Action Light
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**DONOTDELETE**
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by PeLu:
How can you compare runtime in between a regulated and unregulated lights?
Would you switch the ActionLight on high, after 6 hours to normal and after 30 more hours to low? Or what else?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'll time it how long it runs on "high", "normal", and "low".
You mean you intend to parrot what the manufacturer says if you do the review?
This review is for public consumption, supposedly independent (not the extension of manufacturers PR Dept.), for those who still doesn't have the Action Light and searching for other info aside from those coming from the manufacturer.
- verge -
How can you compare runtime in between a regulated and unregulated lights?
Would you switch the ActionLight on high, after 6 hours to normal and after 30 more hours to low? Or what else?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'll time it how long it runs on "high", "normal", and "low".
You mean you intend to parrot what the manufacturer says if you do the review?
This review is for public consumption, supposedly independent (not the extension of manufacturers PR Dept.), for those who still doesn't have the Action Light and searching for other info aside from those coming from the manufacturer.
- verge -
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ted the Led:
Well! I never! If Stingmon won't tell you, I will; that's Ted the Led who sent Stingmon the Action Light, and who rightly deserves the thanks<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Oh oh, I made a boo-boo... I never caught the erroneous credit up there.... someone, cut off my hands and spank me with them!!
Well! I never! If Stingmon won't tell you, I will; that's Ted the Led who sent Stingmon the Action Light, and who rightly deserves the thanks<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Oh oh, I made a boo-boo... I never caught the erroneous credit up there.... someone, cut off my hands and spank me with them!!
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
This review is for public consumption, supposedly independent (not the extension of manufacturers PR Dept.), <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Unfortunately, I'd need a *lot* of money in order to do a completely independent test here, because those damn lithium D's are so expensive (about 15-20 times the cost of ordinary "D" cells), and my pockets just ain't deep enough.
To do it properly, I'd need at least four of them - three to test each of the sample's three brightnesses, and one to burn up while comparing it to numerous other lights.
I'll do what I can, but it ain't gonna be exactly what you want or what one would *normally* expect out of me.
The other fly in the ointment is that this sample is an early model - possibly 2 years old or more - and as such it does not use the most up-to-date LEDs like a newer unit might.
So a lot of the results would be invalid anyway if they were to be directly compared against various lights made this year, using this year's Nichia lamps.
To put this all together, the review page I'll end up with will be less on light output and (true) battery longevity, and more on the physical aspects of the product.
This isn't how I like to work things, but when you get lemons, make lemon cream pie.
This review is for public consumption, supposedly independent (not the extension of manufacturers PR Dept.), <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Unfortunately, I'd need a *lot* of money in order to do a completely independent test here, because those damn lithium D's are so expensive (about 15-20 times the cost of ordinary "D" cells), and my pockets just ain't deep enough.
To do it properly, I'd need at least four of them - three to test each of the sample's three brightnesses, and one to burn up while comparing it to numerous other lights.
I'll do what I can, but it ain't gonna be exactly what you want or what one would *normally* expect out of me.
The other fly in the ointment is that this sample is an early model - possibly 2 years old or more - and as such it does not use the most up-to-date LEDs like a newer unit might.
So a lot of the results would be invalid anyway if they were to be directly compared against various lights made this year, using this year's Nichia lamps.
To put this all together, the review page I'll end up with will be less on light output and (true) battery longevity, and more on the physical aspects of the product.
This isn't how I like to work things, but when you get lemons, make lemon cream pie.
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
Apologies to Ted the Led for my mistake on credit to the owner of that Action Light.
Stingmon.... I'd like to help you come out with a substantially good review of the light. Please point me (URL) to a internet store where I can buy 2 pcs lithium sulfer dioxide batteries and have them delivered to your home.
Your review can still be valid because latest generation of Action Light is not out yet. How many generations of Action Light are out there?
- verge -
Stingmon.... I'd like to help you come out with a substantially good review of the light. Please point me (URL) to a internet store where I can buy 2 pcs lithium sulfer dioxide batteries and have them delivered to your home.
Your review can still be valid because latest generation of Action Light is not out yet. How many generations of Action Light are out there?
- verge -
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
and I also like to thank Ted (Pooh) for his generosity in loaning the light to you.
Finally we get to see a independent review and comparison photos of HDS Action Light against other LED lights.
- verge -<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well! I never! If Stingmon won't tell you, I will; that's Ted the Led who sent Stingmon the Action Light, and who rightly deserves the thanks! And you're quite welcome ;>) (..geez Stingmon, can't I get a little credit around here?)
and I also like to thank Ted (Pooh) for his generosity in loaning the light to you.
Finally we get to see a independent review and comparison photos of HDS Action Light against other LED lights.
- verge -<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well! I never! If Stingmon won't tell you, I will; that's Ted the Led who sent Stingmon the Action Light, and who rightly deserves the thanks! And you're quite welcome ;>) (..geez Stingmon, can't I get a little credit around here?)
PeLu
Flashlight Enthusiast
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
I'll time it how long it runs on "high", "normal", and "low".
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It runs significantly longer than the claimed 12/50/300 hours. You may easily add 30%. And, as I wrote before, the low mode works even longer, depending on what you call 'off'.
But the V1 was voltage regulated and had therefore a higher tolerance in between units.
And it is pretty easy just to check primary current and look into SAFT data sheets (which are pretty accurate).
I'll time it how long it runs on "high", "normal", and "low".
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
It runs significantly longer than the claimed 12/50/300 hours. You may easily add 30%. And, as I wrote before, the low mode works even longer, depending on what you call 'off'.
But the V1 was voltage regulated and had therefore a higher tolerance in between units.
And it is pretty easy just to check primary current and look into SAFT data sheets (which are pretty accurate).
PeLu
Flashlight Enthusiast
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
Please point me (URL) to a internet store where I can buy 2 pcs lithium sulfer dioxide batteries
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You can buy them at HDS systems.
Or you may ask The batterystore
if they have one (they have only the Li thionyl cloride listed)
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Your review can still be valid because latest generation of Action Light is not out yet. How many generations of Action Light are out there?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Actually one (V1). But they were sold out more than one and a half year ago. And many people (getting less) are waiting for V2.
Please point me (URL) to a internet store where I can buy 2 pcs lithium sulfer dioxide batteries
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
You can buy them at HDS systems.
Or you may ask The batterystore
if they have one (they have only the Li thionyl cloride listed)
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Your review can still be valid because latest generation of Action Light is not out yet. How many generations of Action Light are out there?
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Actually one (V1). But they were sold out more than one and a half year ago. And many people (getting less) are waiting for V2.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
Apologies to Ted the Led for my mistake on credit to the owner of that Action Light.
Stingmon.... I'd like to help you come out with a substantially good review of the light. Please point me (URL) to a internet store where I can buy 2 pcs lithium sulfer dioxide batteries and have them delivered to your home.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
That would be killer, thanks!!!
Last time I checked, Inter-Mountain Outfitters (?) had them for $20 each, and Glow-Bug used to have them, but have since pulled the Action Light line completely off their site.
Now I can't find the URL... crap. (searching... searching...)
Ah, here it is: http://www.caves.org/imo/
Glow-bug should be http://www.glow-bug.com but I didn't find mention of any Action Light material, seems they yanked it sometime over the last couple of months.
I tried http://www.cheapbatteries.com and found *nothing* there.
So the following two places are the only ones I'm aware of... either HDS systems ($19) or inner-mountain outfitters ($20) has these critters.
Apologies to Ted the Led for my mistake on credit to the owner of that Action Light.
Stingmon.... I'd like to help you come out with a substantially good review of the light. Please point me (URL) to a internet store where I can buy 2 pcs lithium sulfer dioxide batteries and have them delivered to your home.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
That would be killer, thanks!!!
Last time I checked, Inter-Mountain Outfitters (?) had them for $20 each, and Glow-Bug used to have them, but have since pulled the Action Light line completely off their site.
Now I can't find the URL... crap. (searching... searching...)
Ah, here it is: http://www.caves.org/imo/
Glow-bug should be http://www.glow-bug.com but I didn't find mention of any Action Light material, seems they yanked it sometime over the last couple of months.
I tried http://www.cheapbatteries.com and found *nothing* there.
So the following two places are the only ones I'm aware of... either HDS systems ($19) or inner-mountain outfitters ($20) has these critters.
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Stingmon:
Oh oh, I made a boo-boo... I never caught the erroneous credit up there.... someone, cut off my hands and spank me with them!!
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I don't think that would be entirely appropiate Stingmon. I was thinking more along the lines of, mmm, sepuku by Streamlight Stylus? Better make it the 3 aaaa cell model, for I am not without compassion...
Oh oh, I made a boo-boo... I never caught the erroneous credit up there.... someone, cut off my hands and spank me with them!!
I don't think that would be entirely appropiate Stingmon. I was thinking more along the lines of, mmm, sepuku by Streamlight Stylus? Better make it the 3 aaaa cell model, for I am not without compassion...
George Orl
Newly Enlightened
I received an email from the HDS Action light's manufacturer Henry Schneiker. I thought I would share it with my fellow flashlight / LED fans. It is as follows:
George,
I have been contacted by Craig at LED Museum for additional details for his review, which we are happy to provide.
In August 2001, due to the problems we ran into getting the custom coil for our power supply, we decided to change the design to
eliminate the custom coil. The new design is progressing rapidly, and we expect to have a finished design before the end of September so we can start the prototype. We have the basic design finished and are working through the math to determine the final part values. This process will take 6 months start to finish, but the new design
will provide a wider voltage range (0.9V to 6.0V start, 0.7V to 6.0V run), support all common primary and rechargeable battery systems, including deep discharge protection for rechargeable batteries.
The new power supply is also compatible with the new improved Luxeon Star LED scheduled for production in early 2002 - much nicer than the units currently available from LumiLeds. And yes, we are looking into using these new LEDs when they become available. However, we will still offer the 24-LED arrays for many applications.
Henry
Henry's email is:[email protected]
I like his new design changes he is working on ie common battery options and Luxeon Star LEDs!
George
George,
I have been contacted by Craig at LED Museum for additional details for his review, which we are happy to provide.
In August 2001, due to the problems we ran into getting the custom coil for our power supply, we decided to change the design to
eliminate the custom coil. The new design is progressing rapidly, and we expect to have a finished design before the end of September so we can start the prototype. We have the basic design finished and are working through the math to determine the final part values. This process will take 6 months start to finish, but the new design
will provide a wider voltage range (0.9V to 6.0V start, 0.7V to 6.0V run), support all common primary and rechargeable battery systems, including deep discharge protection for rechargeable batteries.
The new power supply is also compatible with the new improved Luxeon Star LED scheduled for production in early 2002 - much nicer than the units currently available from LumiLeds. And yes, we are looking into using these new LEDs when they become available. However, we will still offer the 24-LED arrays for many applications.
Henry
Henry's email is:[email protected]
I like his new design changes he is working on ie common battery options and Luxeon Star LEDs!
George
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>the new design will provide a wider voltage range (0.9V to 6.0V start, 0.7V to 6.0V run), support all common primary and rechargeable battery systems, including deep discharge protection for rechargeable batteries. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Now I'm beginning to like the Action Light. The biggest drawback of that light for me is its very limiting not available everywhere expensive Li-OS2 D battery. As I said to my email to Henry.."Of what use is a durable flashlight if it is not shining because of very limiting unavailable anywhere expensive batteries."
HDS is now on the right track with its design revisions, I hope it also includes improving brightness of Action Light V2.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>The new power supply is also compatible with the new improved Luxeon Star LED scheduled for production in early 2002 - much nicer than the units currently available from LumiLeds. And yes, we are looking into using these new LEDs when they become available. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Wow! This is getting brighter!!
- verge -
Now I'm beginning to like the Action Light. The biggest drawback of that light for me is its very limiting not available everywhere expensive Li-OS2 D battery. As I said to my email to Henry.."Of what use is a durable flashlight if it is not shining because of very limiting unavailable anywhere expensive batteries."
HDS is now on the right track with its design revisions, I hope it also includes improving brightness of Action Light V2.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>The new power supply is also compatible with the new improved Luxeon Star LED scheduled for production in early 2002 - much nicer than the units currently available from LumiLeds. And yes, we are looking into using these new LEDs when they become available. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Wow! This is getting brighter!!
- verge -
D
**DONOTDELETE**
Guest
Stingmon.... when will you post photos of Action Light's lightbeam compared to TREK-7, Expedition 1400 or 1900?
You started with photo comparing Action Light's lightbeam to (of all the LED flashlights in your arsenal... why this one?) 3-D Maglite. Why?
It's been a mystery to me since I've heard of this light because owners of this $349.00 light either do not have digital camera to take beam shots or does not want comparing its lightbeam against other popular LED flashlights.
Either way it doesn't help consumers keeping Action Light's lightbeam a mystery except to the lucky owners or their friends.
The light is now in your hands, please don't keep the suspense too long? It probably doesn't consume much battery juice for 5 - 10 minutes to setup and take photos of its lightbeam compared to LW2000, TREK-7, Expedition 1400 or 1900.
Anxiously waiting........
- verge -
You started with photo comparing Action Light's lightbeam to (of all the LED flashlights in your arsenal... why this one?) 3-D Maglite. Why?
It's been a mystery to me since I've heard of this light because owners of this $349.00 light either do not have digital camera to take beam shots or does not want comparing its lightbeam against other popular LED flashlights.
Either way it doesn't help consumers keeping Action Light's lightbeam a mystery except to the lucky owners or their friends.
The light is now in your hands, please don't keep the suspense too long? It probably doesn't consume much battery juice for 5 - 10 minutes to setup and take photos of its lightbeam compared to LW2000, TREK-7, Expedition 1400 or 1900.
Anxiously waiting........
- verge -
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
It's been a mystery to me since I've heard of this light because owners of this $349.00 light either do not have digital camera to take beam shots or does not want comparing its lightbeam against other popular LED flashlights.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They spent all their money on the flashlight and had none left over for a camera
.
It's been a mystery to me since I've heard of this light because owners of this $349.00 light either do not have digital camera to take beam shots or does not want comparing its lightbeam against other popular LED flashlights.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
They spent all their money on the flashlight and had none left over for a camera
Brock
Flashaholic
When Craig is done with it I will take some shots comparing it to the 1400, 1900, and Beta Arc LS. I have been playing with my new camera (Minolta DiMAGE 7, 2500x2000) way to much. It takes great shots in the dark, I can't wait for another storm to blow up.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
Stingmon.... when will you post photos of Action Light's lightbeam compared to TREK-7, Expedition 1400 or 1900?
You started with photo comparing Action Light's lightbeam to (of all the LED flashlights in your arsenal... why this one?) 3-D Maglite. Why?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I used the Mag Lite because I was *asked* to by several people via e-mail. And those e-mails showed up quite a bit before anyone asked for beam pictures comparing it to other LED lights.
Stingmon.... when will you post photos of Action Light's lightbeam compared to TREK-7, Expedition 1400 or 1900?
You started with photo comparing Action Light's lightbeam to (of all the LED flashlights in your arsenal... why this one?) 3-D Maglite. Why?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I used the Mag Lite because I was *asked* to by several people via e-mail. And those e-mails showed up quite a bit before anyone asked for beam pictures comparing it to other LED lights.
The_LED_Museum
*Retired*
Against Expedition 300 ('Trek 7')
Against Expedition 1900
Against Arc-LS with 2 lithium AA pack
PeLu
Flashlight Enthusiast
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by 2d_edge:
Now I'm beginning to like the Action Light. The biggest drawback of that light for me is its very limiting not available everywhere expensive Li-OS2 D battery. As I said to my email to Henry.."Of what use is a durable flashlight if it is not shining because of very limiting unavailable anywhere expensive batteries." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
We had the same thought two and a half years ago. But it turned out to be no problem at all. We just bought a couple of cells and now everybody has enough of them at home. As you can store them for a very long time, this is OK. And actually, for our use, the cell's price it not a big issue. as I mentioned before, I will get 13-16 caving trips out of a single cell! All other costs are much higher. BTW, carbide is getting extremely expensive and very hard to get (I still get it for free and easy).
Almost anybody here who looks at the ActionLight (or tries it) asks for a rechargeable option. A solution which fits in quality to the light itself, will cost some $200 more. I get plenty of LiSO2 cells for that (or LiSOCl2 in my case). Maybe, I will try to get one anyway, allowing to drive it most time on 'high'.
Of course I'm well aware that other people's needs are much different from mine (ours).
Now I'm beginning to like the Action Light. The biggest drawback of that light for me is its very limiting not available everywhere expensive Li-OS2 D battery. As I said to my email to Henry.."Of what use is a durable flashlight if it is not shining because of very limiting unavailable anywhere expensive batteries." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
We had the same thought two and a half years ago. But it turned out to be no problem at all. We just bought a couple of cells and now everybody has enough of them at home. As you can store them for a very long time, this is OK. And actually, for our use, the cell's price it not a big issue. as I mentioned before, I will get 13-16 caving trips out of a single cell! All other costs are much higher. BTW, carbide is getting extremely expensive and very hard to get (I still get it for free and easy).
Almost anybody here who looks at the ActionLight (or tries it) asks for a rechargeable option. A solution which fits in quality to the light itself, will cost some $200 more. I get plenty of LiSO2 cells for that (or LiSOCl2 in my case). Maybe, I will try to get one anyway, allowing to drive it most time on 'high'.
Of course I'm well aware that other people's needs are much different from mine (ours).
PeLu
Flashlight Enthusiast
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by KenBar:
They spent all their money on the flashlight and had none left over for a camera
.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
OK, I may borrow a digital camera .-) and take photos from 4 or five different ActionLights. At Dec 29th we have a gathering where 80% of all ActionLight users around here should be.
And KenBar: They spent all their money on the light AND the batteries .-)
And they wasted all their time searching for batteries .-)
They spent all their money on the flashlight and had none left over for a camera
OK, I may borrow a digital camera .-) and take photos from 4 or five different ActionLights. At Dec 29th we have a gathering where 80% of all ActionLight users around here should be.
And KenBar: They spent all their money on the light AND the batteries .-)
And they wasted all their time searching for batteries .-)
PeLu
Flashlight Enthusiast
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Stingmon:
But don't expect it to be a fair fight, as we are pretty certain this Action Light uses the older 4,000mcd LEDs<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Your sample was made in 1999. It has probably even older LEDs. You can tell that on the brightness differences on your LEDs, especially in 'low' mode. The LEDs had much bigger tolerances at this time. As I wrote before, my 'first half of 1999' ActionLight is outperformed by a 10 LED Polaris easily, both running with the same current per LED.
In this model you also can see the colour shift at the different levels (which will be fixed at the V2).
And there is no 'fight' between lights. Nobody will spend this money on light with old LEDs. (maybe a collector in 50 years: Hey, this is a first run ActionLight for only $2000!)
But don't expect it to be a fair fight, as we are pretty certain this Action Light uses the older 4,000mcd LEDs<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Your sample was made in 1999. It has probably even older LEDs. You can tell that on the brightness differences on your LEDs, especially in 'low' mode. The LEDs had much bigger tolerances at this time. As I wrote before, my 'first half of 1999' ActionLight is outperformed by a 10 LED Polaris easily, both running with the same current per LED.
In this model you also can see the colour shift at the different levels (which will be fixed at the V2).
And there is no 'fight' between lights. Nobody will spend this money on light with old LEDs. (maybe a collector in 50 years: Hey, this is a first run ActionLight for only $2000!)
