[phone9]

This is simple but surprisingly doesn't seem to have been done yet: flash the camera flash repeatedly as a bright strobe light. Someone wrote in asking for something that would be visible from inside a vehicle, this should do it:

Bright Strobe

Coupon BSTROBETA for 15 copies through the mobile CB store. I've already tested it on 8330 and 9530, but would prefer to have it tested on as many devices as possible before it gets listed tomorrow. Once the coupon expires, technically it is already 'live' for 0.99 ... just may need timing adjusted for a few finicky devices, and that's what the beta coupons are for.

In particular, if anyone would be so kind as to test on a 9700, 9550, 9630, 8220, 81xx, 9000, and 8900, that should cover all possible problems.


Thank you

[motoroid7]

Has anyone made a Morse code application with the camera flash? lol, just thought about this. would come in handy for SOS.

[phone9]

Best I can get it to do is about 1 flash every 2 seconds, that's kind of slow for Morse?

[SCrid2000]

I couldn't find it in the online app store ...

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[Roscopcoletrain]

using it on my 9700. Its REALLY slow, as posted above, maybe a flash every 2-3 seconds.

[jabbs1]

A free trial would be nice...at least like a 7 day trial or something.

[MADBRADNYC]

A free trial would be nice...at least like a 7 day trial or something.

Did you read the first post, and try the FREE discount code?

Why waste your time posting about a trial when you have an opportunity to get it before the codes run out?

I just received a FREE copy by following the instructions. This is for testing purposes, so I think if there is a trial, it would be for the actual release... if there is a trial.

[MADBRADNYC]

using it on my 9700. Its REALLY slow, as posted above, maybe a flash every 2-3 seconds.

It's flashing for me about once every 5 seconds from my count, on my 9700 on .442. I also had a lot of clocking going on, and it took several attempts to exit out of it. Gonna try another battery pull to see if I can get it to at least flash every 1 or 2 seconds as previously posted.

EDIT: Would it be possible to cover the camera screen with an unbranded blackface or something while in use?

[MADBRADNYC]

Same as before. Flashes once every 5 seconds only. There is a lot of clocking as the camera screen repeatedly turns on and off. It is also hard for me to exit back out of the app as the screen turns on and off with the clocking at the same time. Any thoughts?

[dave3825us]

flash the camera flash repeatedly as a bright strobe light. Someone wrote in asking for something that would be visible from inside a vehicle, this should do it:

Why would one want to do this in the first place?

[9700On3]

Has anyone made a Morse code application with the camera flash? lol, just thought about this. would come in handy for SOS.

slow morse code is still morse code.

just get the timing right

[phone9]

Thank as always, Brad, but... apparently the 9700 camera app can't keep up, so that's off the compatibility list.

If others can let us know what rates they're getting, anything that can't manage at least 1 flash every 2.5 seconds will be cut from the compatibility list.

So far the 83xx and Storm1 are in, the 9700 is out.

As for "why", maybe it will be useful to someone, it wasn't hard to do so why not, and it's just a buck. I'd pay a buck for a bright LED strobe to keep in the trunk.

[phone9]

Would it be possible to cover the camera screen with an unbranded blackface or something while in use?

I don't think so, not for this. I think the camera has to remain uncovered since I'm feeding it simulated input. If a cover were on the input would probably go there, at least that's what happens in my flashlight apps. I can cover those because once I've kicked the light on, I can leave the camera alone, there's no constant stream of simulated input to the camera from my app.

[dave3825us]

So the only reason to have a strobing blackberry would be for morse code?

[phone9]

Well, I guess it could be used for anything you'd use any small strobe for, except that it's your phone too. Next time you're caught in fog in a dinghy with no emergency kit... at least you'll be visible (Happens all the time to me.)

[MADBRADNYC]

apparently the 9700 camera app can't keep up, so that's off the compatibility list.

Oh well. That's the way the cookie crumbles. I like the app anyway though, and will keep it on my device for a bit. I would gather it would be good for signaling in the dark for various reasons. As always, I appreciate your hard work, generous offerings, and honesty about any of your apps.

And, don't talk down about BestFlash. This is one of the coolest, most relaxing applications I have, and it illuminates my dark bedroom just fine with all of the various color combinations. My kids love to play with it too while playing under the "sheet tent". LOL.

ATB. The city never sleeps.

[phone9]

I'm modifying the 5.0 version go easier on the 9700, so it will be usable for what it can do (a period of 5 seconds?), but quit when you hit Escape.

Then I'll put a warning about this limitation. Maybe some will still want it, it could still have uses even so slow. You should get the update notice shortly.

[phone9]

Update 1.0.1 out to help 9700, 9630, 9000, 8900. Anything else need help?


From the updated description:

95xx Storm - Expected rate (tested) ~30 flashes per minute, dwell ~1/10 sec.
83xx Curve - Expected rate (tested) ~25 fpm, dwell ~1/5 sec.

97xx Bold - Limited to slower strobe speed of ~12 fpm
96xx Tour - No data yet for real devices, expected rate ~20 fpm
9550 Storm2 - No data yet for real devices, expected rate ~30 fpm
90xx Bold - No data yet for real devices, expected rate ~20-30 fpm
89xx Curve - No data yet for real devices, expected rate ~20-30 fpm
88xx World - Not compatible.
87xx - Not compatible.
85xx Curve2- Not compatible.
82xx - Not compatible.
81xx - No data yet for real devices, expected rate ~20-25 fpm

[phone9]

Has any of the beta testers we haven't heard from yet tried it on the 81xx, 8900, 9000, 9630, or Storm2?

It would be good for users considering this if we had rate and compatibility data about those devices for the table above.

Thank you

[sezaro21]

Has any of the beta testers we haven't heard from yet tried it on the 81xx, 8900, 9000, 9630, or Storm2?

It would be good for users considering this if we had rate and compatibility data about those devices for the table above.

Thank you

I'll test for the Storm 2 if you like. Just let me know. Thanks

[jabbs1]

With version 1.0.1.47 on my Tour it flashed about every 2-3 seconds. I was hoping for at least 2 flashes per second.