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NOTE: I have received several reports
of issues with crank powered lights similar to this
one. The problem is that they sometimes don't hold a
charge, especially if fully discharged. There is a Lithium-Ion
rechargeable coin cell inside that holds the charge
for all of these lower-cost lightweight crank lights.
What I suspect may be happening, is that if the coin
cell is being over-discharged it may not take a charge
anymore. As a result it may be possible to keep it in
good shape by never letting the light fully discharge
and by giving it a minute of cranking once a month to
keep a decent charge in the cell... If I'm right, this
could be a problem with ANY cranked light that uses
a Lithium Ion coin cell. It could also be a problem
for crank lights using other rechargeable battery types
too since all rechargeables can be damaged by over discharging
them... The result is a slight downgrade of this light's
rating since it uses the same power source and could
suffer the same problem.
The Dorcy Dynamo is a dynamo powered LED light
designed for power outages and general use. Folded on
the back is a crank which can be opened outward and
spun to charge the internal rechargeable battery and
power the 3 LEDs used to produce light. As a result,
it never needs batteries or bulbs and is always just
a few cranks away from being ready when you need it
unlike that dead Maglite in the trunk of your car...
Body: This dynamo light looks very futuristic.
In fact it looks just plain weird. If you can get over
the looks, though, it's actually a pretty good flashlight.
The body of the light is metallic blue colored plastic with rubberized
grips on the side. A silvered plastic reflector surrounds
the LEDs. The crank which is used to charge the internal
battery rests flush against the underside of the light
when not in use. Unfold the crank and start spinning
to charge the system. I found this to be a very
quiet dynamo driven light and very easy to spin.
Bezel/Head: The bezel end of the light is protected
by a plastic dome. Inside are the 3 LEDs used to produce
light for the unit. All 3 LEDs sit in a silvered reflector
area that helps project the light forward. On the sides
are amber plastic diffusers and sitting behind each
is a red LED. When the blink mode is turned on these
red LEDs blink along with the three white LEDs in the
front.
Output: The switch has three states: Click for
3 LEDs on, click again for a blink mode with all 5 LEDs,
click again for off. Output is in the form of a directional
flood of light. In constant-on mode there is sufficient
light for navigating in the dark and performing normal
tasks while the blink mode is a good attention getter.
The white light produced by the LED is a high color
temperature. A slight bluish tint is detectable when
compared against a near sunlight-white source, but this
tinting is not noticeable during normal use.
Beam at one meter at target center
Runtime Plot: One minute of cranking only appears
to get you about 3-6 minutes of light if the light is
completely dead. However, it doesn't take much more
cranking than that to get you signinficantly longer
runtimes. Plus, keep in mind, you can turn it off and
crank more to recharge it anytime you need do.
More information on runtime plots is available HERE.
Switch: The switch is a simple click type. One
click and the center LED turns on. Next click turns
on the blink mode. Next click turns it off and starts
the pattern all over again. The switch is protected
by a rubber cover and rests on top of the light.
Seals / Water Resistance: As with most dynamo
powered lights, I would recommend keeping it dry. Avoid
anything more than a misting rain and dry it off as
quickly as possible.
If it gets wet inside, just disassemble as much a possible
without tools and let it dry before using again.
Ergonomics: This unit is more slim than many
of the other dynamo lights I have and it sits very comfortably
in the hand. The switch is easy to operate and the cranking
provides some resistance but is not excessive.
Size compared to a common 2AA aluminum light
Batteries: No batteries needed! Well..... actually
there is a battery in there. It's a Lithium Ion 2032
3.6V coin cell which is charged by the crank. Here's
an important warning - Don't crank with it on! Make
sure the switch is in the OFF position when cranking.
What I Liked: Crank powered, Blink
mode, sleek design, no batteries required at all, always
available to provide quick light.
What I Didn't Like: Water resistance
questionable
Picky Little Things: Blinking red
LEDs on the side are fairly useless...
Conclusions: Nice light, and fairly
quiet for a dynamo powered light. I can see where the
blinking mode could come in handy, especially if out
walking. I'm really starting to take a liking to these
dynamo powered little lights since they are easy to
power up (easier than a shakelight in my opinion), are
always ready for use, and provide sufficient light for
most tasks. Well worth the price in my opinion. Toss
one in the glovebox of each car, on each floor of the
house, etc. Great for kids!!!! No batteries to buy!
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