http://www.britishblades.com/forums/ A place to discuss all that geeky gear we all love, from torches to trasers. en Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:12:19 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.britishblades.com/forums/images/bbrg/misc/rss.png http://www.britishblades.com/forums/ http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?110072-OT-does-anyone-have-a-Mezzo-d9-bike&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:44:56 GMT I just took delivery of a lightly used Mezzo d9 from off one of the BB classifieds. Have been practising folding the thing. The instruction book says i have to 'shift the chain into the middle of the sprockets before starting the folding procedure' but I have no idea how I do that.

The gears on my Bike Friday are a lot more idiot proof than the ones on the Mezzo.

Long shot, but anyone? ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... sunnie http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?110072-OT-does-anyone-have-a-Mezzo-d9-bike http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?110069-Looking-for-a-headset-for-Skype...&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 20:14:32 GMT Hi everybody

I haven't used Skype before but am looking into getting set up with it on my home PC.

Does anyone have any recommendations for a budget but good quality headset for this purpose? There is a cheap one on Amazon for £3.99 but it has mixed reviews.

Also, would I be able to use a bluetooth headset for this? Ideally I would like something that will connect into my PC's mic input as my USB ports tend to be tied up, but if a bluetooth headset is going to be the best and cheapest option then I will go for that (my PC doesn't have inbuilt bluetooth so would need a USB bluetooth dongle).

Thanks in advance ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... blennycatcher http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?110069-Looking-for-a-headset-for-Skype... http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?110043-Which-G-Shock&goto=newpost Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:07:41 GMT I need a watch for a forthcoming Afghan trip, and I think it's going to be one of Casios finest, but which one?

Amazon have some good offers one but what would people recommend?

I need analog and digital faces, an alarm and a good back light/lume and that's about it, so can someone who knows more about them than me sort the wheat from the chaff!

Thanks in advance......... ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... JungleBert http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?110043-Which-G-Shock http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109920-Googlemaps-gt-Mapsource-(Garmin).....anyone-achieved-it-yet&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Aug 2010 09:39:40 GMT Googlemaps is brilliant, a piece o' cake when coming to planning a route. I was told there was a way of saving the route in this http://www.elsewhere.org/journal/gmaptogpx/ then opening it up in Mapsource

I've had a go, but did not work......mebbe my Mapsource needs updating, but anyone managed it at all........? ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... Chui http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109920-Googlemaps-gt-Mapsource-(Garmin).....anyone-achieved-it-yet http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109914-Fire-lighting-kits-what-do-you-put-in-yours&goto=newpost Sun, 29 Aug 2010 00:44:16 GMT Having had a large number of enquiries for survival equipment, I'm planning to supply a small leather drawstring bag filled with combustible goodies but would appreciate some help deciding on the contents. Has anyone got strong opinions on the subject?

Tinder? What sort is best? Why?
Magnesium sticks? good? bad? indifferent?
Fire-iron and flint? Any thoughts?

What makes a good kit for you?

All suggestions and comments gratefully received.

Thanks guys,

Ray - www.barefootleather.co.uk ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... Barefootleather http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109914-Fire-lighting-kits-what-do-you-put-in-yours http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109801-I-need-a-good-compass&goto=newpost Fri, 27 Aug 2010 04:48:23 GMT I know nothing about compasses but am interested in getting a inexpensive quality compass as a backup to my GPS for my kit. What brand/model do the experts here recommend? Links appreciated Thanks :) Tenbrook I know nothing about compasses but am interested in getting a inexpensive quality compass as a backup to my GPS for my kit.

What brand/model do the experts here recommend?

Links appreciated

Thanks :)

Tenbrook ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... Tenbrook http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109801-I-need-a-good-compass http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109749-solarforce-master&goto=newpost Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:58:22 GMT



at the moment itc shop on ebay has it for less then just the head and led, the whole lot for £57 the head alone is selling for £58. and as I'm starting to feel the onset of darker nights I thought I'll treat myself. and at £57 thats not bad at all my little night core d10 cost me £50 ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... spankone http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109749-solarforce-master http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109741-recommendation-for-a-watch-£250-or-less&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:45:52 GMT Can you recommend me a watch for maximum £250. Cheers Frase. Can you recommend me a watch for maximum £250.
Cheers Frase. ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... Frase http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109741-recommendation-for-a-watch-£250-or-less http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109730-I-need-a-wee-case-for-Swarovski-8x20-bins&goto=newpost Wed, 25 Aug 2010 19:51:36 GMT The wee case they come in is nice but maybe not just substantial enough for EDC.
I have a few wee Peli / otter cases but they are a bit heavy / bulky so I'm thinking maybe a decent small padded compact camera case type thing, anybody any recommendations before i hit Jessops? ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... rapidboy http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109730-I-need-a-wee-case-for-Swarovski-8x20-bins http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109636-recommendation-for-an-engraving-tool&goto=newpost Tue, 24 Aug 2010 15:01:17 GMT i'd like to try some engraving on some of my items, for me and if it works well for gifts and the like

i've seen some engraving pens and stuff, does anyone have experience of them?

as usual, my budget is tighter than an italian waiter's keks but i would like something that will work well and not fall apart after i use it once.

any engraving folks out there? ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... vic http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109636-recommendation-for-an-engraving-tool http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109600-Garmin-GPSMap-62ST&goto=newpost Mon, 23 Aug 2010 21:04:53 GMT This is the latest top of the range outdoor GPS from Garmin. Compared to previous products, it comes complete with an inbuilt 100K topo map of the whole of Europe. Although it is fully capable of using OS mapping, it does a superb job using the map supplied with the unit. Image:... This is the latest top of the range outdoor GPS from Garmin. Compared to previous products, it comes complete with an inbuilt 100K topo map of the whole of Europe. Although it is fully capable of using OS mapping, it does a superb job using the map supplied with the unit.



The picture above shows a screen shot using satellite imaging (aerial mapping) which is a subscription extra.

First off, GPS reception. Using a new unit from cold I got a 3D fix in 74 seconds indoors, approx 6' from a window in a steel building. Quite impressive.

I also used the "screen shot" feature to take the following captures. Please bear in mind this is using the standard mapping that comes with the unit. No additional map cards were used.

Lets look at the map and zoom in.



Notice the representation of the hills/terrain, looks quite good.


Notice the top text box, it describes the terrain.




Notice when the curser moves, it picks up details, especially the contour lines.









Street level mapping of a local village is superb


Mojo Counrty (Scottish Highlands) :)


London



These screen caps were taken in my workshop where I cannot get reception, hence the unit is at a default location of Garmin HQ in Kansas. You will notice the text box on each screen also shows a distance figure indicating how far away you are from what you are looking at.

The mapping is "layered", as you zoom in, more detail & features appear, for instance the contour lines arent apparent until you get down to 1 mile resolution.

I shall continue playing, but so far, I am seriously impressed by this unit. ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... ANDYLASER http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109600-Garmin-GPSMap-62ST http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109591-PC-Issues-with-sound-from-DVD-drive-(DVDs-only)&goto=newpost Mon, 23 Aug 2010 18:17:30 GMT I've been having trouble playing DVDs on my PC (which is all I have to play them)

The sound is fine for things on the hard drive and seemed ok with a CD (but it was DJ flex so I can only assume it's meant to sound like that)
I've tried a number of DVDs
The DVD drive and DVDs are region 2
I've tried a couple of players (VLC 1.1.3 and easy DVD player)
The drive seems to work ok for data

any bright ideas? ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... Andy http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109591-PC-Issues-with-sound-from-DVD-drive-(DVDs-only) http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109581-recommendation-for-pocket-size-folding-pliers&goto=newpost Mon, 23 Aug 2010 16:03:00 GMT hi

any recommendations for pocket size folding pliers men?

i have tried the gerber clutch (POS) and the leatherman squirt p4 (not good enough for the money) before. i really only need the pliers (don't need a blade, would happily take a wood/metal file and an awl though, but pliers are the main thing and just them on their own would be best)

cheers ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... vic http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109581-recommendation-for-pocket-size-folding-pliers http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109559-I-give-you...-Apocolypsork!&goto=newpost Mon, 23 Aug 2010 08:14:57 GMT A warriors Spork! http://www.americankami.com/swag.html A warriors Spork!

http://www.americankami.com/swag.html ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... metalbudgie http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109559-I-give-you...-Apocolypsork! http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109547-Flashlight-Recommendation-Checklist&goto=newpost Sun, 22 Aug 2010 21:32:52 GMT Flashlight Recommendation Checklist by CPFer ThomasH with edits and additions by EDCF members In a recent thread of mine Nice65 requested some extra info on my needs and mentioned this form so here it is for the use of all. I have made changes to the original where appropriate. Flashlight Recommendation Checklist
by CPFer ThomasH with edits and additions by EDCF members

In a recent thread of mine Nice65 requested some extra info on my needs and mentioned this form so here it is for the use of all.

I have made changes to the original where appropriate.




Recommend a Flashlight Checklist: (Don't worry about all the questions, just the ones you feel strongly about!) Please mark "x" inside the [ ] to indicate your choice and please delete the options that you are not at all interested in.

1) Short Essay Question: What do you intend to use this light for?

2) What Region/Country/State will the light be purchased in?
[ ] I will be mail-ordering or buying online, so this doesn't matter.
[ ] I am in _______(country) and __________(state/providence).

3) Price Range: An easy question, but you may change your mind after answering the rest!
[ ] £1-15
[ ] £15-30
[ ] £40-60
[ ] £80-$120
[ ] I have no limit!

4) Format:
PART A
[ ] I want a flashlight/Torch.
[ ] I want a headlamp.
[ ] I want a lantern.
[ ] I want a portable spotlight.

PART B
Length:
[ ] 1-2 inches. (Keychain sized)
[ ] 2-4 inches. (Pocket carry)
[ ] 4-9 inches. (Holster carry)

PART C
Width:
[ ] I prefer a long narrow light.
[ ] I prefer a short wide light.
[ ] Doesn't matter.

PART D
Weight:
Lights of a similar size can be very different in weight and may turn the perfect sized light into a paper weight. In general a lights of the same size will stack up like this; plastic and aluminum will be your lighter choices brass, stainless steel, bronze will be heavier. I won't put numbers here because everyone has a different weight sensitivity. For the purposes of EDC specifically I'll limit the choices here to the more easily carried sizes pick 2 sizes to represent a range of weight.
[ ] Very light, can't tell it's there.
[ ] Light, no heavier than a few keys or a small car remote.
[ ] Medium light, about the weight of a AAA MiniMag
[ ] Medium, slightly heavier than a AA MiniMag
[ ] Heavy Medium, can of Coke
[ ] Heavy, PDA or small digital camera

5) What kind of "bulb".
[ ] LED - more rugged, unlikely to burn out in your lifetime, less accurate color rendition, in general less output but more efficient (longer runtimes)
[ ] Incandescent - can be very bright, more accurate color rendition, burn out or can be damaged more easily, shorter runtimes, very noticeable dimming as batteries deplete
[ ] HID - like new car headlights in color, very, very bright, can be had in lights as small as a Mag 2 D cell but generally larger spotlight sized lights, no dimming turns off when battery depletes
[ ] Don't care, just want the best fit for my needs.

6) What batteries do you want to use? Alkaline batteries are easier to find and less expensive but don't pack as much stored energy and are don't work well in cold temperatures. Lithium batteries have long shelf life (10+ years, great for stored emergency lights) and are not as affected by cold but must be kept dry and are more expensive. Rechargeable start expensive, but if used frequently pay off quickly.
[ ] I want common Alkaline batteries. (AA, AAA, C, D)
[ ] I want lithium batteries. (coin cells, CR123, AAA, AA...)
[ ] I want a rechargeable system. (an investment, but best for everyday use)

7) How much light do you want? Sometimes you can have too much light (trying to read up close up with a 100 lumen light is impossible).
[ ] I want to read a map, find a light switch/keyhole, or get around the house at w/o disturbing anyone. (5-10 lumens)
[ ] I want to walk around a generally paved area. (15-20 lumens)
[ ] I want to walk unpaved trails. (40 lumens)
[ ] I want to do Caving or Search & Rescue operations. (60+ lumens)
[ ] I want to light an entire campground or dazzle an intruder. (100+ lumens)

8) Throw vs Flood: Which do you prefer, lights that flood an area with a wide beam, or lights that "throw" with a tightly focused beam? Place an “X” on the line below. Sometimes a flood is better particularly closer up or indoors. You won't have to "sweep" the light back and forth to see what you need to see. You can also just set it down pointing the general direction rather having to point it right at that which you are working.

Throw (distance)----------------------|----------------------Flood/close-up

9) Runtime: Not over-inflated manufacturer runtime claims (like some LED lights). but usable brightness measured from first activation to 50% with new batteries. Understand that runtime is a function of brightness and capacity of your batteries. If you want 6 hours you'll either have big batteries or dimmer light, they haven't made a setup yet that lights up like the sun, runs all night, and fits in your watch pocket. ;)
[ ] 20 min. (I want the brightest light for brief periods)
[ ] 60-240 min. (1-2 hours)
[ ] 240-360 min. (4-6 hours)
[ ] 360+ min. (More than 6 hours)

10) Durability: Generally the old phrase “you get what you pay for” is very accurate for flashlights.
[ ] Not Important (A “night-stand” light.)
[ ] Slightly Important (Walks around the neighbourhood.)
[ ] Very Important (Camping, Backpacking, Car Glove-box.)
[ ] Critical (Police, Fire, Search & Rescue or Survival.)

11) Switch Type:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] sliding switch (Stays on until slid back.)
[ ] clickie switch. (Stays on until pressed again.)
[ ] momentary switch. (Only stays on while held down.)
[ ] rotating switch

12) Switch Location:
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] I want a push or sliding switch on the body near the head.
[ ] I want a push switch on the back end of the body.
[ ] I want a rotating head switch.
[ ] I want a rotating end-cap switch.
[ ] I want a remote control.

13) Operational Modes: Check all that apply.
[ ] A simple on-off is fine for me.
[ ] I want 2 light levels. (Brighter/short runtime and Dimmer/long runtime.)
[ ] I want multiple light levels. (some lights have 5-16 light levels.)
[ ] I want a strobe mode. (blinks to show location.)
[ ] I want a tactical strobe. (Flashes rapidly to disorient an opponent.)
[ ] I want S.O.S. flashing

14) Is it important whether the body is metal or plastic/composite? In this case "plastic" and it's variants does not mean "cheap" or poorly made. In many applications a plastic bodied light is preferable, hard use and water resistance comes to mind; think caving or lights that get dropped or abused.
[ ] I don't care.
[ ] I want a metal-bodied light.
[ ] I want a plastic/composite light.

15) Special Needs: Is there anything else you want or need that hasn't been mentioned? Circle any below or write in your own comment(s).
[ ] Red (night vision preserving) filter
[ ] Other filter colors (Amber, Green, Blue, _________)
[ ] Waterproof – how deep: _____________
[ ] Non-reflective/dark finish (stealthy/hard to find)
[ ] Polished silver or brightly colored finish (for easy locating)
[ ] Corrosion resistant or hard-anodized finish
[ ] “Hybrid” light (bright incandescent combined with long running LEDs)
[ ] Built-in second (or spare) lamp or filament
[ ] Belt/Jacket clip
[ ] Holster
[ ] Wrist/Neck Lanyard
[ ] Non-sparking Intrinsically Safe (IS) for use in explosive environments ]]> Brights, Gadgets and Gear... Rogan-J http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?109547-Flashlight-Recommendation-Checklist