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       #Post#: 978--------------------------------------------------
       Review: Pre-release sample of the new FLEXcandles Asgard!!
       By: JohnnyMac Date: May 19, 2013, 12:07 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       [html]<p>This is a pre-release preview of the first flashlight
       from the new <a href="
  HTML http://www.flexcandles.com/"<br
       />target="_blank">FLEX Candles</a> company.   A new division of
       FastTech.com, FLEX candles is their entry into manufacturing
       their own line of flashlights.  The first light, the "Asgard"
       uses an existing host to showcase their new technology.  What is
       that new technology that sets FLEXcandles apart from the
       competition?  It is the ability to program and customise the
       torches output on the fly and to do it wirelessly via Bluetooth\
       using your Android device and a custom app they have created
       themselves.  With the new FLEX torches, the user can have his
       light with exactly the modes he wants and in any number and
       order.  THe FLEXcandles app can store a number of different
       profiles for any situation the user feels the need
       for.</p><p>Here is a list of features as advertized by
       FLEXcandles:</p><ul font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica,
       Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;
       background-color: #fcfcfc;"><li>The world's first
       Bluetooth-enabled programmable high powered LED
       flashlight</li><li>Program your flashlight the way you want it.
       Make it single-mode, 3 modes, or even 30 modes.</li><li>No messy
       cord to bring around and lose. No connection port to rust and
       break. Everything is wireless.</li><li>Preset and store multiple
       profiles on your favorite smart device and wirelessly upload a
       profile to your Asgards in seconds</li><li>Setup "morse code"
       modes without prior morse code knowledge</li><li>Comes with
       preset modes. Usable out of the box.</li><li>Free complimentary
       Android and Windows configuration app</li><li>1052 lumens at
       100% output mode</li><li>8mA non-PWM moonlight</li><li>Non-PWM
       at 12.5% output intervals, 125KHz PWM at other
       levels</li><li>LED driven by eight 380mA AMC7135
       drivers</li></ul><p>There will be changes made that are
       different from those stated on their site.  These changes have
       been made per my recommendation to them and should greatly
       improve an already excellent offering:</p><ul><li>Ability to
       enable or disable mode memory.</li><li>BT mode has now been
       hidden at my recommendation.  In our samples, BT mode is right
       between the last and first modes in the profile mode order.  As
       I found it very annoying to encounter the unprogrammed blinking
       mode each time one cycles through the modes in the torch to get
       to another mode (say from medium mode back to low).  It has been
       already changed in the firmware to be hidden and accessible by
       half pressing the switch (reverse clicky) about 5-7 seconds
       after entering any mode.  You will be able to cycle through the
       modes without seeing the blinking BT mode.</li><li>Moonlight
       mode lowered to around 1 or 2mA since the current 5mA (not 8mA
       as originally advertised) was, IMO, far too bright.  PWM has
       been lowered to 31.25KHz in order to make this possible.
       31.25KHz is still insanely high for PWM and will still result in
       completely unnoticable PWM with zero visable
       flicker.</li><li>Low voltage cutoff will be lowered to 2.75 to
       avoid early cutoff when using lower quality cells that can cause
       premature low-voltage stepdown.</li><li>All PWM modes will now
       work as I found a few modes that did not function correctly
       using the original firmware settings.</li><li>Ramping modes will
       not be available in the Asgard but will be available in their
       second release, the "Beowulf".</li></ul><div>The Asgard is
       available for preorder right now for just <a
       href="
  HTML http://www.fasttech.com/products/0/10004469/1342000-flex-asgard-1052-lumen-programmable-cree-xm-l2-led-2020"<br
       />target="_blank">$59.00 from Fasttech.com</a>.</div><p>My Asgar
       d
       arrived yesterday in a padded envelope along with another light
       I had ordered.  The head of the Asgard prerelease sample was
       wrapped in bubble sheet. </p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8747960099_541bc87953_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8540/8747960099_a17b5bfa33.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here we see the "FLEXcandles"
       logo and website URL laser etched onto the side of the light's
       battery tube.   The etching is clean and evenly etched into the
       torch.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8750586841_1b6d40e5f9_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8405/8750586841_1cafd6e08f.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>On the opposite side we see the
       "Asgard" model name and the light's serial number. </p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/8750587395_db84a70133_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7296/8750587395_350e358a2f.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>If the Asgard's body is looking
       familiar to you you're not imagining things.  For FLEXcandles'
       first release they chose to focus on the technology inside the
       light mroe than designing an entirely new torch.  They chose the
       Small Sun ZY-T08 as the host because of of it's solid, yet
       affordable design and excellent performance potential. </p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/8749070084_88f95d1654_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7301/8749070084_d9beb39579.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>In addition to the Asgard's
       2*18650 parallel cell arrangement, they will be releasing
       optional battery tubes/bodies so you can also have the choice of
       running a single 26650 cell or 2*16340 cells.  Barring and
       further production delays these should be avilable as early as a
       few weeks.  They don't want to release them before they are
       ready though so hang tight and they will arrive once they are
       right.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8747944163_679d93eb2f_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8747944163_cd82c66ddc.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Aside from the laser etching on
       the body and, of course, the internals, the Asgard is identical
       to the ZY-T08.  To many of us who already own a ZY-T08 this is a
       good thing.  it's one hell of a performer with superb throw for
       a budget minded light.  Properly driven and dedomed examples
       have hit over 130kcd for throw.  Massive potential here,
       folks!</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8412/8749076772_ca3e4f9a6e_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8412/8749076772_26315537a6.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Keeping in mind that these are
       prerelease samples and much was done at the very last minute to
       get them out to us reviewers in a timely fashion, I was still
       more than a little disheartened to find the reflector in mine
       severely fingered up and smeared with grease and finger oils.
       Fine scratches were also all over the inside due to a half-@ssed
       attempt from the tech assembling my light to wipe some of it
       off.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8412/8749076772_ca3e4f9a6e_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/8749576594_5cce9e2df3.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>After taking pics of the damage
       and mess, I cleaned the reflector with warm water and mild soap.
       The result is below.  Not too bad considering the horrible
       shape it had been in.  Jasmine has informed Teemu, Foy and me
       that they will be sending us new reflectors for our lights along
       with updated driver programmed with some firmware updates based
       on the feedback I'd given them about things I saw in the light
       and it's programming.  Please don't expect production examples
       to look like our beta samples.</p><p>It turns out that they were
       waiting on the centering ring for the reflectors to arrive
       before they shipped the lights out to us.  When they came in the
       tech disassembled the light to install the centering ring and
       fingered up the reflectors badly.  He (or she) needs a kick in
       his or her respective @ss and a lesson on keeping one's greasy,
       lunch eating fingers off the inside of the reflectors.  They
       were shipped out without any last minute inspection and Jasmine
       was mortified and very embarrassed to see what her team sent out
       in her absence that day.  To her credit, she actually encouraged
       us to show what we received, warts and all, but promises they
       will not happen in production examples.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8749647880_780c6ae70c_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8269/8749647880_5138958169.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>With the reflector removed you
       can see the "external" BT antenna in the head of the Asgard.
       &#32;The other end of the antenna wire is attached to the driver
       directly. &#32;The antenna is sandwiched between the head and
       reflector.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/8748532799_4eac43bd2b_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7309/8748532799_d20d00c423.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>With the pill removed we can se
       e
       the very large pill containing the heart of FLEXcandles new
       technology. </p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/8750498567_770ecc2c39_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2871/8750498567_9b7c26eecd.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Pumping out the actual photons 
       is
       a Cree XM-L2 1C emitter on a 25mm MCPCB.  There is thermal
       grease under the MCPCB.  The pill itself threads into the head
       from behind and has lots of threading for great thermal transfer
       away from the pill and into the head.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/8750496657_d94af58e86.jpg"></p><p>With<br
       />the press-fit battery contact board separated  from the back o
       f
       the pill we can see the driver.  You will notice the special
       thermal foam holding the driver firmly in place to both help
       manage any heat produced but to also cushion the driver from any
       impact or vibration damage.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/8750495687_dced66061e_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3748/8750495687_f8e992cc80.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>here we see the actual driver
       that works all the magic.  output is provided by 8 AMC7135 chips
       producing 380mA each to the XM-L2 emitter.  The side you see
       here has 7 of the chips.  The eighth is on the other side.
       </p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/8750495095_09203b64eb_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2822/8750495095_8ed9e8d0aa.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>A look at the opposite side
       reveals the 8th 7135 chip along with the MCU and the Bluetooth
       antenna. THe grey wire is the wire to the thermosensor.  Red &
       black go directly to the LED.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/8750494203_b8c1ae3cab_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/8750494203_c31669a8f5.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The only cosmetic difference
       between the Asgard and the ZY-T08 host it borrows, aside from
       the etching, is the green GITD switch boot on the Asgard.  The
       first thing I noticed about the Asgard is that the machining is
       much better than that of my original T08.  In the pic below you
       can see the stainless steel tailcaps compared.  Notice the
       cleanly machined and polished tail of the Asgard compared to the
       one of the T08.  The T08's tail is covered in machining swirls
       from when it was milled out of the SS billet. </p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/8750503315_ba97c0b271_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5350/8750503315_c36ae60254.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a><br> <a
       href="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8129/8751626166_7602f04488_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8129/8751626166_2394fbc056.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The main body/batterytube on th
       e
       T08 was always an example of budget minded machining.  Swirl
       marks and milling grooves can be seen in the T08 but are almost
       non-existent in the Asgard.  While there are a few very hard to
       see milling marks in the Asgard, the T08 body has many easily
       seen milling marks.  I had difficulty getting a pic that really
       showed the marks in both but those below still give a good idea
       of the difference in them and show that the Asgard is better
       made than the T08. </p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/8750545441_cf292f2dc7_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/8750545441_d19c2e8ffb.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a><br> <a
       href="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/8750501427_1d2d719dd4_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2850/8750501427_4096ea4ff5.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Another difference is in the
       anodizing.  The anodizing on both is clean and evenly applied
       but on the original T08 is a bit shinier than that on the
       Asgard.  While still on the shiny side, the Asgard is definitely
       less glossy and more of a satin finish.</p><p><a
       href="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/8750499563_c1308b7806_o.jpg"><br
       /><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5332/8750499563_827e8f809f.jpg"<br
       />class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>With the hardware looked at,
       let's take a look at the FLEXcandles programming app.  Available
       only for Android devices at the moment, it does allow for very
       easy programming on the fly.  This is still a beta version I
       have and again, FLEXcandles has already made changes to it based
       on my input and observations.  THe updated version will be
       available in a day or two and as soon as I get it I will update
       this preview with added info on it.  For now let's take a closer
       look at what it does have.</p><p>Once you have paired the
       software with your FLEXcandle light, the MAC address of the
       torch will show at the top of the app in the status window.  As
       other FLEXcandle lights are paired, you can choose which torch
       you want to program by hitting the drop-down arrow next to the
       MAC address.  To connect with the flashlight simply press the
       "Connect" button.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/8752439284_c48b3e1153_z.jpg"></p><p>If<br
       />your flashlight is not in programming mode you will get the
       error below.  For those of you who mentioned the possibility of
       flashlight-jacking, never fear.  it is impossible to hijack a
       FLEXcandlelight wirelessly.  The light must be in a special
       pairing mode which can only be done by the torch owner via the
       physical tail switch.  When not in pairing mode it is impossible
       to connect to the light from any app.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/8751318315_bb33a81830_z.jpg"></p><p>Pressing<br
       />the "Bluetooth settings" button in the app will take you to yo
       ur
       BT settings in Android.  After setting the torch in BT mode
       byclicking through the modes to get to it, the torch will flash
       3 times repeatedly with a pause in between the 3 blinks.  It
       will remainn in this programming mode until you switch out of
       it.  Searching for available devices to pair with in your
       Android device will show the torch.  To pair with it you will be
       asked to enter the PIN for the light.  Enter "1234" and the
       light will pair with your device.  Once paired you will see it
       listed in your "Paired Devices" listing as seen
       below.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3741/8751318105_d77c13b3bd_z.jpg"></p><p>Switching<br
       />back to the FLEXcandles app, you will now see the serial numbe
       r
       of the driver lsited at the botom of the app along with the
       battery voltage of the torch and it's temperature.  You can
       switch between Farenheit and Celcius by touching the temperature
       reading in the app. </p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8131/8750650699_aff326f9f4_z.jpg"></p><p>Slide<br
       />the screen to the left or click on "Modes" in the blue bar at
       the top to go to the modes screen.</p><p>Once there you will see
       a list of the Profiles you have created.  here we see one I
       created called "single mode thrower".  To switch between other
       profiles you've created, touch the drop-down arrow to the right
       of the profile name showing. </p><p>Let's create a new mode
       profile, shall we?  Begin by clicking the menu button on your
       Android device.  It will bring up the menu at the bottom of the
       screen as seen below.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8398/8752616158_de97586fae_z.jpg"></p><p>Click<br
       />on "New Profile" and you will see the screen below.  The first
       thing you are asked is to give the profile a name. Press just
       above the blue line and the keyboard will come up.  Type in the
       profile name.  I named mine "program sample" (not very
       imaginative but sue me). Once the name is entered press the
       "Create" button.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2838/8751494449_efb85c7bdb_z.jpg"></p><p>You<br
       />will see your new profile shown in the modes screen.  The next
       thing to do is add a mode to your new profile.  Press on "New
       Mode" in the top-right corner.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3678/8752615936_7ff5c6a110_z.jpg"></p><p>The<br
       />"Mode Steps" screen comes up.  Type in a name for your mode, o
       r
       not, your chouce.  I named mine with the cheeky moniker of "mode
       1". ;)</p><p>Once named, click the "Add Step" button.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7335/8752615784_7b4e0f3181_z.jpg"></p><p>You<br
       />will now be able to choose both output level and the length of
       time it is lit.  By default the mode and time is set to 100% and
       "forever".</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8123/8751493225_bfb9970cca_z.jpg"></p><p>Sliding<br
       />the upper bar to the right of 100% will set the light from it'
       s
       lowest output.    All selections to the right of 100% use PWM.
       The PWM in production samples will be a very fast 31.28 KHz.
       Right now the lowest mode is 5mA but at my request it is being
       lowered further to about 1mA or so.  At 5mA the output is still
       very bright IMO and needed to be much lower  They have
       reprogrammed the app to go even lower and now, to Jasmine's
       eyes, moon mode is visually only 30% of the output at 5mA and
       should be quite acceptable now.  Moving it further to the right
       will increase the output level a notch at a time up to 9.4%
       (263mA PWM).</p><p>Moving the lower slider bar to the right will
       decrease the amount of time the light is displayed.  If you wish
       for the light to blink for something like SOS, add a step for
       each blink you want to show.  I believe you can add 5 or 6 morse
       code characters per mode.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7451/8751493057_a969019226_z.jpg"></p><p>Movinng<br
       />the top slider to the left of 100% will decrease output in
       non-PWM outputs in 12.5% increments.  In this example I set it
       to 50% output for 1.5 seconds.</p><p>Once you have as few or as
       many steps you desire in a particular mode, click the "Save"
       button at the top of the screen.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2861/8752614252_e4c1a9f517_z.jpg"></p><p>You<br
       />will be returned to the profile screen with the current prifil
       e
       and modes contained.  To add additional modes repeat the steps
       above.</p><p>Once you are ready, make sure the torch is in
       program mode and press the "Send Profile to Asgard" button at
       the bottom.  If all is good your light will have its new profile
       in a second or less.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/8752614058_97753b753f_z.jpg"></p><p>If<br
       />the program fails to write to the torch you will see the write
       failure message below.  To correct this, take the light out of
       program mode and then back in.  Reconnect with the app then try
       the "Send to asgard" button once again.  it should work fine
       now.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/8750004870_36b396bf29_z.jpg"></p><p>Here<br
       />is another profile I had sent to my Asgard. </p><p> <img
       src="
  HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7414/8748880211_c21e165f23_z.jpg"></p><p>And<br
       />another just for fun.  The light can only store one profile at
        a
       time but switching between them is very easy.</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5464/8748882083_d14d402b66_z.jpg"></p><p>A<br
       />quick preliminary test of my Asgardin my IS reveals 720 OTF
       lumens at 100% output.  By comparison, my original production
       run ZY-T08 only does 635 OTF lumens.  I will take some Lux and
       throw figures tomorrow</p><p> </p><p>Meanwhile here is a
       beamshot.   &#32;The tree line is 100yds out.  It's raining out
       and my house is surrounded by street lights.  For those who
       wonder why I don't do many outdoor beamshots, this might help
       you understand. ;)</p><p><img
       src="
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/8751701405_46b72805ec_h.jpg"<br
       />width="90%"
       onmouseover="this.src='
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/8752822682_3c311d156d_h.jpg';"<br
       />onmouseout="this.src='
  HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2867/8751701405_46b72805ec_h.jpg';"><br><img<br
       />src="
  HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5445/8752822682_3c311d156d_h.jpg"<br
       />width="90%"></p><p>This concludes my preview for the time bein
       g
       until I get a couple kinks worked out on my end with the light.
       I am working with Fasttech to determine if a particular issue
       I'm having is a common issue or a unique issue pertaining to my
       sample only.  I will update as I get more info.
       </p><p><strong>My thoughts about the light and technology as a
       whole...</strong></p><p>The best part of this new FLEX
       technology is the ability to get exactly the modes you want. The
       biggest complaint among the flashlight communities is the
       inability to find a light with the exact perfect modes to suit
       out individual tastes.  Some love flashy modes like strobe and
       SOS while others simplu abhor them.  Some like mode memory while
       others don't, Some prefer a light to start in low mode while
       other prefer to start in high mode.  Some like a light to start
       in low mode when used indoors but prefer starting in high mode
       when outdoors.  One person might like only one or two modes
       while another wants to have over a dozen at their finger
       tips.</p><p>With the FLEX technology it is ridiculously easy to
       get exactly what you want in mode and memory programming.  If
       you like the host and the LED, the modes suddenly become the
       easiest thing to satisfy your wants in a good torch.  That said,
       once the novelty of programming your light wears off and the
       light is setup exactly how you want it, the odds are likely to
       rarely use the programability for a long time, if ever.  Is it
       worth the extra cost for this ability?  Unless you like useless
       blinky modes found in your average 5-mode torch and love the too
       bright lows and horrible spacing of most offerings, it is well
       worth the extra cost to get a light with the exact mode
       configuration you want.  I know people who spend hundreds, if
       not thousands, of dollars searching for the perfect light that
       works exactly how they want it.  Now they can stop
       looking.</p><p>Is the Asgard the perfect light for everyone?
       No.  In spite of the robust programming it still sits inside a
       host that may or may not offer what the buyer wants.  Some might
       want a compact and floody light they can stuff into their pants
       pocket.  Others might like multi-emitter monsters that can light
       up a football field from 200 yards.  So what can a person do?
       Why, they can wait for the next models to be released from FLEX
       Candles, of course.  Rumor has it there are at least 2 more
       models in the works and they will have original hosts designed
       by and especially for FLEX Candles.  The next will likely be a
       compact EDC model and the third just might be a multi-emitter
       monster.  After that, who knows?</p><p>In the mean time, the
       Asgard will have a few accessories available in a few weeks
       including the previously mentioned body tubes to accommodate a
       single 26650 cell or another for just 2*16340/CR123A cells.
       Versatility really is the name of the game here and I am
       thrilled to have been a part of the release of such a
       revolutionary technology in a market that has become stale.
       </p><p>Long live the Asgard!  Long live FLEX!!</p>[/html]
       #Post#: 979--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Review: Pre-release sample of the new FLEXcandles Asgard!!
       By: MRsDNF Date: May 19, 2013, 3:53 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       What a fantastic light along with an even fantastica review.
       Well done JohnnyMac. You deserve the honor off being one off a
       very select few people to review this light and you have not
       disappointed. We may end up calling this the Lego light with the
       options that are coming out for it. I did ask a reviewer what
       diameter the thread was on the host light with the idea of
       making a battery tube for 26650 operation. Looks like that idea
       is out the window. I'm looking forward to the review on the
       production light. Thanks.
       #Post#: 982--------------------------------------------------
       Re: Review: Pre-release sample of the new FLEXcandles Asgard!!
       By: Spasmod Date: May 19, 2013, 5:43 am
       ---------------------------------------------------------
       Great review indeed John.
       I know I've had my doubts on whether the bluetooth was anything
       more than a gimmicky feature, after seeing it all housed in the
       light alonside the fact it seems to be integrated as part of the
       driver itself, I'm coming around to the idea of it's potential
       value. The driver does actually look like a well thought out
       module (if still a little untidy) especially after having seen
       the PilotPTK modules.
       As it stands right now, from my point of view is that the driver
       and it's technology is worth far more than the 'driver in a
       light' package. If fasttech want to add value to the package
       they will have to develop their own unique host with a bit of
       it's own prestige that can grow alongside the Flex family of
       lights.
       I'm guessing customers are going to want the driver with it's
       bluetooth flexibility to integrate into their own designs, and
       with the added ability to stack 7315's makes it very 'Flex'ible
       indeed.
       I hope Fasttech has patented the technology otherwise they'll be
       the guineapigs until the bigger lions further up the food chain
       take it away. And I really do hope that Fasttech have a change
       of heart and offer to sell the driver/software package as is
       because that's where the bread and butter is at and essentially
       we're not going to want to spend the extra dollars on a budget
       host that we may not want or need.
       Thanks for sharing Johnny, it's highly appreciated
       *****************************************************