Little Monkey Rude Nora 4 User manual

www.littlemonkeycaving.co.uk
Rude Nora 4 –Monkey Manual
ver.RN4.1.1 jrb2020

Nora4 Overview
Nora4 has two main LEDs. A high intensity spot LED and a wide angle flood LED. In normal operation the
lamp has 4 light settings as factory default.
Nora4 also has a low output ‘moon’setting (flood LED at very low output) for maximum run time, and
battery charge level indication using 5 green indicator LEDs (plus flood LED blinks 1-5 times).
Nora4 can be programmed using infrared remote control. From 1-9 light settings can be specified, and the
level of light provided by each setting can be configured by the user. The spot and flood LEDs can be
operated separately or blended together. Each LED can be operated at low, medium, medium plus, high and
maximum, offering a choice from 26 possible light combinations.
The Nora4 caving lamp operates from 3.7v li-ion battery configurations, including individual unprotected
18650 batteries and / or battery packs. Battery holders (for individual batteries) have electronic protection
built in. 3.7v li-ion battery packs can also be accommodated. For further information on range of battery
option see www.littlemonkeycaving.co.uk.
Batteries can be removed from battery box for charging in a proprietary 18650 battery charger, or can be
charged using the battery holder in conjunction with our Nora micro USB charger. Other 3.7v battery
arrangements are feasible depending on battery box configuration, including a 21700 cell, or e.g. multiple
parallel wired 18650 cells.
Nora4 Operation
Nora4 is operated by the sealed push switch on the top rear of the lamp body. In normal operation, the
switch can be operated in two distinct ways, <short push> or a <long push> (push and hold).
The available light settings are in a continuous forward loop, 1 to 4, and off. Each of the settings can be
selected in turn, by pressing the switch <short push>.
The factory default light settings are;
1. low flood(30 hours) - progression in smaller passages
2. medium flood (10 hours) - general progression around cave
3. maximum spot (1 hour) - route finding in very large passages etc
4. medium plus flood & medium spot (4 hours) - progression in larger cave
5. off (effectively zero battery consumption)
run times based on single 3500mAh battery. Run times will increase proportionally for higher
capacity multiple battery arrangements (see website).
In order to avoid cycling through subsequent light settings, Nora4 can be turned off from any setting with a
long switch press <long push>.

Note - when initially connected to the battery, Nora4 will turn on in moon mode (flood LED at very low
level). The next press of the switch (short or long) <push> will turn the lamp off, and the green smd LEDs will
indicate battery charge level.
Nora4 has effectively zero battery consumption when switched off, so there is no particular requirement to
disconnect batteries. However it is always best practice to do so when not in use for more than a few days.
Moon Mode and Battery Charge Level Indicator
Moon mode is provided by the main flood LED, offering a very low light (approx. 5 lumen) for ultimate
duration (200+ hours). Well suited to underground camp, expedition, small passage caving, and emergency.
Moon mode can be selected by a long switch press <long push> from lamp off setting.
The next press of the switch (short or long) <push> will turn the lamp back off. At this point the green smd
LEDs will display level of battery charge for a few seconds, and the flood LED will blink 1 to 5 times. 5 green
LEDs and 5 blinks indicate full charge, with 1 LED and 1 blink indicating very flat (for li-ion batteries). The
blinks are visible underground, on the back of your hand, such that battery condition can be determined
without removing your helmet.
Low Battery Charge
If battery charge is low, then Nora4 will reduce the power of the main LEDs, with the middle green smd
indicator LED on. This will be apparent at higher light output settings first, when battery is under greater
load! Nora4 operation will otherwise continue as normal, and user can switch freely through lamp settings.
When battery charge is very low, Nora4 will briefly blink the main LEDs, and step down to very low flood
output. Nora4 has been configured to deliver a low light from fundamentally flat battery packs for some
time, therefore minimizing the risk of being left without light. However, at this point you might consider
changing battery!
Ultimately, li-ion batteries will shut down at a set low voltage level (typically around 2.7v) to prevent
damage. In event of battery protection circuitry failure, Nora4 incorporates an additional layer of protection
to ensure that batteries will not be over discharged. Recharge flat batteries asap to prevent damage.
Thermal Management
While operating, Nora4 continually monitors lamp temperature. If lamp gets too hot then main LEDs will
blink and the power will be reduced to allow lamp to cool. The green smd indicator LED will scroll (not visible
with helmet on) while under thermal regulation. Lamp function is not locked, and simply changing light
setting will restore full operation, though be aware that unless a lower light setting is used for a few minutes
in order to provide time for the lamp to cool, then thermal management may quickly reactivate. In reality,
you are probably only likely to see this if running continuously for extended periods, using high settings and
in warm environments, as the Nora4 provides an effective heat sink.

Nora4 Programming
Nora4 can be easily configured to individual requirements, using infrared remote control. To program lamp,
point the controller at Nora4 front window. The receiver is within the lamp housing.
Programming is possible when Nora4 is initially connected to a battery, and with lamp switched off. If
programming function is required, it is necessary to press the main switch on back of lamp before connecting
battery. If no programming activity has occurred for 5 minutes, the programming link is disabled, in order to
protect your settings.
When the remote is operated (and programming window open), the green smd LEDs will indicate
programming activity. The middle green LED indicates that a button push on remote has been received by
lamp. The left and right green LEDs indicate selection of a valid function, and dancing green LEDs indicates
that a change has been confirmed.
Number of Light Settings
Nora4 has 4 factory default light settings. This can be modified from 1 to 9 settings depending on your
requirement. To select the desired number of light settings enter #followed by the number of settings
required and OK to confirm, <#(number of settings 1-9)OK>.
If the number of light settings selected is less than the current number, then any settings no longer required
will be taken from the end of the current sequence. For example, if lamp is currently configured with 6
settings, and 3 settings are selected, settings 4-6 will be removed.
Any additional settings will be added to the end of the current sequence. These will be set at low flood,
unless they have previously been programmed, in which case they will be set at the last stored configuration.
Configuring a Light Setting
Nora4 allows the light level of each setting to be modified to individual requirement. To modify a light
setting, enter *followed by the number of the specific setting you wish to modify <*(setting number 1-9)>.
This will only respond to the number of light settings currently specified (as described above). For example, if
the lamp currently has 4 light settings, then only buttons 1-4 on remote controller will respond.
When a valid light setting is selected, use the arrow buttons on the remote to select the desired level of light
for each LED. The level of the spot LED is set using the <up>and <down> arrows, and the level of the flood
LED is set using the <left> and <right> arrows. Either of the LEDs can be set as off, but not both. When you
have selected the desired light levels of spot and flood LEDs, then enter <OK> to confirm. This procedure can
be repeated for any specified light setting.
The spot and flood LEDs can each be operated at 5 light output levels, low, medium, medium plus, high and
maximum. The LEDs can be operated separately or blended together in any combination of these levels (see
table below), with the exception of maximum setting. Maximum setting is restricted to either flood LED only
or spot LED only, as a combination of both at this level of output rather misses the point!
While using the arrow buttons to select light level of the LEDs, the green indicator LEDs will show the
selected power level (0-5 LEDs illuminated). The flood and spot LEDs also light up at significantly lower levels
than during actual lamp operation! These levels are simply representative of the 5 power settings of each
LED, set at lower level in order to protect your vision when programming. However, even at these lower
levels direct eye exposure should be avoided.

(default
settings 1-4)
off –spot
low spot
medium
spot
medium
plus spot
high spot
maximum
spot
off - flood
n/a
50 lumen
30 hours
140 lumen
10 hours
200 lumen
6 hours
525 lumen
2 hours
800 lumen
1 hour (3)
low flood
70 lumen
30 hours (1)
120 lumen
15 hours
210 lumen
8 hours
270 lumen
5 hours
595 lumen
2 hours
n/a
medium
flood
170 lumen
10 hours (2)
220 lumen
8 hours
310 lumen
5 hours
370 lumen
4 hours
695 lumen
1.75 hours
n/a
medium
plus flood
250 lumen
6 hours
300 lumen
5 hours
390 lumen
4 hours (4)
450 lumen
3 hours
725 lumen
1.5 hours
n/a
high flood
675 lumen
2 hours
725 lumen
2 hours
815 lumen
1.75 hours
875 lumen
1.5 hours
1200 lumen
1 hour
n/a
maximum
flood
1000 lumen
1 hour
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
max. regulated light outputs,& approx. run times based on single 3500mAh battery. Run times will increase
proportionally for higher capacity battery arrangements (see website).
Monkey Mode ….. for Monkeys !!
Monkey Mode simplifies the operation of Nora4, for people who just want things fairly simple, or monkeys!
To select Monkey Mode, enter <*(0)OK>.
Monkey Mode allows a maximum of 4 light level settings (default settings 1-4 from above table), selected in
a forward loop. There is no off setting at end of loop. To switch off Nora4, <long push>. When switched off
the green indicator LEDs will show battery charge for a few seconds, 1-5 LEDs. The Moon Mode and battery
charge level indicator blinks are disabled.
The number of light settings can still be specified from 1-4, and the desired level of light output set for each.
To exit Monkey Mode and restore Nora4 to normal operation (at last stored setting), enter <*(0)OK>. On
exit, Nora4 will retain (to memory) any changes made to Monkey Mode settings.
Restore Factory Default Settings
If at any point you get in a pickle, then enter <#(0)OK> to restore Nora4 to factory default settings.

Nora4 Operation Flow Chart
www.littlemonkeycaving.co.uk
Connect Battery
Key
SP - Short Push
LP - Long Push
P - Push (Short or Long)
Battery Charge Level
smd indicator LEDs 1-5
blinks)
4. Medium Plus Flood
& Medium Spot
(390 lumen, 4 hour)
Lamp Off
(effectively zero
battery drain)
3. Maximum Spot
(800 lumen, 1 hour)
1. Low Flood
(70 lumen, 30 hours)
2. Medium Flood
(170 lumen, 10 hours)
Moon Mode
(5 lumen, 200+ hours)
LP
P
SP
LP
SP
LP
SP
LP
SP
P

Nora4 Fitting Guidance
Nora4 is designed to be helmet mounted. Fitting is fairly intuitive. The standard alloy lamp bracket requires 3
holes drilled in the front of the helmet (4.5mm). When drilling, take care not to damage cradle etc, on inside
of helmet. The lamp bracket can be used as a template. Position of lamp bracket is personal preference, and
helmet type dependant. If possible, position lamp high enough to avoid interference with peripheral vision.
Orientate lamp and mark position of lamp bracket central fixing hole, drill helmet, and attach bracket to
helmet. M4 stainless steel hex screws & lock nuts are provided for this. Mark other 2 bracket holes, twist
bracket to one side (or remove completely) and drill helmet. When fixing bracket to helmet, nuts should be
on the outside. The extending arms of the alloy lamp bracket will need to be adjusted to suit lamp and
accommodate curved helmet profile. They can be bent carefully by hand as required.
The standard Nora4 / Edna2 battery box can be attached with shock cord (suggested 4mm) or two cable ties.
This will require up to 4 suitably positioned holes drilled in helmet, depending on preferred fixing method
and helmet design. See Little Monkey website for other battery boxes.
The lamp can now be fitted to the lamp bracket. Nora has been designed for cable to run inside the helmet,
though many arrangements are possible. The lamp housing and cable can typically be threaded under the
rim of the helmet, behind the cradle inside the helmet and back and out at the front of the helmet, though
many arrangements are possible
The lamp is fitted to the bracket with 2 off M5 cap head screws. The M5 stainless spring washers fit between
the screw heads and the bracket, the M5 stainless washers fit between the bracket and the lamp body.
Orientate lamp to desired angle and lock up both screws, using 4mm hex key. To maintain good water
integrity, high viscosity silicone grease can be used on battery box O ring and front window O ring.
The battery box is opened at the opposite end to the cable gland. Battery and lamp connectors are polarized
so correct polarity is ensured. Battery connections should be made outside of the box, and battery pack
orientated in battery box, with wires and connectors typically orientated down inside wall of box (opposite
side to cable entry). Take reasonable care when fitting battery in order that wires do not get trapped /
damaged, and individual batteries are orientated correctly in Nora battery holders. The battery holder has li-
ion protection circuitry. Take care not to damage this. The cable gland end of the battery holder can be
opened for service / maintenance purposes.
The Modification of Helmets for Caving
By necessity helmets have to be modified in order that they can effectively be used for caving or adapted to
suit the requirements of a particular task within the caving environment. Invariably holes will need to be
drilled in the shell so that lamp brackets or reserve lamps can be fitted. Cavers drill helmets; as they
principally use these to mount lamps and protect from light bumps.
If holes are drilled in sensible positions and kept to a minimum they are unlikely to have an adverse effect on
the overall strength or protection offered by the helmet shell, but obviously this can't be guaranteed. Drilling
holes into a helmet shell technically invalidates its certification as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and
may have an adverse effect on the amount of protection provided by it, so anyone who modifies or uses a
modified helmet must be aware of, and fully accept, the potential incurred risks of the modification
beforehand and during subsequent use.

Li-ion Batteries
Knowing some fundamentals li-ion batteries will help to ensure that you maximise the life of your cells.
While li-ion batteries are fairly robust, they are potentially susceptible to damage particularly from severe
impact, temperature and water ingression. Our lamps have been designed to best protect the battery, while
maintaining a practical helmet mounted solution for underground use. If carrying spare batteries, take care
to avoid severe impact and water as they will potentially break. A hard case waterproof container is probably
advisable.
We do not take responsibility for injury to persons or damage to property from cells or chargers. These
should be used and charged under supervision, stored safely, appropriately maintained and correctly
disposed of if there is any suspicion that they have been damaged or are defective.
Battery Charging
Although the charging algorithm for li-ion cells is relatively complex, this is typically sorted out by the charger
and battery protection circuitry. Consequently, chargers are invariably simple plug in and go solutions. Red
light charging, green light fully charged, with automatic charging shut off. Li-ion batteries can be part
discharged or part charged without consequence. There is fundamentally no rapid high current charge
option for li-ion cells (though they will reach 80% charge fairly quickly). Although charging is automatically
shut off on completion, it is always advisable to disconnect battery packs from chargers when charging has
finished.
Battery Storage
The capacity of li-ion batteries is reduced with age. The chemical process that relates to this is accelerated
with increased temperature and charge level. To realise maximum battery life, cell packs should be stored
around half charge and in a cool and dry environment (around 15 degC, do not freeze). Under no
circumstances should battery packs be left discharged for an extended period, in order to avoid self
discharge below 2.5v and permanent damage.
Battery Compatibility
Nora4 operates from 3.7v li-ion, and is not compatible with high voltage li-ion battery arrangements,
typically ranging from 7.4v to 14.8v, connection to which could result in damage. Always ensure correct
battery polarity, to avoid potential damage to lamp.
Li-ion Battery Summary
Avoid getting batteries wet
Avoid severe impact. Do not puncture.
Store batteries somewhere cool, around 15 degrees C
Store batteries part charged, around 50% is good
Do not store batteries discharged (as deep self discharge will kill them)
Do not store batteries connected to lamp
Use a Little Monkey charger, or a suitable equivalent
Keep a watch on general battery condition (avoid damage to leads and connector)

Do not use or charge a potentially damaged battery
Dispose of dead battery packs at suitable recycling facility
Do not short circuit or reverse polarity batteries
Keep away from children and monkeys
High Power LEDs
Nora4 lamps use high power LEDs which are fairly bright! Do not look at LEDs in operation. Eye injury can
result. Be especially careful of this when programming light settings. Do not shine you light into other
people’s eyes, particularly at close range. For more information, see Cree website.
Warranty
Nora4 has a standard 1 year warranty against defects in material and manufacture. If your product or
accessories fails to operate to specification during the Warranty period we will arrange for your product to
be repaired or at our discretion replaced. This warranty is subject to reasonable wear and tear (in our
opinion) and correct use and maintenance of the product as applicable. We will not provide warranty repair
/ replacement if the problem, in our opinion, resulted from use outside the product specification,
modifications or alterations, incorrect connection, operation or fitting where applicable, external damage
due to accident, impact/ abrasion, poor storage, poor maintenance, use of non approved parts, wear and
tear parts (e.g. front window). We will always endeavour to keep any costs due to damage to an absolute
minimum.
Nora4 has been designed for ‘wet caving’ including submersion (not diving), operating effectively in a hostile
environment, i.e. caves, and be as robust / reliable / practical as possible for this purpose. As a consequence
it will get battered and while we appreciate that it is entirely feasible to break things occasionally, any such
damage is beyond the scope of the product warranty. Expect to pay for any damage related repairs. We
advise against pressure washing or rough submerged washing where it could be possible to force moisture
past the switch seal. If water, even the smallest amount is forced in to the lamp, you will note condensation
behind front window when lamp is operated. If you notice this, then remove front window (with hex key
provided) and run on a medium setting to warm lamp and burn off moisture, before reassembling.

Disclaimer
Caving is not without risks. We would not presume to tell you how to kit up and use your equipment. What
we will say is that the Nora4 is not, and should not be considered as, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
How you interpret any guidance that we give on the use of our products and how you use our equipment is
entirely at your own risk. Caving is a rigorous activity that is harsh on equipment. Nora4 has been designed
to be safe, robust and best withstand the demands of caving, while remaining practical as a tool for this
purpose. This does not mean that it cannot be broken. Lights can fail without warning, and we take no
responsibility for any consequence of this. Always carry a reliable and accessible independent backup light
source for any light crucial activity / function. Good caving practice is your own responsibility. We do not
take responsibility for any accident, injury, liability or cost, to yourself or that you may cause to anyone else,
or to any property. This applies to caving or any other function for which you choose to use and place
reliance upon our product. We are aware that our lights are often used for cave diving. Information relating
to the scope of this activity will be published on the little monkey website.
Please note that you personally assume full responsibility for the risk of property damage, bodily injury or
death which may occur from the use of this product in any manor whatsoever. If you are not able, or not in a
position to, assume this responsibility, or take the risk, then do not use this product. We are not responsible
for the consequences (direct, indirect or accidental) or any other type of damage befalling or resulting from
the use of this product. If you are not entirely comfortable with the above, then do not purchase or use any
of our products.
About Us
Nora4 is designed and manufactured by us, trading as Customduo. We are based in Cheddar, in the Mendip
Hills, a significant UK caving region. To contact us or view latest version of Nora4 manual, product guidance
and terms & conditions, please visit website www.littlemonkeycaving.co.uk