FlashTorch

The Times OnLine have published a review of the Led Lenser Police Tech Focus, Inova 24/7, Princeton Tec Genesis, Mag-lite 2D 3W Led, Ring Cyba-lite N16 Xenon and the Gerber Omnivore flashlights. 'All our torches claimed to be at least water resistant, so we gave them a 30-second shower to simulate a heavy downpour - the sort of conditions in which you'll inevitably have to change a flat tyre. In addition, we dropped them from a height of 3ft onto a hard floor to see how they stood up to some typical rough and tumble. All shone through, which meant we could then evaluate their beam performance, build quality and availability of accessories, such as a pouch and belt clip.'

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Press Release

EDGEMONT, PA – Peak Beam Systems, Inc., manufacturer of high-intensity Maxa Beam searchlights, has introduced a Crew-Served Weapons Light (CSWL) Illumination System for heavy weapons. The weapon-mounted searchlight features a rugged, field-replaceable front lens and lamp assembly and a built-in interface that mounts the light to any M1913 “Picatinny” rail.

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A review of the JetBeam JET-III PRO IBS LED flashlight has been posted over at CPFReviews.com. 'JETBeam Jet III Pro IBS is high output, single rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery based LED flashlight. JETBeam Jet III Pro IBS belongs to Professional Infinite Brightness System of flashlights from JETBeam. Jet III Pro has premium Q5 bin Cree LED. The body of Jet III Pro IBS is machined from T6016 aircraft grade aluminum. For environmental protection, Jet III Pro is coated with type 3 military grade hard coat anodizing. The black HAIII coating provides superior corrosion resistance and high durability. The quality of machining for Jet III Pro is flawless. A removable pocket clip comes pre installed on Jet III Pro. Battery tube and other internal parts including threads are treated with corrosion protective chemical. The chemical gives a distinctive golden color finish to flashlight interiors.'

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A review of the Brinkmann Rebel 4-LED flashlight has been posted over at the LedMuseum. 'The Rebel is the latest offering from Brinkmann, maker of high quality police flashlights and other equipment. The Rebel features a single white LED focussed by a special lens; and is powered by a pair of "AA" cells. A set of color filters are included to change the color of the LED from white to red, amber, and blue. A thick rubber grip makes the light easy to grasp and hold onto, and a pushbutton switch is located on the tailpiece.'

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An article over at Flyxia.com traces the evolution of LED technology from the early beginning through to the present where it appears to be on the cusp of becoming the primary feature in most lighting applications. ‘The advantages of adopting LEDs to provide sole source lighting for every application are significant. LEDs emit virtually no heat (wasted energy) and are “in fact… cool to the touch” unlike incandescent light bulbs. They are also more durable (encased in a hardened shell and resistant to vibration and shocks) than and last up to 50 times longer than traditional incandescent and fluorescent bulbs ( some can be used for up to 10 years), and they “use a greater proportion of the electricity flowing through them” translating into “savings for consumers.” [9] According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “widespread adoption of LEDs could cut U.S. consumption of electricity for lighting by 29%”[10] since they require less energy to function and by their nature, reduce the amount of air conditioning needed to keep areas cool and comfortable.’

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CNET have republished the review of TechRepublic's hands-on "Cracking open" of a lightsaber. 'Turning the saber over, we find more design characteristics (belt loop near the blade, two silver control studs) that tell the hard-core Star Wars fan this could only be Darth Vader's lightsaber. Such attention to detail and faithfulness to the originals are what we've come to expect from Lucasfilm licensees. Although it was too quick to photograph, turning the saber on activates the red lights in the blade in stages from bottom to top, giving the same ignition and effect as in the movies. Naturally, turning the saber off causes the lights to extinguish in sequence from top to bottom as well.'

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Auto Express have reviewed ten LED torches/flashlights with a view as to which would be most suitable for inclusion in the glove department of your vehicle and have placed the Kamasa LED Magnetic Torch (worklight) in the number one spot. 'We reckon Kamasa is on to a winner with this new torch. Those 24 LEDs punch out a broad beam with the light hot spot right at the centre, easily reaching our eight-metre line. What really makes it great for cars is the tough grippy rubber casing plus magnet and hook set into the rear. These allow you to get light just where you want it, but leave your hands free.'

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PR-GB.com have republished an article which offers some useful tips on selecting the most suitable flashlight to fit the occasion. 'It is necessary to purchase different varieties of flashlights for different uses. If you want to save on costs and think a single flashlight will do, you need to do some rethinking! For one, different intensities of light are required within and around the house and while traveling by your vehicle. If you have a single flashlight at home, you may also forget to carry it while leaving the house. Therefore, invest in a few and they are sure to bail you out in an emergency!'

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The Times Leader reports on the news of the powerful Bright Star LightHawk flashlights being brought into action to assist in the effort to rescue trapped miners in Utah. 'Officials with the Mine Safety and Health Administration contacted Koehler Bright Star facility to see if it had any products that would help them see through the thick dust and smoke clouding the mine. Kohler, a manufacturer of flashlight products in the Hanover Industrial Park, shipped out two Lighthawk flashlights later that day, according to Matthew Malcolm, company vice president. “They called for our recommendations with lighting, and we immediately shipped out two Lighthawks,” Malcolm said. “The flashlights are there today, and I anticipate shipping more.”

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The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette details a useful plan for equipping your household with an affordable mix of emergency lighting devices. 'Flashlights that provide five minutes of light when shaken or hand-cranked for 30 seconds. They’re handy for long-term power failures. Waterproof flashlights, necessary in floods. Lanterns that illuminate entire rooms. You can take them on camping trips, too. The technology behind flashlights and lanterns has improved, says Betsy Laakko, a representative for Energizer, the flashlight and battery manufacturer based in St. Louis. Most use a cluster of lightemitting diodes (LEDs ) that shine brighter and last longer than before. The company makes a room-lighting lantern that can1 last 1 / 2 months using one set of batteries.'

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The new CRICKETT gadget is designed to secure your reading glasses while providing illumination via a booklight or flashlight as the circumstance necessitates. ‘One touch and the CRICKETT automatically unfolds its robotic arm and activates a high-intensity light that makes personal reading a pleasure even in the darkest room. A strong metal Book Clip secures the CRICKETT to any Paperback or Hardbound book and its pivoting head allows you to read both open pages and turn pages with ease.’ Price: $25.00.

Continue reading "CRICKETT: Combination LED Book Light and Flashlight has space for your reading glasses" »

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Wired news blog reports on the news of the “LED Incapacitator” flashlight being developed for use by the Department of Homeland Security in high security situations. ‘The LED Incapacitator uses a range-finder to measure the distance to a target's eyes and then unleashes continually changing, multi-color light pulses that both blind and disorient the person. Intelligent Optical Systems, a small company in Torrance, CA, is developing the weapon with money from Homeland Security's Science and Technology division, which thinks its possible to have the weapon deployed to cops, National Guard troops and border agents by 2010.’

Continue reading "LED Incapacitator: Powerful LED flashlight suited for high-security applications" »

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LEDdynamics has introduced the EverLED TR which is touted as the first commercially available fluorescent tube replacement and retails for $148. 'The EverLED TR is a 48" long T8 replacement, available now in 5 standard shades of white, from daylight to warm white. The 48 inch "S" model provides the equivalent light output of a 40 watt tube while consuming only 25 watts. 24", 60", and 72" models will be available in Q3, 2007. The EverLED TR incorporates patent pending electronic circuitry which allows the LEDs to extract power from existing fluorescent ballasts regardless of the technology used by the ballast. This technique also allows the reduction of power needed to create light and increases the compatibility of the unit with fixtures using T12, T10, or T8 diameter fluorescent tubes.'

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission along with Sportsman’s Warehouse has initiated a recall of 4,400 of the company’s Xenon Aluminum Flashlights due to the accompanying “Panasonic CR123A Industrial Lithium batteries” being identified as counterfeit by Panasonic. ‘The recall involves High Intensity Xenon Aluminum Flashlights in 6-volt (Item No. 1139422), 9-volt (Item No. 1139423) and 12-volt (Item No. 1139424) models. The recalled flashlights are black and have the Sportsman’s Warehouse logo printed on the handle. The recalled flashlights were packaged with two, three or four batteries labeled as “Panasonic CR123A Industrial Lithium”.’

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DR. KNOWLEDGE writing over at The Boston Globe has posted an explanation on just how the Shake Flashlight produces illumination. ‘The main idea behind batteryless flashlights is to use the physical motion of the flashlight itself to provide the energy to light up the bulb -- that is, you have to shake it. What happens is always a variant on the following basic idea: If you have a coil of wire and drop a magnet through it, this will make some electricity flow through the coil and whatever it's attached to. This electricity can be stored to power a light bulb.’

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Two researchers at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science have recently achieved the highest lumens per watt ever recorded for a red phosphorescent LED in their ongoing efforts to improve the illumination on future LED flat panel TVs. 'In Yang and Huang’s new polymer light emitting diodes, the devices have a very simple single-layer structure, generated by a much cheaper solution process. The new LED, or more precisely PLED, developed by the two UCLA engineers uses a polymer powder and liquid mixture added to a previously top-secret material developed by the Canon company to create a paint-like product. The product is used to coat a layer of glass, and a charge is added. The end result is a slim single layer of glass with two electrodes.'

Continue reading "PLEDS: The next generation of LEDs" »

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Technology Review reports on the increasing use of LEDS and the consequent decline in popularity of the traditional light bulb. ‘LEDs, which are small chips usually encased in a glass dome the size of a matchstick head, have been in use in electronics for decades to indicate, for example, whether a VCR is on or off. Those LEDs were usually red or green, but a scientific breakthrough in the 1990s paved the way for the production of LEDs that produce white light. Because they use less power than standard incandescent bulbs, white LEDs have become common in flashlights.’

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Researchers at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) have developed a RADAR Flashlight which they claim would be of tremendous value to police officers enabling them to see behind enclosures while remaining undetected. 'A prototype device called the RADAR Flashlight, developed at the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), can detect a human's presence through doors and walls up to 8 inches thick. The device uses a narrow 16-degree radar beam and specialized signal processor to discern respiration and/or movement up to three meters behind a wall. The device can penetrate even heavy clothing to detect respiration and movements of as little as a few millimeters.'

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General Electric has indicated that it will soon be releasing a new and highly efficient light bulb to compete with the compact fluorescent and LED cluster bulbs now available. 'The new high efficiency incandescent (HEI™) lamp, which incorporates innovative new materials being developed in partnership by GE’s Lighting division, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, and GE’s Global Research Center, headquartered in Niskayuna, NY, would replace traditional 40- to 100-Watt household incandescent light bulbs, the most popular lamp type used by consumers today.

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Matt Prescott writing in his View Point on the BBC World Service posits the argument that doing away with "inefficient and obsolete technology " - re; incandescent light bulbs, would be a significant first step towards the overall improvement of energy efficiency campaigns. ' Listening to most politicians, you would think the world's energy problems can be solved only by building ever bigger power stations and burning ever more fuel.Not so; and it certainly cannot solve the coming climate crisis. After turning off unnecessary pieces of equipment, improved energy efficiency is the cheapest way for developing countries to maximise their use of limited energy supplies, and for developed countries to achieve cuts in their carbon dioxide emissions.'

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There is an interesting discussion (thread) over at BackPacking Light.com on the pros and cons of using a flashlight vis a vis a headlamp. The issue is professionally outlined in a rather long but informative series of posts. 'Why a headlamp and not a flashlight? In some respects the answer is obvious, viz. "hands free" operation. For the UL backpacker, this is a compelling reason, especially if one's hands might be otherwise occupied with either trekking poles or ice axe (for some, nearly full-time) or with scrambling (a part-time endeavor, generally). I'll leave climbing and mountaineering out of the picture because what I personally know of these could fill a thimble!'

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The SLX LED Dive Flashlight from Nocturnal Lights with its trendy features and compact design offers an attractive alternative to the bulky dive lamps of the recent past. 'The SLX is housed in a compact (2.75inch diameter x 5.50 inches long) aluminum body, and it weighs only 1.4 lbs (.5 pounds in water). Dept rated to 328ft, it uses a double O-ring seal and comes with a locking switch to prevent accidental activation in your gear bag. The SLX uses three LED bulbs to produce a blue/white spot that’s even and bright. Powered by six AA batteries, the light will run for four hours before slowly diminishing for several more hours. Its lantern style grip allows recreational divers to easily maneuver underwater. An optional hand mount is available for technical divers to mount the SLX on the back of their hands.' Price $260

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The Garrity rechargeable flashlight plugs directly into an electrical outlet and automatically lights when power fails. The flashlight is powered by 2AA rechargeable NiMH batteries which are supposed to last for up to ten years. 'At night, a red LED indicates charging and location, so you can find it in the dark. Other than that, it seems like an ordinary flashlight that happens to be plugged into the wall. But when the power fails, look out. The Garrity E3 comes to life, its super bright auto beam illuminates the room for up to 60 minutes of bright, continuous light.' The flashlight is available from Amazon for $11.99.

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Even with its eye-catching design the Seiko Travel Clock may not be first the first choice of a buyer seeking a trendy flashlight, however, the accurate time features of this device combined with the automatic LED flashlight would certainly be of value to the world traveling yachtsman/woman. 'This new, easy-to-set alarm clock picks up radio signals from atomic time transmitters in the United States, Europe, Japan and the Far East, adjusting automatically to each region where there is a transmitter (it functions as an accurate quartz clock in other countries.) A handy flashlight built into the base shines a bright blue LED light whenever you pick up the clock and turns itself off when you set it down. Has soft backlighting, five-minute snooze, date, calendar and temperature display. Includes four AAA batteries. (4¼ x 2"; 72 dB).' The Seiko Travel Clock is available from Magellans for $44.85.

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A review of the Multi-color LED Flashlight available from ThinkGeek has been posted over at the Gear Diary. 'Lets take a look at the outside of the flashlight first. Measuring 4.9″ in length and 1.25″ in diameter, makes the flashlight for a good size pocket light. The unit has a heavy duty appearance and feel to it, almost like the tactical type flashlights. It is made of aluminum with a silver finish. The aluminum makes it weigh very little even with the batteries installed. There are also grips molded into the body for holding the flashlight and unscrewing the tail cap. Like other tactical flashlights, there is a on/off push button switch in the tail cap.

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The NiteIze FlashFlight Disco LED Frisbee is just the fun item to enjoy with your family and friends during the extended period of darkness at this time of year. ‘This long flying disc utilizes an ultra bright L.E.D. fiber optic array illuminating the entire frisbee from every angle. The innovative design provides optimal balance and stability. This flying disc looks, feels and flies like the highest quality non illuminated discs or Frisbees.

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CNET reports on the increasing use of LEDS as replacements for incandescent bulbs in mainstream lighting applications. 'Right now, consumers and businesses can buy a light-emitting diode, or LED, that provides about the same level of illumination as an energy-hogging conventional 60-watt lightbulb, Steven DenBaars, a professor of material science at the University of California Santa Barbara, said at the SEMI NanoForum, taking place here this week. A principal advantage of the LED: It lasts about 100,000 hours, far longer than the conventional filament bulb.Unfortunately, the LEDs that can perform this task cost about $60, he said. (Prices vary on the Internet.) But prices have been declining by 50 percent a year, so two years from now the same LED should cost around $20'

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The LED Moonlight Pen is a very innovative item since it removes the the hassle you may encounter when trying to scribble in the dark while holding a flashlight in one hand. 'In simple terms the LED Moonlight Pen is a writing instrument with a small built in torch. In complex terms...well actually, come to think of it, there aren't any complexities to the LED Moonlight Pen at all, apart from trying to decide where best to use it. When activated and with the pen lid on, the light feature is bright enough to navigate yourself around a dark room. With the pen lid off, the night light makes easy work of illuminating a page for writing. To activate the ultra bright LED torch, simply twist the rubberised grip.'

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With the heightened security awareness prevailing at present, it would appear travelers are going to have to exercise extreme caution in just how flashlights packed in their luggage bags. Leslie Griffy, writing for Mercury News, reports on a peculiar incident involving two "mysteriously connected" flashlights which triggered a "security alert" at Mineta San Jose International Airport. 'About 100 people were evacuated from a terminal at Mineta San Jose International Airport Saturday morning after screeners discovered a suspicious but ultimately harmless electrical device in a traveler's carry-on luggage. According to airport spokesman Rich Dressler, the south concourse of Terminal C was evacuated for about a half hour starting about 8 a.m. Saturday.'

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Irrespective of manufacturers’ claims as to the strengths and/or capabilities of various consumer-type batteries, it would be prudent especially in light or recent incidents, to exercise some thought on the portable power supplies which drive the gadgets we have come to rely on for much of our communication and entertainment. John Dodge writing in the Electronic Business gives a preview of the increased capacity likely to be contained in future batteries currently under development. ‘We shouldn’t take batteries for granted. They start our cars and power our computers, pacemakers, flashlights, hearing aids and cell phones. And that’s only what they do today. Tomorrow, they’ll likely be central to vehicle propulsion and will power any number of yet-to-be invented devices. They’ll store energy when intermittent power sources such as wind are blowing. Batteries are important.’

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