MechOptix Stoptix Instruction Manual

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Stoptix Bicycle Brake Light
Part Number BBL-01
What happens when I apply the brakes?
The automatic brake light illuminates on measured deceleration. It measures your rate of
slowing down (deceleration) by measuring the g-force using an accelerometer very similar to
the one used in smart phones and tablets. The automatic brake light feature works in every
mode of operation and cannot be de-activated.
How do I turn it on and operate it?
Important! Charge the unit before first use.
The remaining battery life indicator will not be accurate until the unit is fully charged.
The automatic brake light feature works in all modes and cannot be de-activated.
Power On: Press button and hold for 2 seconds. Unit will power up when button is released.
Green LED will flash 5 times when the battery is fully charged. A flash count less than 5
indicates a partial charge (e.g. 3 flashes will be approximately 6 ½ hours operation in flash
mode).
Mode Select: Press button for 1 second or less to select the next mode (Mode 1 is default).
Note: Holding the button down for 2 seconds or longer will power down the unit. Modes
repeat after Mode 4.
Power Off: Press button and hold down until green LED flashes rapidly then release the button.
Charging: Green LED flashes slowly while charging. Green LED will stay on and stop flashing
when charge is complete. Unit has built-in overcharge protection. Full charge could take up to
3.5 hours.
The Operating Instructions are included inside the product packaging.
Mode 1
Mode 2
Mode 3
Mode 4

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How long does it take to recharge?
The typical time to fully charge the on-board Lithium-Ion battery from an empty or discharged
state to full capacity is 3.5 hours. It uses a standard micro USB charging cable provided with the
product.
How long will it hold a charge when it is off?
The unit does not use any power when OFF. We observed during testing that the charge lasts
for weeks.
Will it work going downhill?
Our bicycle light senses any change in ground angle and recalibrates for that angle. An example
is downhill mountain biking. The light recalibrates in approximately 1.5 seconds when you start
going downhill, recalibrates for the new angle, then continues to measure any new angle
change. To our knowledge, this is the only bicycle brake light with this capability.
Why does the flashing pattern look like it is changing?
We designed our flashing pattern to not repeat over a 12-second interval. An automobile
taking the typical time to overtake or pass you on your bicycle will not see the pattern repeat.
Why? Because our brains expect to identify patterns quickly and begin to ignore them. We
draw more attention to you and your bicycle by not having a simple flash pattern but rather
one that is similar to what emergency vehicles use. Want to look even more like an emergency
vehicle? Mount two Stoptix Bicycle Brake Lights on your vehicle and put them in flash mode.
Is there plan to make a smaller version in the future?
No.Our light is 2.0 inches across flat-to-flat intentionally and by design. It does not need to be
this large to accommodate our circuit or the battery. We insisted on making it larger than our
competitors’ products because a larger effective area makes your bicycle more visible. A great
deal of research went into developing the required minimum effective area for lights on
automobiles and motorcycles. Why would you dispense with all that research data for a
“blinky” light? We started our company working in automotive and powersports and you
benefit from as a cyclist from our company’s unique approach.
Why is the lens not red?
We use an optical diffuser instead of a lens. This not only spreads the light to 140 degrees
output but it also homogenizes the light so it appears to be uniformly lit across the entire face
of the light. Our light is opaque off-white when OFF and uniformly red when ON. Emitting
white light is wasteful when only red light is needed for tail and brake function. Emitting only
red light means our light can operate for a longer time on the same battery.
Why can’t it be attached with elastic straps?
Our light is an instrument using an accelerometer to measure deceleration by measuring g-
force. You can’t mount an accelerometer using elastic straps because the motion of the bike

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could be exaggerated through the elastic mount. Our light must be rigidly mounted to the bike
frame to ensure proper operation. It should also have the illuminated face of the light parallel
with the road on level ground to optimize visibility to other cyclists and to motorists.
Why is the mounting kit sold separately?
Our light is designed to mount on the typical rear reflector mount. You can use this existing
mount but we recommend purchasing the 13-piece mounting kit so that your current rear
reflector stays where it is and you add the Stoptix light using the hardware in the kit.
What if I want to use it on multiple bikes?
We recommend that you purchase the mounting kit then determine if you have enough
hardware mounting options for both bikes. If not, then order a mounting kit for each bike.
Can I mount two or more lights on my bike?
Yes, installing two or more units on one bike will certainly make you even more visible when
cycling. You may need to purchase a second mounting kit.
Can I use it in the rain?
The Stoptix Bicycle Brake Light is water resistant to heavy rain and splashing water from the
tires. It cannot be submerged in water. The button, USB port, and lens are all sealed to
prevent water intrusion.
What happens if I drop it while unpacking or installing it?
The light will survive dropping onto concrete from waist high, approximately three feet or one
meter.
Do you offer a carrying case for when the light is not on the bike?
We do not presently offer a protective storage case for the light. We welcome any customer
suggestions on what we should offer.
What does the warranty cover?
Your purchase comes with a Full One Year Warranty.
MechOptix, Inc. ("MechOptix") warrants this hardware product against defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original retail purchase.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. The Stoptix Bicycle Brake Light ships worldwide.
MechOptix Inc.
Huntsville, AL, U.S.A.
[phone]
[e-mail]
www.CycleBrakeLight.com