AR Sponsor
Posted: 2/16/2012 11:49:55 AM EDT
Do you use a pressure switch with your light on your AR?
Is it possible or practical to just use the end cap button on a light rather than a pressure switch?
The reason I ask is I just bought a ThruNite Scorpion 3 light. It has awesome specks and I found a place with a really good daily special on it ( today) $99 shipped (http://www.aimkon.com/catalog/product/thrunite-scorpion/), however I am having trouble locating a remote pressure switch for it. •Cree XM-L (T) LED with a lifespan of 50,000 hours •Over 750 OFT (Out the Front) lumen's •605 hours runtime in Firefly Mode (0.2 lumen) •2.5 hours runtime in Strobe Mode (Hz, 750 lumen's) •Uses 2 x V CARA batteries (Lithium) or 1 x 18650 rechargeable battery (Li-ion) •Maximum drive current of 3A for 1 minute •2.5A under normal operation at 89% output •Patent-pending anti-rattle design that accommodates both kinds of batteries without the need of spacers or adapters •Dimensions: Length- 6.46 in (164 mm), Body Diameter- 0.98 in (25 mm), Head Diameter- 1.38 in (35 mm) •Weight: 5.4 oz (159.7 g) (without batteries) •Reverse polarity protection, to protect from improper battery installation •Battery low indication system •when battery voltage gets to 2.9V it will detect the is battery low and shut off at 2.7V •Tail cap twist ring for five different stage application respectively: ◦Lock Out ◦Infinite Brightness with memory ◦Firefly ◦Momentary Strobe ◦Momentary On •Made of durable aircraft-grade aluminum •Premium Type III hard-anodized anti-abrasive finish •Toughened ultra-clear glass lens with anti-reflective coating •Removable clip •Removable crenellated stainless steel bezel •Generous knurling throughout surfaces ensures good grip •Smooth reflector (30mm diameter •24mm depth) gives perfect beam and excellent throw •A tactical switch is fully exposed in the tailcap for easy access, even when wearing gloves •Package Includes: lanyard, holster, and spare o-rings Modes and Operation The Scorpion features a unique five stage UI with a twist ring on the tail cap. The ring rotates from left to right for the following modes: Lock out, Infinite Brightness, Firefly, Momentary Strobe, and Momentary On. ◦Lock Out: Prevents accidental activation of the light. This is important when storing or transporting the light, or in situations where accidental activation of a light can be dangerous. To select this mode, turn the light on in Firefly mode. Switch it off but keep the button fully depressed. With the button fully depressed, rotate the ring counter-clockwise to lock out the tailcap ◦Infinite brightness mode: Customize the brightness you want. Press the click and hold, the light will start to ramp in brightness, choose the brightness you want (8% through 89%) and then release, the light will memorize the setting. It will retain this setting for future use on this mode ◦Firefly mode: This mode was specifically designed with the tactical user in mind. It has a very low 0.2 lumen which is perfect for stealth navigation and for map reading without excessive glare to the user ◦Momentary Strobe: This is for tactical applications as well. Press and hold for on, release for off ◦Momentary Function: This is for tactical application where you need short bursts of light. Just hold down the switch for on, release it for off. This mode will always give the max output Improvements for the V3 Version ◦Momentary On and Momentary Strobe now get a kit for brightness. The maximum current driven with 2 x CR123A batteries is 3A. This makes the out-the-front output 750 lumens for 1 minute. The circuit will automatically lower the output to 89% brightness (driven around 2.5A) to keep from damaging the batteries from the high discharge rate. When using a Li-Ion 18650 battery, outputwill be 660 lumens OTF. This maximizes the output when you need it most for quick spurts in tactical situations ◦Different User Interface: By request from the military and tactical users of the original Scorpion, the sequence of the user interface has been changed. The new sequence of modes is: Lock Out, Infinite Brightness, Firefly, Momentary Strobe, and Momentary On ◦The linear brightness ramping has been replaced by logarithmic ramping. This make the ramping look virtually smooth and comfortable to the eye and much easier to set. The ramping time is also shorter, making it more convenient to find the perfect brightness. A reverse ramping function has also been added. If you miss the brightness level you want while going up, just switch it on a again and it will come back down. Now you don抰 have to wait for an entire cycle. The infinite brightness varies from 8%-89% (150mA-2.5A), which gives a full range to choose from to find the perfect amount of light for any situation ◦The current regulation has been changed from PWM (Pulse-Width-Modulation) to Current Control. Though PWM works well, on low modes the flicker can be noticeable. Some people are more sensitive to the flicker of Pulse Width Modulation. With current control, the output is smooth and constant even on the lowest levels Dusty Rivers- LMT MRP CQB, Aimpoint PRO. ThruNite Scorpion V3 |
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I wouldn't want to talk you out of your choice of lights, but for me the twist-to-change-modes thing would be a big negative. Why? Because in a stressful situation, you don't want to be monkeying around with a lot of different settings and different ways of getting to them. A simple "clicky" switch will allow for different modes with a simple press of the switch to cycle through them. With the Scorpion you will be clicking and twisting the unmarked switch trying to find the mode you want, and you might just get shot in the ass while you're doing it.
Just my opinion, but the simplest operating system is usually the best when it comes to tactical gear. Back to your original question, a tape switch is perhaps the most convenient way to operate a light, especially in momentary-on situations. Sure, they can fail, but anything can fail. You might find that fumbling for the tailcap switch in the dark isn't fun, and trying to hold it on (with some flashlights and some mounting locations) while maintaining you weapon at the ready - or shooting - is an awkward exercise. . . |
| all my lights are single mode tail cap switches. I have one surefire with a tape switch and tail cap, but never really use the tape switch. i actually think its easier to use the tail cap. my thumb is already close to it with my shooting style, no extra effort required to bump the switch. |
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The beauty of the selector ring is you can lock off the light so it doesn''t come on when it is in the gun case or range bag. For critical usage you just select the high setting at the same time you are loading your magazine and you are good to go. Just press the end cap switch when you need it. If you are in a low stress environment, or have a need for very low light map reading you can detach and use the same light with the turn of the ring, or you can do it while it is mounted. If you want strobe for home protection, just dial it in and sit you gun in your favorite spot and you are good to go. simple, super bright when you need it or low light when you need it. You just configure the appropriate setting in advance of the situation and leave it alone if and when you need it.
My application is coyotes and hogs, and perhaps the occasional zombie.  look at the 700 lumen's and flexibility $99 bucks. and I did get the dealer to order a remote pressure switch.
Dusty Rivers |
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Quoted:
Having owned several lights that can change modes, I'll tell you they are absolutely worthless as weaponlights. Get something single mode and preferably Surefire. The G2X Tactical makes for an excellent low priced light. Depends on the UI. The 4sevens weaponlights, for example, change mode by angle of head rotation. So if you leave it screwed all the way on, the light will always be in maximum power. If you want it to come on in medium mode, you just loosen the head a few turns. |
| I received the ThruNite Scorpion 3 light today. I mounted it with an offset 1 inch mount. It works great! I just push with my thumb and I have instant 700 lumen's for leaching out in the dark. If I want I can just flick my thumb on the ring mounted on the tail and it is now in strobe mode. I'll probable just run with it on the full power setting. Nothing to fuss with and i have 700 Lum high quality light for $95 on sale. Sure Fire is good, but very high priced to get into this brightness range. I am very pleased with this set up. I do not have to change modes, but I can if I want to. this light is well thought of on the light forums. That is where I got onto this light. To each his own. I am just sharing my personal experience. It works well with the Aimpoint PRO. |
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