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Detailed
Information:
There are two models of Glo-Toob. The first is the
original which can only be turned on and off. The second
is the FX which has the 7 modes of operation.
Opening the Glo-Toob immediately reveals how tough
this little critter is. The aluminum inner body is surrounded
by a thick layer of epoxy resin which helps draw the
light up the entire length of the body. This thing can
handle just about anything short of intentional abuse.
Three LEDs and the controlling circuitry are permanently
embedded in the epoxy at the base of the light. To turn
the light on, simply twist the split ring at the top
until the light turns on. Turn it off by rotating the
opposite direction. The manufacturer recommends you
continue turning the switch after the unit comes on
until the switch stops turning. This ensures that the
light will stay on. Do the same when turning the unit
off.
If you want to access the various modes, turn the light
on, count 5 seconds, then turn it quickly off and on
again to access the next mode in the series. Leaving
it on any specific mode for more than 4 seconds selects
that mode as the "permanent" mode until you
go through the procedure to change it again. The modes,
in series, are as follows:
Flash strobe
Double flash strobe
Slow flash strobe
SOS
Throb (cyclic brightening and dimming)
100% brightness
25% brightness
In order to dim the LEDs they are pulsed very rapidly.
This can be seen when moving either the eyes or the
Glo-Toob very quickly.
Although not mentioned in the instructions, and probably
not recommended, I have found an easier way to select
your mode rather than twisting the top post back and
forth. First turn the split ring on until the unit turns
on, but tighten no further. After the unit is on for
5 seconds, tap the base of the unit on the palm of your
hand hard enough to break the circuit by compressing
the spring inside that holds the battery in place. Each
tap will bring you to the next mode. Tighten the ring
the rest of the way when you reach the mode you want.
If the unit is already on and you want another mode,
loosen the switch one full turn, then tap. Wait 5 seconds
and again, each tap will move you to the next mode.
Tighten the switch when done.
The switch itself is simply a post in the center of
the cap that is tightened down until it contacts the
battery inside. This completes the circuit. The post
and the cap are sealed with O-rings. If water does get
inside, open the unit, wash it out with fresh water,
dry, and insert a new battery.
The 21/23A battery is actually a stack of 8 button
cells inside of a case to make it one cell. This little
battery can usually be found at electronics stores.
What I Liked: Extremely water resistant,
Very tough, 7 modes could be very handy, Good light
output, Decent battery life, Very small and lightweight.
What I Didn't Like: Unusual battery
- stock up on spares before going on an extended outing.
Other Things I Noticed: Sometimes
the switch makes the light flicker a little when turning
it on or off. Cleaning the contact on the switch post
seems to help.
Conclusions: A very clever little
marker light in a small and extremely tough package.
The availability of the various different colors allows
you to select the particular Glo-Toob that will best
suit your needs. Green is the most visible to our eyes,
red will help preserve your eyes' night adaptation and
is an international "danger" color, yellow
is very pleasing to the eyes and is an international
"warning" color, and blue stands out very
well against almost any background as well as having
a big "wow" factor. The assortment of modes
makes this a sort of "chemical lightstick that
you can program". Very nice.
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