Test Results from an Amateur Luminologist

[GPB]

Hi Guys. I decided to see if I could find a way to measure/quantify the brightness of my lights, so of course I waited until everyone else went to bed and used a nightlight that has a photocell to turn off and on based on ambient light ( of course its an LED nightlight ).

I plugged it into a power strip so the photocell would be facing parallel to the floor ( it normally points straight up ). Then I put the power strip on a stool on top of a chair so I would be holding my lights about the same distance off the floor.

Then I turned out all the lights and one by one I tested each of my lights. I pointed the light at the photocell and walked slowly towards the nightlight until the nightlight went out. I repeated each one a few times and when I was confident that was the right spot for each light, I put that light down on the ground and got another light.

When I was done I measured the distance from each light to the photocell. ( distance in inches )

I know this isn't a very scientific test as its a very low quality photocell and only measures the light in a tiny spot...but it was kind of fun and I got to play will all my lights for about an hour. I have a Cabela's 6p clone coming in a few days and I'll subject that to the same test, although I assume it will be fairly similar to the Brinkman Maxfire.

 

[Gunner12]

This would be an easy way to measure throw but it would be hard to measure output with this setup(unless all the lights have the exact beam).

I've also tried this but the thing turned off with my light even from the longest distance I can find in my house(maybe mine was really sensitive).

A Seoul mod for you maglite should make the turn off distance around 460 inches(double the lux).

This is a great an simple way to test throw on a light, presuming there is enough space in your house.

 

[[email protected]]

Good Info
Thanks
Gerald

 

[parnass]

That's a clever test setup, GPB. :thumbsup:

 

[lctorana]

I like it.

OT: I remember many years ago performing this exact test for microphone sensitivity, using a tape recorder and finding the point where on-axis feedback just started.

Back on-topic - I am just imagining the monster CPF torches using this rig, where the distance to target needs to be measured in chains or furlongs, and one would need a VERY steady hand...

 

[Marduke]

Interesting, a "poor man's lux meter" of sorts.

 

[e2x2e]

"Luminologist" Good idea!

 

[Flying Turtle]

Good work, GPB. I love this kind of "make do" testing and problem solving. I've been thinking there must be some way to use my camera's light meter and shutter speed or aperture readings to make some reasonably accurate graphs of relative outputs. One of these days I'll give it a try.

Geoff

 

[jufam44]

Well, that's a very creative test! :thumbs: I love this type of "I'll use what i've got" testing because it gives a real-world application of this type of light. Great work!

-Max

 

[Derek Dean]

Howdy GPB, and welcome to CPF,
Hmmmmmm........ a budding luminologist. Well, I've got a feeling this will be the first of many tests we will be seeing from you. I see a light meter and a milk carton or foam ice chest (for measuring total light output, not just throw) in your future.

Great job, keep up the good work, and next time you have your lights on the floor like that why not see if you can train your cat (if you have one) to navigate the obstacle course.

 

[Crenshaw]

why not... point it facing a wall, maybe a foot away, and point the lights at the wall...so you have a rudimentry bounce test..

Crenshaw