Dave_H
Flashlight Enthusiast
I'd like to propose a challenge for the best low-cost LED lantern
in the $10 or less category. Some in the name-brand, higher-cost
camp with no doubt recoil in horror (and disgust). However, over
the past several years I've found some cheap devices very useful
for low-level lighting in non-demanding circumstances; just don't
take them skydiving or mountain-climbing...
Heck, why not a $5/less and $2/less class... These are the things
you can give away, or don't mind losing. If they're good, buy a few
more.
I'll start with the $2, 4x5mm/3AA lantern from Dollarama in Canada,
previously reported. It's vaguely styled like a Rock River 3AA knock-off
but for its price/quality, who cares. Provides low-level cool-white light
with some glare. No genuine Crees in this one.
Someone here suggested sanding the internal clear dome over the
LEDs. I managed to pop the top off, got the reflector cone out (snug fit),
then pulled off the dome. Twisting the outer clear shell caused it to
break off near the base; apparently polystyrene, nothing a couple
of drops of glue can't fix.
Then, sanding the dome with 400-grit waterproof sandpaper created
a nicely-frosted diffuser which is easier on the eyes.
Meanwhile, I found Giant Tiger was clearing 3-packs of these for $2,
so now there are more to play with. Box said they run on 4xAAA, which
I tend to avoid; a good reason to discretely (if you can) open the package
to check. Turns out they are 3AA like the rest.
I'm not great with online images but hope to get some up soon for this
type of item.
Dave
in the $10 or less category. Some in the name-brand, higher-cost
camp with no doubt recoil in horror (and disgust). However, over
the past several years I've found some cheap devices very useful
for low-level lighting in non-demanding circumstances; just don't
take them skydiving or mountain-climbing...
Heck, why not a $5/less and $2/less class... These are the things
you can give away, or don't mind losing. If they're good, buy a few
more.
I'll start with the $2, 4x5mm/3AA lantern from Dollarama in Canada,
previously reported. It's vaguely styled like a Rock River 3AA knock-off
but for its price/quality, who cares. Provides low-level cool-white light
with some glare. No genuine Crees in this one.
Someone here suggested sanding the internal clear dome over the
LEDs. I managed to pop the top off, got the reflector cone out (snug fit),
then pulled off the dome. Twisting the outer clear shell caused it to
break off near the base; apparently polystyrene, nothing a couple
of drops of glue can't fix.
Then, sanding the dome with 400-grit waterproof sandpaper created
a nicely-frosted diffuser which is easier on the eyes.
Meanwhile, I found Giant Tiger was clearing 3-packs of these for $2,
so now there are more to play with. Box said they run on 4xAAA, which
I tend to avoid; a good reason to discretely (if you can) open the package
to check. Turns out they are 3AA like the rest.
I'm not great with online images but hope to get some up soon for this
type of item.
Dave
