i was wonderin what yall thought of the inova microlight and how it compares to the photon

It's a nice light, one of the nicer but larger of those coin lights. If you mean the Photon II, well, hmm, the Inova is a bit better technically but I like the Photon's smaller size and better looks. If you mean the (e.g.) Photon Freedom then it's a much more subjective question, do you want something simple or do you want a computerized light with a lot of features.

All those lights are in the $10 and up range. There are similar lights you can get that are 95% as good for $1.00 or less (example example example). So I don't bother with the expensive ones any more, I buy the cheap ones in 20 or 50 packs and hand them out like candy. They work fine. I even sometimes scrounge the batteries from them to run other lights.

I've had a couple of the Inovas and I like them. They are bright. I've never had a photon, however, so I can't compare to that.

While in Target few weeks ago to pickup the River Rock 4xAA LED lantern, picked up a half-dozen of the Inova Micros for Xmas stocking stuffers. Good price at $6-and-some-change, and they had a variety of LED colors besides white. Of course, got a couple for myself.

They are slightly larger than the Photon. Light output seems comparable. Don't know about battery life; presume comparable. Didn't care much for the metal carry-clip, so replaced with small split ring.

Like the ease of battery replacement when the time comes, and its easy-to-cycle modes. One squeeze between modes starting at off cycles to bright, dim, flashing, and back to off.

thank you guys for the info. i am new to the forum so excuse the simplicity of my questions and the same for answers i may give

Dustin,

My first keychain light was a Photon. It is a decent light with a few limitations. I do not like the exposed LED. Mine cracked and the input plummeted. It had to be retired.

The Inova microlight has been a better solution for me. The LED has much greater protection, so I don't worry about damage. The momentary switch on the Inova seems a bit better. The full "on" switch on the Inova is superior to the Photon IMHO.

The Inova I have does not have the microprocessor chip for various lighting modes. I hope they still have the basic model available. The multiple lighting modes seems a bit gimicky and is just another component waiting to fail. KISS.

I ditched the big metal clip for a smaller split ring on the Inova.

I plan on picking up another keychain light tonight. If Target still sells the basic model Inova, that will be my choice.

Good luck, TR

If you want a durable KISS keychain light I recommend a 1AAA light (Arc AAA, www.arcflashlight.com , or Peak Matterhorn, www.peakledsolutions.com ) over a coin cell light. The AAA lights are metal, built like tanks, waterproof, yet not that much heavier than the coin lights. They run on common AAA cells that are easy to change, and the total light you get per battery is much higher. If you get the Peak unit I recommend the Ultra power configuration.

I bought about 2,500 Inova Microlights to fill a military order for our survival kits and 5% of them were worthless. Some of them had dead batteries, others would turn themselves off and on when you bumped them and several were shipped to me without the batteries in them. The good part was that they replaced all the bad lights- no questions asked.

We have purchased several thousand Photon II's and we just found the first bad one about a month ago (the batteries were low). It was also replaced with no questions asked.

The great thing about owning a survival kit business is that I get samples of just about everything you could ever want in a kit and I have tested just about every microlight available (I have a box full). I have yet to find a worthy replacement for the Photon.

My 2 cents, George

I second PaulR's appreciation of the ARC AAA flashlight. It is my current keychain light. I consider it the near perfect keychain flashlight (only because nothing's perfect, right?).

However, I hesitate on recommending this fine flashlight to non-flashaholics due to the high price tag and long wait time to receive it. The average joe on the street might miss it's fine qualities and not appreciate the price and lead time.

That said, the Gerber Sonic AAA had keyring duty till the ARC arrived. Unless ultimate size and weight are an issue, the Sonic is arguably a better keychain light than the Photon or Inova. My biggest gripe with the Sonic is the exposed LED and the not-so-tight tailcap. So far the LED has not been damaged, but I still worry. Also the exposed LED creates more "spill" (180 degrees) than I like for discreet use. For the loose tail cap (an unfortunately common trait) I ordered a second O ring and butted it up against the existing ring. This provided a good amount of snugness and likely improved the water resistant properties as well. My sonic is now doing duty in my nightstand.

If you really want to immerse yourself in flashlight geekdom, check out:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com .

It is a good group of folks that have an illness only cured by more LUMENS!!!

I still plan on pickin up a red LED Inova to hang on my short-wave radio's lanyard. This allows me to check the dial at night without distrupting my wife's beauty sleep.

Good luck, TR

Just a quick update on my Inova Microlight impressions.

I went to the local Target to check these out. I don't like the new design at all. The original light was simple, reliable and effective. The new model smacks of gimmicky fluff. First off the case is now partially constructed of a clear plastic. This causes the entire case edge to light up when the LED is used. Very cute. “Oooh, look at the case light up”. There are times that I use a small light and I need to do it discreetly. The original design recessed the LED in opaque plastic. The light goes forward and does not light up its own case. I can see no positives to the new case design. It is pure gimmickry.

I really dislike the new microprocessor controlled LED. Why? At a minimum it is another point of failure and just unnecessary. With these little lights, I often turn them on for less than a second (i.e. to verify the frequency of a radio, etc). With the new Inova timing is everything. Too quick on and off the switch and you get some other lighting mode, not the darkened LED you were expecting. I tried it over and over and it was a crap shoot whether I got momentary lighting or some other unwanted lighting mode (flashing etc). Stupid. When I hold a flashlight, I want to be in control of the output. Not some cheesy little microprocessor that calls the shots based on number of clicks or length of press. Again, stupid. The original design was simple, elegant, and effective. The new design is now catering to the typical flaky American consumer that will buy form over function every time.

I can only hope I can still locate some of the older versions to stock up before the hoarders get them.

TR (Bitter about having to buy equipment that is designed for dimwits, dunderheads and easily excited fools).

I'll put a plug in for Doug Ritter's customized Photon Freedom micro light. I've carried one for about three months now and I really really like it.

It is tiny - much smaller than the AAA Arc. I didn't even notice a change in the pocket volume.

It is powerful enough to do what I need and always there when I need it. To be honest I was shocked by how much light comes out of this tiny thing.

The extra black collar around the LED bulb does a GREAT job of keeping the bright light from shining back into my eyes. Some may think the isn't such a big deal, but when it is real dark out I find myself very sensitive to back-light (a real problem I've experienced with some semi-transparent cases used by Princeton-Tec flashlights).

The yellow color makes it easy to distinguish it among the keys, and though it is applied to the surface of the plastic, it has yet to scratch off. Being banged around all day along-side keys this light takes quite a beating, but you'd think it was brand new. This little thing is tough!

The logic behind diming (important for conserving battery time) and using the special features (I don't use them much) is pretty darn natural. I'll have to admit that when I first got it I was concerned that I'd have to memorize the manual, but it turned out to be easy to learn.

The only real drawback is that it doesn't use more common AAA or AA batteries, but those would make it too big to fit comfortably in my pocket alongside all the other stuff, and besides I don't use the light for long periods of time, only when caught without a flashlight.

I really like those little yellow lights.

In thier defense, it won't be tne microprocessor that fails. A uP has no moving parts. They are just as rugged as an LED.

What will fail is the clicky switch, but no sooner than on a simple LED coin light. You just click it more.

Ironraven,

My past experience with microprocessors has led me to believe they are significantly more fragile than a LED. I spent many years tethered to an anti-static grounding cord while I worked on microprocessor controlled equipment. These little gizmos can be very sensitive and fragile. The only way I have ever destroyed a LED is too many volts (D?oh) or physical breakage (ala my previous Photon keychain light). I don't have any specifics on the li?l brain in the Inova, but I am making assumptions based on past experience.

Hey, even if it was just as rugged, I still don't get it. <img src="/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I'd rather have them spend another 25 cents on a better LED, clip, casing, or whatever, than to blow the R&D time and costs on a superfluous component. What next??? An appendix? I can loan them mine, I?m not using it. (What was God thinking? I?ll have to send him a flaming e-mail about that little doo-hickey).

Also, I just plain don?t like how the switching functions in the new Inova. ?Hated it!!!? <img src="/images/graemlins/mad.gif" alt="" /> I can?t just ?press and let go?. If the timing is wrong, I don?t get the desired outcome. More clicks, more wear, shorter life-span. Still not getting it. And just fagettabout the translucent case. It belongs on my son?s gameboy or some other non-critical kidde toy.

I took a virtual stroll over to the Inova Web page. As is all too typical with many companies, the web page is a tad behind the times. OK, grossly behind the times. Not a single mention of the microprocessor microlights, which is the only style being sold at Target and a few other retailers I hit today. Hello Inova?(Yo, McFly!) Either dump your web guy or wake him up and get him busy.

I checked amazon, but they don?t list the Inova model number with the pic. I don?t know which model they really have. It?s a bit like the web sites selling the Gerber Infinity Ultra, but still showing the pic of the old CMG flashlight. What the???

I have no clue if the old analog style light is still being made. I?ll have to do more web surfing then e-mail verify model number before laying money on the table.

If all else fails, I?ll see if Photon still has a ?switch only? model and put a small bit of heat shrink tubing on the LED to shield the sides (and maybe provide a smidgeon of protection). If Photon is only making microprocessor versions I will have to take out a second mortgage on my house and hoard large quantities of ARC AAA lights. (Not that there?s anything wrong with that). <img src="/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

Cheers, TR (aka cranky old AnalogMan)

KenK,

The "Doug Ritter's customized Photon Freedom micro light" is a possible option, though a bit pricey. Though I will cut them some slack for putting some of the extra cost into a better LED. I do like the LED baffle/shield, but again, for me, it seems to want to make my morning cocoa as well as lighting the way.

I am curious. Per the details:

"An additional "signaling" mode can be accessed by tapping the button several times in rapid succession. When in the signaling mode, the LED will illuminate only while the button is pressed and goes off when it is released."

Can the Photon be left in this "signalling" mode? At least this would give my thumb control over the light.

Thanks, TR (techno-curmudgeon)

> Can the Photon be left in this "signalling" mode?

Yes.

I suspect the Photon Freedoms switches vary in their stiffness. Some switch more easily than others. If you think yours is likely to latch itself on by a momentary pressure in your pocket, you can leave it in "signalling mode" so it goes off again when the pressure is released, and doesn't run the battery down.. I think this kind of thing, with the dimming, makes the circuitry worth having despite the loss of simplicity.

Basic Photon configurations:

Photon 1 - squeeze (momentary) only, simple and reasonably water resistant. Change batteries with pocket knife or strong fingernails.

Photon 2 - squeeze (momentary) or mechanical slide switch (constant on), simple, water resistance compromised because of the hole where the slide switch is. Need #00 Philips screwdriver for battery change.

Photon 3 - computerized, two button interface, 3 levels, I don't like this one very much. Not sure of battery change even though I have a few of them.

Photon Freedom - computerized, 1-button interface, dimmable, flasher modes, reasonably water resistant, change batteries with pocket knife or strong fingernails. Drawback: can turn on in your pocket and kill its batteries except in signalling mode which adds complexity.

Photon II is my favorite of these, not much can go wrong. If it gets wet, open it dry it out. Battery change isn't that big an issue, you do it at home. In the field, carry a spare light.

LED color: red, orange, and yellow LED's run at low voltage and use a single CR2032 cell. These aren't super-bright but have TREMENDOUS runtime, like several days nonstop. Green, blue, and white (i.e. shorter wavelengths) use higher voltage (two CR2016 cells, lower capacity and half the thickness of the CR2032) and are much brighter but don't run nearly as long. Green was originally shipped with a CR2032 and brightness is not that bad. White and blue can run on a CR2032 but they are rather dim that way. The Photon Freedom's dimmability makes this unnecessary--on low mode you get lots of runtime.

I have a white Photon II and a red knockoff on my keyring. They don't take much space and the red is handy for night uses and can provide days of minimal light if needed.

See the links I pasted earlier for cheap Photon II clones.

Thats the last one I bought for my wife. It kept popping apart in her purse and the battery would fall out and funally half of the metal connections got lost.

Even with the higher cost its still more cost effective when you consider how many stupid coin cell batteries you will throw away and how many coin cell lights will need to be replaced over the life time of a decent AAA light. I have wasted too much money on coin cell lights over the years and finally gave in and bought an Arc. I held out for a long time not being willing to spend the $ but once you add in the cost of replacing the batteries and cost to send the coin lights back under warranty and reaplcing them when they come open and half the parts get lost then you come out ahead.
Its just like any other tool, buy a good one once or keep re-buying cheap ones over and over.

Paul,

Nice spec list on the photons.

I've been trying to locate a miniscule size, reliable, momentary switching, red LED light to hang on my Short-wave radio tether for low profile use at night (quick check the freq without waking the wife).

Not being able to find an Inova 1 or a Photon 1 or 2 for sale, I went into my son's room and pinched the photon 1 I gave to him many years ago. I had forgotten how much better the momentary switching is on the Inova. The photon seems to need to be pushed "just right" to get the light on steady. Too much pressure needed too. I pulled it apart and finally checked out the switch. It is as simple as it gets. When you are pressing down on the light body it just pushes one of the LED legs onto the side of the battery. I would like a bit more contact area. I'll probably do something to increase the contact area for a better connection on both sides of the cell. At a minimum I'll shim the body to keep the cell from jiggling and put a bit of conductive grease on the contacts.

I've never had to open up one of my Inovas, so I don't know how they accomplish switching. I'll have to dig around to find one of these for a bit of exploratory surgery.

From my feeble memory, I recall the momentary switching of the photon 1 and 2 was never impressive. The slide switch of the Photon 2 isn't quite as good as the Inova slide switch in my experience. I've owned 5-6 of the photons and inovas over the years.

The exposed LED on the Photon was still an issue. I clipped a small piece of electrical tape and wrapped it around the base of the LED. Much less spill, but still not protection for the LED (compared to the Inova). My original photon light ended up with a fractured LED on my keychain. The light output reduced dramatically after the failure.

I went back to Target one more time to play with the new Inovas. The momentary switching just isn't there for me. Most of the time I needed a couple more pushes on the switch to get it back to "off" mode. The glowing body pretty much removes it from competition anyway.

Comparing old to old, I still think the Inova did more "right". Comparing new to new, I don't like the photon or the Inova (for my needs). Looks like I need to start from scratch and start looking for a new solution.

Cheers, TR

> Photon II is my favorite of these, not much can go wrong.

Do you not find that the slider "constant on" can latch on in your pocket? I much prefer the "Freedom" because it has the momentary-on signal mode. And it's dimmable. It sounds like it is more water-proof, too.

The P2 slide switch can't really turn on in your pocket unless it snags on something, or if the LED leads get smooshed inwards. And the P2 intrinsically has a momentary mode--just squeeze it. The Freedom is more water resistant, and its dimming feature is handy, as are its other features if you can remember how to use them. What can I say, I have a Freedom and have never been that crazy about it, so I carry a P2. YMMV.

The Arc AAA is a real nice light and I love mine, but for typical occasional keychain usage, it's never going to beat cheapo coin cell lights in terms of cost effectiveness. A 50 cent coin cell light can easily last for years.

Note: the Photon series lights with red leds use a fancy HP/Agilent led that's unusually bright as such things go (much brighter than the cheap Countycomm red-led lights). Good on them for using such a high class part, but if you want a dim red light for briefly checking a readout, it might not be what you want.

Well I have had 2 of the older inovas come apart on me, my Photon is still working.

The Photon 3 red is very bright. Mine still has the origenal battery and it is 3 years old. Should I change it know?
I do not like that the area to press for momentary lighting is so small. I can imagen this becomeing a problem if cold or weak.
Is a P2 a photon 2?

Yes, P2 means Photon II (my abbreviation). LRI likes to say Photon I, Photon II, and Photon 3 (roman numerals for 1 and 2, arabic numeral for 3). I don't know why.

If your Photon is still bright, I don't see much need to change the battery, especially if you haven't been using it a lot.

I've never been that crazy about the P3. The Freedom really is an improvement, if you want a dimmable light. The P2 is still my favorite because of its simplicity, but I'm sort of a throwback.