Gransee
Flashlight Enthusiast
Here is a rough draft of the instructions we want to include with each Arc-LS flashlight. Comments welcome.
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Arc Flashlight LLC
Arc-LS
Thank you for purchasing the Arc-LS (“LS”)! The LS is the first flashlight to be manufactured using the Luxeon Star LED- one of the brightest LEDs available.
Features of the LS:
• Designed to be a world-class EDC (Every Day Carry) flashlight
• No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds
• DC/DC Step-up with current-mode regulator, auto sun/moon mode, multi-battery support, reverse polarity protection, thermal circuit breaker
• LED optics protected by .030" AR coated, scratch resistant LEXAN lens
• water resistant (depth rating pending)
• Type III hard anodized/chemkote Aluminum
• Cobalt/Gold positive battery contact
• Other power packs available so light can be used with larger but more economical "AA" cells (see order page for details)
• Dimensions with TSP-123 included are 3.2 inches long by .950 inches in diameter
• weight with 123 cell included is 2.2 ounces
• 10 Year warranty/30 day satisfaction guarantee
• Made in the USA
Instructions
Insert battery with positive contact facing towards the flashlight head. If TSP pack is used, press tail switch to turn light on an off or momentary flash. If P-123 pack is used, twist pack to turn light on and off.
The LS included a regulator which helps maintain a more consistant output during the life of a battery. Compare this to conventional flashlights that dim over time. In operation, the circuit will irregularly flicker the LED when the battery is nearly depleted. During the life of a battery charge, the light will go from max power for about 1 minute and then stabilize into regulated "Sun" mode (about 95% stable) for several hours (depending on the battery used), flicker for a minute or so and then drop to unregulated "moon" mode (about 5% of max power) for another hour or so. Results will vary with battery used, tempurature, etc. The light should not flicker with fresh batteries (check the switch if it does).
Batteries
The most compact configuration is to power the light with a single 123 lithium cell. We recommend the 123 cell pack for light to medium usage because it is more likely to be carried and therefore be available when you need it the most. We have tested 12 different brands of 123 cell and found that all were suitable for use in the LS. Some last longer but cost more. In our tests, we are mostly concerned about the cell leaking and damaging the light. We did not observe any lithium cells leaking when used correctly in the LS. We recommend you purchase 123 cells based mostly on price. However, with alkaline and NiMh, we recommend you purchase based mostly on the reliability of the cell since we have observed cheaper brands of NiMh and Alkaline to leak.
Besides working with alkaline and lithium cells, the LS is also designed to work with rechargeable (NiCad and NiMh) cells. In some cases, an accessory power pack will be required to work with a particular size or combination of cells. The circuit will automatically cut off at about 1.4 volts which will protect your NiMh and NiCad from excessive discharge. Because the LS is a high drain device, NiMh will typically provide superior run time compared to alkaline cells. The circuit will operate in a voltage range of about 1.4 to 3.8 volts. We do not recommend you use batteries over about 3.2 volts as this could possibly damage the LED and circuit. Any damage to the flashlight caused by over voltage is not covered under warranty.
Care of your Arc-LS
The o-ring is made of Buna-N (Nitrile) and is resistant to petroleum products. About every 2-6 months, the o-ring can be lubricated with silicone or similar type of grease. Radio Shack sells silicon grease for $3-4 a tube. Only a small amount of grease is needed to make the o-ring smooth and quiet. Over time, the threads will take on a dark powder which is dirt and/or aluminum oxide. This can be put into suspension with oil and then wiped off with a cloth.
The outside of the flashlight can be washed with warm, soapy water. Solvents are not recommended because they may melt the Lexan lens.
The optics of the LS are protected by an AR-coated LEXAN lens. The AR coating is silicon based and will help reduce appearance of scratches. If scratches do appear they can be buffed out with a polycarbonate polish.
Accessories
At the time of this writing, we had a few accessories available for the LS series on our website:
- Nylon Carry pouch. For the Arc-LS with the TSP-123 pack installed. #C-123
- 2AA power with tail switch. Great for using NiMhs! Fits in third-party 2AA pouches. #TSP-2AA
Check our website from time to time as we will be offering new products periodically.
Caution
The LS will get warm during normal use. Although fairly efficient compared to a typical incandescent flashlight, all electrical conversions result in heat. Whereas incandescent typically radiate most of this heat forward via the reflector in the form of infrared, LEDs radiate most of their heat through the chassis, making the beam cooler. A high power LED flashlight with a good LED -to- chassis heat sink will have a hotter chassis than a similar incandescent.
If left on an insulated surface for 10-15 minutes while on, it could even get quite warm (Stabilizing at about 150-155F). Care should be taken when picking the light up after such a run. In designing the LS, we made the internal heat sink as conductive as possible to the outside housing in order to keep the LED cool. But these temperatures, although fine for the LED, can be a bit warm for the human hand. Do not leave in cribs with children or anywhere else where a hot flashlight could cause pain or discomfort. The light is designed to be used while being held in a human hand and in such use it should not get hot enough to cause discomfort. This is because the human hand has, “liquid cooling” which will help dissipate extra heat.
The circuitry of the LS includes a thermal sensor near the LED that will interrupt power to the LED in the event excessive temperature is detected. In testing, we were able to get the unit hot enough to trip the, “thermal circuit breaker” only when using rechargeable cells for long runs in an insulated environment. When the thermal shutdown occurs, the circuit continues to draw some current but the LED will be off. Turn off the power and let the light cool down before cycling it back on. While waiting for the light to cool down, it is good to open the battery compartment and vent any gasses produced by the hot battery. 123 lithium cells produce a signature organic odor when hot, this is normal.
Some of the parts of this flashlight are small enough to present a choking hazard to both children and adults alike. Under certain conditions, the light produced by this flashlight may be bright enough to cause a loss of vision. Do not stare into the beam. Please do not let children use the Arc-LS without adult supervision. This flashlight is not rated for use in an explosive/flammable environment.
Limited Warranty
The Arc-LS is covered under our 10-year repair/replacement warranty against manufacturer’s defect. It also has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. We encourage you to check your LS thoroughly within this 30-day period to make sure you absolutely love everything about this light. If you need repair/replacement or have any questions:
Arc Flashlight LLC
1835 E. 6th Street
Suite 21
Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA
[email protected]
(480) 752-8554
The Arc-LS was designed by Peter Gransee of Tempe, Arizona and made in the USA. We hope you get many years of faithful service from our lights!
Peter Gransee
--
Arc Flashlight LLC
Arc-LS
Thank you for purchasing the Arc-LS (“LS”)! The LS is the first flashlight to be manufactured using the Luxeon Star LED- one of the brightest LEDs available.
Features of the LS:
• Designed to be a world-class EDC (Every Day Carry) flashlight
• No bulb to burn out- uses a rugged Luxeon Star LED from Lumileds
• DC/DC Step-up with current-mode regulator, auto sun/moon mode, multi-battery support, reverse polarity protection, thermal circuit breaker
• LED optics protected by .030" AR coated, scratch resistant LEXAN lens
• water resistant (depth rating pending)
• Type III hard anodized/chemkote Aluminum
• Cobalt/Gold positive battery contact
• Other power packs available so light can be used with larger but more economical "AA" cells (see order page for details)
• Dimensions with TSP-123 included are 3.2 inches long by .950 inches in diameter
• weight with 123 cell included is 2.2 ounces
• 10 Year warranty/30 day satisfaction guarantee
• Made in the USA
Instructions
Insert battery with positive contact facing towards the flashlight head. If TSP pack is used, press tail switch to turn light on an off or momentary flash. If P-123 pack is used, twist pack to turn light on and off.
The LS included a regulator which helps maintain a more consistant output during the life of a battery. Compare this to conventional flashlights that dim over time. In operation, the circuit will irregularly flicker the LED when the battery is nearly depleted. During the life of a battery charge, the light will go from max power for about 1 minute and then stabilize into regulated "Sun" mode (about 95% stable) for several hours (depending on the battery used), flicker for a minute or so and then drop to unregulated "moon" mode (about 5% of max power) for another hour or so. Results will vary with battery used, tempurature, etc. The light should not flicker with fresh batteries (check the switch if it does).
Batteries
The most compact configuration is to power the light with a single 123 lithium cell. We recommend the 123 cell pack for light to medium usage because it is more likely to be carried and therefore be available when you need it the most. We have tested 12 different brands of 123 cell and found that all were suitable for use in the LS. Some last longer but cost more. In our tests, we are mostly concerned about the cell leaking and damaging the light. We did not observe any lithium cells leaking when used correctly in the LS. We recommend you purchase 123 cells based mostly on price. However, with alkaline and NiMh, we recommend you purchase based mostly on the reliability of the cell since we have observed cheaper brands of NiMh and Alkaline to leak.
Besides working with alkaline and lithium cells, the LS is also designed to work with rechargeable (NiCad and NiMh) cells. In some cases, an accessory power pack will be required to work with a particular size or combination of cells. The circuit will automatically cut off at about 1.4 volts which will protect your NiMh and NiCad from excessive discharge. Because the LS is a high drain device, NiMh will typically provide superior run time compared to alkaline cells. The circuit will operate in a voltage range of about 1.4 to 3.8 volts. We do not recommend you use batteries over about 3.2 volts as this could possibly damage the LED and circuit. Any damage to the flashlight caused by over voltage is not covered under warranty.
Care of your Arc-LS
The o-ring is made of Buna-N (Nitrile) and is resistant to petroleum products. About every 2-6 months, the o-ring can be lubricated with silicone or similar type of grease. Radio Shack sells silicon grease for $3-4 a tube. Only a small amount of grease is needed to make the o-ring smooth and quiet. Over time, the threads will take on a dark powder which is dirt and/or aluminum oxide. This can be put into suspension with oil and then wiped off with a cloth.
The outside of the flashlight can be washed with warm, soapy water. Solvents are not recommended because they may melt the Lexan lens.
The optics of the LS are protected by an AR-coated LEXAN lens. The AR coating is silicon based and will help reduce appearance of scratches. If scratches do appear they can be buffed out with a polycarbonate polish.
Accessories
At the time of this writing, we had a few accessories available for the LS series on our website:
- Nylon Carry pouch. For the Arc-LS with the TSP-123 pack installed. #C-123
- 2AA power with tail switch. Great for using NiMhs! Fits in third-party 2AA pouches. #TSP-2AA
Check our website from time to time as we will be offering new products periodically.
Caution
The LS will get warm during normal use. Although fairly efficient compared to a typical incandescent flashlight, all electrical conversions result in heat. Whereas incandescent typically radiate most of this heat forward via the reflector in the form of infrared, LEDs radiate most of their heat through the chassis, making the beam cooler. A high power LED flashlight with a good LED -to- chassis heat sink will have a hotter chassis than a similar incandescent.
If left on an insulated surface for 10-15 minutes while on, it could even get quite warm (Stabilizing at about 150-155F). Care should be taken when picking the light up after such a run. In designing the LS, we made the internal heat sink as conductive as possible to the outside housing in order to keep the LED cool. But these temperatures, although fine for the LED, can be a bit warm for the human hand. Do not leave in cribs with children or anywhere else where a hot flashlight could cause pain or discomfort. The light is designed to be used while being held in a human hand and in such use it should not get hot enough to cause discomfort. This is because the human hand has, “liquid cooling” which will help dissipate extra heat.
The circuitry of the LS includes a thermal sensor near the LED that will interrupt power to the LED in the event excessive temperature is detected. In testing, we were able to get the unit hot enough to trip the, “thermal circuit breaker” only when using rechargeable cells for long runs in an insulated environment. When the thermal shutdown occurs, the circuit continues to draw some current but the LED will be off. Turn off the power and let the light cool down before cycling it back on. While waiting for the light to cool down, it is good to open the battery compartment and vent any gasses produced by the hot battery. 123 lithium cells produce a signature organic odor when hot, this is normal.
Some of the parts of this flashlight are small enough to present a choking hazard to both children and adults alike. Under certain conditions, the light produced by this flashlight may be bright enough to cause a loss of vision. Do not stare into the beam. Please do not let children use the Arc-LS without adult supervision. This flashlight is not rated for use in an explosive/flammable environment.
Limited Warranty
The Arc-LS is covered under our 10-year repair/replacement warranty against manufacturer’s defect. It also has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. We encourage you to check your LS thoroughly within this 30-day period to make sure you absolutely love everything about this light. If you need repair/replacement or have any questions:
Arc Flashlight LLC
1835 E. 6th Street
Suite 21
Tempe, Arizona 85281 USA
[email protected]
(480) 752-8554
The Arc-LS was designed by Peter Gransee of Tempe, Arizona and made in the USA. We hope you get many years of faithful service from our lights!
Peter Gransee
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