Saturday, November 29, 2008
Reviews
Friday, November 28, 2008
Finding a Good LED Flashlight for Patrol
Let's face it, with so many flashlights in the market to choose from today, it can be difficult to find "the" one that is just right. No one ever likes to think they are making a poor choice when they make a purchase, but; it never seems to fail, shortly after you buy something, you'll see something you like more.
For many police officers, flashlights are provided by their departments and they don't get a choice, for others, it's a personal choice and finding the right light can be daunting. Regardless if you are the officer making a decision for a SWAT team, a new cadet buying your first flashlight or an old road dog upgrading your incandescent light that's seen better days, thinking about what you will do with that light will help point you in the right direction.
What do you mean what will I do with it? I'm going to light things up, dummy! Well, you're right; you will light things up with it; but, how, where, when and why? When you are armed with the answers to these questions, you will be able to make a better choice for your needs; that way, when your buddy shows up and you begin to think he got something better, you won't be second guessing your first choice.
For police work there are three types of lights; weapon mounted, vehicle mounted and those that are carried personally. People usually think of personally carried lights when they think of a flashlight. Weapon mounted lights have very special uses and an officer that has a weapon mounted light, even on a pistol, should also have a personally carried light as well. Pointing a "loaded flashlight" at an old lady with chest pain just isn't cool. So let's discuss personally carried lights and leave the vehicle and weapon mounted lights for another time.
It used to be one size fits most, when it came to flashlights. Today, if you have the budget and the arm strength, you can buy a high intensity discharge (HID) handheld light that puts out 5000 lumens for over 110 minutes; you can also buy a light you put on your keychain with a pushbutton LED that will last about 1000 hours and provide enough light to read your favorite novel. A 5000 lumen light would be great for search and rescue and a pushbutton LED would be great for a sniper that was referring to windage charts in low light. Somewhere between the aircraft landing light and the reading light there is a light suitable to your task.
For police work a light must be dependable, it doesn't matter how bright it is supposed to be if it doesn't work. A good light for patrol should run for at least 90 minutes on its highest setting before needing fed new batteries. Rechargeable batteries are always a good upgrade, when your light can accept them. If you go the rechargeable route make sure you invest in the best rechargeable batteries you can buy; your life may depend on them.
Brightness is also an important factor. If you are new to LED light technology, figure 80 lumens is brighter than older flashlights with 4 D Cell batteries. How bright is too bright? Well, if you are in low light or darkness, are you looking for bad guys? There are lights out now that are 400 to 500 lumens, that's bright! However; with that much light, you could easily toast your low light vision and the bad guys for that matter and you are probably going to have enough backwash (light reflecting off everything in the room) to light up yourself as well.
I'm not against lights that are that bright; but, sometimes too much isn't just right. Also consider as the lumens go up, the runs times go down and the light requires more batteries to feed its hunger for power. For me, 80 to 200 lumens is the neighborhood I look for in a good patrol light. 80 to 200 lumens is brighter than anything we have ever had access to, it is plenty of light to light up even the biggest of rooms we search and it is not so much light that we blind ourselves or silhouette ourselves in the process.
Along with the brightness comes adjustability. Having an LED light set to its highest setting isn't required all the time. When you just need a "little" light for a task, having the ability to turn the light down is a must. Lower settings help conserve your low light vision and it saves on battery life as well. Most LED lights have several settings to adjust the light. The more the better; but be sure the light you consider has immediate access to the brightest setting so it can be accessed if a threat suddenly pops up. You don't want to be fumbling with a light switch if you're trying to acquire a bad guy.
A strobe function is also a good addition to a patrol light. If you are not familiar with "strobing," it is a feature on today's newest lights. Flashing a strobe light into the eyes of a subject in low light has been shown to disorient them, sometimes to the point of making them physically sick. For the user, being behind the light, the same untoward effects are not felt. The strobe can be a dramatic, intimidating tactic in low light. Like the adjustability; if your new light is going to have a strobe feature, it needs to be immediately accessible in a crisis situation.
The ability to carry the light also must be considered. For years, flashlights have been a round tube with the light at one end, the batteries stacked behind the light head and a switch on the tube or on the tail cap. New developments have changed the way we carry our lights, as well. There are lights you can clip on your shirt pocket or lapel, there are even lights you can wear on your head.
One company has designed a flashlight that is worn on the hand so both of your hands are free while using the light. To me this is an interesting concept. Think about this for a minute; if you are on a traffic stop in low light, do you have your light out? What are you going to do with that light if you need to demonstrate field sobriety tests? Write a ticket? Handcuff the subject? You are going to do what we all do, stick the light in your mouth (if it's small enough), stick it in your belt or stick it under your arm. What about shooting at night? We all have our favorite flashlight technique for shooting a night; but, if the gun malfunctions or we need to reload, the light goes right into our mouths or under our arm.
Having a light on your hand and not in your hand is the biggest advance in flashlight technology I have seen to date. With this latest addition to the law enforcement field; a good patrol light should have the ability to be used and keep both hands free for other tasks as well.
You are now armed with the information you need to go forth and find a new light suited for police work. To summarize; the light should: run for at least 90 minutes on new batteries without a recharge, be 80 to 200 lumens in strength, be adjustable from full power to low power with instant access to the highest setting; have a strobe function with instant access and have the ability to keep both of your hands free while the light is in use. This a pretty tall order for a good patrol light. They are out there, just spend some time to find the light that is right for you; your life could depend on it.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Things To Bring On A Camping Trip
Besides the tent, sleeping bags, and cooler there are many essentials that must be brought in order to have a successful, enjoyable camping trip. Depending upon the environment where the camping trip will be, these essentials can vary according to the terrain, whether, and any flora and fauna that may be encountered. Also, who is going on the trip must be considered - children may require different gear from adults.
A first aid kit is absolutely essential no matter the camping environment or the makeup of the group making the trip. Camping trips, by definition, are to areas away from civilization and should an injury occur it could be some time before professional medical attention is available. That's why it is so important to have a first aid kit packed for the trip.
In every first aid kit, there should be a flashlight with working batteries. Be sure to check that the flashlight works before leaving home. This flashlight should be additional to other flashlights more casually used. It's there in case of an emergency and other flashlights are not available. Also, the kit should contain a whistle. The whistle has a dual purpose - a method for locating lost campers and for scaring off wild animals. There should be a whistle for every person in the group and they should be worn whenever a trek into the wilderness is begun. Also, the kit needs tweezers, cloth bandage for wrapping sprains, etc., band-aids for small abrasions, anti-itch cream, burn cream, aloe vera for sunburns, a thermometer to check for fevers, antiseptic (Listerine works), pain medicine (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or aspirin), and a first-aid handbook that can provide guidance in the case of an emergency.
In addition to the first aid kit, basic necessities and tools should be packed. Pack flashlights for adults, and one for each child if children will be camping - this will avoid arguments on who gets to use the flashlight. Battery powered headlamps can provide light for nighttime activities. Campfires do not provide adequate light for nighttime cooking, for example. Wooden matches and a lighter are always needed for lighting campfires and serve as a backup for each other should one method become inoperable. Be sure to bring screwdrivers, a hammer, and a camp knife. Also keep a fire extinguisher handy just in case. Finally, some duct tape should be packed. Duct tape can fix unseen tears in tent material that become a problem should it start to rain, plus it has many other uses.
All the items already mentioned are essential for a successful, headache free trip. Other items that should be brought include personal hygiene items like toothbrushes/toothpaste, shampoo, a mirror, brush, etc. Be sure to pack toilet paper and a shovel for when nature calls. If you're camping in the summer time be sure to pack sunscreen and lip balm. Lip balm is a nice item to have during the colder months also. Be sure to bring bug repellent and some bug candles. Bug candles when lit help keep away the bugs from your campsite.
There are also some simple items to bring that can increase the comfort level when sleeping in a tent. Cut down a piece of carpet to the size of your tent and place it inside when the tent is up. This will provide a great comfort enhancement to the hard ground. A camping stove will greatly enhance the camping experience when it's time to eat. While it is fun to cook on the open campfire this can be impractical when cooking hamburger meat or fish, but it is perfect for roasting marshmallows. Also, campers might consider investing in a cooler that operates off a car battery. These are really small refrigerators that plug into the cigarette lighter. These eliminate the need for ice - which melts, of course.
Be sure to research the area where the camping trip will occur so you know what to expect. Sometimes, if bears are active it is recommended that food be kept away from campers to avoid confrontations. Also, at certain times of the year poisonous snakes may be about or poison ivy could be abound. Be sure to look into this before embarking on any camping trip to ensure you are ready for what might come up.
LED Flashlights vs Traditional Flashlights
You may see in many adventure films, flashlights always come in handy in many emergency situations. Flashlights can become an important tool in your house in many cases. They can be helpful when electricity supply was shut down, or can be use in hunting and camping activities, or use them as a backup source of light in your car, or even include them in a disaster kit. Flashlights can become a life saver in many situations and become more and more important source of light in case of emergency.
Traditional flashlights usually composed by a light bulb, flashlight case and powered by traditional batteries. They can disperse or assemble with ease and also very easy to use. But unfortunately, they are not always dependable. Light bulb used in traditional flashlight has a limited lifespan and always generate an unwanted high heat. It can be broken due to high heat or provide fades light without any warning. More than that light bulb in traditional flashlight consumes much more power than modern flashlight and causing batteries run out quickly. You have to stock a few batteries supply to ensure your traditional flashlight will not run out before you needed.
LED flashlights (LED: light emitting diode) are a new technology introducing a new source of light to the world. With the same amount of batteries, LED flashlights can provide more power of light and can be last longer at least 10X than traditional flashlights. The less battery you use the more earth friendly you are. LED flashlights can be mentions as long lasting tools; they can be continuous use more than 100 hours before the batteries run dry. It doesn't generate an unwanted high heat power; provide a constant light even if the batteries are running low; with one set of batteries it can run a hundreds of hours before you need to replace it with new batteries.
The usage of LED flashlights are various in many way. They usually use as a household item for emergency case or disaster kit. People who love an adventure life can bring them for hiking, hunting and camping. Police forces and firemen carry them along with their equipment and make them ready for use in any situations. Keychain LED flashlights can be a good idea as a gift for your friends.
As of to date, there are many leading brand who sale high quality LED flashlights for example, Surefire, Streamlight, Mag-Lite, Inova, Petzl, Pelican. These brands feature various high quality LED flashlights with different propose. Some of them have many advance features that you may not require them on your normal usage. So you need to learn more about individual product that best suite your need before you buy.
With LED flashlights, you can ensure a more efficiency and effectiveness over traditional flashlights in many ways. They are reliable and durable which means you can trust your LED flashlights in your hand that they will always work whenever you need them. They will not break easily when drop from high place or when you accidentally ram them into a hard surface. Many organizations like fire department and police department usually include LED flashlights as one of necessary tool. LED flashlights are definitely proved themselves as a reliable tool over traditional flashlights.
Friday, October 24, 2008
How to Explore the Night Sky Without a Telescope
You don need a telescope to see a lot of wonderful things in the night sky. For example five of the planets are often readily visible with the naked eye. There are lots of amazing things you can see and this guide will help you find them.
To maximize what you can see in the night sky there are a few things you should do as preparation. Of course the first thing you need is a clear and cloudless night. And this includes the moon. You should try to do your observing on a night with no moon; or at the least the smallest sliver of moon possible. Its brightness will wash out many of the dimmest and most dramatic objects in the sky. Second you should consider your comfort. Make sure you dress appropriately for the weather and bring extra layers of clothing if you are observing during cold months. The temperature late in the evening can be substantially lower than it is during the day and because observing the sky means not moving around much you will be even colder. Bring along any items to help your comfort like a lawn chair or a reclining lawn chair so you can look up without craning your neck.
Find yourself a spot to observe from that is as dark as possible. This means get away from street lights, city lights, house lights, or any other type of light source. Ideally you should drive away from any city that is nearby. If this is not possible then try to find the darkest spot you can. Man-made Light sources have an effect on the night sky by washing out the dimmer objects and they have an effect on your eyes by causing your pupils to close. This will decrease your ability to see the dimmer objects.
Beginning your observing is the most critical time for one big reason and this is why a lot of people don realize how rich the night sky really is. It takes your eyes up to a half an hour to fully adjust to the darkness outside. If you go outside and immediately begin looking for object in the sky you may be disappointed but this is because your eyes haven adjusted yet! Give it some time and let your eyes fully adjust and you will be amazed at how many more things you see in just a half hour time.
Equipment and stuff to bring along
Get some star maps, planet charts, and reference materials and bring them right outside with you. They will help you to find various objects. But it will be dark outside so you won be able to read them! And if you turn on some kind of a light or flashlight your night vision will be ruined. But there is a way to read your charts and materials without ruining your night vision. Cover your flashlight with some type of red cellophane or tape so it only gives off a dim red glow. The reduction in light will have less of an effect on your viewing and your eyes are very insensitive to red light so your pupils will not dilate. You can buy flashlights with red covers online, at astronomy and optical shops, or even at military surplus stores.
Suggested Materials List:
Lawn Chair or Reclining Chair
Constellation Chart
Planetary Chart
Lunar Chart
Plenty of Warm clothing
Flashlight covered with red cellophane
Snacks and hot beverages
Things to See
The first place you can start with is the moon (If it is out). And the best viewing will be when it is only a think crescent. This is because when it is like this the sun is casting light on it at a very sharp angle and the surface features will cast long shadows which makes them easier to see. With a full or near full moon the light hits the surface of the moon directly and casts no shadows.
The Milky Way Galaxy ?Our solar system is part of a tremendous spiral galaxy called the Milky Way galaxy. You can see this galaxy as a band of diffuse light that stretches across the sky. It takes dark skies and well adjusted night vision to see it but it is quite a remarkable sight. Every star and constellation map will show you where the milky way stretches across the sky.
The Constellations ?Finding and identifying various constellations can be a lot of fun. Each constellation represents an object, animal, or historic figure; and learning the story behind them can also be a lot of fun. Identifying constellations is also the only way to go deeper and find other objects like planets and comets. They form the background that everything moves within and they give you a frame of reference for finding these objects. Identifying constellations should be part of every star gazing event you undertake.
The Planets ?The planets move around in the sky quite a bit and sometimes they are too close to the position of the sun which means they are not visible at night but five of the planets, when in the right position are easily visible with the naked eye. These are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. And often times these planets are the brightest objects in the sky. Refer to you planet charts to find current locations of them. One rule of thumb for figuring out whether something is a star or a planet is whether or not it twinkles. Stars twinkle and planets do not. So if you locate an object that you believe is a planet you can watch it for several minutes to see if it twinkles like other stars. If it does not then chances are good you have found a planet.
Colorful Stars ?Stars are not all white. This is a common misunderstanding that people have. Stars come in a wide variety of brilliant colors and some of the more notable ones are the bright red Betelgeuse in Orion, the bright light-blue Rigel in Orion, the yellowish-white Altair in Aquila, and the bright red Antares in Scorpio. Finding and identifying these colorful stars can be a lot of fun. It can also be quite easy because some of the brightest stars in the sky are also very colorful from white to blue and red.
Some Objects of Particular Note
There are two very unique objects that are very easily seen with the naked eye on a dark night in the northern hemisphere. These are the Andromeda galaxy and the Hercules Nebula. They appear as tiny wisps of white smoke that look like small cotton balls. Once you start getting familiar with the constellations you should look for these two objects. The Andromeda galaxy is in the constellation Andromeda and the Hercules nebula is in the constellation Hercules.
Periodic and occasional Objects
The night sky is filled with a lot of objects that come and go in different patterns. Some of them, like meteor showers, occur at around the same time every year. This is when the Earth passes through clouds of space debris. You can check a chart of meteor showers and plan an evening or several evening of watching them. Some meteor showers can give as many as 120 falling stars every hour.
Comets ?These can be difficult to view because they are often very dim. But occasionally a comet will become very bright and be easily visible with the naked eye.
The night sky is more than just the moon and the stars. It is a extraordinarily rich environment with objects of all kinds. And given a little bit of time and dark skies you will discover and explore many of the beautiful secrets that it holds; and you can do it without a telescope. All you need is dark skies, a few charts, and a little bit of time.
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Articles
Choose the Right Type of Flashlight
A flashlight, also called a torch is a portable device used for illumination and usually has battery cells for power. A flashlight usually consists of a small electric light bulb, a compartment for batteries which power the bulb, a switch for the bulb and a parabolic reflector for focusing the light. The battery compartment also acts like a handle for holding the flashlight.
Though the flashlight is of a very simple design, it is a relatively new invention. It came into being after the incandescent light bulb and the dry cell was invented.
The name "flashlight" has a humorous background. In the early days of the dry cell, the power of a dry cell battery was very limited. To save the it from discharging quickly, the flashlight was operated intermittently and just long enough to check out the environments, hence the name "flashlight".
There are many flashlight designs available in the market today. Like dry cell flash lights, rechargeable acid type flashlights, rechargeable dry cell type, LED (Light Emitting Diode) type, solar charging type, electromagnet type, head lamp type, underwater type, rifle or gun light etc.
The flashlight is the simplest design and used in most households and consists of batteries to power the electric bulb. As the batteries discharge the illumination dims in these flashlights.
Rather than buying a flashlight, which needs battery replacement frequently, a better design is to use rechargeable batteries, which can be lead acid type or dry cell type.
Some use solar panels for recharging during daytime. Electromagnet type uses a clockwork arrangement or a knob arrangement. In clockwork arrangement a spring mechanism is used to power the flashlight and has to be wound as required. The knob type arrangement has a moving coil or magnet which moves when the knob is pressed and charges a capacitor, which provides power to the bulb.
LED type flashlights are of a recent design. Though LED:s have been around for decades, the LED flashlight was not available till late 90s because the LED:s could not be operated continuously and their luminosity was very poor.
LED flashlights consume very little power compared to the conventional electric bulb as LED:s do not produce as much heat as electric bulb. These flashlights usually have a metal body to dissipate heat by conduction since LED:s do not dissipate heat through the light beam like electric bulbs do.
A headlamp type has a flashlight on a helmet so that the hands are free. Underwater type is a special flashlight, which is used for illuminating underwater objects and is waterproof. Rifle or gun lights are special flashlights used for illumination of target.
Flashlights are fairly cheap and available in attractive designs. The price ranges from a few dollars to a couple of hundred dollars.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Check Remote Control Airplane
___ Check rudder for binding and proper throw
___ Check elevator for proper direction
___ Check elevator for binding and proper throw
___ Check all other channels for proper operation
___ All servos securely mounted, and pushrods and arms are free from wires and other obstructions
___ All control horns secure
___ All clevises have fuel tubing or other type retainer
___ "Quick Connects" are secure and Locktited
___ Check ailerons for proper direction
___ Check right and left ailerons for binding and proper throw
___ Check rudder for proper direction
Remote control sail boat action
A remote control sail boat by Traxxas puts you at the top of the world and in complete control of a solid, ultra-realistic, off-shore racer. In this RC sail boat, power is generated from twin, 20-turn stinger motors providing dual thrust from the twin counter-rotating propellers. Can you say lightning fast turns?
For maximum efficiency, the outdrives trim angle is adjustable while full decals and chrome accessories make it comparable to the most beautiful boat on the lake. You will be delighted by its excellent performance as it contains a fully-proportional electronic speed control. It has the luxury of a well built-in foam flotation control and a battery run time of 5 to 8 minutes.
Nikko makes a remote control sail boat which contains a single channel radio control. It provides the rudder functionality for left and right steering. In this RC sail boat, you will find two available frequency bands for competitive racing in pools, ponds, and small lakes. It assembles very quickly.
Monster Remote Control Truck
Are you looking to build the biggest and baddest remote control truck ? Do you not care if you can beat your opponent in a race as long as you can run them over at the finish line?If you answered YES, then it sounds like you're a prime candidate for the monster remote control truck hobby. These arent your run of the mill pickup trucks, and they arent really designed for the speed demons out there. These are the bone crushing, terrain mastering trucks built for durability and gearhead massiveness!
A fully assembled RC truck can come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. They are as individual as the people who design them. If you're looking for an RC truck and want to spend more time on the road than in the shop, you'll definitely find them at either the RC Discounts store above or with the good folks online at TrendTimes.com. Many of these come with a fully equipped chassis with everything buttoned up tight to weather the dirt and grime you will no doubt put your radio control truck through.
And did I mention really big tires? In most of the monster remote control truck models Ive seen, if you can see the details of the truck body then the tires just arent big enough:) Oh yeah, and you may want a truck body to put over the components, although Im convinced this is more to keep dirt out then to actually add to the look of the model. Don't worry, all these parts are available from the same suppliers above.
Nikko Radio Control Cars Explained
Nikko radio control cars are some of the most popular R/C vehicles on the market today, and they boast that they are the largest manufacturer of R/C items in the world.
Nikko limits their line to electric vehicles that operate on radio frequencies and does not participate in making any remote control vehicles (the ones with the wire attached to the car). They own all of their own manufacturing facilities, which they feel gives them more control over the quality of their product.
Nikko RC cars are a big part of the Nikko line, but they arent the only vehicles manufactured at the Nikko facilities. They also make buggies, boats, tanks, and planes.
Their other vehicles come in a wide variety of sizes and models. The scales of Nikko vehicles include 1/10, 1/14, 1/16, 1/20 and 1/24 scales. Their models include a Dodge Viper GTS, a Lamborghini Murcielago, a Mini Cooper, an Aston Martin, a Corvette, and various other styles. Many of these different models come in a small assortment of specific colors.
out-runner style motor
As for outrunner motors like MTM, the reason for this term is that the magnets rotate around the outside of the stationary windings, versus the magnets rotating inside of the windings as in the earlier breeds. In the out-runner motors, the rotating outer case conveys the rotary motion to the prop shaft.
The advantage an out-runner style motor has over the conventional brushless motor like Hacker makes, is a marked improvement in torque. With the magnetic force being applied at a greater distance away from the pivot point, a greater torque is obtained for the same electrical power consumption.
But, the increase in torque is offset by a loss in RPM capability. The centrifugal forces involved would tear the outer case apart if run at the same speeds as a conventional brushless.
How coincidental it is, then, that we always take high-speed motors, gear them down, and sacrifice the high speed for torque anyway? Seems like theres a step in there that we could avoid altogether, and thats exactly why the three MTM motors center around eliminating the need for a gearbox.
I hope this article sheds some light on the subject of motors, especially Hacker Brushless and the affordable MTM outrunners pictured above.
Quality Hacker Brushless Motors and Other Choices
Hacker Brushless motors have become the power system of choice for many modelers because of their high quality, tremendous power and high efficiency. Their solid magnet, two pole rotors permit very high rpm (revolutions per minute) and they've been specifically developed for radio controlled models.
All motors are designed and produced in Southern Germany near Munich (Home of BMW). Every motor embodies precision German technology and manufacturing techniques to create very powerful and efficient motors systems.
Hacker Brushless motors are very highly regarded with the German competition flyers. However, they are not just suited to competition use, as a very wide range of windings are available, making them suitable for almost any model requiring the high performance and efficiency of a brushless motor.
If you're interested in a Hacker but can't afford one, I do carry the incredible MTM brushless motors which have revolutionized the brushless field. Click on the photo below and you'll be taken to my other brushless motor page.
Brushless motors are much more powerful than traditional brushed motors. There are no contacting parts, so there's nothing to "wear out" like on the regular motor.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Gatlight V3 Flashlight - the World's Coolest Flashlight
Lumencraft launched this newest pocket flashlight in March 2007 and named it after the Gatling Gun. The idea is cool and the design is even better.
The GatLight V3 is made out of carbon fiber and titanium that is aerospace quality. Each individual flashlight is custom-made and will take upwards of 3 months to be delivered. Cost for this impressive flashlight is approximately $375 for the titanium model.
So what makes this light so special? Beyond its looks it is also one of the brightest pocket flashlights in existence.
In back, the flashlight has a push button to turn it on and off. On the outside of the push button it has a rotary knob that adjusts the brightness. You can have it on a low setting to conserve battery life or on the brightest level that provides all the light you could ask for.
These new GatLights are made right here in the United States, something I found to be quite refreshing to say the least. There are over 80 parts that go into making this flashlight, which is about 10 times as many that can be found in a standard type of flashlight.
The titanium used in the Gatling V3 helps to eliminate heat build up when using the light on the highest settings. Another aspect I found that was nice was how the light doesn't go dim when the batteries begin to wear down. Instead, the light simply shuts off when the batteries are fully drained.
The LED light source that is used in the GatLight V3 is said to have a 10 year life to it. (And that is 10 years with the light running continuously.)
The GatLight is a truly amazing mini flashlight. With its unique design and incredible power, it is certainly making itself known in the world of pocket flashlights.
Rechargeable Flashlight: Maximize Your Experience
The flashlight has made a lot of progress from a primitive torch to brilliant long lasting LED lamps, to sun powered rechargeable flashlights. The old style flashlights utilized alkaline batteries, their lamps were not designed to be used for a long time, and the lamps were weak. New advancements improved upon the performance and function of traditional flashlights, but these flashlights still required their environmentally damaging alkaline batteries to be changed frequently. Besides battery replacement, traditional flashlights break often, and the strength of their light is still inferior.
To solve the many problems of the traditional flashlights, many different types of rechargeable flashlights were developed. Many of these flashlights generally use a dry cell to recharge the electric bulbs in the flashlight. Besides being less damaging to the environment, the rechargeable flashlight is more durable, and more luminous than the traditional battery powered flashlights. A variety of different models of the original rechargeable flashlight are now on the market. Some styles use electricity to recharge, some are powered by solar energy, and the bulbs in the flashlight can be Xenon, halogen, or LED lights. So, now you can obviously see for your self just how advanced these new flashights have become.
If you are interested in getting a rechargeable flashlight for your home or business, you may want to check out the two more popular flashlights on the market today: the Kaito Self-Powered 5-LED Dynamo Hand Crank Rechargeable Emergency Flashlight, and the Streamlight Ultra Stinger Xenon Rechargeable Flashlight with Charger. Recognized for their quality and toughness, the Kaito Self Powered rechargeable flashlight includes 5 bright white LED lights. This light is almost twenty times more luminous than earlier models of flashlights. The water resistant flashlight is appropriate for working outdoors, and this extremely tough flashlight can be utilized in extreme weather conditions.
The Streamlight Ultra Stinger Xenon rechargeable flashlight is a light weight flashlight, yet it is capable of producing a candlepower up to 75,000. This highly bright light enables a person to precisely focus the light onto any object from far away. But, as always there are going to be advantages and disadvantages to any flashlight you choose. So, make sure to do your research and see which flashlights are right for you and for your wallet.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
The Difference between LED and Xenon Flashlight Bulbs
Flashlights are highly essential for many types of occupations, and are also very handy to have around the house. Here is a little bit of trivia for those who want to know more about these handheld torches: It was in 1898 when the concept of a tube mounted and battery powered bulb was first introduced. Later on, the Eveready Battery Company produced more improved models of the original concept.
Today, flashlights have evolved into different kinds depending on usage, as well as a multitude of sizes for various needs. Medical flashlights can be mounted on pen tips and powered with pill-sized lithium batteries, while some workers' flashlights are mounted on hard hats and helmets. An American inventor was able to come up with a concept of a flashlight that does not run on batteries, and you need to charge up the power source by shaking the tube or cranking the handle attached to it. These torches were able to work via electromagnetic induction.
The most important feature of a flashlight that determines its usability is of course, the light bulb. There are two most common types of flashlight bulbs in the market today, and they are what are usually bought for home and personal use. These are the LED bulbs and xenon flashlight bulbs. Here are some notes to help you gauge the difference between the two.
Xenon flashlight bulbs follow the same principle as incandescent bulbs, wherein a small tungsten wire in the bulb is heated to produce light. Within the glass chamber of the bulb is a gas, which used to be argon, but is now commonly xenon. The gas helps stabilize the heating of the tungsten wire, such that it does not produce a flame. Maglite is a very popular company that manufactures torches with xenon flashlight bulbs.
Another type of flashlight bulb is the LED, which stands for light-emitting diode. With the use of semiconductors and a source of electricity, light can be produced. These flashlight bulbs are said to be more energy efficient, and are more resistant to shattering when the torch is suddenly dropped. More flashlight companies today make use of the LED flashlight bulbs, because they require less energy from the battery to produce a sufficient brightness of light. However, LED flashlight bulbs can still produce heat, contrary to the misconception that they do not. LED flashlights will probably save you money in batteries over time.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
About Zero RC
Rechargeable Flashlights Light The Way to The Future
There are many rechargeable flashlights on the market today. Some you shake, some you plug in, but they all have one thing in common: it's the flashlight that is rechargeable, not just the batteries that make more energy to run the flashlight.
The first flashlight was introduced to the world in 1896 by Conrad Hubert who had purchased the company from Joshua L Cowen. Hubert, together with David Misell designed a tubular flashlight for portable use. They donated several to the New York City Police Department at the time and received favorable reviews.
History of the Rechargeable Flashlight -
The first rechargeable flashlight became available to the safety sector, such as police and firemen, in the late 1970's and early 1980. Word spread fast about this revolutionary, durable and lightweight flashlight that one would be able to recharge and use again and again. Firemen, policemen, rescue workers, and auto mechanics were the first to purchase the newest in a line of rechargeable flashlights. Auto mechanics choose the rechargeable flashlight because they spend hours under the hood of a car and can use the flashlight for extended periods of time.
Shortly after the rechargeable flashlight came out with rechargeable batteries, the rechargeable flashlight itself came about. This new one did not need the assistance of batteries. This one is a plug in and go type of flashlight, which gains its energy from the electricity in your home, office, or wherever you might be when it's plugged in.
Powerful Lights -
Because they are more powerful than a regular flashlight, much law enforcement across the country carry a rechargeable flashlight. Giving greater power to the light and what you are able to view with the rechargeable flashlight, there is a new technology that has eliminated the 'black spot' in the beam, helping to see more of what is in the circle of light. In addition, emergency personnel carry rechargeable flashlights because in an emergency situation, you don't want your flashlight giving out on you and the extra light a rechargeable flashlight gives off comes in handy.
Lasting longer and longer, they nearly eliminate the need for constant recharging. A rechargeable flashlight usually plugs in to an electrical outlet for more power. This has also eliminated the need for batteries and a battery charger, which also plugs into an electrical outlet to gain its power.
A rechargeable flashlight is not only one with rechargeable batteries. Even though that is where the rechargeable flashlight got its start: as a flashlight with rechargeable batteries. And there are many batteries to choose from when selecting a rechargeable battery.
LED Flashlights -
Back in 1999, the world was introduced to LED flashlights, which emit more powerful light, longer. Many of the rechargeable flashlights are now LED equipped flashlights. LED is light emitting diode which is a type of bulb inside the flashlight. This bulb has a semi-conductor which separates the positive and negative ions from one another and when enough voltage is applied, through use of a battery normally, they mix together to form a glowing light. LED lights have been around for decades and were frequently used in electronic appliances as 'pilot' lights to designate if the circuit was open or closed. Today, LED lights are in everything from flashlights to holiday lights and night lights.
Economically Savvy Flashlights -
Rechargeable flashlights can be found in many places for emergency uses, such as hospitals and schools for when the lights are out. Even in your own home, you can have a rechargeable flashlight plugged in an outlet for emergencies. And the economical advantages are tenfold. You will save money in the long run without having to purchase and repurchase one time use batteries or a charger that goes with rechargeable batteries. Even the battery chargers eventually do stop recharging. A rechargeable flashlight never runs out of 'juice' as long as you have an electrical outlet with a positive current or flow of electricity. You are able to recharge your rechargeable flashlight.
There are countless uses for a rechargeable flashlight: on the boat, an RV, your home, in school, and to carry around for safety purposes. They are lightweight, because there are no batteries to weigh it down and they are made of a durable plastic or rubber coating, depending on which brand you choose.
These rechargeable flashlights can be large in which you must carry only the flashlight, or small enough to fit on a key ring. There are many in-between sizes as well. The rechargeable flashlight can be attached to a firearm for law enforcement or military use, or it can be medium sized and clipped to a belt or pocket.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Building Your Natural Disaster Preparation Kits
The recent flooding in the Midwest has the strength and devastation of natural disasters on everyone's mind. The sad fact is that families seem to just be coming to understanding that natural disasters can happen to anyone, anywhere. Thankfully, more people are trying to educate themselves on what they can do to be prepared. No longer does natural disaster preparation refer to stocking up on bread and water. Recent disasters like the Midwest flooding and even the Katrina Hurricane disaster are forcing us to realize that families must be prepared to relocate or hunker down with vital belongings in a hurry if they want to keep their families and some of their belongings safe. This requires preparing for a disaster long-before it is devastating your home town.
FEMA and the Red Cross, along with several other disaster recovery organizations, are stressing the importance for every home to have a disaster preparation kit stocked and ready. Below are the key items each home should have in their prep kit in order to have what they need if the power goes out or roadways become blocked.
Every Day Needs
Every disaster preparation kit should include food, water, and clothing. Non-perishable items like jars of peanut butter or fruit, granola bars, crackers, and canned goods should be packed in a box along with a large store of bottled water. Each family member should also pack an emergency bag with a few days of extra clothing and keep in near the other kit materials. This way it can be easily picked up should a fast evacuation be called for.
Equipment
One of the most important things that you need in your kit is a LED flashlight, preferably the waterproof LED flashlights. Though LED flashlights can be a bit pricier than the typical grocery store flashlights, the technology of the LED waterproof flashlights make them much more useful because they are able to last several times longer than a standard flashlight and require fewer batteries over the long term. These lights also put out a much brighter light, making them good for signaling for help. Also pack replacement batteries for your LED flashlights and keep them close to the actual flashlights so they are easy to find in the dark.
A disaster kit should also include a good knife, preferably a Swiss army or utility knife. These are compact multi-purpose tools that can help cut ropes or other things that may hinder evacuation, open canned goods and remove screws in other equipment.
A battery operated AM / FM radio is important so your family can hear news regarding the disaster, weather predictions, and evacuation notices. Keep all of the equipment together in an easy to carry box or case in an easy to get to place.
Documentation
Important family documents are one of the things most often forgotten in a disaster preparation kit. You should collect and keep a zip lock bag with your family's important documents, like birth certificates, passports, marriage license, insurance information, etc. sealed inside. Keep the bag in with your disaster materials or in with an adult's clothing. These documents are vital if you want to get back on your feet once the disaster has passed.
The fact is that natural disasters can happen in a matter of minutes, and before you know it, a bad situation can turn disastrous in an instant. The best way to protect your family is to be prepared. The best way to be prepared is to have your natural disaster kits ready before the disaster strikes. It could be the difference in being able to get out of town and into a decent hotel, or a relatives home safely and scrambling to collect your things before water and winds trap your family. This has been an active season for natural disasters; don't wait until it is too late.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Telescopic Flashlight Stun Gun Baton Product Review
The latest stun gun debuting on the market is the Telescopic Stun Baton (SM-FLEX). This cool looking item has multiple functions and several advantages over other Stun Master stun guns.
For one, this item functions as a flashlight. This is definitely a must have. No other stun gun baton we have in stock has a flashlight feature.
Secondly, this item has a personal alarm. The personal alarm is perfect in an emergency situation to attract attention to yourself in case you are confronted by an attacker.
Thirdly, this item works as a regular baton. It measures 13" closed and 21.5" open. With the flick of the wrist, you have an instant 21.5" metal baton ready for some action. The full extension of the baton can have a psychological advantage over the perp who may think twice about choosing you to be his victim. The fully extended baton is also great for maintaining your distance from your attacker unlike our handheld stun guns where you have to be in close quarters contact with him.
Finally, the big daddy of them all is the stun feature. I like this feature. By making contact with the perpetrator, just hit the stun trigger, and he'll be screaming uncle while urinating in his pants.
Do you jog? This telescopic, flashlight stun baton is great for the jogger who encounters dogs on his or her jogging route. This is a great animal control stun baton to keep your distance from vicious dogs.
Of all the self defense products I have come across, this tool is by far very innovative. The ability to conceal the item from view is an advantage over the traditional stun baton we have in stock. Not to mention it looks like a curling iron. How many batons on the market these days resemble a curling iron?
The unit comes with an internal battery source and a battery charger. So you never have to worry about running out of batteries. Just plug it in and charge it up. This stun baton kit also comes with a holster.
This product is durable with multiple features and makes a great gift idea for the safety conscious person. This can be a great item for your college daughter to give her peace of mind.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Articles
Led Flashlights And Other Gift Ideas For Dad
Father's Day offers us the perfect opportunity to tell our dads how much we love him and appreciate all that he has done for us. If your dad is an outdoor enthusiast, a new hunting or camping tool is sure to show him that you took the time to purchase a thoughtful gift that he would appreciate. There are a number of exciting outdoor gadgets that may be just what your dad needs.
The Lenser Briefcase is an economical but considerate gift for the outdoor enthusiast. With a variety of LED flashlights and torches, there are enough lights to have one placed everywhere you dad may need one - on a key chain, beside the bed, in the garage, in the car or truck, with the tackle box or in with the hunting gear. The LED Lenser briefcase set includes an easy to carry, compact briefcase so that the lights can be kept together when not in use or if you want to travel with them. If the LED Lenser Briefcase is a bit more than what your father needs, consider the Auto LED. This flashlight provides a bright LED light, and is charged in your vehicle's cigarette lighter. With an Auto LED in the car, you know that your dad will always have light, no matter where their adventures take them.
For the fisherman, a knife such as the Angler exchange blade fishing set provides a sturdy set of blades that can be used with the same handle. The blades have a locking mechanism for safety and include a nylon pouch to keep all of the blades in one location. The Angler system includes blades for boning and filleting the fish your dad catches as well as a separate, serrated blade. Want to add a little something to this gift? Consider a Fishing Flex LED. These lights hook to the bill of your hat, the tackle box, or anywhere else you can think to clip it. The Fishing Flex LED is just the tool for bright and hands free lighting.
Because your dad undoubtedly taught you to be safe at some point growing up, he may appreciate an emergency lantern. The LED bulb in the Coast LED lenser lantern provides 80 hours of superior LED bright light, and an additional 200 hours of fading light, which gives dad ample time to replace the battery. The bulbs in the Coast LED Lenser last over 100,000 hours, so this is probably a one time gift. The lantern is free standing, and provides more and better quality light than from traditional propane lanterns. Once you introduce your dad to this, you may want one of your own. LED light is an excellent choice for all types of outdoor lighting, because of the clear and bright light, and the long lasting bulbs and batteries.
No matter what your choice of gift for dad, you know that they will love it. Long-lasting and quality products designed for the outdoorsman - who could ask for more? Your dad will know that he has raised you right.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
LED Flashlights: Being Prepared For A Winter Hiking Adventure
Winter hiking can be a tranquil even surreal experience when done properly. The peace of walking through cold and wintry scenes captured in the outdoors is considered by many to be a great way to spend a day. Additional precautions are needed when hiking in the winter, however, as winter weather can create a number of issues not typically a problem in the summer. It is important to protect yourself from both colder temperatures and potential winter hazards this time of year. Making sure that you have the right equipment for your hike and taking extra time planning so that you can avoid many potentially dangerous situations are important to winter hiking safety.
Essential Equipment
Proper equipment is a winter hiking essential. Your biggest priorities are going to be making sure that you have light and warmth when you need it, as well as food and water to keep you from becoming dehydrated or hungry. A basic multipurpose tool or a pocket knife is important for any hiking situation. A small first aid kit is too. LED flashlights are the smartest choice for a light source. They use very little energy (batteries) and therefore will last much longer than a standard light. Pack both thermal blankets and chemical heat packs to ensure that you and your companions will be able to stay warm enough if caught out in unexpected bad weather. If you'll be camping during your hike, invest in a sleeping bag that's designed to keep you warm in low temperatures. Make sure that you pack all of the necessary equipment that you would bring in warmer weather, and be sure that you put an extra emphasis on safety and first aid.
Careful Planning
When you're planning your hiking trip, take extra time to plan out your route. Do your research and see if you can find out about any safety advisories in the area where you want to hike, and adjust your equipment list as needed to accommodate for any special circumstances that you might encounter based on these warnings. If you're planning a multi-day hiking trip, you might want to have an LED flashlight that has a lantern function as well so that you can illuminate larger areas with it. Begin watching weather reports several days in advance of when your trip is planned for so that you can make any necessary adjustments to your plans. Once your plan is set, make sure you notify two to three people of your expected route and plans for return so they can alert the proper authorities if you do not return as scheduled.
Being Mindful of Temperature
Temperatures often drop quickly during the winter, and it can be very easy to underestimate the effects of these temperature shifts. You must also be mindful of the amount of sweat that your body can produce even in cold weather, as it can not only lead to you having wet clothes and skin in cold weather but you can also be in danger of dehydration. Quickly dropping temperatures can increase your likelihood of becoming sick and can also put you at risk for hypothermia. Because of this, in addition to any blankets or heat packs that you bring, it's important that you dress appropriately for the projected temperatures on the day or days that you'll be hiking. Dress in layers and bring extra shirts, jackets, pants, or other clothing that can be added with relative ease if necessary.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
News
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Saturday, March 8, 2008
Every Home Needs an LED Flashlight
Often we take light for granted, right up until we get left in the dark. Have you ever been caught in the dark, wishing you had a flashlight handy? Have you reached for the flashlight kept in the "junk" drawer only to find it was dead? Many times we never really think about light until we really need it. There is new technology available to you that ensures you will never be left in the dark again.
Police officers, firemen, soldiers and other public safety professionals that rely on a flashlight regularly, seek out lights that are designed for their specific tasks. Since the late 1990's, light emitting diode (LED) technology has improved significantly and today if you are looking for a flashlight, you will probably find more models with LEDs than models with older incandescent bulb technology.
Public service professionals have demanded that manufacturers produce flashlights that are brighter and have longer run times. The manufacturers have responded and today you will find flashlights that produce brilliant white light, or other colors if you need it, have runs times from one hour to sixty hours or more and have bulbs that never need to be changed. Some models have batteries that have a shelf life of ten years and some models require no batteries, you just shake or wind up the light and a chemical reaction produces battery power to run the light.
With the focus on emergency preparedness today, a flashlight is an essential piece of equipment in any home emergency kit. It is easy to convince yourself to find a light on a store shelf, spend a few dollars, and throw the flashlight in the kit, check it off the list and move on. However, when you really need that light, it will need to be charged up and ready to go, easily accessible and bright enough to lead you to safety. With all of the technology available today, you owe it to yourself and your family to shop around a bit and find a light that will last for years and be ready in an emergency.
LEDs use much less power than conventional incandescent light bulbs, therefore an LED can run a lot longer on the same size or smaller batteries. LED technology is quite different from incandescent technology in that an LED is a semi-conductor chip. The semi-conductor is made specifically to produce a certain color of light when a current is applied to it. An LED is much more efficient than bulbs and produces 95% light and only 5% heat, the exact opposite of incandescent bulbs. Also there is no filament to break; meaning an LED light is much tougher than an incandescent bulb. LEDs can last for several thousand hours and never burnout and never need to be changed.
When purchasing an LED light you will notice they are usually more expensive than an incandescent light. The cost is related to the quality of the LED in the light. If you are buying an LED light for only a few dollars, you may not be getting LEDs that were designed to produce usable light, but rather they are computer grade LEDs thrown into a flashlight. LEDs were originally designed to be indicator lights, signaling the status of something, usable as an indicator, but not as a primary source of light.
Many low end flashlight manufacturers take these "indicator" LEDs, place multiple LEDs into a light head and call them LED flashlights. By combining several LEDs into the light head the consumer gets misled into the "more must be better" mentality. In reality, there are several of the LEDs in the light to produce a glow bright enough to be considered usable light. These lights are OK for around the house when supplemental light is needed; but, in an emergency when you need a light source to replace all usable light, an LED designed specifically for the job is what you require.
So, know we know LED flashlights are brighter, tougher, more efficient and longer lasting than incandescent flashlights. Do yourself and your family a favor and replace those dead flashlights that are taking up space in your junk drawer. Replace them good quality LED flashlights and you will never find yourself in the dark again.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Pepper Spray Flashlight - is it Really Useful?
A pepper spray flashlight is a relatively new safety item that can surely be used as a tool for self defense, especially by women. It is a device that is a combination of a very bright flashlight and pepper spray. It may also be equipped with a laser that gives the user benefits such as posing as a deterrent because of the fact that the attacker may think that it's a laser gun and may think twice about harming the user; and of course the laser can also be used for correct aiming of the pepper spray at any attacker.
The user can become trained in how to correctly aim the pepper spray flashlight, because manufacturers provide a canister that contains non pepper spray that allows you to practice or train on it. This is also good because there is no need to waste the actual pepper spray in training.
The flashlight itself can be used as a weapon similar to a bat or a club to strike attackers and may not only leave them distracted, but unconscious with a forceful strike.
The pepper spray flashlight is not only used by law enforcers, military personnel, or detectives, but is also extremely useful to ordinary people. Note however that this product is prohibited in areas such as New York and Massachusetts. So, check with your state laws before making a purchase. It is also very important to learn how to use this product correctly to get positive results from it. Take note that it only works if the pepper spray hits the eyes directly. If it doesn't, and merely hits other body parts, then it is useless.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
5 Buying Tips of Flashlight
There are different criteria for the selection of the flashlight based on different types of batteries.
Most of the batteries manufacturers using different materials and types of batteries to keep the different customers in mind. There are many large, medium and small manufacturers are manufacturing batteries in the different price ranges and sizes.
1. You must have to select the manufacturers as per your budget and usages. There are many brands of flashlight are available in the market based on the specification.
2. The flashlight has different criteria like battery, size and shapes of the flashlight etc. It needs specifications or brochure to select the proper flashlight.
3. You must see that the flashlight manufacturer give, guaranty or warranty at the time of purchasing the flashlight.
4. You must have to see that the flashlight manufacture can replace the flashlight as per the customers needs.
5. There are many companies provides replacement of the parts if it get, replace. There are many companies offer replacement of parts according to the needs.
The better flashlight needs good quality battery and the power capacity. You must have to see that the battery switches are operating properly or not. You must have to take the trial test before purchasing the flashlight. You must keep the warranty card and address of the stores properly so tat if any problem occurs, it should be taken care of by manufacturers.
If you are frequent user than you must prefer the rechargeable battery for you. It will save money. There are batteries less flashlight available in the market; you can also purchase the battery according to your usage.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
What you Should Know in Choosing the Brightest Flashlight
If you are an avid outdoorsman then you know how important a good flashlight can be. Even if you aren't into outdoor activities it is nice to know that you have a bright flashlight available in case of emergency. You simply can't depend on a regular battery operated, household flashlight to work if the power fails. The batteries may be dead after years of storage and if they aren't dead they certainly won't last very long.
For your peace of mind and your family's safety, it is important that you choose the best and the brightest flashlight. The best and most versatile flashlight on the market today would have to be the World's Brightest Flashlight.
The World's Brightest Flashlight will produce 15 million candlepower! How bright is that? Well, it is equivalent to 150 60-watt bulbs. This flashlight was tested and produced a beam of light that could be seen up to 6 miles away.
The bulb that is used for this flashlight is a 60-watt high-powered H4 quartz halogen bulb that is built to last for approximately 1,000 hours. While this is on the extreme end of the scale and not something the average person would ever need, it just goes to show you how far flashlight technology has come over the years.
For almost everyone, the best way to choose the brightest flashlight is to understand the different types of bulbs used in flashlights:
-Incandescent.
These are gas filled lamps used for high performance. Streamlight flashlights uses either xenon or halogen bulbs. The halogen bulbs darken less with age than the xenon. Both can fail with extreme impact and both eventually require replacement. They are the most powerful and easily focused for long distance.
-LED.
This stands for light emitting diodes. These are longer lasting bulbs, approximately up to 10,000 hours. They are very durable and good for close work.
-Luxeon.
This is the latest achievement in LED technology. A very durable lamp that can last as long as 50,000 hours and give the illumination of an incandescent.
-LED/Incandescent combination.
This is the best of both worlds. A Streamlight exclusive that combines the durability and longevity of an LED with the illumination power of an incandescent.
Another aspect of picking a good flashlight is the battery. Do you choose one with a disposable battery or a rechargeable battery? Factors to take into consideration is the frequency of use and how long you will be using the flashlight. The rechargeable may save money on replacement batteries, however they tend to discharge at a faster rate when in use, than a battery flashlight.
Keep in mind nothing is more important than your safety while engaging in outdoor activities or during a disaster. Choosing the best and brightest flashlight for your needs is a vital step in ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Buy the best flashlight that your budget will allow and have the peace of mind that you are prepared for anything.
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Thursday, January 3, 2008
Help! Where is That Flashlight?
Flashlights may well be the single most neglected item in your home. But yet when you desperately need one to see in the dark they become a life saver. Flashlights come in all types, sizes and colors that provide light in a variety of different ways. Some examples include:
Keychain Flashlights - These attach to your keychain and let you see better in getting into your car on a dark night or finding your key, etc.
Household Flashlights - Having a working flashlight around the home is a must. You never know when the power will go off or some other emergency situation.
You can find anything from cheap flashlights at the dollar store to more expensive long life LED flashlights. The biggest tip here is to be sure you have fresh batteries on hand.
How often have you found yourself needing a flashlight only to discover it doesn't work? Of course, the batteries are dead. There are few things more aggravating than that.
Another helpful tip is to keep several flashlights in your home. Have one in the garage as well. This is especially true when you have children. They tend to walk away at times.
Finally, you should also have at least one batteryless flashlight on hand. These flashlights work by either turning a crank or shaking them in order to charge them up. Once charged, a shake flashlight will last for 15-30 minutes before needing to be charged again.
So, while it's true that we never give much thought to flashlights, they sure can come in handy at unexpected times in our lives.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
ElectriFly Yak 55 3D EP ARF Review
The Yak 55 has a 34.5" wingspan, and comes as an ARF with an estimated 2-4 hour build time. This will vary based on your experience. Great Planes recommends building with a hot glue gun rather than CA or epoxy, which is pretty much required. If you haven't used a glue gun before, spend some time practicing on scraps. Also be aware that even momentary contact with the foam will melt it. Overall the build was easy. The fuselage comes complete with the rudder attached. The first steps are gluing the wing through the body and hinging the ailerons, gluing the stabilizer and hinging the elevator, and gluing the servos in place. The manual suggests two 6" servo extensions for the ailerons, but I found the y-harness was so long that these were unnecessary. It was a little tricky to pull the ends through the wing - make sure you don't lose the string inside the body! You'll need 12" extensions for the two tail servos, which are just barely long enough. I liked the short, direct linkages to the rudder and elevator.
The included brushed motor is already mounted in the gearbox, which is installed with one screw on a stick mount. I added some hot glue on the stick after some hard landings caused the motor mount to come loose. The cowl is glued on lightly so you can remove it later with a sharp pair of scissors. I chose four Futaba S3110 micro servos , a Futaba R114F micro receiver , and the ElectriFly C-35 brushed ESC for the Yak. A 25 amp ESC would have sufficed. For power, I used an ElectriFly 1500 mAh, 11.1 volt LiPo battery . For a plane this light, NiMH is not an option. You'll want a transmitter with either end point adjustment, dual rates, or exponential for this plane. The Yak's control surfaces are huge and have enormous throws, which is great for 3D stunts once you've learned to fly it, but you'll want to reel those in to start. The fuselage has a zipper along the top edge which gives you easy access to the electronics. The only drawback to construction was the hardware to connect the servos to the control surfaces. The main problem was sliding the carbon pushrods through the eight plastic z-bends, which are fairly fragile. Ultimately I used 500 grit sandpaper on the carbon rods, and twirled a Dremel bit between my fingers to open up the z-bends. I also used a Dremel tool to widen the holes on the four control horns and the four servo arms. A drop of foam-safe CA on each z-bend is used to prevent the rods from slipping (not likely) once you have the surfaces trimmed. I'm sure having a flying weight of only 16 ounces prevented the designers from using standard hardware, but this step was somewhat frustrating as a result. Flying the Yak is a lot of fun. The 370-size ball bearing motor has plenty of power at 11 volts, but not enough at 7.4, so stick with 3S batteries. The plane is very agile and can change direction quickly. Because there's no landing gear, it's important to cut the throttle before touching down, and let the prop saver take care of the rest. New owners will still want to pick up a six pack of replacement props - the orange GWS 11x4.7 work well. If you chew up the main plastic gear, a replacement for it and all other parts is available. And now the big question: is the Yak 55 indestructible? Well, no. It definitely survives crashes far better than balsa models, but it can be damaged. The foam has a tendency to tear along the edge of a glue seam. Also, the battery once broke the firewall after nosing in hard. I now use Velcro on the bottom and the side of the battery to make sure it doesn't move at all. And finally, the foam cowl is going to disintegrate pretty quickly, so buy a couple spares. The good news is all of these things can be quickly fixed with some hot glue. This plane can take a lot of abuse and still get back in the air. The Yak 55 is great park flyer for pilots looking to learn 3D. I fly at a local park with two adjacent baseball diamonds, which is plenty of room. The foam construction and small size also keep the joggers and other park visitors happy. Experienced flyers could also fly in a gym or other large indoor space. Light winds have been no problem, but I'd stay home when it's gusty. Overall, the Yak is as risk-free as you can get next to a simulator. To learn more and see videos of the Yak in action, visit the Great Planes product page . Updated October 9th, 2007 - Curious how the Yak 55 held up over time? Check out our ElectriFly Yak 55 Follow Up article.