There are little things in human life that are difficult to do without. A rechargeable flashlight is one such item. Modern multifunctional gadgets can to some extent replace them. In some situations, flashlights are precisely the tool without which the fulfillment of certain tasks is unthinkable. They are included in professional equipment and may be equipped with additional functions.
Lamp
The lantern itself is a stationary or portable light source. They are divided into two large groups: stationary and portable. The main task of the battery lamp to provide lighting in the absence of electricity. Almost all houses have one or another type of flashlight. It is difficult to do without them in everyday life, on vacation, on a trip.
Modern industry offers a huge variety of models. They differ in the material of manufacture, nutrition, technical characteristics, lamp options. Recent trends in energy-saving technologies have given impetus to the production of portable light sources based on LEDs.
Light-emitting diode
LED rechargeable flashlight - a versatile portable lighting option. There are many LED models, but not all are suitable for use in flashlights. The popular options are:
- DIP - are a structure made of plastic housing with a built-in lens on two metal pins, easy to operate.
- SMD - flat, voltage is applied to the back of the LED, where the terminals are located, have good light output and brightness.
- COB - a modern development, a large number of crystals provides a more intense light flux.
- RGB devices of this type are capable of emitting all shades of the light spectrum; in one crystal, three LEDs are used - blue, green and red (due to a change in the intensity of the glow of each of them, the color of the emitted light changes).
The advantages of LED lights can be specified as follows:
- miniature dimensions and light weight;
- high light intensity;
- the light flux is scattered by 90-140 °, which eliminates the focusing lenses;
- high color rendering;
- economical charge consumption ensures the duration of the device;
- mechanical resistance allows LEDs to withstand repeated falls, shock, vibration;
- safe operation, does not heat up during operation;
- ease of use, easy to carry, safe to store, not difficult to maintain.
Views
Depending on the use, the following types of lamps are distinguished:
- Tame. They can be full-sized with high power, designed for a long time. They are available in different sizes, ergonomic (designed for continuous holding in the hand), are easily transported. Compact flashlights are more often used for short-term lighting of the road, searching for small objects in the dark, and lighting in everyday situations. Portable models for easy daily wear.
- Forehead. A special mount allows you to mount the device on your head. A very convenient option when both hands are required to perform any kind of work in poor lighting conditions. Lighting range can reach 30 meters. Usually equipped with a function to select the light output mode. Headlamp rechargeable LED flashlight is widely used not only in everyday life. For a good lighting range (up to 30 meters), tourists, cyclists, doctors, hunters, motorists, fishermen, cavers, builders often prefer it.
- Bicycle. A special mount allows you to fix it on the bike handlebar, like a headlight. There is enough light for good illumination of the road in the dark.
- Tourist. Practical, compact, resistant to mechanical damage, moisture resistant. Light intensity is high. There is a function of switching modes. Almost all models can run on battery or battery.
- For diving. A prerequisite is high water resistance. Equipped with the function of changing the color of the light beam and switching modes. Good range of lighting is provided by high brightness of light.
- Trinkets. Small items worn on a bunch of keys. The main task is short-term dim lighting (for example, when opening the lock). Brightness and power are low. Very light and easy to use.
- Tactical. Come with a mount for weapons. The main task is to highlight the goal. The under-barrel battery lamp has an excellent range of lighting - up to 50 meters. It has a narrow angle of illumination, the dimensions are small, the body is made of metal, moisture resistant, equipped with a function switching function.
- Search Engines. The lighting range of a powerful LED battery lamp reaches 500 meters. It is possible to change the angle of illumination. Feature - a large compartment for batteries. Quite heavy devices with large dimensions. Many models are equipped with three LEDs.
- Camping. Purpose - to illuminate a large area. They can be hung on a tree or put on the ground. Economical, very efficiently illuminate the surrounding space due to diffused rather than directional light. They have decent dimensions, so it is inconvenient to carry them in your hands.
- Professional. Their equipment and characteristics depend on the requirements of a particular profession. For example, firefighters need a device of increased strength, compact, with high power and long operating time. Explosion-proof flashlights are used at hazardous facilities (a sealed enclosure prevents sparks from appearing in a hazardous environment).
Food
The flashlight can be powered by replaceable batteries or battery. The battery container can be integrated in the housing or in a remote unit. Both options have their pros and cons. The most productive and efficient is considered a rechargeable flashlight with charging. The device can be charged from the network without disassembling the structure itself. Usually nickel metal hydride, lithium-ion batteries and solar panels are used. The most common lithium cells. Their main advantages:
- low self-discharge;
- large capacity;
- no charge or discharge required when using;
- easy to maintain.
They are presented in various sizes. An absolute plus is the ability to replace a failed battery. Pick up with the same power. One device can have several batteries, in addition, there are models that are charged from the sun.
Specifications
LED lights can be estimated by their technical characteristics, such as:
- The power of light. Measured in lumens, determines the total amount of light emanating from a flashlight.
- Illumination. Measured in lux, taking into account the surface density of the light flux.
- Brightness. The total amount of light, regardless of focus, quality and direction of the beam.
- Long range. It does not depend on the number of lumens. The distance directly depends on the quality of the optics and the focusing of the light stream.
- Working hours. An ordinary household appliance can withstand several hours of operation, a powerful caver lantern will last several days.
- Type of light source. Modern models work on LEDs. Manufacturers can install one powerful or several average in brightness. In the past, there was nothing but an incandescent lamp.
- Water resistant. The degree of protection against moisture is different, household lanterns can easily tolerate rain, tourist lanterns - short-term immersion to a depth of one meter, diving equipment can withstand hours of work under water.
- Explosion protection. This characteristic indicates a reliable tightness of the lamp housing. Any possibility of creating a spark is excluded.
- Adapted beam. The device is able to capture reflected light and, depending on this, adjust the beam width.
- Optical system. The concentration of light flux directly depends on the optical system. Cheap products do not have it. High-quality battery lamp equipped with mirror reflectors. They can be of two types: smooth (provides a range of illumination) and textured (gives uniform dispersion).
LED Benefits
LEDs are the most popular light source in modern portable flashlights. This is due to several advantages over other analogues:
- the heating temperature is much lower than in a halogen or xenon lamp;
- LED heating consumes very little energy, so their efficiency is the highest - 45%;
- unlike xenon, when the flashlight is turned on, the LED immediately starts working in the required mode;
- the greatest light output from flashlights running on batteries is about 95 lumens per watt.
Accessories
Different models of products may have additional little things that facilitate its operation. These include:
- mounts (this applies to a headlamp or a bicycle flashlight);
- spare case;
- metal mounting clamps (for camping lights);
- covers for spare batteries (especially relevant for long trips);
- silicone grease helps to increase the service life of rubber surfaces;
- red filters, diffuser caps, light filters;
- additional fastening straps for fixing the flashlight on the hand;
- Tactical and bicycle models are equipped with cables for remote control of the product.
There is a protector flashlight model. A rather powerful shocker is built into it, capable of easily breaking through a dense down jacket. With it, you can scare away not only hooligans, but also dogs. Many modern devices are additionally equipped with a clock, compass, radio. Camping dynamo lights are equipped with a rotary handle. They generally do not require charging from the network. It is enough to make a little physical effort and in the area without any hint of electricity there will be light, and the ability to connect a receiver, and even charge the phone. To do this, you need to purchase the appropriate set of adapters.
The choice
When choosing a flashlight model, you first need to determine for what purpose it is purchased. A universal product does not exist. Even the very popular headlamp rechargeable LED flashlight has its limitations. Most importantly, it only shines in the direction the person is looking; there is no room for maneuverability, like a flashlight.
A quality flashlight is necessarily multi-functional. Home appliances should be lightweight and comfortable. You should not take a copy stuffed with electronics: firstly, it can be difficult to deal with, and secondly, repairs will cost a lot. Professional models are better to buy in specialized stores and give preference to trusted brands. It is worth remembering that there are no eternal lanterns, sooner or later, the service life expires even in the most reliable products.