Lambda Illuminator Received / Measurements

rlhess · May 15, 2002

I added to another thread that I had received my ILLUMINATOR from Lambda (LI). It is actually quite wonderful.

I played around in my backyard and preferred it to the "20 lumen" 4AA Eveready Double Barrel (DB), thought in-beam-center, the DB was brighter. The color and the wider spread of the LI made it more useful to see what was going on...and the LI is SO MUCH smaller.

There was no contest between the LI and a MiniMAG 2AA (new lamp, new batteries). Yes, in the beam center the MM2AA might have been a bit brighter, but it wasn't as even and it fell off far more rapidly. I'd take the DB4AA over the MM2AA, but I'd take the LI over both!

I thought I'd do some measurements of the lights. These are approximate using a Minolta Autometer IIIf photographic meter and a conversion program to foot candles.

The measurements were done at one foot at the brightest part of the beam: The circle of light diameter is the useable (say 50% beam) at 3 feet

Inova X5 73 fc 10"
Lambda Illuminator 222 fc 8"
MiniMag AA 273 fc 3"
Double Barrel 4AA 547 fc 3"
Mag 6D 2515 fc 4"

The Illuminator was more useful to light up my back patio at 50+ feet than the DB. Of course the 6D Mag blew everything else away. It's rated at 20,000 candlepower in the beam.

How do you convert candlepower to foot candles?

Anyway, I think my next LED light needs to put out at least 2000 fc at 1 foot to make it worthwhile. The 6D mag is still a torch, but the Illuminator is the best thing to fit in my pocket I've yet to see. The E2E would also be a nice option, but it's not substantially brighter than the Illuminator--it's certainly not a 6D Mag and from what I understand the 6D mag is a pauper compared to some of the things you guys have.

Cheers,

Richard

lambda · May 16, 2002

The first Illuminators I made using the flashligt reflector. But as you've also noticed with the Mag, a small bright spot doesn't cut it at close ranges. The Luxeon optics provide a nice "blanket" of light, with a bright center spot also.

Will be interesting to get some of Lumidrive's different lenses and try them in the Illuminator (hopefull will interchange).

Also, if you want something smaller than the Mag 6D, but as bright, spend the $20 and get a Brinkmann LX. Fine little incandecent torch.

yclo · May 16, 2002

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by lambda:
...a Brinkmann LX. Fine little incandecent torch.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

And yours stayed incandecent for just how long?

YC

rlhess · May 16, 2002

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by lambda:
The first Illuminators I made using the flashligt reflector. But as you've also noticed with the Mag, a small bright spot doesn't cut it at close ranges. The Luxeon optics provide a nice "blanket" of light, with a bright center spot also.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, I see why you call it the "Illuminator"--it is certainly all that is needed inside most rooms to easily find your way around. It is a great mix of flood and spot. It will go everywhere with me, but won't be in my pocket (that's still reserved for the X5)

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by lambda:
Also, if you want something smaller than the Mag 6D, but as bright, spend the $20 and get a Brinkmann LX. Fine little incandecent torch.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yes, well the Crawford Tool site compared it to a 4D Mag at 16,000 CP. The 6D Mag is 20,500 CP (although mine probably due to age/use didn't quite make that). I just ordered an LX and a spare pewter AA so I'll have a spare switch for the Illuminator before they go and change it <smile>.

THANKS AGAIN for being so Illuminating!

Cheers,

Richard

lambda · May 16, 2002

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR>Originally posted by yclo:
And yours stayed incandecent for just how long?

YC<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, actually it didn't last but about five minutes before I ripped it apart and started taking measurments and doing the first Ultra mod. But then, I bought two LXs ............