Re: What does the term
Hello Dukester!
From the Arc FAQ posted here on the CPF:
Regulation
In some flashlights, regulation is used to provide a more consistant output. This feature typically appears in more expensive flashlights because it requires either an electronic circuit or some other type of regulator system.
A typical flashlight (without regulation) starts dimming as soon as you turn it on. This is because the battery drops it voltage as it is drained. After 15 minutes or so, a typical light could be as much as 1/2 the brightness as when it was first turned on. The rate of dimming varies with battery type, flashlight design, etc. LEDs are even more prone to dimming compared to incandecents (bulbs) when used in high brightness designs. This is because incandecent bulbs have a slight self-regulating effect.
Some manufacturers advertise their LED flashlights with incredible claims like, "over 50 hours of run time!", etc. Yes, these lights will
produce light for over 50 hours but the light will be quite dim at that point. Didn't you buy that light to be as bright as when you bought it at the store?
Regulators cause the light to maintain a consistantly bright output, even as the battery becomes depleted. As a result, regulated lights have a shorter advertised run time but the run time is more realistic for what you buy a light for.
Another advantage to regulated lights is that is makes it easier to use your batteries up completely. Non-regulated lights may be begging you to change out the batteries when there is still 50% power left.
Advantages of Regulation:
- Better utilization of the battery
- More consistant and dependable output
- Longer bulb/LED life
Disadvantages:
- Increased cost
- Can add to the weight/bulk of of the flashlight
Although a typical regulator adds a 5% overhead (step-ups typically add another 15-30%), I would not generally classify this as a loss since these circuits make better use of the battery (as relates to typicaly usage). As a result, you will typically get more light from a given battery in a light with a regulator. Step-ups (see notes elsewhere in this FAQ) will provide even more gains. Step-ups typically are used in conjuction with regulators.
There are several types of regulation. 2 types in particular are voltage and current regulation. The Arc-AAA is partially voltage regulated and the LS is current/thermal regulated.
There are a lot of threads here in the Arc forum about regulation. Use the search function of the forum to find relevant topics.
Why is the Arc-AAA partially regulated instead of fully regulated?
I hope this helps..
Peter
