#274371 - 02/28/15 06:52 AM
Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
|
Newbie
Registered: 10/14/14
Posts: 46
|
I recently bought a solar/ handcrank flashlight called Secur and it seems pretty good. So far I have only used it during a power outage but it does seem to work well and feels pretty sturdy. Does anyone else have it or any suggestions on other good ones? Would such a flashlight work well in wilderness situations? Thanks.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#274376 - 02/28/15 04:03 PM
Re: Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
[Re: ATN]
|
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 04/01/10
Posts: 1629
Loc: Northern California
|
I have a few relatively inexpensive hand-crank flashlight/radios. I keep them in my cars. I don't know the type of battery. Anyway, the instructions were to crank them periodically, even if not using. (I assume that means the battery is damaged if fully drained.) Unfortunately, I failed to follow the instructions after the novelty of them wore off. Now, the batteries are basically dead. Next ones I get, I will set a reminder in my phone to crank them periodically.
By the way, I think of these as a backup to a conventional flashlight, not as my first option. Also, they're bulky to carry. So, they are devices that reside strictly in my home or car.
_________________________
If you're reading this, it's too late.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#274377 - 02/28/15 04:04 PM
Re: Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
[Re: ATN]
|
Crazy Canuck
Carpal Tunnel
Registered: 02/03/07
Posts: 3219
Loc: Alberta, Canada
|
I think chaosmagnet summed it up neatly.
A couple of additional thoughts:
- Generally, any crank light made by Freeplay is of very good quality.
- Inexpensive "coin cell" lights still put out light while you crank, so you're not completely stuck. Great for kids, but not for changing a tire.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#274378 - 02/28/15 04:15 PM
Re: Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
[Re: ATN]
|
Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
|
Checking out their web page, they have some "different" products. Is your light the SP-1002? If so, it strikes me as rather dim (max 8 lumens)and a bit heavy (6.5 oz). The manual implies that the unit might be a bit finicky (crank for a minute once a month for max battery life).
My preference for wilderness use is a headlamp powered by AA (primary lithium or NiMH rechargeables) with variable lumen output,the most useful of which is usually around 80-100 lunens). Used sparingly, such a light will last for days and fresh batteries are easily carried.
But this is opinion, not experience. Use your light and let us know how it works....
Edited by hikermor (02/28/15 05:35 PM)
_________________________
Geezer in Chief
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#274381 - 02/28/15 05:16 PM
Re: Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
[Re: chaosmagnet]
|
Pooh-Bah
Registered: 04/08/02
Posts: 1821
|
Many of the solar/handcrank flashlights out there use cheap coin cells to store energy, and so don't last long at all -- the coin cells can only be recharged so many times before they won't take a charge again.
I have even seen hand crank flashlights, with batteries, but not connected to the charging bits. A independend battery circuit and a independent crank as you go circuit. Here is one i took apart. I generally battery lights, because they are better lights (throw, lumens, etc,). I haven't seen a well made crank headlight yet, which would be the prefered type of light it you have to choose just one.
_________________________
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#274392 - 03/01/15 03:47 PM
Re: Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
[Re: ATN]
|
Member
Registered: 03/29/12
Posts: 189
Loc: California
|
My EDC Fenix E01 flashlight with an Energizer Ultimate Lithium AAA battery gives me almost a year's worth of light (on one battery) with almost daily use. And I keep spare lithium batteries.
I see no need for a hand-crank light. Every one I have tried takes a tremendous amount of cranking for a very short period of light.
I feel the same about hand-crank radios. A battery powered radio will last weeks or even months with regular playing. Just keep spare batteries and there is no need for hand-cranking.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#274394 - 03/01/15 05:53 PM
Re: Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
[Re: Treeseeker]
|
Geezer in Chief
Geezer
Registered: 08/26/06
Posts: 7705
Loc: southern Cal
|
My experience with lithium batteries and single cell AAA batteries is similar. Just keep a backup lithium handy and you can go forever.
For long term use,acquire a solar panel and charging unit and you can easily keep AAs and AAAs topped off indefinitely.
This just shows that I am not at all cranky....(This is to forestall the inevitable comment by AKSAR)...
Edited by hikermor (03/01/15 06:03 PM)
_________________________
Geezer in Chief
|
Top
|
|
|
|
#274397 - 03/01/15 08:11 PM
Re: Solar/ Handcrank flashlights
[Re: ATN]
|
Member
Registered: 05/15/07
Posts: 198
Loc: Scotland
|
I have a small collection of hand crank lights going back to the 40's.
The only reliable ones are what I would call hand pumped. When you pump the light comes on, when you stop out it goes. No batteries or capacitors. Very simple.
When you need light they work, always. Can't put them down of course but low effort needed and the rhythm of pumping is slow.
I have discovered that many satellites now do not have batteries or any power store on board. This is because the battery is the main limit on the satellite's life and they also too often fail. The satellites are set into an orbit of continuous light or the operator puts up with intermittent, but easily predictable blackouts.
|
Top
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 registered (SRMC),
332
Guests and
70
Spiders online. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|