HID help.

[MikeV]

I've been thinking about buying myself a HID for camping and just for having a really bright light.


I've found two in my price range(about $100.00)

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93175

http://cgi.ebay.com/Power-On-Board-...ryZ16037QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem


Does any one have any info about these two?

How does the output,runtime,throw,compare between the two?



Thanks for any info.
Michael.

 

[Ra]

Hi Michael,

I don't own them myself, but from what I've read on these forums:

The Harbor freight is much bigger, but has a more simple setup: This can be an advantage when problems occur and sevice is needed.
With the bigger reflector, it also has more throw. (throw is not lumens related!)

The Power on board is more compact (more portable..) and has better features like better battery-check electronics.

But I read about problems with the Power on board on these forums, more than with the Harbor fr.

I think the overall output (lumens) will be about the same.
I don't have any info about the runtimes.


But I think someone will step in with more info shortly...



Best regards,

Ra.

 

[BVH]

Do a search on posts started my mtbkndad. He's done a lot of comparison beamshots on these two lights in at least one if not more threads.

 

[Beer]

Well I had a pretty good write up of them both somewhere around here but I can't find it.

So here's the short version.

Runtime is the same give or take 10 or so minutes.

Output: Bright (both) really bright.

Throw: The HF wins here, but not by a large enough amount to justify it's size. Both throw farther that I can usefully see . Plus I still haven found a good enough flat place or high enough elevation to truly strech the legs on these two.

My verdict: I got the HF first and still love it, but the POB has a more usefull beam, is slightly less heavy and is smaller and easier to carry.

If I could only get one I'd get the Vector Power on Board.

 

[MikeV]

Thanks a bunch for the info guys.

I went ahead and order the "Power On Board" from a ebay store for $65.00 shipped.

Hopefuly I will have it by monday.

But I do have one more question.

It says that it comes with a 12Volt DC car charger, but does this also mean that I can run it off of the 12Volt car battery?


Thanks for any info.
Michael.

 

[mtbkndad]

Thanks a bunch for the info guys.

I went ahead and order the "Power On Board" from a ebay store for $65.00 shipped.

Hopefuly I will have it by monday.

But I do have one more question.

It says that it comes with a 12Volt DC car charger, but does this also mean that I can run it off of the 12Volt car battery?


Thanks for any info.
Michael.

The Power on Board light is 4 lbs lighter and much smaller.
You CANNOT run this off of DC. You can only charge it off of DC and the car charging system may not give a topped of charge (depending on your car) so use it when AC is not available .

The HarborFreight can be run off DC but at 12+ lbs it is not likely to be carried far from a car either.

You will get around 1 hour off a full charge, but can make a 12 cell NiMH battery pack that will give you 3 hours on one charge.
You will need to charge the NiMH pack outside of the unit if you make one of these.

Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:

 

[MikeV]

The Power on Board light is 4 lbs lighter and much smaller.
You CANNOT run this off of DC. You can only charge it off of DC and the car charging system may not give a topped of charge (depending on your car) so use it when AC is not available .

The HarborFreight can be run off DC but at 12+ lbs it is not likely to be carried far from a car either.

You will get around 1 hour off a full charge, but can make a 12 cell NiMH battery pack that will give you 3 hours on one charge.
You will need to charge the NiMH pack outside of the unit if you make one of these.

Take Care,
mtbkndad :wave:

Thanks for the info.

 

[MikeV]

Well I finally got this thing today, and wow is it bright!:devil:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Power-On-Board-...ryZ16037QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But I also have a few more questions.

About how long should it take to recharge the battery after a full discharge?(using the 120Volt AC charger)

Once the "fully charged" light comes on do I need to unplug it right away, or can I leave it pluged in without hurting the battery?

Also should I just use the light until it flickers and goes out, or should I use it for 45-50 mins and then turn it off?

Also I understand that HID's need to warm-up, and that HID's should not be turned on-off repeatedly, but does this mean that I should wait until the bulb cool's off before I turn it back on? or can I turn it back while the bulb is still warm but that I should wait 5-10secs?

I'm sorry for all the questions, I'm new to the world of HID's.


Thanks for any info.
Michael.

 

[MikeV]

Well I finally got this thing today, and wow is it bright!:devil:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Power-On-Board-...ryZ16037QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

But I also have a few more questions.

About how long should it take to recharge the battery after a full discharge?(using the 120Volt AC charger)

Once the "fully charged" light comes on do I need to unplug it right away, or can I leave it pluged in without hurting the battery?

Also should I just use the light until it flickers and goes out, or should I use it for 45-50 mins and then turn it off?

Also I understand that HID's need to warm-up, and that HID's should not be turned on-off repeatedly, but does this mean that I should wait until the bulb cool's off before I turn it back on? or can I turn it back while the bulb is still warm but that I should wait 5-10secs?

I'm sorry for all the questions, I'm new to the world of HID's.


Thanks for any info.
Michael.

Anyone?

 

[Lighthouse one]

When I recharge my POB...I just leave it on all night- and it's done without worry. It can have the charger plugged in longer ...but I wouldn't leave it in all of the time. Never ran my light until dead...just charge the battery right away if you do.
Once it's on and warmed up...say 20 seconds, you can turn it off then on right away..no problem. I wouldn't recommend doing this over and over just for no reason.
That's my POB in the photo!

 

[MikeV]

Thanks Lighthouse one, thats the info I was looking for.