4d folding lantern

[bhds]

Anybody know of any brick and mortar stores that sell the 4d folding fluorescent lanterns? Tried wally world and target already.

Thanks,
bhds

 

[James S]

Got mine at Home Depot.

 

[Lux Luthor]

I got mine at wally world a few days ago. On clearance for 2 bucks. But since you tried that already, I noticed that they're also on clearance at Lowes.

 

[bhds]

Thanks guys. Lowes and Home depot are directly across the street from each other. Will try them tomorrow. Too bad I couldn't get them at wally world for 2 bucks!
How do you guys like the lantern? Curious as to how easy it is to find replacement bulbs. Fluorescent lanterns seem to be the hot thing now with lots of different manufacturers and bulb configurations.

 

[Phaserburn]

I really like this lantern. It's got great bang for the buck, is really bright, and has a long runtime. It's also versatile in the way it's configured to stand in many positions for maximum benefit depending on the need. Mine was 12 at Home Depot.

 

[Lux Luthor]

I like it too. I wish they had silverized the battery cover, though, since I usually use it folded up. Maybe I'll work on that.

Replacemnt bulbs are readily available. They use the standard 4W 6" bulbs.

 

[bhds]

I picked up 2 at home depot for 12.95 each today. These things are sweet! I really like the compact folding design. I had looked at a bunch of other 4d fluorescents and even though some are brighter they waste a lot of space trying to emulate the traditional look.
I agree with lux luthor that it could be improved with a reflective coating to increase output when its folded. Let me know if you come up with something.

I also picked up one of the 4aa 2led folding "lanterns" at office depot for 3.95. Didnt even realize until I got home that they are both made by energizer and based on the same concept. At first I was a little hesitant to get it thinking that 2 leds would be pretty much useless as a lantern/area light. Must admit that its pretty cool though. Puts out a nice white glow. It also could probably be improved with some reflective coating and maybe a couple of more leds. I think I will pick up a couple more. Cant go wrong for the price. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[Phaserburn]

I am interested in seeing what kind of reflector can be had for the 4D while folded. Please post ideas! Could a small mirror be placed behind the tubes? I don't have my lantern with me right now to look at it and see.

 

[Lux Luthor]

A mirror would be best, but would be pretty fragile. So I was thinking a piece of highly polished aluminum, glued to the battery cover with a couple holes drilled in it for the cover screws. I've seen mirrors in rest areas made out of that stuff, but they're not as reflective as the glass ones.

I wasn't going to go out of my way to do this right now, but I was going to keep my eyes open for some material like that. If anyone finds this kind of stuff in the meantime, please let us know.

 

[DaveT]

What about a reflective contact paper as backing?

 

[4x4Dragon]

aluminum foil should work good enough, i can try it on my tonight......

not the most durable idea but easily and cheaply replaceable.

man i sure wish i could get one of the 2 led lanterns! my office depot doesn't seem to have them.... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[bhds]

Tried some aluminum foil this afternoon but it was kind of haphazard and not dark enough. Was thinking more along the lines of chrome/silver/metallic paint. Going to pick some up tomorrow and try it.

 

[DaveT]

4x4 - have you checked right behind the counter, where they keep the batteries? The stores I've been in, they're unaware they even stock flashlights or lanterns...and I missed it in the one store the first time I was there. Usually it's one or two of the rack arms that the batteries hang on have the lanterns - they're pretty small.

 

[phyhsuts]

Sadly "chrome" and "silver paints are never very reflective in my experience. The air condition people here in Singapore use an adhesive backed aluminium foil to repair the insulation of air ducts. They are rather good reflectors, no worse than regular aluminium foil. the adhesive backing means they are easy to put on any surface, and they stay put! If you want to use paint, only the non glossy white reflects well. Diffused reflection rather than specular reflecction though. The white plastic used on the lantern should be quite a good diffused reflector anyway.

 

[Scoob]

oops... my bad

 

[bhds]

[ QUOTE ]
phyhsuts said:
Sadly "chrome" and "silver paints are never very reflective in my experience.
The white plastic used on the lantern should be quite a good diffused reflector anyway.

[/ QUOTE ]

Your right phyhsuts.
Tried the chrome paint and foil this weekend. Neither one produced any kind of improvement at all. Not even a little bit /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[James S]

True, I don't think they even make the chromed versions of the little single 5mm LEd reflectors anymore because the plain white plastic ones work so much better and produce a better beam.

The only way to improve on it would be to replace the white reflecting piece with a sheet of alien skin glow sheeting /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[bhds]

I'm familiar with the usual glow powders and epoxy.
But.. Alien skin? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/huh.gif /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Zelandeth]

Anyone got some pics of these lanterns?

I'm assuming that this is the Energizer 4D folding fluorescent lantern we're talking about.

If so, anyone know a UK supplier? Fluorescent lanterns are one of those things I seem to have developed a soft spot for!

 

[Lux Luthor]

Right here. Lowsy price on that site, though.