Baroutologos's Handcrafted - Rechargeable LED Hurricane Lanterns

Baroutologos

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Ledaddict's custom made Lanterns

Since i had presented my work here, i was contacted by member Ledaddict (Bryan), to discuss the potential of making him a custom lantern(s). An e-mail conversation was made
in order to identify what it would to be created.


Prerequisites were,
* a superior quality vintage hurricane style lantern
* made to provide considerable luminosity (1000 lumens+) with full dimming capability
* robust in making destined to hold in time
* powered by 12volt (main PSU adaptor or battery used during power outage, camping etc)


Bryan, one of the most patient individuals i have known, was being informed of the progress, we were discussing technical issues, ideas,how-to(s) etc.
I must confess, i have been inexcusable delayed (2 months +) at making those lanterns since i have experimented (time allowed) with almost everything from circuits
and IC boost regulators chips to brittle 2523 samsung smd leds etc + the fact that most electronics components come from China and take an age to arrive. After the time consuming experimentation came to a halt, finnaly lanterns were assembled and tested.


Specs:


Kirkman No2 Champion Hurricane style chassis


Working voltage 12v (max 1.7 amp draw around 90% efficiency)
Power output 0.5 / 0.8 - 12 / 20 watts (potentiometer regulated)
output: (flyback) 80-300 volts DC. At 330v circuit halts.


takes an ordinary corn led bulb that is modified to run in dc rather AC, with max dimensions 5 cm circumference and 13cm long. Standard E27 socket.
Current Led Bulb 48 x 5630 smd leds,approx power input 13watts out 1000 lumens average
wick controller provides the dimming and on/off function and has an auxiliary master switch for rapid start.

I have not dispatch them to him yet, since i await some new bulbs to arrive since the already existing are pure white and neutral white. Those need to be warm white both.
photos: http://rechargeable-led-lantern.com/?page_id=167 (just cant see a way to directly post a photo here...)
video of them running in my living room from a car battery, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idNqbqpEk2k

Cheers
:)
 

LEDAdd1ct

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Re: Ledaddict's custom made Lanterns

Everything stated above is correct.

My only regret is that I could not visit with the engineer in person to speak with him
and share some good food.

This man knows what he is doing and he takes the time to explain it to those of us who are not electrical experts.
 

Baroutologos

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γεια σου nik,

Tell me stupid but now i noticed your comment. sorry.
Concerning the mild weatherproof for outdoor light, i am working on it. Generally, high lumens output are (so far) incompatible with water resistance but solution is around the corner.. The lowest posible output is done lower... in few days or a week i will present the next K-series.
Parasitic drain in the I-series is null. In the K-series that is to come is about 60-70uA.

Ευχαριστώ φίλε
 

Baroutologos

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Hello all,


Today i am going to present my third lantern of the K series. Generally K-series, is the result of further improving my lantern making technique and addressing a bunch of issues as

* increased luminosity with more efficiency
* dimming down to few lumens
* replaceable led bulbs
* using high efficiency LEDs of still warmer white color
* simpler electronic design

Overally, the vintage outlook of the lantern is pretty much the same as the previous series i.e. modified petroleum hurricane lanterns, but the above attributes were achieved after hard work and lots and lots time of experimentation in order to put all together despite the inherent restrictions of making such lanterns.

About the KΓ lantern
........

Chassis: Standard 30cm height (12''), plain type, reinforced with standard glass treated so as to be semi-frosted (antiglare) and labeled

the "bulb": An improvised LED fasten-heatsink 5-sided element that has mounted x 15 (5 each side) 2323SMD Samsung SPMWHT221MD5WAW0 see datasheet here http://www.led1.de/shop/files/Samsung/SPMWHT221MD5WAW0S0.pdf
Ahhh... those tiny and rather expensive SMD leds are a pain to be handled and soldered without damaging them. But the light they emit is almost heavenly. Warm white (2700K)
That improvised bulb is mounted on a GU10 male socket that fits on a porcelain female socket permanently fastened on the lantern chassis. If ever for some reason the bulb is damaged, easily can be replaced, let aside
the fact that LED technology improves month after month so the 125 lumens / watt of this bulb could be easily 200 or even 250 in few years. :p

the batts: ΚΓ lantern once open the bottom lid, takes in a similar fashion with all lanterns made by me so far, takes 3 x C alkaline batteries of 1.5 volts each. They are calculated to last according energizer's datasheet around 12 hours
at max.

the circuit: A use of MC34063A boost controller IC, that inputs from 4.5 volts down to 2.5 volts whereas providing stable power output around 1.35 watts. Its efficiency is around 85% at max setting and in lowest voltage.
(meaning in most current draw for those who know about electronics). In other words, lamp's brightness is undiminished irrelevantly of batteries' status (unless exhausted). At that power lamp shines with 140+ lumens at
max.
Minimum luminosity is less than a lumen. Once closed (FET switched) no quiescent current. The circuit needs some 25mW to run. Once the bulb is removed circuit will stay idle (no burn). A pot is attached to circuit for
voltage level adjustment (power out restricted)

weight: Less than 900gr with batteries (2 pounds)

...

Forgive my tech enthusiasm but i am an enthusiast :p

i made this lantern having in mind those who want a vintage, unique made lamp, robust, that needs no maintenance (higher power rechargeable li-cells needs), that will stay year after year in place and when it is needed it would be there to provide all the light you need and create an wonderful atmosphere. Also being independent of charger will continue happily to light once supplied with a fresh set of batteries.

photos:
KG-small.jpg
KG-1-small.jpg
KG-2-small.jpg
KG-3-small.jpg
KG-4-small.jpg
KG-5-small.jpg



Cheers,
Barou
ps: http://rechargeable-led-lantern.com/?p=205
 
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Baroutologos

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Hello all,

During my holidays back in home, i searched the cellar and surprising i found my very first lantern i had when i was little child. Its a BAT brand, No 158 made in GDR or Germany Democratic Repuplic or Eastern Germany. This must be more than thirty years old (its 25 years in my possession and was given to me).

It was partially rusted, its tinning damaged and in general nonfunctional. After treating it with acid to remove rust and paint with a anti-rust and then black, i proceed with the standard methodology of converting it to a electrical lantern. It follows the general lines of K series, as replaceable bulb capability, voltage boost controller with short circuit protection (makes use of the FP5138 IC), adjusted max output power 250-400 lumens (set to 350).

Its named KA. Has no protection circuit embeded and must take protected 18650 cells. A genuine antique lantern converted to powerful led one.

ps: a little promo i good i suppose ;)

photos
bat2.jpg
bat1.jpg
bat4.jpg
bat6.jpg
bat5.jpg
 

Baroutologos

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Hi @ all,

Free time allowed, i completed 4 more Hurricane lanterns of the K series modes namely KA,KB,KΔ & ΚΕ.

KA - is the above presented lantern only having its exterior artistic details worked out http://rechargeable-led-lantern.com/?p=225

KB - is a retrofitted MEVA contemporary lantern http://rechargeable-led-lantern.com/?p=287

KE - is a vintage (around 20 years old) retrofitted MEVA lantern in a bloody red shinny color http://rechargeable-led-lantern.com/?p=290

KΔ - on the other hand is a retrofitted chinese contemporary lantern big enough to take 4 Li cells http://rechargeable-led-lantern.com/?p=299


In any respect i have perfected the circuits (far less bugs), the aesthetics and functionality..
Any ideas for further improvement is welcomed.
 
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Trevtrain

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Congratulations on a great thread and a very nice product apparently. Certainly a novel idea.

But PLEASE lose the trustfire cells and use some decent Panasonics or Sanyos instead, especially when posting on CPF! :wave:
 

Baroutologos

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:D I beg your forgiveness about my insult to any knowledgeable CPFer, but if i may say, those near to recycle cells are only intended for test running, test charging and just staffing the newly made lanterns just to confirm they operate as intended!

Thanks a lot for your kind words.

Cheers,
 

CMAG

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A lantern with a driver that can handle a wide range of input volts would be nice. Something that could run on internal 18650's or AA good in emergency to have optional power source, also maybe a plug in external power source such as 12v car battery, power supply or R/C hobby lipo pack's. Possibly a external jack to charge with USB type chargers, such as used for cell phone and of course a USB output jack so we can see and charge cell phone, hide ports under fuel cap to keep rain out.
Okay I get a little out there with ideas, just the 18650/AA power would be cool.
PS forgot to say, some cool looking lamps you built.
 
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Baroutologos

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hey CMAG, a wide input of volatges huh? :) Sounds nice. The case of my rechargeables with 18650 cells inside, that will need a separate SEPIC driver for charging the batteries or a separate / additional charger. Can be done. I was thinking about creating a foldable solar panel too, but the costs goes skyhigh :D
 

Baroutologos

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Hello all lantern lovers!

During last holidays took my time and worked all previous half year old to ancient lantern chassis gathering.
A lot of work done and destined to be done also.. in my next trip to workshop/

A lot of areas in lantern making to master, as compact lighting elements making (resembling fire and being more attractive too), pcb making in a batched mode by etching copper clad plates (cad design etc), lantern restoring (is an art on its own), re positioning lantern elements (led, the way lantern opens etc), wood working (i plan at making wooden boxes from now on) lanterns to be carried around and protected during transport / shipping etc.

Having all my 3 last model lanterns put for sale in this forum and sold (reviewing is awaited please! :) i started processing the second batch.
Brands that will house my latest working circuit and lighting elements include Meva, Feurehand, ASA, Chalwyn, Rhewum and Dietz for the time being. Colors and artistic appearance is something that i am experimenting too without wanting to compromise longevity of chassis.

Performance, simplicity, robustness and beauty is what i crave for.
Bellow are link to photos for my upcoming batch. (chassis only photos for now).
http://rechargeable-led-lantern.com/?p=342

Again, any comment is more than welcomed. Actually you the CPForumers are the most appropriate to do so.

Cheers for now,
Panos
 
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jonwkng

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11978452575_27c23576eb_o.jpg

(Pardon the hastily snapped photo which was taken shortly after getting it out of the box.)

Amazing work, Panos! A vintage lantern, modernized. Able to run off 3x18650s or AC. Continuously variable brightness control. Beautiful warm tint goes well with the amazing crimson red paintwork.

On another note... That Chalwyn Far East you have looks really nice. :D
 

jonwkng

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When the lantern is on, can you see the individual leds as light sources inside the frosted globe?

The individual SMD emitters are visible only at the lowest setting. Once the brightness is dialed up by even a bit, the light is diffused nicely by the frosted globe.
 

Baroutologos

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Hello Jonwkng and all!

I am pleased to see the lantern arrived nice and sound. :)

@phaseburn,

Not long before, all my previous lanterns had a lighting element comprised of a pentahedron made of pcb having the smds LEDs spaced enought apart so as to be distinguished. I had the lighting element redesigned made of copper clad double side (FR4) epoxy plates that apart from looking more beautifully by the shinning copper, it possess greater heatsinking abilities and allows a denser smd led spacing.

Either old or new lighting elements look nice, but the denser one (i think) is definetely an improvement by having the leds simmulate the fire.
Plates are 10mm x 30mm wide x 5 of them comprising the pentahedron, each one having 3 smd mounted spaced around 5mm from each other.

Unfortunately i have not a photo to post for now, but i will soon.

cheers for now.
 

Baroutologos

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It has been some time since made a lantern. Unfortunately my ambitious plans for creating new articles have faced the hard reality, thus i am standing before you just to show my three new made lanterns:
It is about the restoration and rectification of:
An old WWII era Feuerhand 260 and two post WWII era Rhewhums. Those are the prides of German manufacture in hurricane lantern.

Take a look at: http://www.rechargeable-led-lantern.com/category/main-gallery/spring-2014/

Besides restoring and working with really old models that are history themselves, i have made some progress regarding the circuit in use. More specifically,
- Lanterns can work within a voltage range of 3-13 volts. So with the correct power cord, a car bat can be used interchangeably with Li-ion cells.
- Fusing has been evolved in order to protect the circuit (over voltage transients, reverse polarity protection, increased moisture resistance etc)

Enjoy
 

Trevtrain

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Fabulous stuff Baroutologos! I love this idea and it is clear you have put many long hours of work into your passion.

I have a question regarding the voltage range in you previous post....... With the engine running in a vehicle, the alternator can push the nominal system voltage up to 14.5V - 15.0V. Would this cause problems for your lantern which you rate at 13V maximum?

I ask because there was a similar thread some time ago regarding running a Maha C9000 batery charger in a moving vehicle. There was quite a lot of speculation and I'm not sure a definitive answer was agreed on.

We can be pretty sure that someone, sometime, might use the car battery option (via a lighter adaptor perhaps) with the engine running. :popcorn:
 

Baroutologos

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Hello Trevtrain,


Thanks for aknowledging!

**
Yes, this is the case unfortunately. The car alternator or just any alternator of a 12v powered engine starter, tops up its battery at 14,3 to 14,6 volts. Depending model etc There are also transient voltages in many cases exceeding 15 volts.
My lantern's internal fusing will have go off long before this (at 13,2-13,6 volts).

There is a definite way to tackle with this problem. The answer lies, instead of using a boost-topology in the circuit (that in simpler in component terms and takes lesser space) to be used a SEPIC topology.
This requires some redesign of the pcb, but nothing that cannot be managed.

If there is such a wish and for use in larger larger lantern models (as those recently mentioned that have internal space for that) i can offer in the future such an option e.g. running voltage 3-24 volts.

cheers,
 
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