Timothybil
Flashlight Enthusiast
I wouldn't worry about it. It takes a deliberate push to activate the switch, and even if it did happen accidentally, since the single push turns the light on in 1 lumen mode, it won't drain the battery right away.
Nitecore Tube
- Thread starter Ryp
- Start date
Hondo
Flashlight Enthusiast
PWM is kind of low frequency when it comes on low, like ~200 Hz, but as soon as you ramp to a higher mode, it is much higher, like 2000+ Hz, nice.
I really like the rechargeable aspect also. But I am not sure how well it will pan out over the years. I have had the same 2032 in my Photon Freedom for over six years. Not real bright, but does what I need it to. My RC helicopter 150 mAh Li-Po started to lose most of its capacity after about one year. This uses a smaller 100 mAh Li-Po cell. On the plus side, I got a sack of 10 replacement batteries for the copter for $20 shipped. I am sure it is equally easy to get these smaller ones, courtesy of the micro RC community, (just found 2 for $4 shipped on the 'bay) and it is just two solder points to replace it.
"My big question is: how likely is the light to come on in your pocket?"
Not at all likely, it is a substantial, firm click on the switch. Now, put it in with other items, sit down and jam something else against the switch, and sure, it can come on. Good news is if it is held down for a bit, it will be in momentary high, and will go off when released. If it takes a quick tap, it is locked on in low, which will run for 48 hours. Bottom line, I think it takes similar force to the Photon Freedom to come on.
Quick comparison of pluses between the Tube and Freedom:
Freedom:
- smaller/lighter
- can go lower
Tube:
- can go MUCH brighter
- rechargeable
- a bit more to hold on to, Freedom can be a bit too small to keep track of at times
I think this is the first BIG introduction in this style of key chain light in years.
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Timothybil
Flashlight Enthusiast
Yes, there is PWM. As Hondo stated, it is not very noticeable, and not low frequency. I sat with my trusty tabletop fan and watched as my Tube ramped up again and again. All I saw was the 'wagon spoke' effect which changed speed as the light ramped up. I never saw any frozen blades or anything like that, so I doubt that those of you are are sensitive to lower freq PWM will even notice.
NoNotAgain
Flashlight Enthusiast
The switch requires a bit of pressure to activate. (guessing 50-75 inch pounds) It's possible to activate in the pocket, but if turned on defaults to low not high.
Low is claimed to run for 48 hours, so unless you keep your pants on for a couple of days in a row, you'll be safe.
Timothybil
Flashlight Enthusiast
Well, I had a chance to test the throw of my Tube tonight. The next door neighbor's house is 20 yards away, and it lit up the side enough to be useful. I could see a bush on the other side of his yard at about 35 yards, but not enough to make out any detail. Rather surprising actually. I didn't expect it to throw that far given how much the beam spreads.
kj2
Flashaholic
Received mine today. Simple UI and the plastic feels quite sturdy. Do wonder how longer the rubber usb-cover will hold-up. Charging it right now :)
Richwouldnt
Enlightened
Got mine several days ago and not impressed. I much prefer the now discontinued LRI Rex as it has a much warmer output as well as a much higher Lux beam compared to the Nitecore light. The Nitecore uses a very cool output LED with too much blue in it for my taste. The LRI is a larger volume light but to me it has much superior output. The Nitecore does have the brightest 5mm LED I have seen but the output is just too cold and bluish in color temperature.
This was the information I was looking for. Thanks
Does the ReX have a lower low, light setting than the Tube? How would you compare the user interface between the two. Might the Tube come on accidentally, more easily, than the LRI ReX?
kj2
Flashaholic
Compared with my Fenix LD02, the Tube is indeed blue. For the size it has power, and charging via usb is great. And as mentioned before, nice (and cheap) as Christmas gift.
GaryM
Newly Enlightened
I've received my two a few days ago and I'm very satisfied for the price of $5 each.
Richwouldnt
Enlightened
IMO equally likely to come on in the pocket. My Rex has never done so. Tube has no memory so always comes on at lowest while the Rex had memory so comes on at the level it was at when turned off with a quick switch press though a long press turns it on at minimum. A long press on the Nitecore turns it on at maximum in momentary mode, it stays on only while the switch is pressed. Ramping functions are similar though, hold switch down to ramp. LRI blinks at max and minimum points so easier to adjust. Also ramps up and down while the Nitecore ramps from min to max then jumps back to min. To my eye the Rex minimum is lower than the Nitecore. As I noted earlier I prefer the Rex but it is discontinued. Also costs a lot more.
As someone else noted the cover for the USB port on the Nitecore looks to me like it will have a relatively short life expectancy.
thedoc007
Flashlight Enthusiast
I've heard that on every Nitecore light that has a rubber cover...P25, TM15, TM26, TM36, and several others. I can't say that it is super tough...but as long as you treat it carefully, I think it will last just fine. I haven't had any trouble with it, nor have I heard anyone else who has.
I ordered two "black" in HK.
Swede74
Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2011
- Messages
- 577
Nitecore TUBE - a brief overview.
The TUBE is a small, rechargeable light from Nitecore. 56 mm long, it is less than 1 cm shorter than the Fenix E05, and actually slightly longer than Foursevens's Atom A0. It is however very light, and certainly not bulky, especially when considering it has a micro USB port for charging.
Official specifications:
Features
High performance LED produces 45 lumen on
high
Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery provides a
runtime of up to 48 hours
Integrated intelligent Li-ion battery charging
circuit (micro USB charging port)
Single multi-stage switch offers access to all
functions via one-handed control
Features two brightness levels and infinitely
variable output mode
Features extremely wide 100° flawless beam
to light up peripheral vision
Constructed from durable Polycarbonate
materials
Dual metal key ring connector withstands up to
77lbs (35 kg)
Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
Extremely lightweight, compact and portable
Dimensions:
2.22” x 0.83” x 0.31” (56.5mm x 21mm x 8mm)
Weight:
0.34oz (9.6 gram) (with battery)
Accessories:
Key ring
The light comes in a plastic/cardboard blister container, the kind you need a pair of scissors to open. Specifications are printed on the cardboard, and those familiar with Nitecore packaging will instantly recognize the black and yellow theme.
The only accessories are two small split rings.
My overall impression is that this is a reasonably sturdy light, but it may have a couple of weak spots: the USB port cover is attached to the body by a very thin piece of rubber that could probably be torn off quite easily, or worn out by grinding against keys or other objects on a keychain or in your pocket. The other potential Achilles heel is the hard, inflexible plastic the body is made of; while I have no reason to doubt the light would withstand a drop from 1.5 m, as claimed by Nitecore in the specifications, I am not so sure it would fare well if a heavy object were placed on it. Of course any light will be damaged if subjected to rough enough treatment.
I have just completed a runtime test, and after running the light continuously on high for 60 minutes, there is still a noticeable difference between high and low. In my estimation the output on high is now ~5 lumens. (to my eyes roughly the same output as the Zebralight SC62d on M2 (6.6lm))
The light has an additional blue LED to indicate charging. This LED is turned off when charging is completed. Even though the TUBE has an ”intelligent protective circuit” that ”ceases charging automatically when power level reaches 100%” I don't recommend leaving the light unattended during charging, or charging it overnight.
One thing that sets the TUBE apart from many other keychain lights is the user interface. For a light of this size and at this price point, it is relatively advanced. A single button gives you access to low, high, user selectable output and momentary on (high).
For operating instructions, go to http://www.nitecore.com/UploadFile/Files/download/1-1_TUBE_UM_en.pdf
Gallery:
Clicking on the link below takes you to a short video (hosted by tinypic.com) that shows the infinitely variable brightness mode.
View My Video
The TUBE is a small, rechargeable light from Nitecore. 56 mm long, it is less than 1 cm shorter than the Fenix E05, and actually slightly longer than Foursevens's Atom A0. It is however very light, and certainly not bulky, especially when considering it has a micro USB port for charging.
Official specifications:
Features
High performance LED produces 45 lumen on
high
Built-in rechargeable Li-ion battery provides a
runtime of up to 48 hours
Integrated intelligent Li-ion battery charging
circuit (micro USB charging port)
Single multi-stage switch offers access to all
functions via one-handed control
Features two brightness levels and infinitely
variable output mode
Features extremely wide 100° flawless beam
to light up peripheral vision
Constructed from durable Polycarbonate
materials
Dual metal key ring connector withstands up to
77lbs (35 kg)
Impact resistant to 1.5 meters
Extremely lightweight, compact and portable
Dimensions:
2.22” x 0.83” x 0.31” (56.5mm x 21mm x 8mm)
Weight:
0.34oz (9.6 gram) (with battery)
Accessories:
Key ring
The light comes in a plastic/cardboard blister container, the kind you need a pair of scissors to open. Specifications are printed on the cardboard, and those familiar with Nitecore packaging will instantly recognize the black and yellow theme.
The only accessories are two small split rings.
My overall impression is that this is a reasonably sturdy light, but it may have a couple of weak spots: the USB port cover is attached to the body by a very thin piece of rubber that could probably be torn off quite easily, or worn out by grinding against keys or other objects on a keychain or in your pocket. The other potential Achilles heel is the hard, inflexible plastic the body is made of; while I have no reason to doubt the light would withstand a drop from 1.5 m, as claimed by Nitecore in the specifications, I am not so sure it would fare well if a heavy object were placed on it. Of course any light will be damaged if subjected to rough enough treatment.
I have just completed a runtime test, and after running the light continuously on high for 60 minutes, there is still a noticeable difference between high and low. In my estimation the output on high is now ~5 lumens. (to my eyes roughly the same output as the Zebralight SC62d on M2 (6.6lm))
The light has an additional blue LED to indicate charging. This LED is turned off when charging is completed. Even though the TUBE has an ”intelligent protective circuit” that ”ceases charging automatically when power level reaches 100%” I don't recommend leaving the light unattended during charging, or charging it overnight.
One thing that sets the TUBE apart from many other keychain lights is the user interface. For a light of this size and at this price point, it is relatively advanced. A single button gives you access to low, high, user selectable output and momentary on (high).
For operating instructions, go to http://www.nitecore.com/UploadFile/Files/download/1-1_TUBE_UM_en.pdf
Gallery:
Clicking on the link below takes you to a short video (hosted by tinypic.com) that shows the infinitely variable brightness mode.
View My Video
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Timothybil
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Nitecore TUBE - a brief overview.
Nice pics. There is a thread over in Budget Lights that has been discussing the Tube since it was first pre-announced.
Nice pics. There is a thread over in Budget Lights that has been discussing the Tube since it was first pre-announced.
GordoJones88
Flashlight Enthusiast
Re: Nitecore TUBE - a brief overview.
I need a pic with a Tube next to another keylight like Photon Freedom Microlight.
I need a pic with a Tube next to another keylight like Photon Freedom Microlight.
Re: Nitecore TUBE - a brief overview.
Thanks for your review.:thumbsup:
Thanks for your review.:thumbsup:
Swede74
Enlightened
- Joined
- Sep 30, 2011
- Messages
- 577
Re: Nitecore TUBE - a brief overview.
Sorry, I don't have a Photon Freedom Microlight, this is the best I can do.
You're welcome! :wave:
Sorry, I don't have a Photon Freedom Microlight, this is the best I can do.
You're welcome! :wave:
