<article>
<h2 id="introduction">Introduction</h2>
<p>This torch (aka <em>flashlight</em>) came up during the recording of
the Community News for May 2022. I have owned an example of this device
since 2016. It’s been extensively reviewed elsewhere but I thought I’d
briefly tell you about my experiences.</p>
<h2 id="nitecore-tube-v1">Nitecore Tube (V1)</h2>
<figure>
<img src="https://hackerpublicradio.org/eps/hpr3788/Nitecore_ruler.png" alt="My Nitecore Tube" />
<figcaption aria-hidden="true">My Nitecore Tube</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>I bought this from Amazon after seeing a video of it on the <em>Big
Clive</em> YouTube channel. It was under £10. This version is no longer
available but there is a version 2 for a similar price. I haven’t tried
this one.</p>
<p>The Nitecore Tube is a small plastic-bodied torch with fittings for a
key ring. I have not been keen to keep it on my keyring for fear of
damage from the keys, so I keep it always in my shirt pocket.</p>
<p>The torch is controlled through a rubber-like button on one side, and
has a micro USB port on the edge which is covered by a rubber cap.</p>
<p>While charging, a blue LED can be seen inside the body of the torch,
which turns off when the charging process is complete.</p>
<p>The torch can operate at a number of brightness levels and has a
<em>lock</em> mode:</p>
<ul>
<li>Single press - turns the low light level on and off</li>
<li>Double press - turns on the permanent high level mode, a single
press for off</li>
<li>Single press and hold for more than 1 second - temporary high
mode</li>
<li>Press and hold when in low mode increases in brightness in
steps</li>
<li>Press and hold for more than 5 seconds when in high mode will lock
the torch against accidental button presses. The light blinks to show
it’s locked. Press and hold to return to normal.</li>
</ul>
<h2 id="usage">Usage</h2>
<p>I don’t use this torch a huge amount. The fact that it’s always in my
pocket means I have a source of quite bright light when I need one. The
lower level light is useful for moving around in the dark or in a gloomy
place. The brighter level I tend to use to read labels on jars, bottles
and other containers. For some reason, these labels are often designed
with minimal contrast (like a dull orange lettering on a purple
background) which my eyes just can’t cope with. The Nitecore is my
saviour with this sort of stuff!</p>
<p>I don’t charge it very often, but it is easy to do it with a phone
charger - I have several micro USB cables around, so it’s no
problem.</p>
<h2 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h2>
<p>This is a great little device. I have other torches for when I need a
stronger, more broadly illuminating light source. I wouldn’t be carrying
any of these around with me though. The Nitecore is small and compact
enough that I can keep it on me all the time.</p>
<p>If I lost this one, or it died, I’m pretty sure I’d get another!</p>
<h2 id="links">Links:</h2>
<ul>
<li>Big Clive:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Wq5q2ihoIs">Fixing two
Nitecore Tube torches</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1BpfpO9BfY">Comparison
with a shaker torch</a></li>
<li><a
href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxI2Ln26ivY">Teardown</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZNA8vxBcJE">Teardown of a
fake</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjX8S2G1Czc">Worst clone
yet</a></li>
</ul></li>
<li><a href="https://1lumen.com/review/nitecore-tube/">1LUMEN.COM
Nitecore Tube</a> - a very detailed review.</li>
</ul>
</article>

