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The 12LED Variable Output Lantern (JK-164C) is a pretty
simple little creature with a lot of utility. Sixteen
5mm LEDs are tucked 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 a silver polycarbonate plastic
with a sliver top and a white shade around the top.
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 sixteen 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 4-C cells insert directly
into the base.
The primary lighting element is the diffuser in the
center of the clear globe. Inside the diffuser are 4
vertical stacks of 4 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. Very nice regulation after an initial drop.
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 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 directly into the base and then
the bottom lid needs to be properly aligned to attach
it back onto the light. The bottom cap can only be inserted
one way. To access the battery compartment, unscrew
the 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: Not much.
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 C cells it will likely crack if it hits
a hard surface.
Conclusions: This lantern is a
very convenient size - not too big, not too small. Output
is very good, the variablility is great, and runtime
with the Ccells is expected to be very good. 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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