the mode both before and after you turn on your light. You wouldn’t have to feed an electronic switch. For people who enjoy stuff like automatic watches and “steampunk”, the analog flair would be especially nice on brass models.

I’d love to see something like that with a nice, warm, high-CRI LED from Yuji or Nichia…

CREEXHP70LED · 2019-02-25T21:37:11.000Z

I like simple too. So simple in fact, that I do not even like a high/low on my lights when possible. On my Surefire P2X and P3X lights I opted for the tactical tailcaps. Press momentary on at 100% , full press constant on at 100% , press again for off.

I like them that way because I use them that way. The most complicated light I have is my Emisar D4. It is easy to remember all the modes and clicks on it, but sometimes if my timing is too fast I get blasted at close range with a 4,300 lumen bounce back, not fun. I actually like to carry it unlocked and in tactical mode when I am outside after dark. Just press for momentary 100% until my finger burns, about 10 seconds.

moderator007 · 2019-02-26T01:42:38.000Z

If you need easy peasy UI light then try a Sunwayman V11R or a Jet-Beam RRT01. All the variable brightness modes you want at your finger tips with a simple twist of the control ring. It doesn’t get any simpler than this.

MtnDon · 2019-02-26T01:53:18.000Z

I’m with BlueSwordM. I tinkered with my Q8 when I got it and have not changed it since. The battery check and lockout are simple enough for me to remember. User choices is nothing really new. Even back in the days of there only being clicky lights for the most part, there were drivers that offered many mode choices the user could select (guppydrvr, for example).

What does get me is that different lights use different firmware that just work differently, according to whatever the designer thought was best. That can make it difficult to keep track of the button presses needed. But that is life and freedom of choice to design and build the next great mousetrap….

DavidEF · 2019-02-26T03:21:05.000Z

Easy fix, every light should ship with the “complicated” firmware set to “muggle” mode, which should always be the simplest, easiest way to use the flashlight (whether ramping or a few simple clicks). To get out of “muggle” mode should take an improbable set of steps. To get back to “muggle” mode should be a quick, simple, easy “factory reset”.

Tech support flunky: Hi, welcome to tech support. How may I help you?
Frustrated guy: Hello, my flashlight is doing weird things.
Tech support flunky: Hold the button down until it flashes a bunch of times, then let go
Frustrated guy: “a bunch of times”? what do you mean?
Tech support flunky: It’ll flash ten times, then it will stop flashing, then you can let go and your flashlight will be fixed.
Frustrated guy: Really? Are you sure? How do you know? I haven’t even told you which flashlight I have.
Tech support flunky: Trust me. This will do a factory reset and your flashlight will be simple and easy to use again.
Frustrated guy: Hey, that worked! Thanks!
Tech support flunky: You’re welcome, and thank you for calling tech support. Have a good day!
Frustrated guy: Thanks! Bye!
Tech support flunky: Good-bye.
…call ended…

Frumious · 2019-02-26T07:44:01.000Z

I still only buy cars with radios that have 6 station buttons, a knob (on the left) for volume and a knob (on the right) for tuning. Classic UI!

texas_shooter · 2019-02-27T00:05:54.000Z

Frumious:

I still only buy cars with radios that have 6 station buttons, a knob (on the left) for volume and a knob (on the right) for tuning. Classic UI!

I do more and more accident reports on distracted drives. Some only changing a channel or making a quick call trying to sync the phone to the car. Never done or heard of an accident while walking a dog that wasn’t dog related.
So we break it down to complicated UI’s for those only walking their dogs. Very simply UI’s for those who need light but it come’s in second to the job at hand, such as a building clearing.
Complicated UI’s for primary hand use. Easy UI’s for those using in off hand.
Complicated UI’s for those in park. Easy UI’s for those driving.

Gebe · 2019-02-27T01:11:04.000Z

texas shooter:

Frumious:

I still only buy cars with radios that have 6 station buttons, a knob (on the left) for volume and a knob (on the right) for tuning. Classic UI!

I know you’re joking but if I had my way, I would prefer it! I miss vehicles that had tuning knobs where you could dial in a station instead of electronic tuning that might not get a clear station unless you move the car!

I do more and more accident reports on distracted drives. Some only changing a channel or making a quick call trying to sync the phone to the car. Never done or heard of an accident while walking a dog that wasn’t dog related.
So we break it down to complicated UI’s for those only walking their dogs. Very simply UI’s for those who need light but it come’s in second to the job at hand, such as a building clearing.
Complicated UI’s for primary hand use. Easy UI’s for those using in off hand.
Complicated UI’s for those in park. Easy UI’s for those driving.

I still drive antiquated cars with no huge screens in the dash or all electronic controls. All this electronic stuff in modern vehicles are the first things that go south and it’s the most complaints folks have about newer vehicles. Kind of like lights nowadays but I still like them.

I still don’t understand why talking on a cell phone is illegal but new vehicles nowadays have screens in the middle of the dashes that distract drivers just as much?

Love it or leave it, these UI’s nowadays are for people that don’t use them except occasionally. Nothing wrong with that as I have many that I don’t use regularly and couldn’t as I would have to reacquaint myself to their complicated UI’s.

One last thing and is important to most. I don’t give a whit about turbo modes on lights nowadays that might last 2-3 minutes. It’s all about whether you actually use your lights or want to show them off. Again, wrong with that but lights are still tools and used for emergencies.

What you use them for, is personal preference and they still are fascinating!