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The Inova Microlight has been around for a while, but
this latest iteration includes some new features. The light
now has 2 constant-on brightness modes, a strobe feature and the ability
to switch it to a squeeze-only light.
Body: The body of the light is plastic with a rubbery
textured area on the top which serves as the switch. At the
back end is a molded in hole where you will find a stainless
steel clip attached. The case is available in solid black/gray
(reviewed) or transparent with a colored switch area that matches
the LED color.
Bezel/Head: The front of the light is where you
will find the single LED. The LED is recessed into the case
to protect it from impacts.
Output: The white light produced by the LED
is a high color temperature and produces good color
rendition weighted toward the blue end of the spectrum.
A bluish tint is detectable in the beam. The beam itself is
a directional flood of light which is great for close range use.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: A runtime plot will not be completed
for this light. It uses two small coin cell batteries which
should provide 3 to 4 hours of good light before requiring
replacement.
Switch: On top of the light you will see the ribbed
rubbery area that serves as the switch. Press and release for on and off.
Accessing the various modes is accomplished by turning the light
on and quickly pressing the switch again. First press is high output,
second press is low output, third press is strobe, fourth is off.
Leaving the light in any of these modes for more than 2 seconds
results in the next press turning the light off.
To switch the light to the squeeze only mode, advance it
to the strobe mode and hold the switch for about 5 seconds.
It should now only work as a squeeze momentary light. To get
it out of squeeze only mode, hold the switch for 15 seconds.
Seals / Water Resistance: The light is advertised
as water resistant. I'd give it a splashable rating.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: It's small but easy to use. Since only
the switch side of the case has a texture, it is easy to figure
out which side to press. Extremely lightweight.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: Two 2016 lithium coin cells power
the light. To change out the batteries use a ballpoint
pen or some other pointed object to pop the back off
of the light, inserting the pen into the gap near the
clip. Drop out the old cells and replace them, observing
proper polarity.
Accessories: A stainless steel clip is attached
to the light.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Tough/impact resistant,
Good output for size, Fairly easy battery change, Lightweight, Multiple
operating modes.
What I Didn't Like: Nothing significant.
Picky Little Things: Nothing.
Conclusions: Good little keychain
light with multiple modes of operation. A good iterative
advancement for the reliable old Microlight.
UPDATE: Jan 2006: A warning from
a reader. It has been found that..."If the [Inova
Microlight Multi-function] light is on a ring with a
group of keys, it is very easy for the keys to turn
the light on in your pocket without knowing about it.
This will either limit you to keep the light in squeeze-mode
only, or waste up to four minutes of battery life every
time your keys shift in your pocket."
I was afraid of this - It's always a possibility
with press-constant-on switched keychain lights that
they could come on if pressed against other things in
the pocket. You can take appropriate precautions by
clipping the light to a purse zipper, coat zipper, belt
loop, or other external attachment point rather than
putting it in your pocket.
UPDATE March 2006: Several people
have found that this light will turn on due to a buildup
of static electricity or due to proximity to an electrostatic
discharge. I have had a number of complaints from people
reporting that they found it turned on despite the fact
that it was highly unlikely that the switch was contacted.
More than likely this was a result of static electricity
buildup affecting the light. I'm dropping the rating
of the light as a result.
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