VIEWPOINT FLASHPOINT TAILLIGHT

ViewPoint Flashpoint Taillight, retail $~13.00 (www.PerformanceBike.com...)
Manufactured by Performance Inc. (www.PerformanceBike.com)
Last updated 03-04-07




A fan of the website sent this light to me in early-September 2005. I do not own or have access to a bicycle, so I cannot properly show you how to use it.

What this is is an LED taillight for use on your bicycle; it mounts to the seatpost and can generate three different patterns depending on whether you press the button on it one, two, or three times.

It features nine brilliant red LEDs in it, and feeds from just two AAA cells.


SIZE



To use this product, install the two included AAA cells first (see directly below), and then you can go paint the town red. No really, you can.

Attach the included bracket to your seatpost so the "UP" arrow on it is pointing up. This arrow is embossed on both sides of the bracket.
Use the included rubber shims to ensure a secure fit.

Tighten bracket bolt until the bracket is secure on the seatpost.

Attach the light to the bracket by sliding the light clip (from the top) onto the bracket; please ensure the light is securely attached to the bracket before riding away.

Adjust the orientation of the light by moving the light and/or bracket to direct (aim) the light in the optimal direction.


To turn the light on in steady-on mode, firmly press and then release the yellow rubberised button on the back. Press and release it again to switch the light to a rapid blink mode. Press and release it a third time to allow the unit to alternately flash the LEDs (in a "top and bottom and back again" fashion). Finally, press and release the button again to turn it off.



To change the batteries when necessary, use a coin like a penny or quarter, insert it into one end of the unit (doesn't matter which end), and twist the coin so the top lens pops off. Remove the lid, and set it aside.

If necessary, remove and dispose of or recycle the two used AAA cells from the light body.

Insert two new AAA cells into the chambers for them in the light body, orienting them so the polarity of the batteries matches the polarity markings in the bottom of the chambers.

Place the lid back on, and firmly press it down so it snaps into place. Be careful that the reddish gasket does not fall off or get bunched up when you're putting the lid on.

Due to how the product was constructed, I am not able to furnish you with a current usage reading.




Photograph of the face of the unit, showing the lenses moulded into the lid that focus the LED beams.

There is no statement as to the degree of water-resistance. There is an O-ring between the battery box and the lensed lid, but I think it will leak around the switch button. So while it may very well be weather-resistant, you probably don't want to drop it in creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, docks, seasides, puddles of frog pee, snowbanks, piles of slush, mud puddles, toilets, tubs, sinks, fishtanks, pet water dishes, or other places where water or water-like liquids might be found.

If it gets wet inside, pop the lid off, remove the batteries, and set the pieces in a warm, dry place for a few days just to be sure it's all the way dry inside. If it fell into seawater or if something went potty on it, douche the parts off in fresh water before setting them out to dry to flush out the salt and so it doesn't smell like seashells or piss when you're ready to use it again.

But if you use it on your bicycle like you're supposed to, I don't think you'll have any problems with water or urine.

The LEDs are behind lenses moulded right into the cap; this not only focuses the beams to make them tighter, it also makes them brighter. Since this taillight is rather directional, you do have to be certain to direct (aim) the light correctly so that it will be most visible to automobile drivers and other bicyclers behind you.



Beam photo at ~12".
Measures 129,800mcd on a Meterman LM631 light meter.
I wouldn't normally measure a bicycle taillight, but this one is BRIGHT!!!


Spectrographic plot
Spectrometer plot of the LEDs in this bicycle taillight.
Ocean Optics USB2000 Spectrometer on loan from TWO-CUBED.


ProMetric analysis
Beam cross-sectional analysis.
Image made using the ProMetric System by Radiant Imaging.



TEST NOTES:
Test unit was sent by a website fan, and was received on the morning of 09-06-05.

As far as I can determine, the product was made in the United States. A product's country of origin really does matter to some people, which is why I published it on this web page.

I might have been able to mount the unit on my electric wheelchair for a little "field testing", but it is missing the nut so the bracket cannot be tightened.
Product is second-hand, not brand spanken new from the factory or from a reseller.
So, no points will be taken off for the missing nut when I apply the final rating.


UPDATE: 00-00-00



PROS:
Bright, for an LED bicycle taillight
Compact size is discreet and easy to conceal under your bike seat
Uses batteries that are common & relatively inexpensive


CONS:
Not really water-resistant
Highly directional, so you have to take the time to aim it correctly when installing it


    MANUFACTURER: Performance Inc.
    PRODUCT TYPE: Bicycle taillight
    LAMP TYPE: 5mm red LED
    No. OF LAMPS: 9
    BEAM TYPE: Narrow spot with ring
    SWITCH TYPE: Pushbutton on/mode change/off on back of unit
    BEZEL: Plastic; plastic cover protects LEDs
    BATTERY: 2xAAA cells
    CURRENT CONSUMPTION: Unknown/unable to measure
    WATER RESISTANT: Splash-resistant at minimum
    SUBMERSIBLE: No
    ACCESSORIES: 2xAAA cells, seatpost mounting device
    WARRANTY: Unknown/not stated

    PRODUCT RATING:

    Star Rating





ViewPoint Flashpoint Taillight * www.PerformanceBike.com...






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