Hi Gain Lights

[Dreck]

Has anyone had or currently have a "Hi Gain" light? It the one that's a flat square with a large Fresnel(did I spell that right?) lens in the middle. I have both, one is a four "D" cell and the other is a four "aa" that takes a bi-pin bulb. I've seen the smaller version modded as an led light somewhere. Does anyone know what I am talking about?

 

[bucken]

For those who might not be familiar with the brand...

 

[brightnorm]

Dreck or Bucken,

If these lights have unusual capabilities can you please tell us about them?

Thanks,
Brightnorm

 

[Illuminated]

I have the 4AA version of the Hi Gain. Seems to be a sturdy light. Utilitarian. Seals should make it waterproof, or at least very weatherproof. Belt clip on rear seems sturdy enough. Beam is a bit ringy, but fairly broad and usable. Domed fresnel lens not good for WriteRight. Very solid bipin lamp & holder arrangement. Partially recessed rubber clickie switch on rear is a little stiff. Seems a bit dim on NiMH's, but probably best on alkalines or lithiums and used during power outages, etc. Unique and interesting form factor compared to most other lights. I keep mine around for general use and backup. Can't have too many lights, Right?

I believe LEDCorp sold it as an LED (3AA?). I'd like to see what a 1W side-emitter could do in there, though it wouldn't provide much in the way of heat sinking. Under-driven would probably be plenty bright and have excellent run time. The lens/reflector looks like it's all fused together, so I didn't want to risk destroying it to try and separate them. Front half of light rotates 1/4-turn or so to lift off and expose batteries and lamp, and is anchored to rear half via 3 sturdy screw heads mating with keyholes.

I've had mine for at least 3 or 4 years I think, and it seems fairly durable.

John

 

[bucken]

Brightnorm,

I have the 4AA version which I bought several years ago (Lowes?). I had almost forgot about it until Dreck mentioned it. The only thing unusual about them is that they're fairly flat and use a thick fresnel lense to focus the light. That said, its performance really s***s. Even a standard factory minim*g is FAR superior.

As Dreck mentioned, however, it just might make an interesting Luxeon mod. Wait, I take that back. I just opened it up (the front just twists off, easily) and it's almost all plastic. It would be very difficult to provide adequate heatsinking.

 

[The_LED_Museum]

LEDCORP does have this, sold as the Belt Light. I reviewed one of these a ways back, but did not try to seperate the lens from the reflector. It runs on 3x AA cells, with the forth battery compartment holding a small resistor.
My review of it is right here.
It floats in the toliet, but it could wind up face down or face up depending on how it hits the water.