Hooked on Fenix
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Dec 13, 2007
- Messages
- 3,735
Any chance the clip will be sold separately as a fix for the first generation TIP with the power drain issues?
*2017* Nitecore tip
- Thread starter Chaitanya
- Start date
NitecoreStore
Enlightened
We received the TIP-2017 a few days ago and have had some time to play with it.
My experience are
1. 30 seconds is a long time. I usually only use the light for 10-20 seconds. When I do need it to run longer time (I was installing a video card for my PC), a quick click after the light shuts off automatically sets the light to Constant on for the duration.
2. The Clip is very nice and easy to slide on/off. It does not add much volume to the light and covers the micro USB port perfectly. If you put the clip on the back side of the light, the height of the clamp reduces (but not eliminates) the chance of accidental activation. If you put the clip on the same side of the switch it will cover both buttons. You can still turn on the light (but not accidentally) by pressing down the middle of the clip. It gives you a "clicky" feel like a regular flashlight with a tail cap switch.-- some people might even like to carry it this way.
3. I haven't decided whether I should set it to "Daily 30" or "Constant on" mode for everyday carrying. It takes some time to get used it to the psychological factor that the light will automatically shut off after a certain time. But in real use, it never interferes anything unless you start to nervously count it down. Or you can press both buttons and permanently set it to "Constant on" mode.
4. If you still like the Lockout feature, the old TIP is available until the inventory is sold out.
My experience are
1. 30 seconds is a long time. I usually only use the light for 10-20 seconds. When I do need it to run longer time (I was installing a video card for my PC), a quick click after the light shuts off automatically sets the light to Constant on for the duration.
2. The Clip is very nice and easy to slide on/off. It does not add much volume to the light and covers the micro USB port perfectly. If you put the clip on the back side of the light, the height of the clamp reduces (but not eliminates) the chance of accidental activation. If you put the clip on the same side of the switch it will cover both buttons. You can still turn on the light (but not accidentally) by pressing down the middle of the clip. It gives you a "clicky" feel like a regular flashlight with a tail cap switch.-- some people might even like to carry it this way.
3. I haven't decided whether I should set it to "Daily 30" or "Constant on" mode for everyday carrying. It takes some time to get used it to the psychological factor that the light will automatically shut off after a certain time. But in real use, it never interferes anything unless you start to nervously count it down. Or you can press both buttons and permanently set it to "Constant on" mode.
4. If you still like the Lockout feature, the old TIP is available until the inventory is sold out.
Blackbeard
Enlightened
wondering if this is a chicken/egg thing as it almost looks like the original tip was designed with those indents to accept a clip, but they scrapped it and brought it back to solve some issues? not sure, but im pretty happy with my winter edition tip, so also wondering if u can buy clip
Desdinova
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Jan 29, 2015
- Messages
- 31
Why in the world Nitecore doesn't just add a raised ridge around the buttons, instantly making them recessed, is a mystery to me. Such a simple fix for such a HUGE problem. After three accidental activations (resulting in a dead light) and one accidental lockout from carrying in the front pocket of loose cargo shorts, I had to give up on the TIP. Sad, too. I really liked the light. TIP 2017, a swing and a miss. Come on, 2018:confused:
Desdinova, you beat me to it. Adding a ridge around the buttons would make a world of difference--I've seen that on other "stuff" (not necessarily flashlights). I don't use lockout, but eliminating it sounds like a BAD idea. I wouldn't use the clip either, so the 2017 model is out for me. My first generation TIP gets fairly regular use, and I've had no problems so far with a dead light, BUT I've had multiple accidental activations... How I miss the Photon Rex--not as bright, but in the many years I used that light, I don't recall even a single incidence of accidental activation--I'd still be using that light, but alas! my light gave out, and it's been long since discontinued.
Mr Baz
Newly Enlightened
- Joined
- Dec 24, 2016
- Messages
- 120
I don't have a problem with the lock out on the V2 but I agree it would just make sense to adjust the button design. Removing the lock-out isn't really a good design choice.
Nitecore rarely take ideas on-board it's just how they seem to operate they don't even respond to customer issues either had that one a few times. Despite that they are capable of making a decent product sometimes. I find other makers much more receptive to suggestions and critique. I think the company relies too heavily on their brand name
NitecoreStore
Enlightened
Yes. We have the clip available at $2.99 as an accessory.
Thank you.
BTW For those of us that still have the first generation lights, can they be exchanged for the new Tip or only the V2 Tip?
I bought a couple of these new Tips and like them quite a bit. I like the new UI. It would be nice if the auto turn off time was programmable, 30 sec, 45 sec, or 60 sec, something like that.
Auto off... A new use for me is I can Velcro a Tip in a kitchen dark cabinet, turn it on to find what I'm looking for knowing it will turn itself off. They basically easily light up a deep bottom cabinet.
Also the new clip allows mounting to a hat.
Really, after buying about 10 Tips, I was not a fan of V1, but I'm liking this new Tip.
Auto off... A new use for me is I can Velcro a Tip in a kitchen dark cabinet, turn it on to find what I'm looking for knowing it will turn itself off. They basically easily light up a deep bottom cabinet.
Also the new clip allows mounting to a hat.
Really, after buying about 10 Tips, I was not a fan of V1, but I'm liking this new Tip.
LightObsession
Flashlight Enthusiast
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2004
- Messages
- 1,385
Excellent, I'll likely buy a couple of those.
GPB
Enlightened
So....I'm confused and know you guys will clear it up for me. ( I used to frequent the forum but drifted away ) I just picked up one of these on Amazon and I'm trying to figure out how many versions there are....is there a V1,V2 and a 2017 version ??? or is the second version the same as the 2017 version ? Thanks in advance.
Timothybil
Flashlight Enthusiast
V1 and V2 refer to the original release of the Tip. V1 has a problem where when the light was placed in lockout the parasitic drain increased dramatically, to the point of draining the light in a couple of weeks. The most obvious indicator is that when it is put in lockout, the mode button flashes red once. In V2, the red flash goes away, and the parasitic drain problem in lockout is fixed as well. I currently have a V2 in lockout that his been that way for almost three months, and when I take it out of lockout it still shows at least 50% for the battery level indicator.
The 2017 version doesn't have the lockout problem, has added a plastic clip (also available separately and that can be used on the original Tips as well) that can protect the switch from accide\ntal activation. It also added more features to the modes, as there is now a way to program it so that no matter what mode it is in, it will turn off after 30 seconds.
There may still be some V1 Tips in the pipeline somewhere, but if you order from a reputable outfit like Nitecore Store, you should only get the V2 if you order the original Tip.
moldyoldy
Flashlight Enthusiast
fwiw:
I waited months before purchasing any TIP. have been burned too often by debugging new products.
now I have 2x 220L CRI TIPs, plus a Blue/Green 360L TIP, plus a 360L 2017 TIP.
- My 2x 220L CRI TIP copies have not demonstrated a lockout drainage over about a month. Maybe I received a V2, without mention of "Winter Edition".
Noting also that one TIP had the switch boot reversed (Mode <-> On).
In the process of disassembling the TIP, I discovered that one screw slot was stripped. it did not appear that the box had been opened.
I reversed the switch rubber boot and applied some Loctite 242 to the stripped screw slot.
Manufacturing quality control?
- The Blue/Green 360L TIP U/I functions identically with the 220L CRI TIPs, save for the output levels and 'whiter' LED beam color. The 219B LED has a nice output color!
- The 360L TIP 2017 with the slider cover:
-- The switching U/I methodology of 30sec vs continuous output will be a challenge to remember which mode I left it in. I do not like being left in the dark!
maybe I will get used to it.....
-- The clip is, uh, well, another something to become used to, unfortunately the original TIP was already a shade large for keychain use. I understand the design intent, but....
EXCEPTION: all previous TIP versions prior to 2017 version allowed the user to press & hold the mode button to change to a turbo output which remained on for ~30 secs.
-- not so the 2017 version that I just received.
-- The 2017 version treats the turbo output as a momentary press output. release the mode button and the turbo output reverts back to the former output. ugh.
not my way of thinking.
-- in the 2017 TIP, the only time the turbo output will be maintained without holding the mode switch down is when the mode switch is pressed/held briefly from an off condition. in this case, the output remains at turbo - no 30sec drop-back. There is a slow output drop as the light warms up.
well, at least I have a constant turbo output.
>>>Otherwise, any light with any output that is dependent on holding a switch is either not purchased or immediately returned.<<<
summary:
I will purchase more of the original TIP, especially the 220L CRI version. I especially like the beam color.
I will not return the 2017 TIP, but I will not purchase any more for anyone. the U/I would be baffling to an average flashlight user.
The TIP itself is a bit on the large side for keychain usage, but the features and output are nice for a keychain light.
I waited months before purchasing any TIP. have been burned too often by debugging new products.
now I have 2x 220L CRI TIPs, plus a Blue/Green 360L TIP, plus a 360L 2017 TIP.
- My 2x 220L CRI TIP copies have not demonstrated a lockout drainage over about a month. Maybe I received a V2, without mention of "Winter Edition".
Noting also that one TIP had the switch boot reversed (Mode <-> On).
In the process of disassembling the TIP, I discovered that one screw slot was stripped. it did not appear that the box had been opened.
I reversed the switch rubber boot and applied some Loctite 242 to the stripped screw slot.
Manufacturing quality control?
- The Blue/Green 360L TIP U/I functions identically with the 220L CRI TIPs, save for the output levels and 'whiter' LED beam color. The 219B LED has a nice output color!
- The 360L TIP 2017 with the slider cover:
-- The switching U/I methodology of 30sec vs continuous output will be a challenge to remember which mode I left it in. I do not like being left in the dark!
maybe I will get used to it.....
-- The clip is, uh, well, another something to become used to, unfortunately the original TIP was already a shade large for keychain use. I understand the design intent, but....
EXCEPTION: all previous TIP versions prior to 2017 version allowed the user to press & hold the mode button to change to a turbo output which remained on for ~30 secs.
-- not so the 2017 version that I just received.
-- The 2017 version treats the turbo output as a momentary press output. release the mode button and the turbo output reverts back to the former output. ugh.
not my way of thinking.
-- in the 2017 TIP, the only time the turbo output will be maintained without holding the mode switch down is when the mode switch is pressed/held briefly from an off condition. in this case, the output remains at turbo - no 30sec drop-back. There is a slow output drop as the light warms up.
well, at least I have a constant turbo output.
>>>Otherwise, any light with any output that is dependent on holding a switch is either not purchased or immediately returned.<<<
summary:
I will purchase more of the original TIP, especially the 220L CRI version. I especially like the beam color.
I will not return the 2017 TIP, but I will not purchase any more for anyone. the U/I would be baffling to an average flashlight user.
The TIP itself is a bit on the large side for keychain usage, but the features and output are nice for a keychain light.
moldyoldy
Flashlight Enthusiast
update on my single copy of the 2017 TIP 360L:
- I have come to terms with the 'daily mode'. I use it as a lockout. nothing more.
if the light turns on by accident while in the 'lockout mode', it turns itself off after 30 sec. almost the same as a true lockout.
- the Nitecore solution to the problem of the light turning off in 30 sec was to click the button again which put the light briefly into the 'constant-on' mode, until turned off, whereupon it switches back to the 'daily mode'. My problem with that solution is my usage pattern. I often turn on a light and put it down with the beam on the area of interest. so when the light switches off, I am left in the dark groping for the light. and if I am too slow in finding it in the dark, all that happens is that another 30 sec timeout is started. grrrr.
The clip has yet to find a usage. maybe only to cover the USB port while bouncing around in the center console of my Auto.
on the plus side, the runtime on the built-in battery is decent. a welcome change from the TUBE light and actually a challenge to many small CR123 lights or AA lights when operated with similar outputs.
- I have come to terms with the 'daily mode'. I use it as a lockout. nothing more.
if the light turns on by accident while in the 'lockout mode', it turns itself off after 30 sec. almost the same as a true lockout.
- the Nitecore solution to the problem of the light turning off in 30 sec was to click the button again which put the light briefly into the 'constant-on' mode, until turned off, whereupon it switches back to the 'daily mode'. My problem with that solution is my usage pattern. I often turn on a light and put it down with the beam on the area of interest. so when the light switches off, I am left in the dark groping for the light. and if I am too slow in finding it in the dark, all that happens is that another 30 sec timeout is started. grrrr.
The clip has yet to find a usage. maybe only to cover the USB port while bouncing around in the center console of my Auto.
on the plus side, the runtime on the built-in battery is decent. a welcome change from the TUBE light and actually a challenge to many small CR123 lights or AA lights when operated with similar outputs.
No one is mentioning nor can I find any posts online about an odd issue I've found. While I really like the way the TIP's buttons are UI programmed, the manual clearly states that while in the TURBO mode the light will time out and shut OFF after 30 seconds, to protect the light from overheating. And while in the "daily" mode this is true in ALL modes, but in manual mode, on both my models, you can turn on TURBO mode, and it will stay in that mode and NOT shut OFF! While that maybe a PLUS, depending on how you view it, it certainly goes against what the manual states as a safety 30 second timeout to shutoff to protect from overheating. You can feel the LED front section get very HOT in under a minute, personally I'm not going to be testing this TURBO mode for 30 minutes to find out how hot it can get, or MELT components at!
OPINIONS?
NitecoreStore
Enlightened
Can you check where you see "the light will time out and shut off after 30 seconds to protect it from overheating"?
The TIP 2017 has two modes: the daily mode where the output shuts off after 30 seconds, and the regular mode where the light stays out as long as needed. The daily mode is mainly designed to reduce the battery depletion in accidental activation. Its purpose is not to prevent the overheating.
The TIP 2017 does have its ATR overheating protection circuit where it adjusts the output if the temperature gets too high. We have tested the light on for more than 30 minutes without any issue.
Latest posts
-
-
-
-
-
-
For Sale - Flashlight Tactical NYX SunDrop- Latest: K2-bk-bl-rd
-
-
-
