Rayovac Solar Keychain light

[Jbrew]

Just saw this at the local Wal Mart for about $5, was wondering if anyone has one and how they like it?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DDBTTC/?tag=cpf0b6-20

 

[AnAppleSnail]

I saw it and passed because it looks so...unwaterproof. I fear that it wouldn't survive pocket duty even when I stay on the streets. If it were another dollar and was reasonably water resistant I'd have bought one. I have some small solar cells I plan to try in flashlights...too bad I don't have those Sparkfun supercapacitors to toy with! No wait, last time I mentioned those I got yelled at for not knowing how capacitors work.

 

[TooManyGizmos]

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How often is your keychain exposed to direct sunlight ?

Mine is usually in my pocket , or on the key rack in the laundry room.

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[mcnair55]

That is as much use as an ashtray on a motorcycle,no batteries?,so how on earth do you charge it?My keys sit inside my pocket so no solar charging for me.
What clown designed that without a back up battery.

 

[jacktheclipper]

That's about as funny as a solar powered flashlight

 

[AnAppleSnail]

That's about as funny as a solar powered flashlight

I've seen some new developments in vibration power harvesting - like the old self-winding watches, but for transforming mechanical energy into electrical power. That would be of far more use here - "Wear this flashlight and it'll work when you need it." Of course, it'd need to have better performance than a CR2032, and they're good for 15 years of sitting, or several hours of light...

 

[Zatoichi]

I have a couple of solar powered keychain torches. I leave them on the window sill most of the time, they'd come in handy in power cuts. I agree they're little use on a keychain, though they do seem to hold a charge.

Mine were from the £1 shop (~$1.50 US) and have 3 LED's, I'd guess them at ~15 lumens. I suppose you could hang them off a rucksack when camping. :shrug:

 

[Flying Turtle]

I was mightily tempted, but I've already got one like Zatoichi's that sits near a window and seldom gets used. Of course need has nothing to do with it.

Geoff