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Detailed
Information:
Of all of the various dynamo powered lights I have for review, I think this one is one of the better quality units. The fact that the system allows you to charge a cellphone or power other small devices could be very handy in an emergency.
The body itself is made of plastic but feels solid in the hand. Because it houses a charging mechanism and batteries it is a bit bulky. The cranking mechanism is firm and solid with a smooth winding sound when operated. The crank itself stows away very nicely in the back of the unit and is unobtrusive when folded. When you spin the crank a small green LED on the back (facing you when using the crank) lights up to let you know that you are spinning fast enough to charge the system.
The bezel is surrounded by black plastic and houses a special lens with 5 focusing areas that align with the 5 LEDs inside. The flashlight projects a very nice spot from these 5 lenses with almost perfect overlap of the 5 beams.
Output is in the form of a very nice spot in the center with a couple of rings around the periphery. The spot is surprisingly bright for a wind-up light and the color temperature is more whiteish than the standard blueish tint we have come to expect from 5mm LEDs.
Output, however, takes 3 forms with this light. Not
only does it produce light output, but also you can
attach the included cable to the side of the unit via
a small port and power either 4.2V or 6V small appliances
and cellphones. The port is tucked under a rubber cover
for protection and under that same cover is a slide
switch allowing for voltage selection. The unit received
only came with one adapter, but I am told that they
now come with 5.
The switch on the top of the light is a standard click switch. Press once for on, press a second time for off. It has a rubber cover to provide some environmental protection, but it is raised and as a result could be subject to accidental activation. Of course since there are no batteries to replace and a few cranks gets you light again, this isn't really a problem.
The package states that the unit is water resistant. I would avoid getting it any more wet than what it would receive from a gently misty rain.
Ergonomics: It is a little big since it has a large mechanism inside to charge the internal batteries. It is not uncomfortable to grip, just a bit bulky.
Batteries are internal and are not designed to be user replaceable. I have not taken the unit apart (yet!) to see the configuration inside, but be aware that the rechargable batteries may not work after 4-5 years simply due to the chemistry of rechargables.
Accessories included were a cable and adapters for
attaching the unit to cellphones and other small appliances
so it may act as a power source.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Crank powered - no need for batteries, Smooth crank
operation, Good output
What I Didn't Like: Batteries do
not appear to be user replaceable.
Conclusions: A very good dyanmo-powered
light. Output is very nice. The ability to power other
appliances like a cellphone or small radio make it very
handy for an emergency. I probably like this one the
best of the various dynamo powered lights I've worked
with.
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