4 ms·

I suppose it depends on what you want out of a flashlight. It's kind of cool that you can flash the firmware over USB, but the rest of it is middling, and there

by Zak 6mo ago

I suppose it depends on what you want out of a flashlight. It's kind of cool that you can flash the firmware over USB, but the rest of it is middling, and there are quite a few flashlights today running open source firmwares with exposed flashing pads. Regulated, open source, flashable, USB-charging, and a standardized battery describes most lights from https://www.firefly-outdoor.com/ https://www.firefly-outdoor.com/

snvzz 6mo ago
The hexbright's body is the main thing. The insides could be completely new. My plan is to keep it running. Perhaps replace the emitter by a more efficient one at some point, and repair anything as needed. If somebody bothers to make a better board someday, I will upgrade to that as long as it is still open hardware.
- Zak 6mo ago
  I think the Hexbright's body would be a source of complaints from present-day reviewers. It's bulky and heavy for a 1x18650 light; having to expose the bare LED to the elements to charge or change the battery is risky; anodized threads between the LED and outer body are bad for heat transfer. LEDs with higher luminous efficacy than the XM-L2 exist now, but for a large increase, they usually have a larger light emitting surface. That means a less focused hotspot and less useful beam distance with the same power input. On the other hand, it's possible to achieve a more focused hotspot and more beam distance without giving up more output with some newer LEDs optimized for high output from a smaller surface. It's also possible to greatly improve color rendering.
  - snvzz 6mo ago
    Good to know there's been significant progress in the last 15 years or so. Still a huge fan of the body, unfazed by the potential opinions of present day reviewers :) I will get a "known-good" modern LED torch, in any event. Can't hurt.

4 ms·

I suppose it depends on what you want out of a flashlight. It's kind of cool that you can flash the firmware over USB, but the rest of it is middling, and there

by Zak 6mo ago

snvzz 6mo ago
The hexbright's body is the main thing. The insides could be completely new. My plan is to keep it running. Perhaps replace the emitter by a more efficient one at some point, and repair anything as needed. If somebody bothers to make a better board someday, I will upgrade to that as long as it is still open hardware.
- Zak 6mo ago
  I think the Hexbright's body would be a source of complaints from present-day reviewers. It's bulky and heavy for a 1x18650 light; having to expose the bare LED to the elements to charge or change the battery is risky; anodized threads between the LED and outer body are bad for heat transfer. LEDs with higher luminous efficacy than the XM-L2 exist now, but for a large increase, they usually have a larger light emitting surface. That means a less focused hotspot and less useful beam distance with the same power input. On the other hand, it's possible to achieve a more focused hotspot and more beam distance without giving up more output with some newer LEDs optimized for high output from a smaller surface. It's also possible to greatly improve color rendering.
  - snvzz 6mo ago
    Good to know there's been significant progress in the last 15 years or so. Still a huge fan of the body, unfazed by the potential opinions of present day reviewers :) I will get a "known-good" modern LED torch, in any event. Can't hurt.