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Flashlights...bad and good.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/22/2011 : 18:23:25

A couple of years ago I posted about a flashlight I'd found at Costco that I really liked. It was a very bright LED light made by Dorcy and I was pretty happy with it. I bought several and put them on the boat, in the truck, etc., replacing my 3-cell Maglites with them.

Last night Rita & were out looking for a geocache about 15 miles or so from our house. It was spur of the moment, so I figured I was good with the flashlight I always carry on me, as well as the Dorcy in the car. We got out to the very-very dark cul de sac where the cache was supposed to be, I dug out the Dorcy light, and...nothing. I wasn't overly surprised, I figured the batteries had just died and I had my other light so it wasn't a big deal. We searched around for about 20 minutes in the pitch dark (not recommended, but hey, it was spur of the moment, remember?). Never found the box, but honestly, I was a little spooked, we were way off the beaten track, dark, dark, dark, and I was a bit worried about a cougar or bear being around.

We called it quits and headed home. Once there I took the Dorcy apart and found that several of the alkaline batteries had started leaking, hence the no light. When I took it apart a couple of pieces fell out of the light that looked like electrical contacts. I figured out where the went (or so I thought), got some new batteries, cleaned up the corrosion, and put it all back together. Nothing. Fiddled with several different ways the two pieces that fell out could go back together, couldn't get it to work. Broke out the multimeter, yep, got voltage, so it must be something mechanical. I carefully looked for wear marks and figured out that while I'd recovered two pieces, most likely three had fallen, and the the third was a small metallic post (I'm guessing). Most likely that little piece is either in the trash, caught up in a small crack in the flooring, or inside the vacuum, so there was little chance of repairing it, so I just tossed it. The 2 or 3 little pieces were supposed to be screwed together, but it looked like the tiny screws maybe had a single thread holding it to the battery holder.

Way too long of a story to complain about a crappy (in the end) flashlight. I'll be looking for another like the one I had in my pocket (LED Lenser that's in common use with our troops in Afghanistan, fabulous light, no complaints, love it, and 1/4 the size of the Dorcy and 4x the price if I remember correctly).

David
C-250 Mainsheet Editor

Sirius Lepak
1997 C-250 WK TR #271 --Seattle area Port Captain --

Edited by - on

JimGo
Admiral

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USA
962 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 18:32:39

I picked up one of [url="http://www.harborfreight.com/6-3-4-quarter-inch-109-led-flashlight-98506.html"]these[/URL] at Harbor Freight. It's a pretty bright little light. The longer handled version might be a better choice in the end, but I like the size of this one.

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 19:03:52

[url="http://www.maglite.com/"]Mag-Lite[/url]

Great flashlights and made in the USA.

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skybird
Navigator

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USA
135 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 19:29:22

streamlight 2XL is the best pocket flashlight I have ever owned or used. Seems like I paid about $40

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rrick
Captain

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USA
261 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 19:31:56

Mag-lite, the innovator and flooder of the market of the single application flashlight style that won't go away. Its only application? Law enforcement! Why else would they make a BLACK flashlight! Your dim light receptors in the eye like green, get a green body flashlight. Mag-lite surely anodizes them in green too, but you won't be getting that lifetime torch in anything else but BLACK when it's a gift.

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 21:30:29

Mag-lite gifts: Gave a red/maroon one to my wife (2-cell) and she likes it very much. My overall favorite small light is my Streamlight Scorpion. For large beam lights, my favorite is a $5 4D-cell (2 over/under) with a large lens, black body, and handle over the top row of batteries that I bought at an auto parts store like Auto Zone; I now have 2 of those.

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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 21:51:30

I have a whole bunch of flashlights, including genuine mini maglight and a couple of cheap LED knockoffs. But I got to like the LifeGear Glow 400 so much that I bought additional ones at Target. Long life, decent brightness, waterproof compartment, colored glow light (I got red for night vision), and automatic turn-on if it gets wet. The latter feature is very useful - I have everyone carry one on the boat after sunset, since it will become a marker if anyone goes overboard. I know there are better things for night sailing, but we don't go out at night often - usually just returning an hour or less after sunset.

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Edited by - TakeFive on 10/22/2011 21:52:53

delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 22:19:42

Rick,
I like the idea of those flashlights. Do they have some method of attaching them to your vest or other attachment point? Have you tested the "turns on when immersed" feature? Is it a one time thing, or it'll do it multiple times?

Edited by - on

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 10/22/2011 : 22:34:24

The auto turn-on feature is just two metal contacts about an inch apart. I've accidentally activated it several times with a wet hand. Once it's on, it stays on until you press the on-off button to turn it off. It will come on again as soon as there's continuity between the metal contacts.

We've never attached them - we just stick them in our pockets. If we fell off, I expect it would float out of the pockets. There is a plastic ring at the butt end (see pic above). I haven't tested how durable it is, but it might be used to attach to a D-ring on a PFD using a carabiner.

Edited by - TakeFive on 10/22/2011 22:35:58

John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2011 : 17:02:15

A habit I got into many years ago was to keep the batteries in a stored flashlight "positive to positive". That is, I put one of the batteries in backwards so they can't complete the circuit. They can't discharge and leak all over the inside of the thing. It's an easy chore to unscrew the cap, turn one around and then there be light.

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PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 10/23/2011 : 17:09:42

I bought a Dorcy International Dorcy 41-4750 180 Lumen Led Cyber Light Flashlight for $20 on amazon and I love it, way brighter than your typical mag light and so far its survived a dip overboard and last night my wife left it out in the rain last night and it still works like a charm. I do a lot of night sailing and the bright spotting ability and long battery life with a low price have me sold.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 05:45:36

http://www.rei.com/product/791975/eton-microlink-fr160-multipurpose-radio

I keep this in the boat backpack. No replaceable batteries. Crank and go...

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Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:09:55

We got one of those crank radios too, for the same reasons. Here's a test. Kill the batteries, then try to get a decent charge through the cranking handle. We decided to just keep lots and lost of batteries on board. Its still a good thing to have, but the crank handle is not the reason why.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:16:37

Yepper.. the original version I bought would turn itself on in the bag, and kill the batteries. You hafta crank it a little and it works for a little. The solar panel did not seem to work well, but it has been a good little light for when I need it. pick it up, crank it, and it works. Same for the radio, ( and weather ) so it has been a good addition.

Not a bright light for distances.

I think the newer version has more recessed knobs for the radio so it does not turn itself on, but I think either way the battery will be dead before you use it, so it is pretty much a crank light that will not last long at all without cranking.

I've used it mostly when I get to the boat at night and need a light to see the combination lock.

Edited by - redeye on 10/24/2011 07:17:20

TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:24:29

Sounds like something the professor built on Gilligan's Island. Obviously the knobs were designed by Gilligan!

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2011 : 07:33:38

http://www.rangerjoes.com/Flashlight-Mini-LED-Anglehead-P3204.aspx

Not that I have anything to do with Ranger Joe's... but anyhoo..

I've used one of these for a regular flashlight for years. (Well.. before the LEDs so I can't say about the new ones )

Good Price and it works well.

And whoohoo we could signal with a red light. So if you did lose you nav lights you could add it on.

Edited by - redeye on 10/24/2011 07:37:26

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5362 Posts

Response Posted - 10/26/2011 : 17:49:19

I've found several LED flashlights that require AA batteries. I've completely swapped over to NiMH rechargeable batteries for all my portable applications like lights, radios, GPS and cameras. I rarely throw away batteries anymore. And when alkalines cost about $2.50 for four batteries, I've found store-brands for about $7.00. They literally pay for themselves after a couple of uses. I've got two 4-cell chargers and they recharge in about 6-8 hours.
I was concerned about self-discharge if they sit around for awhile, but hold up for at least six months if fully charged. I have found they have a shorter charge-life than alkaline in my weather station (outdoor temperature sensor).
All-in-all, there's a little more churn but no waste

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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 10/26/2011 : 18:06:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Voyager
 I've found several LED flashlights that require AA batteries. I've completely swapped over to NiMH rechargeable batteries for all my portable applications like lights, radios, GPS and cameras. I rarely throw away batteries anymore. And when alkalines cost about $2.50 for four batteries, I've found store-brands for about $7.00. They literally pay for themselves after a couple of uses. I've got two 4-cell chargers and they recharge in about 6-8 hours.
I was concerned about self-discharge if they sit around for awhile, but hold up for at least six months if fully charged. I have found they have a shorter charge-life than alkaline in my weather station (outdoor temperature sensor).
All-in-all, there's a little more churn but no waste
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Although the LifeGear flashlights that I show above have a D-cell form factor, they actually use AA batteries. I have not had to replace them yet.

But when I do, it will be with the Sanyo Eneloop NiMH rechargeables that I keep on the boat. As of a couple of years ago, they were rated to have significantly less self discharge when stored. Competition may have caught up since then.

I keep a 4-cell AC charger running all the time, as well as a couple 2-cell USB chargers for when I don't have shore power handy. I rotate the batteries through my GPS handheld and other devices to keep them fresh. I've labeled them in pairs to ensure each pair has an identical usage history. (I have one lantern that uses 3 cells, so that messes things up a bit.)

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 10/26/2011 : 19:29:34

I'm slowly changing over to all rechargeable batteries as well. I just bought some of the Eneloops (to replace the AAA's in my crappy flashlight that I threw away), and I'll add them to my growing pile. I've made a list of all the batteries on the boat (I think), and I'm going to eventually purchase enough to outfit the entire boat's electronics from All-battery.com. They have pretty good prices, and I've never had any problems with their batteries.

Yesterday I decided to check out the new LED Maglights and decided to pick up a new 3 D cell model (which came with a Mini-Maglight 2-AA model as a bonus). It's brighter than my little LED Lenser I always carry, but not by much. I'll probably replace all the crappy lights in our cars & truck with the 3-D Maglights.

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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 10/27/2011 : 08:01:37

Apple sells rechargeable batteries and a charger at a very good price, kinda their contribution to the environment.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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USA
4479 Posts

Response Posted - 10/27/2011 : 09:28:42

Looks like they're just [url="http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/12/apples-rechargeable-aa-batteries-are-rebranded-sanyo-eneloops/"]rebranded Eneloops[/url]. At about 3x the price. I think I paid around $8 for a dozen AAA Eneloops at Costco this weekend (no charger, already got that). Might have been a bit more, not sure.

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TakeFive
Master Marine Consultant

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2272 Posts

Response Posted - 10/27/2011 : 16:34:49

Some of my Eneloops came in a kit that included AA, AAA, charger, and some potentially useful C and D cell converter bodies that will allow you to put their AA batteries into a C or D cell device. I have those on the boat in case of an emergency. Look around for them if you think they might be useful for emergency use.

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 10/30/2011 : 06:07:46

I have never been fond of LED flashlights. I prefer the Pelican Sabrelight 2000. Really bright, Class 1 Div. 1 for hazardous environments.
LEDs are really comming along though...

http://pelican.com/lights_detail.php?recordID=2000

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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5362 Posts

Response Posted - 10/30/2011 : 18:20:59

Rick,
That's a fantastic idea about labeling the pairs or quads of batteries to even out their usage. A number or a purchase date would work out fine I assume. I had not thought of that, but it really makes sense.

I don't know who makes them, but my local drugstore CVS offers their NiMH store brand batteries as a two for one (you get eight batteries for the price of four), and I've found they are just as good as the brand names like Energizer. Not sure I can say the same about all store brands, but these have been fine.

One word of caution about NiMH batteries however. Sometimes the battery chargers will heat up (the power circuit) and this will heat the batteries so that the batteries feel warm, or even, hot to the touch. Heating is claimed to lessen the battery's lifetime, so as a rule, I mount the charger so the batteries are below the charger's electronics, and check the charger frequently. When I feel the batteries start to heat up, I assume they are fully charged up.

So far, I've had good luck with these batteries, and they provide reliable service.

One more thing to note -- AA Alkaline cells provide 1.5V, so 4 of them provide 6 volts and 8 provide 12 volts. On the other hand, NiMH batteries provide approx 1.2V, so 4 provides about 4.8V and 8 provides about 9.6V. This is 20% less voltage.

Most appliances don't care and will operate at the lower voltage. Or like on my GPS, it has a setting for Alkaline vs NiMH, so it regulates itself. But some devices may not operate on a NiMH charge for as long as on alkaline cells. Solution? Just keep some charged-up spares handy.

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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts

Response Posted - 10/31/2011 : 05:37:59

http://www.diversdirect.com/scuba-diving/princeton-tec-tec-400-dive-light/

I've used a light similar to these for years. They usta call them C-lights cause they run on C batteries. I've still got about 4 of them and we use them cave diving and night diving.

The original C-lights were clear plastic so you could visually inspect your batteries at all times. In case the light had flooded. I can't find the clear plastic ones anymore, but then mine are still working.

The on switch locks so they will not turn on in the bag. An extra bulb is mounted inside the light. Some of the designs are using a magnetic switch so they will not leak at the switch. Lanyard on the light. Easy to keep up with where the light is if you hang it from the lanyard. Good amount of light for the size and price.

I've been through a lot of lights and these have stuck around.

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