Suggestions for lights/support equipment for overseas use

[BJC]

Hello all,
After reading a number of reviews and posts about flashlights, I've found myself faced with more options and yet less direction. Your valuable input would be greatly appreciated.
Later on this year, my family and I will be going to Africa to work among the Deaf as missionaries. We'll be there for about 4 years before returning to the States for a year or so. The power supply in country is not very dependable to say the least - goes out just about every day at some point.
I would like some advice on finding lights, batteries, etc... that would fit the following needs.

Lights:
1) Two lights, LED preferred, which are VERY BRIGHT on high, yet have a long battery life in lower power modes. In addition, these lights would need to hold a substantial charge when not in use - no Vampires.
One light would be a house light, for when things go bump in the night or a Cobra or Mamba gets in the house. The other would go in my truck bag, that I will have with me when away from home. This light would need to be able to THROW a lot of light as it would likely only be used if the truck should break down at night. It would also serve as a secondary house light.
2) Three or so lights, LED or Ican, which are cheap utility lights for use around the house for general task. Moderate light levels and long battery life (in use and in storage) are desired with these.

I like the looks of the TK40 for the house and truck light, but am open to other suggestions. I've had problems with the last three Mag lights I've owned and really don't consider them reliable anymore.

Batteries:
If possible, I would like to use the Eneloops with a charger. Access to decent quality batteries is going to be a problem, so I would rather bring my own. Are there any considerations I need to be aware of with these?

I would like to stay with the AA size so I can obtain extras more easily should the need arise.

Charger:
I'm open to recommendations about the charger. Anyone have experience using them on a 220 / 50HZ system. I will have some transformers to step down the voltage, though the Frequency will remain the same.

Thanks in advance for your time and advice,
BJC

 

[yellow]

when the device has no world-wide input range, then Your US plugs (flat to round) usually have a reduction inside to 110 V - no need to worry.

Lights: 2*AA and there are a bunch of them, TK20, LD20, Onlight, ... all come to mind
I personally would never use a TK40, only prone to failure from incorrect battery storage/inserting.

PS: If rechargeable is possible and if a light like the TK40 REALLY is "needed" - because I think a normal 2*AA / 2* CR123 / 1*18650 is more than appropriate and much smaller, completely change Your batteries!!!
use 18650 Li-Ion!

makes --> Jetbeam M1X or so for that unnecessary "big" light, and a few 1*18650 lights.
Good ones (Jetbeam, 6P with led insert, ...) for You, cheapos from DX for "all around".

why?
because that is about the size of 2*AA but a good 1/3 (or more) of power inside.
CHEAPER!!! Much cheaper for the whole system cost - a good charger for Your eneloops alone cost more than 18650 cells, charger and a few cheapo lights.

con: there are no single use batteries possible, with AA You could buy them (but that depends on the region)

 

[Zeruel]

I echo yellow's sentiment. It's better to depend on 2 AAs than 8 AAs, less complications and less battery allocation involved. With today's flashlight efficiency, 2xAA lights have enough throw and power for general needs. Some popular choices are Fenix TK20, LD20, Quark 2AA, Dereelight Javelin or even Solarforce L2R if you prefer a lower-priced light with quality. If you're lucky enough, Surefire might release their E2L 2xAA before you leave, that is if you're VERY lucky... :duh2:

 

[mfm]

when the device has no world-wide input range, then Your US plugs (flat to round) usually have a reduction inside to 110 V - no need to worry.

What? A simple flat-to-round plug certainly has no "reduction", the device must be 220-240V capable.

In any case, +1 on the 18650. You could bring some AA-lights for emergencies too, like the iTP A2 (it's not like you'll be able to run your TK40 at high with low quality carbon-zinc AA batteries sold in third world countries anyway). The TK40 is a "vampire" btw.

 

[yellow]

oh, somehow thought that these "travel adapters" always have that built in ...
:thinking:


other light idea to add: Cheap Dynamo flashlights!
1st: they are cheap
2nd: extremely low cost. Pretty none for all of their lifetime (which might be a problem)
3rd: make enough light for 99 % of chores
these - the remaining ones - will still work when You have loooong left and will make You present in the hearts of the users.

http://www.dealextreme.com/products.dx/category.918

... how remote "Africa" is that region where You will go?

PS, an advice: when You USE a light, You will be 5000 % more visible, than whatever You will try to light up.

 

[LukeW]

Batteries:
If possible, I would like to use the Eneloops with a charger. Access to decent quality batteries is going to be a problem, so I would rather bring my own. Are there any considerations I need to be aware of with these?

I would like to stay with the AA size so I can obtain extras more easily should the need arise.

Good thinking on the battery availability - I lived in Asia and CR123s were hard to come by (not to mention overpriced and poor quality).

AA run lights would definitely be the most practical. If you check out the 4Sevens range, they have some great AA lights with nice output and awesome value, such as the Quark AA squared tactical.

Although I don't have much experience with rechargeable powered lights, I will say this - I bought a Streamlight Strion (great light!) in the US, however on return to Australia I plugged the charger in to the wall via a "travel adaptor" - It lasted two seconds before it blew up... bye bye charger. The upside of this particular light is that it comes with a separate car charger - the ones that plug in to your cigarette lighter. This might be a good option for a backup truck light.

For cheap utility lights, I would highly recommend the Solarforce L2s. Decent quality and great output, but unfortunately (for your situation) they are run on 2 x 123 cells.

Another one I've heard good things about is the Fenix LD20. From 9 to 205 lumens (71 hour runtime on low). Run on AAs.

Have you thought about a head-light?

 

[mfm]

oh, somehow thought that these "travel adapters" always have that built in ...

other light idea to add: Cheap Dynamo flashlights!

There is even no inherent 110V requirement with flat plugs, I have at least one 220V-only device with flat plugs (for Japanese market I guess). And even if it was, stepdown transformers are very big and bulky.

For cheap utility lights, I would highly recommend the Solarforce L2s. Decent quality and great output, but unfortunately (for your situation) they are run on 2 x 123 cells.

The OP is going to bring rechargable cells with him and has access to mains power. So why would he want 123s? Even if he was in the USA it would be a waste to use 2x123 instead of 18650 in this case.

 

[LukeW]

The OP is going to bring rechargable cells with him and has access to mains power. So why would he want 123s? Even if he was in the USA it would be a waste to use 2x123 instead of 18650 in this case.

That is true, but he's moving to Africa and in parts of Africa blackouts are frequent. And they're not the "power's off for the next hour" type of blackout - power can be off for days. I would not want rechargeables only in this situation. 123s can be found in bigger cities and IMHO are a decent option for SOME of his lights. And from living in Asia, 18650s are nearly impossible to find - I'd imagine they'd be harder to find in Africa.

Just my two cents.

 

[BJC]

Thanks for all the input. After a lot more reading and consideration of the advice given, I've revamped some of my ideas.

1) Build a light system off of NiMH rechargeables with quality primary backups. After reading some threads, I don't think I'll be able to provide the upkeep needed for the Lithium. Nor do I think they are the best battery for my needs at the moment. In addition, ambient temperatures might be an issue at times - only time will tell.

2) Drop the TK40 - replace with Quark AA2 and another "simpler" (UI mode wise) flashlight for my wife to use around the house when needed.

3) The Dynamo lights look like a great option for general purpose use - thanks for the suggestion. I wasn't familiar with those. I've also considered these as a low cost option as well http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.33543 or http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1993

We'll be in Kenya, Africa. Initially, we'll likely be in the area outside of the capital city. After about 6 months, we'll me moving away from the capital area to a smaller "Town" - possibly in the NW portion.

As was mentioned earlier, the power supply in Africa is sporadic at best. On a previous 14 day visit to the country, the power went out every day. The time and duration of power loss was random each time.

I understand that using a light makes me more visible. However, when dealing with dangerous snakes, predator cats, and some other species of animals - they can already see me in the dark. Having a good light "evens the odds" a little.

Thanks again for all of the input.
BJC

 

[shark_za]

I travel to some northern countries a lot and generally take along an AA light or two. Even South Africa has the occasional power out, seems to be stable now but 2 years ago was hectic. In Zim for instance is shocking.

Your thinking is in line with reality on this, a 2AA from 4Sevens or Fenix is one of the better choices for general use.

I have additional uses in the bush, seeing game and predators.
The throw on these little AA heads is not enough, even my P7 turbo head is not cutting it. I am picking up my Thrunite Catapult as soon as I get around to the guys house who has it.
Even the P60 based lights don't offer enough throw for me. If you don't want to take an 18650 setup then the best bet for reasonable throw might be the Solarforce L2r.

A Fenix LD20 along with 8 good Eneloop or Duraloop's will see you through till the power gets back on.
Generators are widespread too.
Get a bunch of lithium energisers, stash them for a rainy day.

For throw around lights, order from one of the chinese suppliers , Romisen RC-N3 2xAA.
Get a single cell AA tube as well, both the Fenix and Quark offer this. You will then have a pocket light for going out at night etc.

 

[csa]

I agree with the others. You can buy batteries in AA form factor, but they won't run your bright lights the way Alkaline cells from the states will. Finding quality AA batteries in a pinch is nearly impossible, so take a stock of primaries for use if the rechargeables aren't available.

 

[jankj]

My setup and what I recommend:

ALTERNATIVE A:
Good AA / AA*2 light (quarks, for example)
Sanoy eneloop batteries
12 V nimh AA charger + cigarette socket adapter (get one that charges each cell individually)
Dual 220 / 110 V to 12 v power supply to said charger.

This gives you lots of options: Charge from your car, charge from a 12V solar system, charge from 110 or 220 v mains. Or just scavenge some alkalines.


ALTERNATIVE B: You could go all li-ion with the quarks AA+14500's and a 12v li-ion charger - and STILL have the option to run with alkaline AA. (In that case, run li-ion AA quark + single 14500 and a AA^2 body tube for alkalines).


I haven't been in Africa, but I think A or B gives the best flexibility wherever you are. I really don't think there will be any need to charge each night - just bring a suitable amount of batteries and charge them whenever you have the chance.

 

[BJC]

Thanks again for the advice. Here is the setup currently en route.

1) MAHA C9000 charger.
2) 12 Sanyo eneloops (AA)
3) 4 Sanyo eneloops (AAA)
4) 4 Lithium primaries (Energizer)
5) Quark AA2 R5 (XP-G) Tactical

I'll be adding a few of the Rayovac "Value Lights" ($1 at Walmart) and 2 dynamo lights as well for general purpose / kid's use.

 

[somename]

Looks like you have a good selection already and the ultra low of the Quark I'm sure will help you with battery life. If your looking for more lights in the AA size here are some you might consider.

I like the UI on the EagleTac since you have quick access to Med or High if needed and Low is just a quick double twist away.

EagleTac - EagleTac P20A2 MKII XP-G R5
Maximum output (OTF): 230 lumen / 60lumen / 15lumen
Runtime 1.5 hrs / 8hrs / 30hrs
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-153-6869


EagleTac - EagleTac P20A2 MKII XP-E Neutral White
Maximum output (OTF): 150 lumen / 60lumen / 15lumen
Runtime 1.5 hrs / 8hrs / 30+ hr
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-153-6881

Also EagleTac still has the AA version in Neutral white which is nice for outdoor use, like in your case if your trying to distinguish colors like maybe a cat hiding in the brush.

Cool-White comparison with Neutral-White Quark AA2 lights
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=3035192&postcount=9

Don't know if you've looked at these outdoor beamshots, but they might help you find which you like best.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235171

I was searching for some outdoor beam shoots done in the woods that better illustrated the difference between the neutral and cool white LEDs but couldn't locate it. Maybe this information will help.
Good luck with your trip!

 

[BJC]

Looks like you have a good selection already and the ultra low of the Quark I'm sure will help you with battery life. If your looking for more lights in the AA size here are some you might consider.

I like the UI on the EagleTac since you have quick access to Med or High if needed and Low is just a quick double twist away.

EagleTac - EagleTac P20A2 MKII XP-G R5
Maximum output (OTF): 230 lumen / 60lumen / 15lumen
Runtime 1.5 hrs / 8hrs / 30hrs
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-153-6869


EagleTac - EagleTac P20A2 MKII XP-E Neutral White
Maximum output (OTF): 150 lumen / 60lumen / 15lumen
Runtime 1.5 hrs / 8hrs / 30+ hr
http://www.pts-flashlights.com/products/product.aspx?pid=152-153-6881

Also EagleTac still has the AA version in Neutral white which is nice for outdoor use, like in your case if your trying to distinguish colors like maybe a cat hiding in the brush.

Cool-White comparison with Neutral-White Quark AA2 lights
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showpost.php?p=3035192&postcount=9

Don't know if you've looked at these outdoor beamshots, but they might help you find which you like best.
http://www.candlepowerforums.com/vb/showthread.php?t=235171

I was searching for some outdoor beam shoots done in the woods that better illustrated the difference between the neutral and cool white LEDs but couldn't locate it. Maybe this information will help.
Good luck with your trip!

Thanks for these links, especially the beam shots. It looks like the Quark AA^2 will suit my needs well. Hopefully, I'll never be out at night saying "here kitty, kitty, kitty."