ab
Enlightened
While at the workbench today I installed a pair of current-limited PR-based 120-degree-emitting Nichia white LEDs into a pair of Dorcy mini-lanterns. The Dorcy mini-lanterns run on 4 AA batteries and can focus from a tight spot beam all the way out to a *very* broad flood suitable for a tent or a small room light. They also have a great two-part stand/handle that can be used to hang them up, hold them, stand them up at any angle you like, etc.
These LEDs have their forward collimating sections milled off to just above the emitter bases themselves and thus provide a very even and wide bath of light. Perfect for use with reflectors!
The Dorcy lights are very versatile since they have a two-section reflector and a sliding bulb holder - effectively the bulb can move between these two different reflector elements. The inside section is a focusing reflector which creates the flashtlight-type focusing beam, and the other section of the reflector is divergent - designed to create as omni-directional a source of light as possible. This is designed so that the unit may be used as a lantern for tent or room purposes as well.
Here is a photo of the bezel while the light is focused for area light use.
Here is a photo of the bezel while the light is focused for spotlight use (notice that the LED is now deep inside the focusing reflector and can't be seen from the bezel side).
Finally, here's a photo of the two mini-lanterns, comparing the area light and spotlight functions (notice that the unit focused for area light is doing a nice job of lighting up my office!)
These are great mods and I'm very happy with them. They are super for camping or emergency uses and will provide a lot of very flexible light using common batteries.
I try to build two of every mod I make, just so that I can give one away if I want to, or if one of the CPF'ers gets excited about it and would like one. So, I do have one extra of the AB Dorcy mini-lanterns and it would be available if anybody would like one of these.
Price would be very reasonable - $US 15 including airmail anywhere.
Thanks everyone!
A.
These LEDs have their forward collimating sections milled off to just above the emitter bases themselves and thus provide a very even and wide bath of light. Perfect for use with reflectors!
The Dorcy lights are very versatile since they have a two-section reflector and a sliding bulb holder - effectively the bulb can move between these two different reflector elements. The inside section is a focusing reflector which creates the flashtlight-type focusing beam, and the other section of the reflector is divergent - designed to create as omni-directional a source of light as possible. This is designed so that the unit may be used as a lantern for tent or room purposes as well.
Here is a photo of the bezel while the light is focused for area light use.
Here is a photo of the bezel while the light is focused for spotlight use (notice that the LED is now deep inside the focusing reflector and can't be seen from the bezel side).
Finally, here's a photo of the two mini-lanterns, comparing the area light and spotlight functions (notice that the unit focused for area light is doing a nice job of lighting up my office!)
These are great mods and I'm very happy with them. They are super for camping or emergency uses and will provide a lot of very flexible light using common batteries.
I try to build two of every mod I make, just so that I can give one away if I want to, or if one of the CPF'ers gets excited about it and would like one. So, I do have one extra of the AB Dorcy mini-lanterns and it would be available if anybody would like one of these.
Price would be very reasonable - $US 15 including airmail anywhere.
Thanks everyone!
A.
