4 ms·

Really depends on the specific pronect of course, but there's definitely some "posted online like code" projects out there. It's a more technical target audienc

by xnzakg 3y ago

Really depends on the specific pronect of course, but there's definitely some "posted online like code" projects out there. It's a more technical target audience of course, but I've seen plenty of projects with design files included ready to be sent to a PCB manufacturer. Two categories I can easily think of are mechanical keyboards and modular synthesizers.

eternityforest 3y ago
Keyboards are an interesting case, people are so into them, and also specifically want them to be custom made just for them, so people are willing to build or even commission. I keep thinking that maybe high end flashlights could be the same way, I can definitely think of a few features that don't show up in your typical light, and that it might be cool to try to make a few boutique lights to sell, but my business knowledge isn't quite up to that, and I don't exactly have much desire to do a whole lot of independent work, I much prefer having an employer.
- vdqtp3 3y ago
  Flashlight nerds are crazy, it's definitely as big a market as custom keyboards
- nico_h 3y ago
  The thing i see with flashlights is that the physical object is pretty complex and has to face thermal, power and environmental constraints that would destroy any keyboard. Maybe it could start as a gut replacement for an existing cheap flashlight and grow from there.
  - dotancohen 3y ago
    Am I underestimating how complex a battery, bulb, and switch are? What complexity is in a modern flashlight? I remember proudly making a flashlight in 1984 or so from scavenged components, including silvering my own reflector.
    - OJFord 3y ago
      It's simple at the low end, GP's talking about much higher power & light output gear than you get in a Christmas cracker. Marine applications, cycling, caving, etc.
    - petsfed 3y ago
      A pretty common feature is single-button dimming. For LEDs, that actually requires a microcontroller and a more sophisticated power regulation scheme than just a current limiting resistor. There's also custom colors, flash patterns, etc
      - dotancohen 3y ago
        Wouldn't an additional button be simpler than a microcontroller. Button A turns on ~30% of the lights, Button B turns on the remaining ~70% of the lights. That also adds a bit of redundancy if a connection fails. I've only been caving twice. Dimmer lights are great - but they don't need to be on a single switch. Quite the opposite, putting them on a single switch means that one _has_ to cycle through the bright option when that is not wanted.
        petsfed 3y ago
        Flashlight design is neither my hobby nor my profession. But I own a bunch of flashlights, and single-button dimming seems to be table stakes for a lot of commercially available head lamps and lanterns. Also, with the right micro, a second button (with relevant environmental protection) may well be more expensive than putting that micro and voltage regulator under a big blob of black epoxy.
        eternityforest 3y ago
        Nitecore uses half-press to cycle modes and full press for on/off. 2 modes really isn't enough on a modern light, the nice ones have a very dim mode, a few normal ones, and a turbo with 1000+ lumens. Buttons take up space, and cost more than electronics(Not counting craptastic ones that will break in a hurry), plus you'd still need all the other driver electronics like the switching converter and the lithium protection chip. The microcontroller is probably the most reliable thing on a flashlight, simple doesn't always mean cheap and reliable.
nico_h 3y ago
There’s also ergogen, which is a project that generates the PCB for your split keyboard based on a few inputs. Then just send it to your favorite online pcb maker and you just have to solder the components . And there are a bunch of dactyl manuform case generators. (Which the online pcb fabs are now also offering to print in your favorite material)

by xnzakg 3y ago

eternityforest 3y ago

Keyboards are an interesting case, people are so into them, and also specifically want them to be custom made just for them, so people are willing to build or even commission. I keep thinking that maybe high end flashlights could be the same way, I can definitely think of a few features that don't show up in your typical light, and that it might be cool to try to make a few boutique lights to sell, but my business knowledge isn't quite up to that, and I don't exactly have much desire to do a whole lot of independent work, I much prefer having an employer.

vdqtp3 3y ago
Flashlight nerds are crazy, it's definitely as big a market as custom keyboards
nico_h 3y ago
The thing i see with flashlights is that the physical object is pretty complex and has to face thermal, power and environmental constraints that would destroy any keyboard. Maybe it could start as a gut replacement for an existing cheap flashlight and grow from there.
- dotancohen 3y ago
  Am I underestimating how complex a battery, bulb, and switch are? What complexity is in a modern flashlight? I remember proudly making a flashlight in 1984 or so from scavenged components, including silvering my own reflector.
  - OJFord 3y ago
    It's simple at the low end, GP's talking about much higher power & light output gear than you get in a Christmas cracker. Marine applications, cycling, caving, etc.
  - petsfed 3y ago
    A pretty common feature is single-button dimming. For LEDs, that actually requires a microcontroller and a more sophisticated power regulation scheme than just a current limiting resistor. There's also custom colors, flash patterns, etc
    - dotancohen 3y ago
      Wouldn't an additional button be simpler than a microcontroller. Button A turns on ~30% of the lights, Button B turns on the remaining ~70% of the lights. That also adds a bit of redundancy if a connection fails. I've only been caving twice. Dimmer lights are great - but they don't need to be on a single switch. Quite the opposite, putting them on a single switch means that one _has_ to cycle through the bright option when that is not wanted.
      - petsfed 3y ago
        Flashlight design is neither my hobby nor my profession. But I own a bunch of flashlights, and single-button dimming seems to be table stakes for a lot of commercially available head lamps and lanterns. Also, with the right micro, a second button (with relevant environmental protection) may well be more expensive than putting that micro and voltage regulator under a big blob of black epoxy.
      - eternityforest 3y ago
        Nitecore uses half-press to cycle modes and full press for on/off. 2 modes really isn't enough on a modern light, the nice ones have a very dim mode, a few normal ones, and a turbo with 1000+ lumens. Buttons take up space, and cost more than electronics(Not counting craptastic ones that will break in a hurry), plus you'd still need all the other driver electronics like the switching converter and the lithium protection chip. The microcontroller is probably the most reliable thing on a flashlight, simple doesn't always mean cheap and reliable.

nico_h 3y ago

There’s also ergogen, which is a project that generates the PCB for your split keyboard based on a few inputs. Then just send it to your favorite online pcb maker and you just have to solder the components . And there are a bunch of dactyl manuform case generators. (Which the online pcb fabs are now also offering to print in your favorite material)