I have a special project that requires walking at night through the African wild. What I'll be doing involves too many variables to explain here, so just trust me that this is what I need. Anything more would be great, but let's start basic . . . and add bells-n-whistles ltr.
BRUTE BASICS: A 4' long maglite-style flashlight, which weighs in at 8-12lbs, and which won't break if used as pry bar, whacked on a boulder, or, well, bitten by a lion.
I'm not one bit kidding. I've been using an 8lb, 4'-long, steel workout bar (not lighted, obviously) for everything I do on these walks . . . now, I'd like to turn it into the same thing, only filled with batteries and a light. Of course, the brighter the better. But, and this is very important, let's start with the goals of durability and design-simplicity, rather than tweaking efficiencies.
Note: A D-cell mag is too fat, so the diameter has to C-Cell or less. The housing has to be damn strong, so even C-Cell might be too fat. Success is simplicity and durability.
If a prototype could be made by materials readily available at a big-box store, all the better. If you want to suggest something special-order, then keep it down to a single item.
So, experts, I turn to you. Upgrade my bar into a flashlight--and what I do can be done better. (Note: it's 100% non-violent and involves protecting highly endangered and mortally wounded animals.)
TIA in advance,
~john
BRUTE BASICS: A 4' long maglite-style flashlight, which weighs in at 8-12lbs, and which won't break if used as pry bar, whacked on a boulder, or, well, bitten by a lion.
I'm not one bit kidding. I've been using an 8lb, 4'-long, steel workout bar (not lighted, obviously) for everything I do on these walks . . . now, I'd like to turn it into the same thing, only filled with batteries and a light. Of course, the brighter the better. But, and this is very important, let's start with the goals of durability and design-simplicity, rather than tweaking efficiencies.
Note: A D-cell mag is too fat, so the diameter has to C-Cell or less. The housing has to be damn strong, so even C-Cell might be too fat. Success is simplicity and durability.
If a prototype could be made by materials readily available at a big-box store, all the better. If you want to suggest something special-order, then keep it down to a single item.
So, experts, I turn to you. Upgrade my bar into a flashlight--and what I do can be done better. (Note: it's 100% non-violent and involves protecting highly endangered and mortally wounded animals.)
TIA in advance,
~john
Last edited: