Hi PhillyRube,
The project is still in the works, but has hit a snag - economics. I am building these mostly as a serious hobby, not really for profit. I am pricing them fairly close to break even on the parts to build each unit, so I am absorbing all of the development costs as "hobby money". I don't have a problem with this appoach, as it makes sure that I don't take anyone's money until I am really confident in what is shipping.
It was supposed to be sort of a gift to police officers, being able to buy something like this, at it's real parts cost.
The challenge I have though, is that I have about $ 2,500 in development costs so far, and about another $ 1,000 to go. (this is real cash out the door, not including my time) My "hobbies" are all pretty much on hold as I am only working part time right now. The last $ 1,000 will give me 2 - 3 working protos, assuming that it all really does work, which is "should", but I can't be 100% "certain". That is why I am unsure about how to come up with funding for the last portion of the development until I get a second income going.
If you have some ideas, I am all ears.
As far as battery packs, if you have the 5 x 1/2 D pack, I am pretty sure that the same pack works with the similar mag charger light. They released a higher capacity pack, but I have not tried it out yet.
http://www.maglite.com/rechargeable.asp
For this particular drop-in, I like to have both rechargeable and primary cell based solutions, so I designed it to accept almost anything that can drop into a 3 D configuration, example:
- 9 x AA holder
- The standard 5 x 1/2 D pack
- 3 x protected LiIons
- and if we are lucky, it might even work on 3 x D NiMH, although that one is a real push as the voltage is pretty low
I expect that only the 5 x 1/2 D combo will work with the cradle charger though.
Sorry for the delay, it is just a matter of getting some more consulting projects.
Take care,
Harry