Can I use Li-Ion rechargeable batteries?
NO! These lights are not compatible with Li-Ion batteries. They will damage the light because the voltage of a Li-Ion is more than twice the nominal 1.5V of an alkaline or NiMh battery.
If you want to use rechargeable batteries they should be NiMh (Sanyo Eneloop). You CAN use a “lithium” disposable battery though. They market these for use in cameras and electronic devices and tend to have higher capacity than an alkaline battery.
Last updated: September 21, 2013 12:20
Where are these lights being manufactured?
These lights will be manufactured by a reputable flashlight company in China. There is more info within the campaign under the section “The Challenge: Making a lot of Beta-QR Lights.” I’ve been working with this factory for the last 11 months, and I will be there (already booked a flight) at the end of October, days after the completion of the campaign :)
Last updated: September 23, 2013 11:03
Will you offer the 3 mode driver in the EN/HAIII/KS Green lights...or only for the copper?
For this campaign, the 3 mode is only offered in the copper light. Normally this might be a stretch goal, but timing a holiday delivery will already be tight, so it is not feasible to increase the complexity and scope of the project at this time.
If the campaign does well overall, I am considering offering a “pill” that is user swapable and may feature different driver modes and/or LED types. A “pill” is flashlight lingo for an assembly consisting of LED, driver, and the heat sink that holds the two together.
Last updated: September 21, 2013 10:51
Do all the different flashlights come with a brass Quick Release?
Yes, that’s correct. All of the QR’s are brass (just like in the photos) and will not be color coded to the lights.
Last updated: September 21, 2013 12:15
Which finish is the most durable?
Any metal finish will wear over time, especially when carried with other metal objects. The copper will nick and scratch, but since it’s solid copper it will always look like copper. The HAIII is extremely hard and durable, but when it does wear off, it will have a very light grey color underneath. The EN is very durable but very thin. It will nick and scratch, but when it wears off it will be harder to tell because the underlying metal is a similar color.
Last updated: September 21, 2013 13:35
Will the Copper and Electroless Nickel exhibit patina (tarnish) over time?
Yes, both finishes will patina when in contact with the natural acids and oils from daily use. However, each light will take on a patina that is unique to each user and the life they lead. In either case, the bright finish can be restored by a silver polishing cloth or similar metal polish. Never use abrasive cleaners!
Last updated: September 22, 2013 12:31
Will you offer the same warranty as on your custom made lights?
You bet. I stand by my products and the Beta-QR will be protected by the same lifetime warranty. This excludes the LED, electronic driver, glass window, and the QR mechanism itself. These are all considered “wear items” and are covered for a period of 1 year. If one of those components fail after 1 year has elapsed, you may return the light and it will be repaired (if possible) or replaced for a reasonable fee.
Last updated: September 22, 2013 12:28
Can I use Li-Ion rechargeable batteries?
NO! These lights are not compatible with Li-Ion batteries. They will damage the light because the voltage of a Li-Ion is more than twice the nominal 1.5V of an alkaline or NiMh battery. If you want to use rechargeable batteries they should be NiMh (Sanyo Eneloop). You CAN use a “lithium” disposable battery though. They market these for use in cameras and electronic devices and tend to have higher capacity than an alkaline battery. Last updated: Sat, Sep 21 2013 3:20 pm EDT
Where are these lights being manufactured?
These lights will be manufactured by a reputable flashlight company in China. There is more info within the campaign under the section “The Challenge: Making a lot of Beta-QR Lights.” I’ve been working with this factory for the last 11 months, and I will be there (already booked a flight) at the end of October, days after the completion of the campaign :) Last updated: Mon, Sep 23 2013 2:03 pm EDT
Will you offer the 3 mode driver in the EN/HAIII/KS Green lights…or only for the copper?
For this campaign, the 3 mode is only offered in the copper light. Normally this might be a stretch goal, but timing a holiday delivery will already be tight, so it is not feasible to increase the complexity and scope of the project at this time. If the campaign does well overall, I am considering offering a “pill” that is user swapable and may feature different driver modes and/or LED types. A “pill” is flashlight lingo for an assembly consisting of LED, driver, and the heat sink that holds the two together. Last updated: Sat, Sep 21 2013 1:51 pm EDT
Do all the different flashlights come with a brass Quick Release?
Yes, that’s correct. All of the QR’s are brass (just like in the photos) and will not be color coded to the lights. Last updated: Sat, Sep 21 2013 3:15 pm EDT
Which finish is the most durable?
Any metal finish will wear over time, especially when carried with other metal objects. The copper will nick and scratch, but since it’s solid copper it will always look like copper. The HAIII is extremely hard and durable, but when it does wear off, it will have a very light grey color underneath. The EN is very durable but very thin. It will nick and scratch, but when it wears off it will be harder to tell because the underlying metal is a similar color. Last updated: Sat, Sep 21 2013 4:35 pm EDT
Will the Copper and Electroless Nickel exhibit patina (tarnish) over time?
Yes, both finishes will patina when in contact with the natural acids and oils from daily use. However, each light will take on a patina that is unique to each user and the life they lead. In either case, the bright finish can be restored by a silver polishing cloth or similar metal polish. Never use abrasive cleaners! Last updated: Sun, Sep 22 2013 3:31 pm EDT
Will you offer the same warranty as on your custom made lights?
You bet. I stand by my products and the Beta-QR will be protected by the same lifetime warranty. This excludes the LED, electronic driver, glass window, and the QR mechanism itself. These are all considered “wear items” and are covered for a period of 1 year. If one of those components fail after 1 year has elapsed, you may return the light and it will be repaired (if possible) or replaced for a reasonable fee. Last updated: Sun, Sep 22 2013 3:28 pm EDT
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