What ever happened to the mad love of tektite lights?

[Icebreak]

I'm a newby. My first LED was a green LED Lightwave 2000. It still fascinates me. Another one that Glowbug "special ordered" for me 3 months ago is a 7 blue LED Tektite. I go out of my way to use it. Anyone who sees it is fascinated. Then, when I tell them I can drop it into a five gallon bucket full of water for a week and it will still be working they are astonished.

Alas! Do not be forlorn good Aragorn. Remain resolute, for it is your electric mentoring clan that gifts we ignorant pledges with knowledge...knowledge to proclaim to the masses engaged in noctivagation, "You may trek with useful and wonderous lighting you can depend on...NOW!"

 

[Big Tex]

My Tektite 19 stays in the truck and I still like it. Sturdy, reasonable size, waterproof, and plenty bright for me.

 

[Steelwolf]

Well, I've got some of the older lights as well. The old Trek 7 and the PAL-3 (looks similar to the Trek 7 but uses 3xAA batteries and 3 LEDs). And one of the first generation of Action All-in-one lights. Unfortunately, I don't get much use out of them anymore.

The Trek 7 LED array got blown up during an experiment with step-up converter when I didn't attach the terminals properly and discharged a loaded capacitor through it. The PAL-3 is kinda bulky for the amount of light it produces. I get almost as much light from my Arc-AAA and my modded UKE-2AAA. The Action light is blocky and not easy to carry, but probably still the most robust of all my lights. It would probably see more use if I can get out more and if I can get my hands on a lathe to make a battery adapter to take more commonly available lithiums.

I also have some Photons, and I still prefer the older Photon 2. I don't need all those fancy-schmancy electronics to strobe the light or other rubbish like that.

Why a light appeals to me has more to do with its appropriate design than fancy electronics. A light that is appropriately bright for its size, with a reasonable runtime and robust build is what I look for.

Some of the newer lights with regulation appeal because of a good flat output. That's what I mostly look for if the light boasts "electronics". The older lights look are alright and robust, but I sure would like to get a Trek 7 type light with regulation and full of LS.

 

[TrevorNasko]

I remember a time when the mere mention of a ccrane/tektite light was enough to make any cpfer drool. Yet sadly they have been forgotten along with pal, photon, and the uke lc100 among others. Why? Is the allure of new ,hip, "tactical" designs enough to make you betray the old faithfuls that you once exalted? I have seen a time when the trek 1400 and gadgets creations were all the rage. Where are they now? The tektites are still there ,waiting, waiting to be recognized for the worthy lights they are. Gadget? Well, that may go unanswered as he seldom posts and has stopped creating or so it would seem. Gone are the lights that were Oneofakind and in there place I see mass produced modwork. Not that I have not profited from this mass production as I own a mag pill(and enjoy it!) and have done my own share of mass modding. It just saddens me to see the art mass produced.
CPF used to be so small so innocent. But things change and our small family has grown to be so big. Now we have areas so specific that I begin to realize that the topic I write will most likely be moved to the cafe.
My desire is for the newbees to know of the vibrant past that I have experienced and to see the multitude of forgotten lights. So step out and tell what you know and remember. Enlighten us with memories of led lights that were all that just a year or two back.

And please forgive the empassioned hue of this post- I have read good literature and it has a strange effect on me.

 

[The_LED_Museum]

I still use them regularly. The EX40 has been serving, quite faithfully I might add, as my backup headlight and DRL on my wheelchair. It is mounted on a bar linked directly to the front axle; and I have solid tires on the front, so every little bump (or BIG bump) in the road is transmitted directly to it.

I have a still ongoing test running on the EX60 to see how durable it is. I've gotten the thing wedged in doors, the handle has been smacking everything I pass by, and it just keeps on ticking. Probably time to wrap that part of the test up and update the page.

I've been using the smaller Expediton models for a lot of comparision testing. The aluminum 4-banger hangs in my john waiting for the next earthquake, and until about a week ago, the aluminum 1900 was my constant companion hanging from my left armrest. (I'm running some prototypes through late-stage testing, so as part of that I have to leave my "usual" lights at home so I'm not tempted to reach for them).

(Edit) ... And I use my Light Cannon HID *every time* I go out after sundown. It's far from forgotten!!

 

[Empath]

Originally posted by Aragorn:
.......I begin to realize that the topic I write will most likely be moved to the cafe.......

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">I see no reason that it should be moved to the Cafe. I would hope that this forum never becomes one strictly for reviews of a particular product.

This is a great posting, Trevor. It is also a worthwhile consideration. I too see a capriciousness among those enchanted by the refinements made on the innovations of others. It's not that refinement is in error, but the dragging of the names of pioneers down in order to praise the refinement is disappointing to say the least.

 

[TrevorNasko]

Ah yes two old gaurds in the forum. It comforts me to know that all is not forgotten. Anyone else game? Step in to the firelight and share what you know.

 

[NewsFlash]

I have read the numerous reviews on Craig's site (the LED Museum) about the tektites, and I have considered saving up for one, but honestly I have no idea which one would really suit my needs (wants?)!

I am a relative newby to CPF, but I do understand about days gone by and people going on to new and different things, and YES, things changing (Boy Scout days).

You who use tektites on a regular basis, what would you recommend? I would want something to carry in my pocket or even in a belt holster. The only real LED lights that I have any experience with as far as brightness are the Brinkmann Long Life and the LS/o driven at factory specs.

 

[Canuke]

I've probably the newbiest newbie to CPF (this being my first post). I can understand Aragorn's thinking.

But the only problem is, this is a techie interest. Knowing the history is good, but just as you don't see too many computer geeks still raving about 386's, 14.4 modems and VGA cards, the hottest topics are always going to be the latest thing, especially in LED's. They are now where the Internet was in, say, 1994.

... and since this is my first post, I might as well speak of my own LED history, by way of introduction: I studied electronics engineering technology, back in the days of 386's and VGA cards

; blue LED's did not yet exist, and super-bright reds had just come out. I fell out of touch after that until ten years later, while I was living in Vegas, a friend showed me his white LED lamp.

Next stop was a 'Net search, and that landed me at The LED Museum where I caught up with the decade's changes. Of course, any new lighting technology will show up in Vegas first, on slot machines, and sure enough white and blue Nichias are all over the place now.

Now I have the following: two 20-LED assemblies from LedTronics in the auxiliary lights on my Del Sol (they combine with the incandescent headlights and the yellow corners to create a neat color gradient), a Rav'n 2 Eternalight, two Inova X-5's (one blue, one white) and four "Tireflys", which are tire valvecap replacements equipped with motion-triggered LED flashers.

On the wish list: a green laser pointer, LED replacements for other lights on my car, and a multi-LED UV light at 390nm or below. I'm pondering hacking some of the Roithner 380's into a suitable existing unit.

 

[NewsFlash]

CANUKE,

Are the tireflys red? I saw something on a Honda the other day that were bright red, I saw them at dusk.

 

[MDM]

If I had to pick one all purpose, emergency LED light, it would probably be the Tektite 300 (7 LEDs). It's waterproof, shock resistant, will not accidentally turn on and waste batteries, comes with a great lanyard, has a long battery life (40 hours +), doesn't conduct heat in cold weather, doesn't conduct electricity, and (finally) it feels good in my hand.

The 1400 is even brighter, but the batteries discharge in 1/2 the time.

 

[NewsFlash]

Thanks for the input, MDM!

 

[MR Bulk]

I still have the Dorcy Cool Blue (yellow rubber one), Ergo, some keychain lights, etc., but when I really want to light up something at close to medium range, there's nothing like an overdriven Luxeon.

 

[lightuser]

Hello Aragorn and all,
I used to be a Tektite nut and I bought and gave away a number of them, but I feel the technology is outdated now because it pails in comparison to the Luxeon creations in power, cost, and efficiency in at least in size-to-power ratio. Every technology seems to find its niche, and the Nichia niche will emerge over time, but it isn't the best any more. I have a somewhat pragmatic interest in flashlights since after all that's why came, and I am always interested in the newest and best whatever the definition of that is. I love the Forum for its innocent interests in all illuminated, and it is such a nice and thoughful hobby, a place for sharing and caring too. Those who post regularly enjoy that I'm sure. I find it a nice place to wander about and learn after the stresses I encounter in a day. I was into building lights for a while, I just had a craving for that, but I am ever short on time, and I found other interests getting pushed out too much. GoGoGadget made me a DoubleBarrel 36 at one point which was a real nice flashlight, and I was aiming at doing something with the Welsh Allyn HID stuff too, but let's face it Nichias and HIDs are too expensive to tear up with especially compared to Luxeon Stars. These technologies have valid places in their respective domains, but did not seem to warrant much investment. I now have as you said a magpill kind of thing that seems to do most of what I need and I have a PT Surge for emergencies, and I may get another bike light soon, and I have a few other lights for fun, but I am not as interested in experimenting now I just want to see what's going on and what the technology is up to.
Hey, there are less arguments now than before, don't forget about that!

 

[geepondy]

I never really fell in love with my Trek 7. It is difficult to twist the head. Also, you had to turn it off a whole circumference or so after it initially turned off otherwise shaking the light would make it come on and off. And now the Inova X5 pretty much beats it for brightness. I'm sure it would do good in a diving/hostile environment situation but for a regular around the house light I quickly found other LED lights I liked better. The only advantage I can see for myself is that if the situation required it, it would provide a longer running light then my smaller brighter LED lights.

 

[**DONOTDELETE**]

I m a newbie and i love led lighting. I still find myself admiring my turtle 2. Although it's only two leds I use regularly around the house. I also can hand it to my four yearold without worrying about it. Just my 2cents.

 

[Mr. Blue]

I bought the 14 led cCrane version from the mfgr at 1/2 price when it was on special. I bought the optic kit as an accessory but have had no need to use it. There is something to be said for reliable, proven technology. The light is tough, bright and will work when TSHTF. I find it completely serviceable and don't always reach for my LS mods now...Too bad more people didnt snap them up at $50.

 

[brightnorm]

Originally posted by Geoff in Philly:
I bought the 14 led cCrane version from the mfgr at 1/2 price when it was on special. I bought the optic kit as an accessory but have had no need to use it. There is something to be said for reliable, proven technology. The light is tough, bright and will work when TSHTF. I find it completely serviceable and don't always reach for my LS mods now...Too bad more people didnt snap them up at $50.

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Arial">My sentiments exactly. I own many LED lights, but for long walks/treks on dark nights in unfamiliar terrain, the 1400 is still my favorite.

Trevor, I know exactly how you feel. It has to do with getting involved in an enterprise, group, place, etc in its early days when the few are almost like a family of explorers setting out on a new and exciting venture. Then that venture becomes taken over by new technology, or new people to whom the "old days" are quaint or irrelevant.

That's why every venture must have "keepers of the flame" who remember, treasure and remind us all of what was, where we came from, and the importance of constantly rekindling that special spirit. This is the essential point that so many don't get. It's not merely the technology per se, but the connections, associations and feelings that go along with it that count.

Brightnorm

 

[TrevorNasko]

Brightnorm- Thank you.

 

[Canuke]

Newsflash, I've got two reds and two blues.

I found these in Morgan Hill CA for six bucks per pair. I expect that green ones are around to be had also. I'm not going to use them on my car (too rice, IMO -- I drive a Honda with aftermarket rims as it is) but I was going to use them on my Gary Fisher. They are neat because they are so small, and being motion triggered, would be an interesting burglar deterrent.