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MAGCON is a drawing tool that fits in your pocket – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – It’s not often that I find a drawing tool that is this cool in the way that it looks and in the way that it works. MAGCON is that tool. Let’s check it out.

What is it?

MAGCON is a pocket-sized anodized aluminum curved and straight ruler combo that can be used as a compass/protractor and is suitable for US letter-sized (A4) paper sheets.

Why do I like it?

I was sent a pre-production sample and I can say that there are several reasons why I like the MAGCON. First of all, it uses…magnets and I’m a sucker for anything that uses magnets.

The center cylinder doesn’t pierce paper like a traditional compass. Instead, it sticks to the paper with a low tack adhesive and then the ruler attaches to the cylinder with a magnet and smoothly rotates around it. It’s a genius design!

If you like to draw or want to be able to easily draw circles and arcs/curved lines and more, the MAGCON tool will let you do that without taking an art class.

Be sure to check out the video above which shows the MAGCON in action so you can see what you can do with this pocket design tool. The way it can be used to draw mandalas really caught my eye.

Where can I find more info?

The MAGCON campaign ends on 4/26/19 they launched today and have already met their funding goal of $1,019. You can pre-order a MAGCON set starting at $30. After the MAGCON campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in August 2019. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

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MAGCON is a drawing tool that fits in your pocket – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 12, 2019 at 6:23 am.

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Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL waterproof attachable gear storage review

REVIEW – As most active outdoor enthusiasts know, many of our personal lighting solutions still rely on replaceable or swappable batteries. These battery-hungry lights always seem to run out of power at the most inopportune times. The Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL offer a solution to carrying and keeping your batteries dry. After having my headlamp die on a recent camping trip, I ordered two CellVault XL (one rescue orange and one clear) and one CellVault (flat dark earth) to hold batteries and supplies for my camping backpack and my EDC bag / day pack.

What is it?

The Thyrm CellVault line of attachable gear storage designed to provide a safe and convenient way of storing batteries. The CellVault is design to store CR123 / AA (LR06) / AAA (LR03) batteries. The CellVault XL will also store 18650 rechargeable batteries.

What’s in the box?

The CellVault and CellVault XL arrived attached to descriptive hang cards. The CellVaults are easily removed from the hang cards by simply releasing the clip / clasp and sliding the vaults loose from the cards.

Hardware specs

CellVault

  • 5.25″ long
  • 1″ wide
  • 1.25″ deep (front-to-back)
  • 1 oz weight

CellVaultXL

  • 5.25″ long
  • 1.875″ wide
  • 1.25″ deep (front-to-back)
  • 2.05 oz weight

Design and features

The CellVault has an oval cross-section with a hinged lid and integral clip. The CellVault XL has a figure-8 cross section with a removable divider (with convenient markings to show you which way to reinstall the divider).  The vaults taper slightly from top to bottom (more on that later). When attached to gear, the lid hinge faces out. The integrated clip also serves as the latch for the lid. The length of the vaults allows the clip to slip through 3 rows of MOLLE webbing (so, two loops on your vest / bag). In addition to the clip, there are lanyard loops on the top and bottom of the vaults that provide locations to attach additional gear and to give additional carry options (you can also attach dummy cords to them if you are prone to dropping things–I have not had to add them to mine, yet).

 

The CellVault and CellVault XL were designed around the 3V CR123  battery commonly used for tactical lights such as those from Streamlight, Surefire, and Inova. The slight taper the vaults is a very clever design feature. This keeps the CR123 batteries from falling out when the vaults are inverted (which is the normal method of opening the vaults when attached to MOLLE panels. A slight squeeze on the narrow sides of a vault releases the batteries. CellVault / CellVault XL is also compatible with AAA (LR03) and AA (LR06) battery sizes. However, the smaller diameter of these other battery types means that the positive retention system does not work for these battery types. Two AA batteries will stack in the CellVault, and four AAA batteries sit comfortably stacked side-by-side two high.

The CellVault will securely hold up to 3 CR123 batteries. Alternately, up to 4 AAA (LR03) batteries or 2 AA (LR06) batteries may be stored in a CellVault instead of the CR123 batteries. The CellVault may als be used to store fire lighting or survival supplies or medications. Small cigars may also fit.

The CellVault XL doubles the storage capacities for the aforementioned battery types and adds the option of storing up to two 18650 batteries. The center divider of the CellVault XL may easily be removed to allow bulkier items, such as keys, memory cards, or first aid / survival supplies (see below) to be stored in the vault.

I have allocated my trio of vaults as both battery carriers and an EDC first aid kit (see below). One CellVault XL is attached to my Mystery Ranch Komodo Dragon pack (to the side MOLLE loops) that I use when camping. It carries AA and CR123 batteries for my headlamp and my Streamlight Polytac 90 flashlight.

Alternate use

I removed the center divider from my second CellVault XL and converted it into my EDC first aid kit (see below). The CellVault currently carries AA batteries as spares for my wireless mouse and my small EDC flashlight. The first aid kit and CellVault are clipped into the MOLLE loops on the side of my Mystery Ranch ASAP which is my EDC / day pack. To attach a CellVault to a strap or to MOLLE webbing, just release the clip / latch by pulling the lower tab away from the lower lanyard hole and slide the clip over the strap / down through the webbing and then clip to re-latch and secure the vault.

The contents of my first aid kit are shown below. I ended up taking the tweezers out of their tube and used the tube to store a combination of acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen tablets, but I didn’t photograph the new contents.

Performance

I have found that the CellVault and CellVault XL work very well for carrying CR123 batteries. They also do a respectable job of carrying AA and AAA batteries, but I need to do a little shock packaging to keep the smaller batteries from rattling around. I don’t carry these in tactical situations (I’m an idea rat and computer jockey), but the rattling is bothering me with just daily carrying between my truck and desk. The first aid kit has proved useful several times and has been restocked with bandages once (I had an accident involving a bagel and a Leatherman Wave)

What I like

  • MOLLE-compatible clip
  • CR123 batteries can be removed easily one at a time without the remaining batteries falling out
  • Fits multiple types of cylindrical batteries: CR123, 18650, AAA (LR03) and AA (LR06)
  • Can be used to store items other than just batteries.

What needs to be improved

  • Non-CR123 sized batteries rattle around and are not held in when a CellVault is inverted
  • CellVault cannot be removed from gear without opening the vault (this can also be viewed as a benefit)

Final thoughts

The CellVault and CellVault XL are excellent CR123 battery holders / carriers with many ingenious design features that enhance their function. The CellVault XL also makes an excellent EDC first aid kit, but don’t expect it to serve as your only kit for more than hikes on prepared surfaces. With a few modifications, such as adding a bit of foam padding, the CellVault works well as a AA / AAA battery carrier.

If you are looking for an elegant way to keep your lights supplied with batteries, you would be hard pressed to find a more elegant solution than the Thyrm CellVault / CellVault XL.

Price: CellVault $19.99 / CellVault XL $29.99
Where to buy: Thyrm LLC website and Amazon
Source: The samples of these products were purchased with personal funds.

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Thyrm CellVault and CellVault XL waterproof attachable gear storage review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 11, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Keyport Anywhere Tools modular EDC system review

REVIEW – I love seeing how my favorite companies evolve over time. For example, Keyport started out making unique key organizers but now their product line has turned modular to include a system of EDC pocket tools. Let’s take a closer look at Keyport’s Anywhere Tools.

What is it?

Keyport Anywhere Tools is an EDC (every day carry) modular stacking EDC system that can fit in your pocket. Some of the tools include a pocket knife with interchangeable scales, a rechargeable flashlight, USB cable, and more. The Anywhere Tools are designed so that they can snap together so that you can you can bundle them.

Design and features

Anywhere Pocket Clip

I’m going to start out with the Anywhere Pocket Clip. The Pocket Clip is a one piece hardened spring steel clip that is available in 3 colors: black, grey, and spectrum.

The clip is designed to work with the other Anywhere Tools and just snaps on them without needing screws or any other type of fastener. Optional ParaPull lanyards ($1.49 each) round out the look and add a bit more functionality.

The clip itself is about 2 inches long so it’s long enough to clip to a belt, pocket, etc. Then if you need to remove the clip from the tool, you just press the release “button” and slide it. You can see the “button” in the image above. It’s in the last hole of the clip.

Price: $5.99

RuSH Multi-Purpose Tool

You can use any pointy object to remove the Anywhere Tools, Pocket Clip, etc, but the RuSH Multi-Purpose Tool is specially designed for the job and features a few extras like a bottle opener, suspension hook, and ruler.

Here you can see the RuSH tool in action removing a Pocket Clip from an Anywhere Tool.

Too bad that it’s just slightly too wide to be used as a SIM removal tool.

Price: $4.99

NEBA Knife Module

It goes without saying that you have to have a pocket knife as part of your EDC. The NEBA has a 2″ slip joint clip point blade.

The blade does not lock, but it does open and close with a satisfying click and it feels like a quality blade. There’s even jimping on the blade so your thumb won’t slip.

The NEBA is designed as a mid-module which means that you can stack other Anywhere Tools or a side plate on one side and a pocket clip on the other.

For scales, Keyport sent me their carbon fiber side plate/scale and they offer several other styles including camo, wood, and more.

I like the NEBA knife a lot. It has a nice feel to it and the fact that it’s not a locking blade doesn’t bother me.

Price: NEBU $15.99, side plates $5.99

Pocket Flare Module

Along with a knife, you have to have a flashlight as part of your EDC. The Pocket Flare Module is a very minimalist flashlight and is designed to be an outer-module which means that you can only attach other tools to one side.

When you press the button on the side, the LED blub sends out 27 lumens. Yes, I know that 27 lumens is pretty dim when it comes to flashlights, but it can help in a pinch and it will definitely help with close up work.

The cool thing about the Pocket Flare is that when you press the button again, it switches to lamp mode which lights up the handle to create a tiny lantern.

How’s this flashlight powered? With a rechargeable (via micro USB) battery that can provide up to 40 minutes in flashlight mode and up to 45 minutes in lamp mode.

Price: $14.99

WeeLINK Charger Cable Module

You might be wondering how to carry a charging cable for the Pocket Flare Module. It comes with a cable, which you might lose, or you can use the Keyport WeeLINK Charger Cable Module that is available in USB-C, micro USB, and Lightning cable versions.

This module is basically a magnetic holder for a 2.5 inch long charger cable. In other words, it’s a wee charger cable…WeeLINK… get it? 😉

The cable is held in place very securely with magnets and the holder is designed so that you can attach a Pocket Clip or another Anywhere Tool to the other side.

Price: $16.99 – $18.99

MOCA II Module

The MOCA II Module (in the foreground) is designed like the NEBA knife to be a mid-module. That means you can attach other tools or a pocket clip to the sides.

It’s an 11-in-1 TSA friendly multi-tool that features a bottle opener, Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver, cord cutter, box opener, rulers, and wrenches.

Price: $14.99

The best thing about Keyport’s Anywhere Tool system is the variety that they offer so that you can create a multi-tool that works for you and if it doesn’t, you can reconfigure it.

Put a flashlight with a multi-tool and a pocket clip. No problem.

Create a multi-tool with a pocket knife and a pocket clip, easy peasy!

What I like

  • Modular
  • Variety of tools
  • Easy to customize

What needs to be improved

  • More tools please! I’d like to see a pair of mini-scissors, pliers, a flash drive, higher powered flashlight, and SIM removal tool

Final thoughts

I’ve been a fan of Keyport since I reviewed their Slide key organizer and I continue to be a fan as they develop new tools and EDC gear. Their products are well made and fun to use. All I can say is I want more of them!

Price: See above for each tool/accessory pricing
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Keyport.

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Keyport Anywhere Tools modular EDC system review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 11, 2019 at 9:00 am.

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EMT-The EveryMan Tool – Notable crowdfunding project

CROWDFUNDED – EDC is sort of our bag here at The Gadgeteer, baby.  And the best EDC gadgets are small, sleek, and multi-functional.  The EMT-EveryMan Tool is all that, and you just might be able to add a bag of chips.  (Not really, but customization is available!)

What is it?

The EMT-EveryMan Tool is a pocket-sized multi-tool that includes several base features and also can be customized with several add-on features.

Why do I like it?

The EMT packs a lot into a compact, cool-looking size and shape.  At the heart of the EMT is a utility blade that slides to deploy and can be locked in virtually any position along its deployment path.  It accepts standard utility razor blades for low cost and high availability, and blades also appear to be quite easy to swap out.  Also included is the obligatory EDC tool bottle opening (which I find to be quite useful as a craft beer drinker).  A flat head screwdriver and pry bar are also present, as well as a 6mm hex driver.  It open slot can be used to attach it to a keychain or paracord lanyard.  One of the more unique features is a 3x11mm Tritium slot that has a glow bead embedded in it to help you find the EMT in the dark.  The EMT is made from stonewashed Titanium and Aluminum materials.  As if all of that wasn’t enough, there are a whole host of customization add-ons planned, like pocket clips and various Tridium glow bead colors.

Where can I find more info?

The EMT-EveryMan Tool campaign ends on March 21, 2019. To date, over 200 backers have already pledged over $13,000 toward the $7,500 funding goal. Pledge packages start at $30 for a single EMT with standard blade insert, black paracord lanyard and green/blue glow bead and package prices increase from there pen of any of the style, or $195 for a set of all three. After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in June 2019. Visit the EMT-EveryMan Tool campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

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EMT-The EveryMan Tool – Notable crowdfunding project originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 8, 2019 at 10:00 am.

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Field Pen Twist – Notable crowdfunding campaign

CROWDFUNDED – A good pen is a treasure, especially one with a cool style that is durable and writes well.  Machine Era has some very respectable experience in these matters, and their latest Kickstarter campaign—the Field Pen | Twist—looks more than promising, it looks like a big hit.  Let’s check it out!

What is it?

The Machine Era Field Pen | Twist is a compact pen that “fits Parker style refills, has a machined body, tactile details, smooth ‘lock in’ action, and [is] an effortless gel writer from Itoya.”

Why do I like it?

As I’ve stated previously, we like pens here at The Gadgeteer.  Personally, I favor pens that are compact, durable, and have a cool look.  Plus, one of my two current favorite pens is a twist-style.  So when I stumbled upon the Field Twist pen from Machine Era, it immediately caught my eye, particularly the version pictured above.  For starters, it is machined from stainless steel with a Schmidt Easy Glide twist mechanism, an Itoya Aquaroller 0.7mm acid free gel ink cartridge (Parker sized), and a clip made in a New England from spring steel.   It also has subtle tactile grip details, and a balanced center of mass.  Three versions are available: stainless steel in black with Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC), a type of PVD coating,  solid brass, and stainless steel.  If all that isn’t enough, the folks from Machine Era’s have experience with pen campaigns on Kickstarter, having successfully delivered two of them previously.

Where can I find more info?

The Machine Era Field Pen | Twist campaign ends on March 31, 2019. To date, over 300 backers have already pledged over $20,000 toward the $6,500 funding goal. Pledge packages start at $65 for a single pen of any of the style, or $195 for a set of all three. After the end of the campaign period, rewards are expected to start shipping in May 2019. Visit the Field Pen | Twist campaign site for more information or to become a backer.

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Field Pen Twist – Notable crowdfunding campaign originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 7, 2019 at 8:00 am.

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