TEC-S323 Isotope Fob Review

TEC-S323 Isotope Fob Review

With the recent addition of the diminutive “DQG spy” to my current keychain setup, I've been finding my usual Tec Accessories S3 glow fob, a little too large in comparison.  Looking around for a smaller alternative that is still encased in metal, brought me to the TEC-S323 Isotope Fob, also made by Tec Accessories.

I've been out of the loop with these sorts of things, but the TEC-S323 Isotope Fob appears to have been released around a year ago.  It is a metal housing built to hold a 3x23 tritium vial.  The dimensions of the Tec Accessories Isotope promise to be slightly smaller, thinner and lighter than the TEC-S3/A3/T3 glow fobs.

Specifications:

(Taken from the manufacturers website)
Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Bead Blasted
Outside Diameter: 5.0 mm [0.197"]
Overall Length: 31.5 mm [1.24"]
Split Ring Hole Size: 3.0mm [0.118"]
Total Assembled Weight (without tritium vial): 1.8 grams [.06 oz]
Total Assembled Weight (with tritium vial): 2.0 grams [.07 oz]
Cost: $23 (not including the tritium)

Packaging and Accessories:

The packaging is pretty plain from the Tec Accessories.  Everything comes in a ziplock bag.  Included is a small container with a small split ring and 3 rubber plugs.  You only need one plug for the installation of the tritium, so the others are spares.  Another small cylindrical plastic container holds the metal housing and keeps it safe whilst in transit.  A card with basic instructions is included.

Please note that the tritium vial is not actually included, if purchased directly from Tec Accessories.  You need to buy the 3x23mm tritium separately, or alternatively Merkava from cpfmarketplace sells the Isotope preinstalled with the tritium.  Merkava is one of my regular sources for tritium, but there are a few others also on cpfmarketplace forums.

Packaging

Contents

Instructions:

Pretty simple to put it together... no need to mess around with any glue or adhesives.  Put the 3x23 tritium vial into the metal housing. GENTLY ease one of the rubber plugs on top of the tritium.  Place split ring through the appropriate hole.  I tend to use a pair of fine pliers to open the split ring.  With the rubber plug and the split ring in place, the tritium vial is very unlikely to ever come out by itself.

Pros:

-Smaller than the TEC A3/S3/T3 glow fobs
-Simple to install
-Feels well made
-It's subjective, but I like how it looks
-Once again subjective, but I think tritium in a metal housing looks more classy than a plain plastic tube
-Reasonably priced compared to other custom metal housings

Cons:

-Not covered by a plastic shell, like the TEC S3/A3/T3.  This means it's smaller, but also potentially less protected if something hits it through one of the gaps in the metal housing.  However as of this stage, google does not find any reports of broken tritium in the Isotope
-Even though the TEC “Isotope” has been designed to maximise visibility, I feel that the tritium is slightly more visible in the TEC S3/A3/T3.  I feels this is the case, because the plastic shell provides more “spacing” from the tritium to the metal housing.
-Tritium definitely not as visible when compared to a plain acrylic housing.

Nite Glowring, tritium in acrylic casing, Tec S3 Glow Fob, Tec Isotope Fob, DQG Spy

Conclusion

I suspect the Tec Isotope Fob will be a permanent addition to my current keychain.  I like how it looks, and the smaller size better suits my keyring setup.  My only possible concern is whether the housing provides enough protection for the tritium.  It would take a very unfortunate knock to break the tritium, though.  I guess we'll find out with time and usage...

My keyring setup

Wife's keyring

Links


Information on tritium and TEC Isotope Fob:
http://www.tecaccessories.com/PDF/TA_S323_vials.pdf

Manufacturer's Webpage:
http://www.tecaccessories.com/TEC-S323.TEC-S323-Isotope

Forums to buy 3x23 tritium and preinstalled Isotope:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/forumdisplay.php?108-WTS-Other-Personal

Items of Interest

Hey guys just a quick update today on some items that I find interesting.


TEC ACCESSORIES GLOW FOB

If you've read my review on the tec accessories glow fob, you would realise I'm a fan of this piece of keychain jewellery. It is now available in a few different flavours from various sources.

Merkava, has the glow fob available with tritium preinstalled, available in a range of tritium colours. This is a good option if you couldn't be bothered doing the tritium installation yourself.

Product link: http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?258245-Merkava-TEC-A3-amp-TEC-S3-Tritium-Fobs-Mission-Ready!-Unlike-any-you-have-ever-seen!

EDCF forums store has the normal GITD fob, but available with a special cerakote coating. This special coating is meant to be hardy and scratch resistant, and is available in different colours. Colours include: black, orange, olive green, tan, burnt bronze.

 Product link: http://www.jsburlys.com/index.php?app=ecom&ns=catshow&ref=tecaccessories

Photo of Orange Cerakote Tec Accessories Glow Fob (borrowed from EDCF store)

FOURSEVENS PREON P0

This is a new AAA flashlight, just released from foursevens at the SHOT show. What interests me about this light is the size and cost. It is very small, and claims to be the the smallest current regulated flashlight around. The DQG tiny II is pretty comparable in size, however the DQG tiny II is currently out of stock and unavailable.

The Preon P0, only has two light levels; 0.25 lumens and 25 lumens. The beam is a very floody beam. It's relatively cheap in price costing only $25USD. If you are interested in reading more about Preon P0, there is a thread on it at candlepowerforums:
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?330740-Foursevens-Preon-P0

Product link: http://www.4sevens.com/product_info.php?cPath=297_332&products_id=2846




SWISSBIANCO ALOX RAMBLER

Once again another product that I've reviewed and am a fan of. Swissbianco has a new run of the silver alox ramblers.



I have to say I'm tempted to buy another one of these, as a back-up in case I lose my current one. (I probably won't because I need to say my pennies for other gadgets)

I'm particularly a fan of the silver alox, because I feel it wears better. Overtime, annodisation will tend to wear off on the scales, but since these scales are silver the wear does not show up as easily.


MBI CORE TI - TITANIUM FLASHLIGHT PENDANT

I've previously mentioned the MBI torpedo, a AAA light which aims to provide 500+ lumens. This light is still in the works, but another product the maker is working on is a titanium pendant light.  It's a dogtag shaped flashlight designed to be worn as a pendant.  Here the thread on candlepowerfourms:

http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?324606-MBI-Core-Ti-%28world-s-thinnest-%29-Titanium-Flashlight-Pendant-%28work-in-progress%29

Photos borrowed from the candlepowerforums thread

Keychain Pen Review; Picopen vs Telepen

KEYCHAIN PENS:

Tec Accessories Pico Pen vs True Utility Telepen

I've had the tec accessories picopen for a little while now and I've been meaning to compare it to my other keychain pen; the true utility telepen (reviewed here).  Here are some of the differences, that I note.

Above: True utility telepen, Below: Tec accessories picopen

PACKAGING

The tec accessories pico pen comes nicely packaged in a metal box.  Included in the box is a bunch of accessories including: a gate clip, small split ring, wire cable keychain, stylus/pda insert and instruction manual/information card.

Pico pen with included accessories, packaged in a rectangular metal tin

The true utility telepen comes in a clamshell packaging.  Between the two, I feel the pico pen looks better when giving it as a gift.  The added accessories and better packaging makes it look classier.


SIZE AND SPECIFICATIONS

Both pens are comparable in size.  The tec accessories pico pen is slightly longer, but is also slightly slimmer than the telepen.

 
COST

True Utility Telepen: GB £4.99
Tec Accessories Picopen: US $19.95

Using the current coversion rates, the telepen is less than half the price of the picopen.


BUILD QUALITY

The tec accessories picopen feels solid and well made, I haven't noticed any issues in build quality during my time with this pen.  With the telepen, I do note there is some wobble and play in the telescoping segments.  Also, as mentioned in the telepen review, I had some issues taking out the refill catridge.  Neither are huge issues, but something to point out.

It may be that their range is smaller and simpler design, but in general I find the build quality of items from tec accessories to be pretty good (e.g. the p7 suspension clip and glow fob).  I find some of the stuff from true utility can sometimes be a mixed bag.  The Firestash I have, has since come apart and I can not get the wick back in.

Having said that, true utility's offerings usually come at a fairly affordable price. And, if anything does go wrong, I have read on some forums, they have pretty good customer service.

USAGE

When actually using these pens, I prefer the feel of the true utility telepen.  The telescoping ability of the telepen makes it more versatile, allowing you to adjust the length.  The width of the telepen is also controllable, to a certain degree.  I find the the pico pen a little too small and thin to grasp comfortably.  For me, the picopen would be a last resort writing utensil.

OTHER

Both these keychain pens can use normal pen refills.  You can also buy official pico pen refills, which are stainless steel (instead of the usual plastic refills).

The pico pen comes with a stylus/pda insert, which can be used instead of the pen cartridge.  I don't have any pda's to test it on, but it doesn't work with my current smart phone.

One downside I find with the tec accessories pico pen, is the magnet in the keyring attachment.  This magnet does the job of holding the pico pen firmly in place.  However, I find the magnet also attracts other metal components on my keyring.  These components (such as split rings, clips and snap gates), annoyingly, get stuck to the keyring attachment.  I'd also be concerned about keeping the magnet near magnetically sensitive objects like credit cards.

There is a magnet in the keyring attachment of the pico pen

CONCLUSIONS

Given a choice between the two, I would prefer the carry the true utility telepen on my keyring.  I find the tec accessories picopen more difficult to use, and I am not a fan of magnetic attachment.  The picopen does make good gift, presentation-wise.

In future I hope to try the valiant concepts keychain pen.  Once again, the smaller size may make it more difficult to use than a telepen, but I would like to test out a keychain pen that uses a Fisher ink cartridge.  These ink cartridges are meant to write on more surfaces, as well as upside down.


LINKS

http://www.trueutility.com/pocket-tools-store/telepen.html
http://www.tecaccessories.com/products/product.php?II=13

TEC ACCESSORIES GLOW PELLET KIT - TRITIUM INSTALLATION WITH NORLAND 61

I have previously done a review of the TEC accessories glow fob.  A GITD pellet is contained with in this glow fob.  I prefer tritium which constantly glows and does not need to be 'charged up' with light.  Tec accessories sells a glow fob pellet kit, for replacing the stock GITD pellet with something else.

I did a post here on how to temporarily install a tritium vial into one of these empty glow pellets.  This solution has been working reasonably well, but I've decided to glue the tritium in permanently with some norland 61.  Having tried green, blue and yellow tritium, I've decided to go with green as it is definitely the most brightest and most noticeable out of all the colours.

Here is a video on my technique for installing the tritium into these empty glow pellet tubes.  I do admit my technique could do with a bit of refinement... cleaning up the blu-tack is bit of a pain.








Just to recap, here is where I get my stuff from:
-The 3x23mm tritium is from:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?170374-For-Sale-Tritium-Vials
-The TEC Accessories Glow Pellet Kit from:
http://www.tecaccessories.com/products/product.php?II=33
-Norland 61:
http://www.cpfmarketplace.com/mp/showthread.php?232854-Norland-61-Optical-Adhesive-for-Trit-installation

Summary of tips to install the tritium:
-Use a bit of blu-tack to block off one end of the empty vial
-You can use a flat end of a toothpick (or similar device) to neaten up the blu-tack if you have pushed it in too far
-Hold the empty vial at an angle, flow the Norland 61 slowly from one side. Let gravity slowly flow the liquid down to the end of the vial. This helps to avoid trapping dead air at the end of the vial.
-Only fill the tube about 1/3 of the way
-Gently insert the 23x3mm tritium. The Norland 61 will flow up the vial as you push it in.
-Leave it upright in bright sunlight or use a UV light to set the Norland 61
-Clean up the blu-tack. Use other larger bits of blu-tack to help pull it out. You can use a toothpick or a small brush to help remove the residual blu-tack
 -Top up the rest of the tube with Norland 61, set it again in UV light or sunlight.


Here is link to a PDF made by TEC accessories on various methods of using the glow pellet kit:
http://www.tecaccessories.com/PDF/TA_DIY_Kit_Trit_Project.pdf

TEMPORARY INSTALLATION OF TRITIUM INTO TEC ACCESSORIES GLOW FOB

TEMPORARY INSTALLATION OF TRITIUM INTO TEC ACCESSORIES GLOW FOB

I've been meaning to change the GITD pellet in the tec accessories glow fob for some time now.  However, I was undecided on what colour tritium I wanted to glue into the empty tubes tec accessories sell.  I was trying to figure out a way to temporarily install the 23x3mm tritium, but still be able to remove the tritium in case I wanted to use that tritium vial elsewhere.

This is what I came up with.

Materials:

-23x3mm tritium
-'Blu-tack'.  Not sure what you call it in other countries but here is the wikipedia entry for it:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blu-Tack
-Small round circles of plastic cut out from empty battery packaging.  The circles should roughly be the diameter of the empty vial.
-Glow pellet kit from tec accessories

Method:
-Place the 23x3mm tritium into the empty acrylic tube from tec accessories
-Centre the tritium vial, place a little blu-tack in either end to keep the tritium in place
-Tack the plastic circles to either end of the acrylic tube
-Remove the o-ring in the tec accessories glow fob, swap the GITD pellet with your tritium pellet.
-Place the o-ring back in, make sure everything is firmly in place and there is minimal movement of the tritium pellet.

The small round plastic circles will hold the blu-tack in place and reduces dirt sticking to the blu-tack.  The o-ring and washer should hold the small plastic circles in place and stop them from falling out.  If you want to retrieve your tritium vial, it's pretty easy to take the blu-tack back out.

I'll see how this works for me in the medium term.  If it works out okay, I might just leave the tritium installed as is.  If it doesn't work out well, I'll just install them with norland 61 for a more permanent solution.

Plastic battery packaging used to cut two round circles on the right

Blu-tack

Bottom: washer, plastic circle, 23x3mm tritium in acrylic tube with blu-tack on either end, plastic circle, o-ring

OTHER LINKS:
Tec accessories glow fob review
Glow fob pellet kit
Tec accessories glow fob
Merkava 23x3mm tritium sales thread

TEC accessories - TEC-S3 Glow Fob

TEC-S3 GLOW FOB

I've been eyeing off the TEC accessories Glow Fobs since they were announce and released.  I thought they looked well designed and reasonable in price.  I now have one in my hands and I have to say... I like it!

 

BACKGROUND

I have had my self-assembled tritium marker on my keychain for sometime and I've been quite happy with it.  It's lightweight, has a small footprint and is reasonable hardy.  The only downside was in the aesthetics.  It looks rather plain and uninteresting... especially in bright environments when the glow is not noticeable.

As an alternative, I've been considering some tritium keyfobs in metal housings.  A round up of various options can be found in this post:  Metal Tritium Markers/Keyfobs/Pendants.  Some of the designs available look amazing but the majority of them are quite expensive as they use titanium or other 'exotic' materials.

The TEC accessories glow fob was the most economical of the round up, and I have since acquired the stainless steel version; the TEC-S3.

SPECIFICATIONS

TEC accessories offer the TEC-S3 which has a stainless steel housing, as well as the TEC-A3 which has an aluminium housing.  Specifications (from the manufacturer) are as as follows:

Internal Glow Pellet:

    * Tubing: Clear acrylic
    * Glow powder: strontium aluminate (mixed with resin)
    * Outside Diameter: 6.35 mm [1/4"]
    * Overall Length: 28.6 mm [1-1/8"]

TEC-S3 Glow Fob:

    * Material: Stainless Steel
    * Finish: Bead Blasted
    * Outside Diameter: 9.0 mm [0.35"]
    * Overall Length: 40.0 mm [1.58"]
    * Weight: 5.9 grams [.21 oz]
Cost:  $22

TEC-A3 Glow Fob:

    * Material: Aircraft grade aluminum
    * Finish: Type III hard anodize
    * Outside Diameter: 9.0 mm [0.35"]
    * Overall Length: 40.0 mm [1.58"]
    * Weight: 3.2 grams [.11 oz]
Cost:  $18


PACKAGING AND ACCESSORIES

The packaging for the TEC accessories glow fob is rather rudimentary, coming only in a plastic ziplock packet.  I don't mind this if it is only for myself, less packaging means less waste and is better for the environment.  However, it is less desirable if you are planning on giving it away as a present. 

TEC-S3 Packaging

A cardboard instruction manual containing information on 'glow-in-the-dark' is included.  It also includes an 11.1mm diameter split ring, which feels stiff and well made.


DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

I find the appearance of the tec accessories glow fob to be quite nice... it puts me in mind of an elongated mini-lantern.  The design of the metal housing does not inhibit too much of the glow fob, allowing good exposure and illumination from the fob.

There is a thick black o-ring at the end of the metal housing, which holds the inner glow pellet in place.  This o-ring seems pretty sturdy and I doubt the glow pellet will fall out by itself.  The o-ring can be pried out with a small screwdriver, allowing you to change the inner glow pellet.

Thick black o-ring holds the glow pellet in place

 It is nice to know, the tec accessories glow fobs come with a life time warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.


TEC-A3 vs TEC-S3

As mentioned earlier I have the stainless steel version of the glow fobs, the TEC-S3.  I find the colour matches the rest of my keyring, better.

Whether you get the aluminium (TEC-A3) or the stainless steel version comes down to personal preference.

The aluminium version is slightly lighter at 3.2g (vs 5.9g) and is slightly cheaper.  The TEC-A3 is annodised black, while the TEC-S3 has a matte silver-grey appearance.

From general experience, I find annodise aluminium tends to develop wear on the edges and sharp corners.  Stainless steel can still get minor scratches, but may be less noticeable and often blends in better.

TRITIUM vs GITD

The GITD pellet in the tec accessories glow fobs requires exposure to light to be 'charged up'.  In their instruction manual, tec accessories indicate the GITD fob charges better with natural sunlight or UV light.  It also suggests exposure over a longer period will offer a longer lasting glow.  With night adapted vision, it is still possible to see it glowing after 8-12 hours (though it would be very feint).

I do have some GITD fobs from other sources and I do have to say; the tec accessories GITD pellet is slightly superior.  The GITD pellet from tec accessories seems to glow brighter for a longer period.  I believe TEC accessories source their GITD pellets from 'andygold' who has a sales thread on cpfmarketplace.  Andygold has good reputation for GITD key fobs. 

Tritium marker, TEC S-3, GITD fob from another maker

Directly after 'charging up' GITD fobs are brighter than tritium, but this burst in brightness will fade fairly quickly

Tec accessories offer a 'glow fob pellet kit', which can be used to replace the existing GITD pellet.  You can use this kit to either create your own GITD fob, or create a tritium fob using 23x3mm tritium.  I plan on getting one of these kits in future, and replace the GITD fob with some tritium!

Here are some of the advantages/disadvantages I see between tritium and GITD.

Advantages:
-Tritium does not need to be charged up with light
-While GITD fobs can initially be brighter than tritium, the brightness will fade and often after an hour (or less), the tritium will be more brighter than the GITD fob.

Disadvantages:
-a very minor amount of radiation is released.  It is not meant to be harmful unless you break the tritium vial and breathe-in or ingest the tritium.
-Tritium has a half life of 10-12 years.  Over time tritium will very slowly fade in brightness.  In 10-12 years it will be half as bright.


CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM

Not much to say on this aspect, if I had to  be picky, I do note some machining marks on the inner edges of the 'window struts'.  There are some very small air bubbles in the glow fob, but I think this is inevitable, all my other GITD fobs also have this issue.


CONCLUSIONS

While a little larger and heavier, the TEC S-3 glow fob does look nicer and more attention grabbing than my usual tritium marker.  I have now added it to my keychain, but I may consider taking it off if I'm finding my keyring gets too heavy.  I feel its worth the price... it's not overly expensive when you compare it some of the custom products available. 

TEC-S3 on the keyring

MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE:
http://www.tecaccessories.com/products/category.php?CA=8


OTHER LINKS:
Tritium Keyfob Review
Metal Tritium Keyfob/Pendants/Markers

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:

TEC Accessories P-7 suspension clip

 

You may have noticed on my keychain, I have a pocket clip attached with a set of keys.  This is a P7 suspension clip from TEC accessories. 

I find it helps to prevent my keys from bunching up at the bottom of my pockets; it spreads out them out so there is less of a 'pocket bulge'.

How my keychain sits with the the P7 suspension clip (imagine it hanging inside the pocket though)

How the clip looks with the keys hanging inside the pocket

 You can also attach it to multitools or small flashlights that do not come with a clip attachment.  One that comes to mind is the Quark mini series.  While these are good lights, one of the common complaints that people have with it, is the lack of a clip.

Attached to a small flashlight

 

The clip is a fairly simple product.  It feels well made, looks nice, clips tightly.  My only critique of it, is the price.  For $12 (not including shipping), its a little on the expensive side.

Specifications:
Material:  Bead blasted, spring tempered stainless steel
Size: 7mm (0.28") wide x 39mm (1.53") long
Includes:  Small split ring

Manufacturer's website:
http://www.tecaccessories.com/products/product.php?II=27

Additional Photos: