Flashlights

[finn]

Alright, I am done with it. Right now it is just 3 Bright White LEDs from a flashlight I found in a lot (in San Fran by the city food bank), it was missing the switch. It has a 3 AA batteries, and the 3 LEDs in parallel. It is brighter than my MagLight (though it should get new batteries), and my wind up LED light.

Below are some pictures... If I am doing it right...

Edit - The LEDs got really hot, and was melting the hot glue around them (so pretty darn hot) and one burned out. I replaced it with 5 LEDs from my wind up flashlight, and with more power, the LEDs were brighter.

High intensity LEDs need a way to bleed off heat, which is why I'm thinking that using PVC isn't really a good idea. If you can get your hands on some copper or brass and then use some kind of thermal compound (preferablely not electrically conducting) to link them together, that would be much better. PVC insulates way too much. One unorthodox, but possibly cheaper method than thermal compound/glue uses paraffin oil surrounding the LED, but then you need to seal it so it doesn't make a mess.

 

[readyg]

I was checking those out the other day and was wondering how well they work... how long have you been using it?

Been using it around 6 months. Its affordable and effective. The only problem Ive had so far is that the rubber on top of the button has kind of slid off, but it still works just fine. I just slide it back into place.

 

[WindWalker1970]

I use these Mini-Maglites. They are small yet pretty powerful. I keep one in my utility bag on my belt. I recommend buying a bright colored one (red, blue, etc) so if you drop it in, it will be easier to find.

 

[Smallredbox]

Has anyone used the windup led lights? Ive been using them for a few months while camping and never had any problems.

 

[UrbanNokizaru]

I have a wind up light and a medium sized LED that I got from the pharmacy. I used both dumpstering but the LED one is the best because I can hold it in my mouth while I use my hands, I'm not a big fan of headlamps I always keep my head bowed when I have one on to see in front of me.

 

[connerR]

May want to check out Home Depot. I don't know if all stores are doing it, but the one I work at (in orange county, ca) is selling little flashlights/lasers/headlight combos for cheap, like $7 i think. im going to pick one up tomorrow, they seem to be pretty good lights.

 

[colorado]

if you got the money get a shure fire brand come in all shapes and sizes can be used as a weapon because of brightness you cant see for a minute after words redicously bright very expenise but worth it waterproof drop resistant go to there web sight and read customer reviews

 

[UrbanNokizaru]

If it's so bright that you lose your night vision you can add a red filter (or just some ketchup or anything really) so the light is red, it'll preserve your night vision and draws less attention.

 

[wildboy860]

how bout putting a peice of red saran wrap or some kinda red transparent plastic

 

[UrbanNokizaru]

It all works, as long as the light coming out is red.

 

[finn]

if you got the money get a shure fire brand come in all shapes and sizes can be used as a weapon because of brightness you cant see for a minute after words redicously bright very expenise but worth it waterproof drop resistant go to there web sight and read customer reviews

That is not a good idea, surefire makes tactical flashlights which are a bit too bright, since nearby objects glare will wash out far away objects, and you'll be seen for quite some distance, even with a red filter. Plus they are out of most peoples price range. If you're new at traveling, just get a minimaglite or something else everyone else recommended, they're pretty durable, not too pricey, and you can cover the head with your hand to control exactly how much light is coming out when you are being stealth.

Tactical may be fun, but it's typically not worth it, plus mini tactical lights usually use CR123 lithium batteries, which are not too common and usually pretty expensive.