HDS Systems EDC # 19

[the0dore3524]

Hey I see mine! XD

 

[K2-bk-bl-rd]

That rotary with the clip looks familiar. :naughty: I believe it was my EDC for a couple days, which convinced me that I needed an HDS rotary!

 

[indigon]

Ok, I was fortunate to find this old stripped 170 non-neutral clicky model recently on the WTS forum here that uses an Osram Golden Dragon emitter. Probably one of the throwier HDS factory options ever offered, has a very tight beam, quite cool and a little to the green side. My Lee filters came in, so just cut out a #004 Med Amber #151 Gold -updated , and slipped it inside one of my Novatac rubber caps for fun. Fantastic results, great color, this is like a whole new light for a few bucks.
Must have taken all of 2 minutes to do this... (After hunting through and testing a gazillion swatch pages).

Just wanted to thank Hondo and all the others here for reviving the info on how to do this.. Now the real fun begins! -Ron

Edited to add: Update on filters ..

170 OGD ##004 Med Amber #151 Gold -updated
325 XP-L #774 Soft Amber Key 1 -winner!
250 XP-G2 #775 Soft Amber Key 2 -winner!
120 OGDP #152 Pale Gold -updated

200 HiCRI - No action taken, base reference.
140 Nichia 219A - No action taken.
170N Nichia 219B - #506 Marlene -updated

(Novatac Cap https://www.flashlightlens.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=hds_novatac_cap

(Flashlight Lenses https://www.flashlightlens.com/index.php?app=cms&ns=display&ref=apps_specs

(Lee Filters USA http://www.shop.leefiltersusa.com/Swatch-Book-Numeric-Edition-SWBN.htm

(The filter thread http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?320811-Changing-LED-Tint-With-Filters

 

[the0dore3524]

Yup the Golden Dragon emitters are much throwier than the current product offerings...

 

[K2-bk-bl-rd]

Just a quick question for you veteran HDS rotary owners. When I turn the dial clockwise, to increase brightness, it turns smoothly, and all is well. But if I turn it counter-clockwise, to reduce output, I can feel and sorta hear a clicking as it moves over each output level. It's not really that noticeable, but I wanted to make sure it was normal. I did notice it on the rotary that I borrowed a while back, so I figured it was probably ok.

 

[indigon]

None of mine do that. Have one old raised button rotary in that the push button clicks really loud, every other button I have is basically silent when pushed.
I call it tactile feedback, drives everyone nuts.

 

[emarkd]

I've never heard mine (although I guess I've never really put it close to my ear and tried) but I can definitely feel the mechanism in mine when I turn it. Its subtle, but its there. I don't think its anything to worry about. The tails of these lights have mechanical contacts, little golden fingers that ride on a bed of golden pads. So yeah you can sorta feel them sliding on and off of those pads.

Also that stripped aluminum light looks fantastic. Since I'll probably never own a Ti one, maybe that's the next best thing. Now I've just gotta work up the nerve to try it...

 

[ven]

+1

Looks nothing short of amazing imho, love it!!!! Go naked or go home:naughty:

 

[redryder]

Normal. I have a rotary just like yours. I emailed Henry and he had me send it in to look at it. He returned it and it was the same. Strangely, I have/had 2 other rotaries and they didn't make noise.

Just a quick question for you veteran HDS rotary owners. When I turn the dial clockwise, to increase brightness, it turns smoothly, and all is well. But if I turn it counter-clockwise, to reduce output, I can feel and sorta hear a clicking as it moves over each output level. It's not really that noticeable, but I wanted to make sure it was normal. I did notice it on the rotary that I borrowed a while back, so I figured it was probably ok.

 

[FroggyTaco]

Disappointment is wanting a flood reflector which is a little over $42, then go to check out and shipping is $75 on top!!!! I need some diffuser film ...............

Unless something has changed, I believe you can order the flood reflector from someone like Hogo's store & he doesn't require express mail for Intl. orders unless that "policy" has changed.

 

[ven]

Thanks for the info Froggy

 

[FroggyTaco]

I own a handful of current gen rotaries & at least one of them exhibited a similar sound when new. What I think the noise is the sounds of the grease in th threads interacting with air & the threads themselves.

After enough use either the air is no longer getting trapped between the grease or some of the excess grease has been pushed out of the threads making the twist action smoother & quieter.

One technique that I tried was to just twist the dial back & forth like a fidget device while web surfing to "break-in" the dial threads. The friction allowed everything to warm up a bit which I'm presuming allowed the grease to go where it needed to go!

I've never heard mine (although I guess I've never really put it close to my ear and tried) but I can definitely feel the mechanism in mine when I turn it. Its subtle, but its there. I don't think its anything to worry about. The tails of these lights have mechanical contacts, little golden fingers that ride on a bed of golden pads. So yeah you can sorta feel them sliding on and off of those pads.

Also that stripped aluminum light looks fantastic. Since I'll probably never own a Ti one, maybe that's the next best thing. Now I've just gotta work up the nerve to try it...

Just a quick question for you veteran HDS rotary owners. When I turn the dial clockwise, to increase brightness, it turns smoothly, and all is well. But if I turn it counter-clockwise, to reduce output, I can feel and sorta hear a clicking as it moves over each output level. It's not really that noticeable, but I wanted to make sure it was normal. I did notice it on the rotary that I borrowed a while back, so I figured it was probably ok.

None of mine do that. Have one old raised button rotary in that the push button clicks really loud, every other button I have is basically silent when pushed.
I call it tactile feedback, drives everyone nuts.

Normal. I have a rotary just like yours. I emailed Henry and he had me send it in to look at it. He returned it and it was the same. Strangely, I have/had 2 other rotaries and they didn't make noise.

 

[ven]

Couple of rough n ready pics
120e(press/hold for high)

200 hi cri

 

[emarkd]

I own a handful of current gen rotaries & at least one of them exhibited a similar sound when new. What I think the noise is the sounds of the grease in th threads interacting with air & the threads themselves.

After enough use either the air is no longer getting trapped between the grease or some of the excess grease has been pushed out of the threads making the twist action smoother & quieter.

There's probably something to this. Mine break in too, getting smoother with some use. But they're never as smooth as a magnetic ring controller on other lights, because they're mechanical. It's fine though, and like others I even kinda like the "feedback" from the tail. It feels like I'm more connected to the machine in a way, like driving a car with a good manual gearbox.

 

[indigon]

...After enough use either the air is no longer getting trapped between the grease or some of the excess grease has been pushed out of the threads making the twist action smoother & quieter.

One technique that I tried was to just twist the dial back & forth like a fidget device while web surfing to "break-in" the dial threads. The friction allowed everything to warm up a bit which I'm presuming allowed the grease to go where it needed to go!

+1
Great tip, I also found this works well if you wind up with a rotary dial that is a little on the tight/stiff side... -Ron

 

[INFRNL]

Just an update.
Placed my order for 2 rotaries on 2-1, shipped 2-8, delivers today.

Bad news is I'm out of town for the next couple weeks with packages waiting for me at home.

Maybe, I'll get lucky and get to swing by the house before then.

 

[N8N]

I realize that this is probably the wrong place to post because I know what the answer will be but I could use an opinion.

My EDC for the past few years has been a VN modded Sunwayman V11R. I used the crap out of that light, but it's broken and Vinh apparently doesn't have the driver anymore.

Am considering buying either a stock V11R as a replacement but part of me is thinking that I could also get a high CRI Rotary.

Is it really worth the extra $$$? I'd want a pocket/belt clip as well so we're talking $35 vs. $300 for the HDC. But part of me says I'll be carrying it every day for hopefully years, so...

 

[wacbzz]

I realize that this is probably the wrong place to post because I know what the answer will be but I could use an opinion.

My EDC for the past few years has been a VN modded Sunwayman V11R. I used the crap out of that light, but it's broken and Vinh apparently doesn't have the driver anymore.

Am considering buying either a stock V11R as a replacement but part of me is thinking that I could also get a high CRI Rotary.

Is it really worth the extra $$$? I'd want a pocket/belt clip as well so we're talking $35 vs. $300 for the HDC. But part of me says I'll be carrying it every day for hopefully years, so...

It seems that most, if not all, VN lights are modded for power, as in, "Look how bright this tiny light can be!" If that is why you purchased and used the VN light, you will be greatly disappointed in the HDS 200 lumen light, regardless of its color rendering capabilities. The magnetic control ring on the V11r is absolutely nothing like the rotary dial on the HDS; don't be disillusioned that they are alike. Also, don't buy into the "go ahead and spend the ~ $300 because if you don't like it, you can sell it for 'close' to what you paid for it" hyperbole that you're bound to hear here...why spend the money in the first place for a light that is nothing like the light you've been carrying for - as you put it - "the past few years" anyway, just to satisify an expensive itch?

Even the stock V11r and the HDS HCRI are unalike in more ways than they are alike.

If, however, you, after carrying the V11r for years, are now ready to go for a much dimmer but better coloring rendering flashlight that can withstand all of your extra cirruculal activities like caving, rock climbing and general close encounters with explosions, the HDS may be worth a try.

Besides, if you find the HDS isn't for you, you can always sell it here for close to what you paid for it.

 

[emarkd]

Am considering buying either a stock V11R as a replacement but part of me is thinking that I could also get a high CRI Rotary.

Is it really worth the extra $$$?

You're really asking for a personal opinion here, and you may not agree with me once you have the lights in your hand. Its possible that the V11r is the perfect light for you and that you won't find the Rotary as compelling as some of us do. But since you asked, I have both a V11r and a Rotary. My Rotary gets some use at least every few days. My V11r is a dust collector. I still like the light and couldn't bring myself to part with it for some reason, but I don't use it. Ever.

One upside to trying a Rotary is that they're really easy to sell if you don't care for it. Second-hand HDS sales go quickly, and for good money. If you find a used one to buy and try you could probably flip it for the same you paid. You'll lose a bit on a new one, but it wouldn't be much. So you really don't have much to lose by trying it yourself, apart from a bit of time and effort.

 

[ven]

Short answer is simply YES.

I have a v11r with 219c and very fond of it, the infinite UI is great,love the 16340 body (over the 14500) . The rotary is not a notch up in build..................its several. Its not going to blow your socks off with "only" 200lm, but the beam quality, hot spot focus and nice useful spill all adds up to a fantastic beam. The 200lm is honesty does sound underwhelming, but its a solid 200lm and it does appear brighter than you would think . In fact i have it dialed back a bit, 200lm is often too much for me and my typical use/s. The rotary is near on perfection, the build is 2nd to none and a tank of a light. Any issue(all be it rarer than hens teeth in rocking horse *beep*, Henry will back it up years down the line.
I would say zero risk, if you do not like it(unlikely), you could sell it same day within minutes in the WTS thread................

If not already, have a read up on what goes into the HDS, how its developed over the years...............that in its self is astonishing.

That was the moderate answer, will save any long answers for others