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The 20 LED Variable Output Lantern (CK-220) is a pretty
simple little creature with a lot of utility. Twenty 5mm
LEDs are crammed in behind a diffuser and are attached to
a variable switch allowing for a range of output from
surprisingly bright to a soft pleasing glow.
The body is made from clear, white translucent, and blue
translucent polycarbonate plastic. A handle is attached to
the very top which folds down against the top. A clear dome
protects the diffuser inside and the diffuser contains twenty
5mm LEDs. Underneath all of this is the battery
compartment with the switch on the side. The switch is a
twist knob. Rotating the switch allows for brightness selection.
The base of the entire unit unscrews and a 4-D cell carrier
drops out for battery insertion.
The primary lighting element is the diffuser in the center
of the clear globe. Inside the diffuser are 4 vertical stacks of
5 LEDs. Each stack points in one of four directions at
90 degrees to one another.
LEDs are naturally fairly directional, but by placing them
at 90 degrees to one another and then placing all of them
inside a diffuser, the manufacturer has managed to spread
the light out fairly well so as to illuminate a wide area
around the lantern.
Lantern directly in front of target
Runtime Plot: Runtime completed with lantern on highest
setting.
Runtime
completed with "Rayovac" batteries. More information
on runtime plots is available HERE.
The switch is a simple twist switch. Initially it clicks
and then rotates. Twisting the switch from the off position
starts the LEDs out very dim and they become progressively
brighter until maximum is reached. Variability is "infinite",
meaning the illumination does not occur in steps. Also,
it appears that the dimming is accomplished via a PWM
circuit in the light which strobes the LEDs more rapidly
than the eye can normally see in order to create the
dimming effect. A wide swath of light is produced at
90 degrees to the vertical axis of the light. As is
normal with 5mm LEDs, the light produced is white, but
is a high color temperature (appears slightly bluish).
For water resistance, I'd call it splashable. It can take a light rain,
but try to keep it dry. If water gets inside, open it up as much
as possible and let it dry out.
Ergonomics: This light is designed to be set on a table or
other structure, not carried around routinely. It does have
a carry handle that seems to work as designed.
Batteries are inserted into a 4-D cell battery carrier
and then the entire carrier is inserted into the bottom of
the light. The carrier can only be inserted one way. To access
the battery compartment, unscrew the black plate from the bottom
of the lantern. There are ridges around the circumference of
the plate to better facilitate grip.
Accessories: Included with the light is a large plastic
S-hook for hanging that innovatively twists and folds into
itself for easy storage and transport.
What I Liked: Water resistant,
Long battery life, Variable output,
Bright, Easy battery change
What I Didn't Like: Heavy (due to
the use of 4 D cells)
Other Things I Noticed: I'm not too
sure about durability. It will probably take some normal bangs
and bumps, but I'd avoid dropping it. With the weight of 4 D cells
it will likely crack if it hits a hard surface.
Conclusions: Now that those pesky "facts"
are out fo the way, let me tell you what I really think. This
lantern is a plastic piece of... artwork! I love it! Output
is very good, the variablility is great, and runtime with the
D cells is expected to be excellent. If you are a car-camper (not
a backpacker - much too heavy), or you have an outdoor screen
room, or just want a long running light for a power outage or your
porch, this is a light well worth considering.
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