Short Description:

The EternaLight Model 3M ErgoMarine is produced by Technology Associates. This device uses 4 LEDs as its light source. Internally it contains a sophisticated little IC circuit which allows it to produce a multitude of lighting effects.

For power it runs on 3-AA batteries. The model reviewed comes with 3-AA Lithium batteries allowing the light to float. It will run on less expensive alkaline batteries, but loses its ability to float. The housing is bright marine yellow plastic and is sealed with a rubber gasket. Batteries are changed by removing 4 screws on the back and opening the case in clamshell fashion. Care needs to be taken when reinserting the screws to avoid tearing the gasket.

At one end of the case there is a lanyard hole and a pair of very small feet allowing the device to stand upright on a level surface.

On top of the light you will find 3 switches labeled "Adjust", "Mode", and "Power". Pressing these buttons in series allows the user access to the various lighting modes. Those modes are as follows:

Press Power: Timed on - off in 10 minutes - Power turns the light off no matter what setting it's on.
Press Mode: Constant on/dim. Press Adjust to dim the light - 12 settings
Press Mode: Flasher. Press Adjust to change flashing rate
Press Mode: Fast Strobe - good for "stop action" effects. Press Adjust to change flashing rate
Press Mode: Dazzle - LEDs flash in an attention getting pattern.
Press Mode: SOS - device signals Morse Code SOS over and over
Press Mode: Momentary Mode. Press Adjust to turn LEDs on, release and they turn off
Press Mode: Back to Timed on (at top)

The Constant on/dim mode has 13 levels of brightness, starting with full on. Dimming is accomplished by flickering the LEDs at different rates and eventually shutting down the LEDs in series. The flicker is only noticeable in bright light or when looking quickly past the light itself. The illuminated object simply appears dimly lit. On its dimmest mode the light is advertised to last for over 2800 hours with new batteries.

Reviewer's Impressions:

The EternaLight ErgoMarine is the most feature packed light I have ever encountered. It is adaptable to nearly any situation where you would possibly need a personal lighting device.

When I first read about this light I thought, "Why the heck would you need a light that can do all this?". Once I had one in my hands I realized just how useful all the different lighting modes could be. Here are just a few ideas:

Normal ON: General use, Timed so if it's turned on by accident in your pack it turns off in 10 minutes
Dimmer Mode: Spelunking, reading at night without bothering your spouse, tent light, cockpit night use
Flasher: Walking or jogging at night, Attach to your bike for visibility, Rescue beacon if you fall overboard
Strobe mode: Checking machinery and motorized equipment, Science classroom demonstrations
Dazzle mode: Pretty much just for fun, Attention getter at retail / trade show displays
SOS: Boat won't start in the middle of a dark lake, Injured backpacker awaiting rescue
Momentary Mode: General use, convenience, pointing out equipment details on a shop floor

Despite everything it can do, it remains very simple and straightforward to operate. The fact that this model floats, is watertight, is visible for over 3 miles, and that its Lithium batteries have a 10 year shelf-life make this light a perfect addition to a boat's standard onboard equipment.

An interesting quirk I noticed about the unit I received is the tint of the LEDs. Tint variation is perfectly normal among white LEDs, and this unit has 3 distinct tints which are noticeable only when the LEDs are at their lowest power savings setting (single LED on, strobing). The farthest right LED has a distinct blue tint, the center 2 LEDs have green tints, and the far left LED has a red tint. This is really just a curiosity and has no effect whatsoever on the operation or usability of the unit.

The only faults I can find with the light are that the LEDs are exposed and could be damaged and that you need tools to change the batteries. The LEDs are protected to some degree by the curve of the head of the light, but a drop on a hard cave floor or cement could seriously damage the LEDs. Recessing the LEDs further would remedy this. A Phillips screwdriver is needed to change the batteries and the instructions are very clear that care is needed when reinserting the screws into the case to avoid tearing the waterproof seal. You don't want to have to change batteries in anything other than a controlled environment.

+ + + Pluses: Large number of light modes - useful in many situations, Floats, Watertight, Lightweight, Highly visible color, Stands on end, Dimmer settings give very long battery life, Accepts alkaline batteries as well as Lithium.

- - - Minuses: Exposed LEDs - could be damaged by impact, Battery change requires screwdriver and there is potential for damage to seal.