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FLEXcandles Asgard Bluetooth Programmable (2*18650)
By: JohnnyMac Date: July 2, 2013, 8:37 am
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[html]<p class="auto-style2"><strong>FLEXcandles Asgard
Bluetooth Programmable (2x18650)</strong></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9154290917_ba51b57eca_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3832/9154290917_bfae65a2bc.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The <strong><a
href="
HTML http://www.flexcandles.com/">FLEXcandles<br
/>Asgard</a></strong> is the first of 3 planned models which use
the world's first Bluetooth enabled flashlight driver. It is
available in <a
href="
HTML http://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10004469/1342000-2020">CW<br
/>tint</a> or in <a
href="
HTML http://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10004469/1355500-2020">NW<br
/>tint</a>. Fasttech has developed this revolutionary new drive
r
in house and has patented it. The Asgard was released as the
first model in order to showcase the technology of their new
Bluetooth programmable driver. many will recognize the host
used as that used by Small Sun under the model ZY-T08 which I
have <a
href="
HTML https://www.google.com/url?q=http://budgetlightforum.com/node/15648&sa=U&ei=cxHSUeyGC6684APbq4CgCw&ved=0CAgQFjAA&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNGaxTS5gYbIiDQkSruxvdWxutkikw"><br
/>reviewed in the past</a>. While not an exceptional host as fa
r
as build quality, it has a great reputation as a superb budget
thrower with great runtime due to it's parallel 18650 format and
large, well designed reflector coupled with great heat sinking.
When modded with overdriven, dedomed XM-L2 emitters on copper
MCPCBs this light can easily exceed 150kcd.
</p><p><strong>PROS</strong></p><ul><li>Ability to program the
driver using your Android mobile device or Windows computer via
BT wireless.</li><li>Fully customizable mode
profiles.</li><li>Super low output up to maximum and most levels
in between.</li><li>331.25KHz PWM for zero visible flicker in
the lower PWM controlled output levels.</li><li>From 1 to 30
modes and up to 32 programmable steps in each mode. The
possibilities are nearly limited by your
imagination!</li><li>Ability to enable or disable memory mode
and battery voltage protection.</li><li>Thermal
protection.</li><li>Voltage and temperature monitoring via the
easy to use FLEX application.</li><li>Choice of either XM-L2 T6
1C or XM-L2 T6 3c emitters.</li><li>Parallel 18650 cell
arrangement. Fits all brands, protected or
unprotected.</li><li>Proven performance host.</li><li>Secure BT
pairing between light and Android/Windows
device.</li><li>Excellent throw and OTF output along with great
modding possibilities.</li><li>Tailstands
solidly.</li><li>Stainless steel bezel and
tailcap.</li></ul><p><strong>CONS</strong></p><ul><li>Press-fit
driver contact PCB</li><li>Average quality budget host.
Machining marks on various parts of the outside of the
host.</li><li>Only Type2 anodization. </li><li>A bump to the
rear of the light can cause mode changes.</li><li>Future models
promise a much better quality hosts.</li></ul><p>As I said in
the beginning of this review, the Asgard is the first of three
models to be released. The next two models will feature the
same BT enhanced driver technology but will be entirely new
hosts designed and built exclusively by FLEXcandles and, between
the 3 models planned so far, they should cover most of the needs
of flashaholics everywhere. The Asgard as a capable thrower,
the Beowulf (next to be released) will be a compact EDC style,
and the third as yet unofficially named model promises to be a
multi-emitter powerhouse. Additional features will also be
built into the driver programmability.</p><p>Since the Asgard
was released with the sole purpose as a host to showcase this
great new driver system I will be focusing on the driver itself
more so than the host. If anyone wishes to get all the details
on this capable host I urge to to look up reviews that have been
done on it in the past. I will give a brief overview on subtle
changes, mostly cosmetic, made by FLEXcandles for those not
familiar with the ZY-T08./p></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9154287691_727c8bb56a_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3677/9154287691_de727bd0b1.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>The Asgard logo along with the
serial number of the light is laser etched into one side of the
body while the FLEX log is etched onto the opposite side. All
laser etching is deep and clean. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9156506514_a5d85c1155_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9156506514_bedc57fbda.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>Here are some physical specs fr
om
the Asgard:</p><p>Material Aluminum
alloy <br> Emitter Brand CREE <br> Number of
Emitters 1 <br> Color BIN
White <br> Emitter Type XM-L2 <br> Emitter
BIN T6 1C or optional T6 3C <br> Voltage
Input3.7V <br> Battery Configuration 2 x 18650 (not
included) <br> Circuitry 3020mA <br>
Reflector (Diam x Depth) 57.7mm x 38.92 <br> Switch Type
Reverse clicky <br> Switch Location
Tailcap <br> Lens Glass
<br> Reflector SMO (plastic) <br>
Strap Included Yes <br> Clip Included
No <br> Packing List: 1 x
Flashlight, 1 x Strap</p><p> </p><p>Let's take a further look at
the host...</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9154272505_70b863e31c_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2830/9154272505_7022264ce8.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p>One of the main reasons this
particular host was chosen is due it's excellent plastic
reflector. The engineers designing the driver found that an
aluminum reflector, along with an AR coated lens, acts like a
small Faraday cage and restricts transmission and reception of
the Bluetooth wireless needed to program and read the driver
configuration. Only a plastic reflector and uncoated lens allow
the wireless radio signal to escape the enclosed
housing.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/9156495610_ab6ac714a2_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2857/9156495610_5585f593eb.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style1"></a></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/9156510414_7607d19e4b_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/9156510414_4347b06aba.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>The body of the host is very
solid and well finned for excellent and proven thermal transfer.
Modders have found that this host can easily handle being
driven at 5A so the stock 3A driver in the Asgard will have no
problem surviving in this host.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9156500116_b626d5abbc_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7313/9156500116_e517b48307.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>The host tail stands solidly du
e
to it's flat SS base.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9154267023_c6a67b97ed_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3776/9154267023_06ce7b6a77.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>WWith the Stainless steel bezel
removed we can see the thick glass lens seated into a silicon
"L"ring that separates the lens form the reflector.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9154260995_d26b1f4f61_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2883/9154260995_6cfb5e1b14.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Threading on the bezel is smoot
h
and cleanly machined./p></p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9154259839_22fbcbd970_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/9154259839_7e5e30302d.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>All threads are fully anodized
and clean.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9156481338_e4fd12d146_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2833/9156481338_c1db4c132e.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Here is a shot of the bezel, le
ns
and "L"ring.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/9154254849_8332da1d84_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2845/9154254849_eaf522304d.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Here we can see the wide, deep
reflector and centering insulator.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9156478558_6632e88b50_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9156478558_7b704c10e3.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Looking into the head with the
reflector removed we can see the external BT antenna. XM-L2
emitter, and 25mm MCPCB.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9156476560_371fbccfb9_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5348/9156476560_e0ef500c47.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>AAmple finning for heat transfe
r
to the air along with deep, cleanly machined anodized threads.
An O-ring helps seal out moisture from the interior of the
light.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/9156465126_feae05c728_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5474/9156465126_3ae137f4ea.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>The pill removed from the
head.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/9156462472_b3ac2d29a8_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3750/9156462472_98b980b44e.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Here you can see the entire pil
l
along with the external BT antenna.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/9154247669_fc2c9b8341_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/9154247669_b9ec136168.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>The main pill is huge and has
lots of threading to help in transferring heat away from the
pill and into the body of the head.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9156461074_d6da5cec40_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9156461074_e1a49fdb62.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>The 25mm MCPCB onto which the
Cree XM-L2 T61C emitter is mounted. An optional model with am
XM-L2 T6 3C is also available for those who care about tint more
than maximum output.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9156455808_7fc6a33028_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3782/9156455808_e7e5fda1f9.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Removing the press-fit driver
contact plate exposes the main driver board with it's 8*AMC7135
format. 7 of the chips are mounted on one 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-style4"></a></p><p>While the 8th AMC7135, the MCU,
and the Bluetooth board are mounted on the other side along with
the rest of the components. The external BT antenna is wired
onto the main BT board via the gray wire.</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-style4"></a></p><p>This is what the driver looks
like with it's thermal foam holding the driver safely in
place.</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-style4"></a></p><p>Clean, smooth anodized threads
on
the body thread onto the head. Battery orientation graphics
etched into the cell tubes.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9154244811_e52519acb3_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7308/9154244811_b85f93b187.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Parallel cell tubes machined in
to
the one-piece body.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9154243191_28e7aa9397_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2881/9154243191_9fce90d248.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Stainless steel base over the
spring/switch PCB. GITD boot covers the reverse clicky
switch.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9154282977_7f909fcd35_o.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3715/9154282977_a2240f1fc4.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Now onto the best part of the
Asgard...the driver feature set!</p><p>Interfacing with driver
and making it all possible is a fantastic little Android
application developed by Fasttech/FLEXcandles engineers. There
is also a Windows application that is in development that offers
the same feature set as the Android version. At this time there
are no plans for an IOS version of the application but that
could change in time.</p><p>With the FLEX application one can
create numerous profiles that are saved on your mobile device.
You can also enable or disable mode memory based on your
personal preference. You can also enable/disable voltage
protection in addition to seeing the battery voltage and
temperature of the light thanks to the sensors built into the
driver that transmit this data from the light to the
application. The light comes preprogrammed with 3 modes (Low,
Medium, and High) but can be custom programmed with any
combination of the following output and time increments. This
is what makes the FLEX technology so much fun to use and truly
versatile since it can literally be all things to all
people.</p><p><strong>PROGRAMMABLE
OPTIONS/strong></strong></p><table style="width:
50%;"><tbody><tr><td><strong>OUTPUT LEVELS</strong></td><td>
</td><td><strong>TIME
INCREMENTS</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Off</td><td>
</td><td>Forever</td></tr><tr><td>18mA (non-PWM)</td><td>
</td><td>30ms</td></tr><tr><td>0.6% (PWM)</td><td>
</td><td>50ms</td></tr><tr><td>0.9% (PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.1
second</td></tr><tr><td>1.25% (PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.2
second</td></tr><tr><td>1.9% (PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.3
second</td></tr><tr><td>2.5% (PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.4
second</td></tr><tr><td>4.3% (PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.5
second</td></tr><tr><td>6.3% (PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.6
second</td></tr><tr><td>9.4% (PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.7
second</td></tr><tr><td>12.5% (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.8
second</td></tr><tr><td>25% (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>0.9
second</td></tr><tr><td>37.5% (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>1
second</td></tr><tr><td>50% (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>1.5
seconds</td></tr><tr><td>62.5% (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>2
seconds</td></tr><tr><td>75% (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>2.5
seconds</td></tr><tr><td>87.5% (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>3
seconds</td></tr><tr><td>100% % (non-PWM)</td><td> </td><td>4
seconds</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td>5
seconds</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td>6
seconds</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td>7
seconds</td></tr><tr><td><strong>*PWM
Frequency</strong></td><td> </td><td>8 seconds</td></tr><tr><td>
31.25KHz</td><td> </td><td>9 seconds</td></tr><tr><td>
</td><td> </td><td>10 seconds</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td>
</td><td>15 seconds</td></tr><tr><td style="height: 30px;">
</td><td style="height: 30px;"> </td><td style="height:
30px;">20 seconds</td></tr><tr><td> </td><td> </td><td>30
seconds</td></tr></tbody></table><p> </p><table style="width:
50%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 341px;">Maximum number of
modes:</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td style="width:
341px;"><p>Maximum number of steps per mode:
</p></td><td>32</td></tr></tbody></table><p>In addition to the
standard programming, there is advanced programming that
generates Morse code modes based on what you want it to say. It
is limited to just 6 characters due to the large amount of
individual steps that need to be generated and stored in the
lights flash memory. One of the most fun features is that once
you upload the new mode profile you create, you can control the
light's modes from your Android/Windows device. Here is a video
I created that demonstrates this fun little
feature.</p><p><iframe
src="
HTML http://www.youtube.com/embed/kB2hCFt4GCw"
frameborder="0"
width="425" height="350"></iframe></p><p>How to program your new
FLEXcandles Asgard</p><p>Pair your Asgard by turning it on in
any mode then, after 5-7 seconds have passed give a quick half
press to enter BT mode. Once in BT mode the emitter will flash
3 times in a row in low. Pair with your phone then open the
FLEXcandles app. <br> Click "Connect".<br> <br> The FLEX app
can also store profiles for more than one FLEX enabled
flashlight. Once paired, the Model # and MAC address of the
flashlight is displayed at the top. If you have more than one
FLEX enabled light you can select from a dropdown list which one
you are working with. </p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/9190081684_52116543bd_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/9190081684_02e3ed0ba6.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Once your Asgard has connected
with the FLEXcandles program you will see the battery voltage
and temperature of the light. You can alternate between
Fahrenheit and Celsius by touching the temperature
display.</p><p> <a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/9156558754_83ce4c60ae_o.png"><img<br
/>src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3768/9156558754_3300ff04b0.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>You can also enable or disable
battery protection and mode memory from this screen by toggling
the switches at the bottom of the screen.<br> <br> At the very
bottom of the screen you will see the Serial Number of your FLEX
enabled light which is hard coded into the driver itself. My
particular example happens to be the very first FLEXcandles
light produced.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9156558694_f9939e58dd_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9156558694_a203991d9a.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>If you swipe the main screen to
the right you will see the default profile that comes
preprogrammed into your FLEXcandles light. The small drop-down
arrow at the lower right corner of the profile box allows you to
select from among your stored profiles. Right now we don't have
any aside from the Preset profile. Let's create one now.</p><p>
<a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9190081650_2b63f182d3_o.png"><img<br
/>src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2826/9190081650_a13ffea181.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Press the Menu button on your
Android device and select "<strong>New Profile</strong>" from
the menu.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9190081596_82de31628d_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5466/9190081596_93cfc69919.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>You will be prompted to enter a
name for your new Profile.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/9154333307_79172895b9_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/9154333307_a472bbdb09.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>I will name this one
"<strong>hunting</strong>". Press the text box and the keyboard
will open. Enter the name you want then press
"<strong>Create</strong>"</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9154333271_444790beef_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/9154333271_05f3b2e5aa.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>You will be returned to the
Profile screen where you will now see your new profile listed in
the Profile box. All we need to do now is add some modes to it.
Press "<strong>New Mode</strong>" in the top right of the
screen.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/9156558518_fccc46e46a_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7436/9156558518_4723d2eb92.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>When the Mode screen opens type
in a name for your new mode then press the "<strong>Add
Step</strong>" button.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/9156558674_fdbdbe959a_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3737/9156558674_7ae385822e.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a> </p><p>I named this first one
"<strong>moon</strong>". Below the name field you will see two
slider controls. The upper one controls the output level and
the lower one controls time increments. Since I want this mode
to be my moon low I will set the output slider to
"<strong>moonlight (18mAh non-PWM)</strong>". I will leave the
time increment set to "<strong>forever</strong>" since I want
the light to stay lit in this mode without any blinking or
flashing. Once I'm satisfied with the output and timing I will
press "<strong>Save</strong>" at the top of the screen.</p><p>
<a
href="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9154334261_deae6d7454_o.png"><img<br
/>src="
HTML http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2890/9154334261_a5748ee45c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Once our first mode is saved we
can see it listed on the Profile screen. We want more modes so
we will click on "<strong>New Mode</strong>" again.</p><p> <a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9154334059_aed1fa3f00_o.png"><img<br
/>src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5511/9154334059_a3d6eb38cd.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p> This next mode I want to be a
regular low mode so I will name it "low" and move the output
slider to 12.5%. This is the lowest increment (aside from the
18mA moonlight mode) that does not use any PWM. It is a
constant current at this increment. I also don't want it to
flash in this mode so I will leave the time set to
'<strong>Forever</strong>". Once satisfied all is in order I
hit "<strong>Save</strong>" again.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/9154333863_44deb0f3ab_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3676/9154333863_9e6d1d4980.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a> </p><p>Back at the Profile scree
n
we now see the "<strong>low</strong>" mode we created added to
the list. Still not finished yet so let's press "<strong>New
Mode</strong>" and make another one.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/9156559066_95f96bd46d_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3717/9156559066_412a758ff6.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>I want a high mode this time so
I
will name it as such and leave the output at 100% and time set
to forever. Press "<strong>Save</strong>" to add it to our
list.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/9156559036_e1f6e5d1e7_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7284/9156559036_136a815e5f.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>With a high mode added to our
light we could upload the profile to the Asgard but in case I
should get lost or injured in the woods I want to have a beacon
mode so I can signal for help even if I'm injured and pass out.
Let's click "<strong>New Mode</strong>" again.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9156559010_b17570d086_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7410/9156559010_a9024090de.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>We name this one beacon. I wan
t
it to flash for 0.3 seconds every 5 seconds. This mode will
require more than one step to create. We leave the output at
the first step to 100% and set the time slider to 0.3s. Then we
click the "<strong>Add Step</strong>" button and add a second
step for the 5 second pause. To create this I'll set my output
slider all the way to the left to "off". The time increment
slider I slide over to the 5s mark. The mode will automatically
cycle between these two steps. Press the
"<strong>Save</strong>" button.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/9154333641_104870758e_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7332/9154333641_bbf0287061.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>There we have our 4 modes for
this particular profile. We needn't do anything further to keep
this profile in the FLEXcandles app. It is saved automatically.
If we are happy with it we press the "<strong>Send Profile to
Asgard</strong>" button at the bottom and start using our light
with our very own custom modes.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9154333605_6d864469f0_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3822/9154333605_4f6e982595.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>If we wanted to add a strobe mo
de
to our FLEXcandles light we can do so by creating a new mode
with several steps. We can have up to 32 steps which allows us
the ability to make a strobe with as many differently timed
outputs and pulses as we want. I made the one on the right with
a fast strobe.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9154333549_9e43110202_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5349/9154333549_350caf4d4c.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>Want to impress your old Navy
buddies with some cool Morse code? The FLEXcandles app has a
Morse code generator. Start by adding a new mode. Next press
the menu button on your Android device to bring up the
"<strong>Morse Code Generator</strong>" button from the
menu.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/9187037787_be21384e11_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/9187037787_8631358159.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>You will be asked what message
you want to generate. Due to the massive amounts of steps
involved in creating the characters, the message is limited to
just 6 characters (remember the 32 step limit in each mode?). I
will generate Morse Code to say "<strong>ASGARD</strong>".
Enter your word and press "<strong>Generate</strong>".</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/9189837708_a786918c61_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/9189837708_e708a4ba81.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>This used all 32 steps. Instea
d
of showing you each step I will show you the beginning of the
step list...</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9189837270_e90b530938_b.jpg"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3685/9189837270_e90b530938.jpg"<br
/>class="auto-style4"></a></p><p> ...all the way to the end of
the step list. Note at the bottom it tells us that we have used
100% of this mode's available memory. Press the "Save" button
at the top to save your new Morse-code mode to your
profile.</p><p><a
href="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9189837096_71a415180c_o.png"><br
/><img
src="
HTML http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3805/9189837096_1a3ce55177.jpg"<br
/>width="281" height="500" class="auto-style4"></a></p><p>The
possibilities are nearly endless with what you can do.
FLEXcandles is planning to add a ramping mode feature into
future models. Granted once you've found your perfect modes you
probably won't play with your new programming powers all that
often but that's ok because just getting those perfect modes in
a light is what we all want and it's priceless. We really can
have the perfect output and modes without having to learn how to
program MCU chips.<strong></strong></p><p><strong>
<strong>PERFORMANCE</strong></strong></p><p>Excellent output
combined with great runtime make this host a budget classic.
Combined with the FLEXcandles technology it ascends into a much
higher bracket. The XM-L2 T6 emitter trumps a stock ZY-T08 on
which it's based in both OTF output and throw. Excellent
thermal management and compact size allows the light to be
carried in a jacket pocket or even the cargo pocket in a pair of
pants or shorts. </p><p>The only problem I have with it is with
the design of the battery contacts. The exposed copper tracing
for the anode contact can wear over time. It would be better if
it had a thicker brass or copper ring bonded to the PCB. Due to
the fact that the cells are sprung on only one end (cathode) a
bump on the rear of the light can easily cause the light to
temporarily break contact on the anode end and cause a change in
mode. This can easily be compensated for with proper
adjustments in the driver programming and I will be working with
the engineers to make this happen.</p><p><strong>Integrated
Sphere/a> and Lux test results</strong></p><table style="width:
50%;"><tbody><tr><td style="width:
305px;"><strong>Mode</strong></td><td><strong>OTF
Lumens</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 305px;">High
(Initial)</td><td><strong>796</strong></td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 305px;">High @ 30
seconds</td><td><strong>758</strong></td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 305px;">18mA*
low</td><td><strong>0.08</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="width:
305px;"> </td><td> </td></tr><tr><td style="width:
305px;"><strong>Lux & Throw</strong></td><td> </td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 305px;">Lux @
2m</td><td><strong>14,510</strong></td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 305px;">Corrected for
1m</td><td><strong>57,600</strong></td></tr><tr><td
style="width: 305px;">Throw distance</td><td><strong>480
meters</strong></td></tr></tbody></table><p><a
name="Integrated_Sphere"></a><strong></strong><strong>CONCLUSION
</strong></p><p>For
under $60 we can have the ability to program any modes we want
into our flashlights easily and intuitively. Sure some lights
allow us to program custom modes but to do so requires
memorizing crazy combinations of switch button pushes and/or
head twists. This gives us an easy, graphical, intuitive way to
get 'er done. Sure the host on this first model is not as high
quality as we'd like to see but it's not horrible either. I've
seen worse. The nice thing is what we can do with it and for
that alone it's worth the price of entry. Future models promise
to be even better! I've worked closely with
Fasttech/FLEXcandles through the developement process of this
light and it's features and software. They are enthusiastic,
quick to enable changes, and able to make the software and
driver do things I never dreamed of. The folks creating this
magic are a talented crew and it gives me a greater appreciation
for what's gone into creating this truly unique interface. All
things considered I have to give the Asgard a solid "<strong>Mac
Approved!</strong>"</p><p><img
src="
HTML http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5507/9156510414_4347b06aba_z.jpg"></p><p>*<a<br
/>href="
HTML http://www.fasttech.com/products/1601/10004469/1342000-2020">The<br
/>FLEXcandles Asgard was provided for review by
Fasttech.com</a></p>[/html]
#Post#: 1571--------------------------------------------------
Re: FLEXcandles Asgard Bluetooth Programmable (2*18650)
By: ChibiM Date: July 2, 2013, 9:17 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Johnnymac, for the nice write up..
I like the way you organized the text with the pictures! well
done!
(to be honest, I returned my Asgard to FT, as I couldnt help it
but lost my love for the light (even besides the issues it had))
#Post#: 1575--------------------------------------------------
Re: FLEXcandles Asgard Bluetooth Programmable (2*18650)
By: Spasmod Date: July 2, 2013, 10:40 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Great review Johnny, very thorough indeed thanks.
Layout has gone a bit wibbly wobbly though since I read it
earlier :-\
#Post#: 1580--------------------------------------------------
Re: FLEXcandles Asgard Bluetooth Programmable (2*18650)
By: JohnnyMac Date: July 2, 2013, 11:00 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Hardy har! You two are funny guys! ;D
I think I finally got the layout proper. What a pile of PITA
this one has been today. Lawdy!! ::)
#Post#: 1582--------------------------------------------------
Re: FLEXcandles Asgard Bluetooth Programmable (2*18650)
By: JohnnyMac Date: July 2, 2013, 2:59 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
[quote author=ChibiM link=topic=357.msg1571#msg1571
date=1372774654]
Thanks Johnnymac, for the nice write up..
I like the way you organized the text with the pictures! well
done!
(to be honest, I returned my Asgard to FT, as I couldnt help it
but lost my love for the light (even besides the issues it had))
[/quote]I can see that. The host they used for this one is good
for a budget thrower but just not a light I would ever carry on
my belt or in a jacket pocket. It just won't ever see much use.
I just hope they stay the course and release the Beowulf soon.
You might change your tune with an original, high end compact
host. Once anyone finds their perfect mode profile they will
likely not be changing it any time soon. But the ability for
each owner to have exactly the output levels, number of modes,
memory or not...simply priceless and well worth the $50 - $60.
*****************************************************