The use of LEDs in flashlights has long passed from fashion trends to a theoretically and practically justified necessity. They, unlike incandescent lamps, are designed for use in directional light sources.
Numerous features of the light-emitting matrix of diodes make it possible to obtain devices with parameters that even theoretically cannot be approached by an incandescent lamp.
The most powerful flashlights in the world
The most powerful tactical flashlight in the world was created by the Korean company Polarion based on a xenon lamp. There are two models PH50 and PF50 (with and without handle).
Initially, a heavy-duty tactical flashlight was produced for special services and special forces. Now it is available for purchase. The average price is $1100. Let's go through its characteristics.
- Luminous flux 5200 lumens;
- beam range 1500 meters;
- weight - 1.8 kg;
- ignition time to maximum brightness - 4 seconds;
- operating time 90 minutes;
- battery charge time from 220V network - 4 hours.
But in fact, this is far from the limit.
In Germany (Frankfurt) a self-made LED flashlight was made with a luminous flux of 18,000 lumens! It is so bright that it can easily burn out the retina of the eye.
Types of powerful LED lights
There are about 10 types of lanterns depending on their purpose:
- Handheld compact or full size flashlights. Classic form factor, suitable for household everyday needs.
- Headlamps. Allows you to illuminate the workspace, while leaving your hands free.
- Highly specialized flashlights. These include underwater lights, impact-resistant tourist, laser, tactical (barrel), etc.
- Flashlight shocker. Plays a protective role. Equipped with a powerful battery and delivers arc voltage up to 3,000,000 volts.
We will consider high-power hand-held full-size flashlights. They can be divided into two types, depending on the purpose: signal and lighting.
signal lights designed to create a narrow beam of light that maintains focus over long distances.
This type gives a spot of high brightness even at a distance of 600-800 meters.
In lighting lanterns scattering reflectors. They provide bright illumination with a beam angle of about 120 degrees.
How to choose an LED flashlight
Let's figure out what to look for when choosing a powerful LED flashlight.
Luminous flux power: from 60 lumens to 4600 lumens. The more, the brighter it is and the faster the battery will drain.
By the intensity of the light flux, you can estimate how far it will shine. Determine the distance from the table below.
Power supply type:
- batteries;
- accumulators;
- combined (batteries with built-in generator).
We choose according to your needs. The rechargeable one is more expensive, but with regular use we win on charging. Batteries are cheaper, but choosing a powerful LED, you will buy them weekly.
The operating time depends on the type of power supply. In fact, the more the better, but also much more expensive. Choose finance. The average battery capacity, depending on its type, is shown in the table below. Depending on the capacity, you can calculate how long the LED flashlight will last (see below for how to count).
Focus type:
- signal (search);
- lighting.
The signal light is focused into a thin beam, allowing it to shine much further than conventional lights. But apart from the spot of the beam, nothing will be visible around.
Lighting flashlights are more defocused, they are more convenient to use at home, on a bicycle, hunting, etc.
How to choose a household LED flashlight
For domestic needs, high power is not needed. A more important parameter is the battery life.
If you plan to use a flashlight regularly, it is better to consider battery-powered models with a built-in generator. The built-in generator will not allow you to be left without lighting. It works on the principle of a dynamo, for domestic needs this is the best, almost eternal option.
How to choose a powerful rechargeable LED flashlight
Powerful LED flashlights are purchased by those who are fond of fishing, hunting, or often go out into nature with an overnight stay.
First of all, we look at the type of protection of the case:
- IP50 rating provides protection against dirt and dust;
- protection class IP65 - products that are not afraid of moisture, and with the IP67-69 marking, you can even dive under water.
Choose the power of LEDs and batteries for a household flashlight based on your needs. Above are recommendations.
How to calculate the operating time of a flashlight from batteries or accumulators
The supply voltage of the LED crystal is 3.2-3.4V. Average current consumption 300mA per 100 lumens.
When powered by a weak flashlight with a brightness of 50 lumens, from 2 AA batteries, with a total capacity of 4000 mAh, they will last for 26 hours of continuous operation of the flashlight. Taking into account the error in current consumption and battery capacity, we add a correction factor of 0.8. Total 21 hours.
Working time = 4000mAh(capacity of our batteries) / 150 mA(LED current consumption) * 0.8 = around 21:00.
The capacity can be found on the batteries themselves or in the flashlight passport (if it is rechargeable). We take the consumed current based on the luminous flux of the installed LED (available in the flashlight passport or can be found by marking the LED matrix).
With a luminous flux of a super powerful flashlight of 1000lm, the consumption will be 3000mA. We divide the capacity of 4000 by the consumption of 3000 with a coefficient of 0.8 = we get the period of continuous operation from the same 2 AA batteries in 1 hour.
How to convert an ordinary flashlight to LED
The price of powerful flashlights is from 20 to 500 dollars. At the same time, for a couple of dollars you can buy an ordinary flashlight with a high-quality housing, which, with minimal investment, will turn into a powerful light source on diodes.
What is the best LED for a flashlight? The LED used must be rated for voltages up to 5 volts and have compact dimensions.
The brightest led flashlight
If you want to assemble a very powerful flashlight with minimal investment, pay attention to such a model as the Luminus SST-90-WW Star 30W. Its supply voltage is 3-3.7 volts, which will make the flashlight quite compact.
Luminous flux at a current consumption of 9000mA - 2300 lumens. It is clear that it will not be able to work normally from finger batteries, and even more so from ordinary batteries.
For the manufacture of such a flashlight, it is better to use a massive case in which it will be possible to install one or two batteries for 6 volts at 6Ah.
To cool the matrix, you will need a massive heatsink and a power driver.
Alteration in this version costs 35-40 dollars, but ready-made solutions similar in power start from 100-120 dollars.
When creating a similar design on three bright LEDs for a Cree XM-L2 T6 10W flashlight, the design will cost almost half as much due to the price of the drivers and the diodes themselves.
Homemade bright flashlight
Choose a compact diode with a power of up to 1W for a flashlight. Diode supply voltage 3.2-3.6 V, current consumption 300mA, luminous flux 100 lumens. Relatively low power will allow you to do without a cooling radiator.
With a light emitter size of 25 x 25 mm, it is possible to install 9 such LEDs on it with a total brightness of 900 lumens. As a driver, it is possible to use a budget current stabilizer LM317 (). With a total current consumption of up to 2700 mA, this flashlight can be powered by two AA batteries.
The total cost of refurbishment will not exceed ten dollars.
If you decide to purchase an LED flashlight, the operating time is one of the most important parameters when choosing. In this article we will consider all the nuances and subtleties of this issue.
The operating time is the time elapsed from the moment the flashlight is turned on until the brightness of the light drops to 10% of the maximum (as a rule, the brightness of the light is measured in lumens). Simply put, how long can your flashlight last without changing batteries or accumulators.
Anyone who buys a flashlight would like it to shine for as long as possible on a single set of batteries. If you are going to go fishing or hunting, you are unlikely to want to think about replacing batteries at the most inopportune moment and where you can even get them in such a wilderness. Yes, and for tourists this is an important factor - they are also unlikely to like putting up a tent in complete darkness, when the lantern suddenly failed.
In general, if the flashlight is made of high quality, then its operating time, as a rule, will be longer. Pay attention to the quality of materials and assembly.
Standards for Measuring Flashlight Hours
Until 2009, everything in this area was rather vague and there were no general standards as such. For this reason, any comparison of flashlights was purely arbitrary and based on personal experience and preferences. Such a comparison can hardly be called objective.
This problem became especially acute when LED lights began to enter the market.
Compared to conventional lamps, LED lamps provide greater brightness and range of light, and are also less energy consuming. But, as we noted above, there was no system of standards that would allow people to compare their technical characteristics. In order to develop it, manufacturers of flashlights, incandescent lamps and LEDs teamed up, and later their joint developments were approved by the American National Electrical Manufacturers Association and the American National Standards Institute.
The standardization system was called ANSI FL1. Now it is already widely known and used everywhere. In fact, this standardization system is voluntary, and manufacturers are not required to put any marks on their products. But, based on the fact that any buyer wants to know what exactly he is buying and carefully choose the model and characteristics of the future flashlight, most companies put ANSI logos on the packaging of their products. Naturally, in order to have the right to draw such a beautiful badge on the packaging, it is necessary that the products successfully pass certification and technical tests.
The ANSI FL1 certification system includes parameters such as: brightness, beam distance, peak light intensity, runtime, water resistance and shock resistance. Each of these options is indicated by its own icon.
The ANSI FL1 logo for operating time looks like a stylized clock, below which there are numbers - minutes or hours - indicating the time that the flashlight can work on one set of batteries. The operating time is counted from turning on the flashlight to reducing the brightness of the light to 10% of the maximum.
What can affect the operating time of the flashlight?
There are many factors that can both increase and decrease the useful working time. Let's consider some of them.
Brightness level
Some flashlights have the ability to switch between brightness modes. This directly affects how quickly the batteries run out. By choosing the maximum brightness, you will run out of battery life faster. Accordingly, choosing a brightness less than the standard, you will increase the operating time. Sometimes increase significantly.
Therefore, carefully choose the brightness level that suits your situation - it makes no sense to set blinding light where the standard mode will be enough. Follow this simple rule, and you will save on batteries.
Environmental conditions
Depending on the environmental conditions, the operating time may also vary. Different batteries react differently to low and high temperatures and humidity levels. Keep this in mind if you are going to use the flashlight in extreme conditions. Note that many batteries lose their charge much faster in cold weather.
Batteries
The type of batteries you choose has a big impact on the operating time. Most modern flashlights run on different batteries. But, as everyone knows, “not all yogurts are equally useful”: some types of batteries are obviously more efficient and economical than others, while others, on the contrary, are a waste of money. The miser pays twice, and it may be more profitable to buy a set of normal batteries than several sets of cheap ones - the apparent savings may, in the end, cost you even more.
The more batteries your flashlight needs, the longer it will last. Larger batteries (such as crowns) also have a longer lifespan. So, when choosing an LED flashlight, consider this factor - how many batteries and what type of batteries it needs to work.
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Of course, we understand that this may sound silly, but still - do not confuse the operating time and the life of the LED. For example, a standard LED used in a flashlight will last approximately 50,000 hours. Even if you are optimistic, no battery will provide such long-term operation. Therefore, be careful.
If you find yourself in a critical situation - for example, at night in the middle of a forest, believe me, a dimly shining and blinking flashlight will not please you at all. In this case, you run the risk of being stuck in the middle of total darkness, with no way to signal for help.
So, if you want such unpleasant situations not to happen to you, but, on the contrary, everything was fine and fine - approach the choice of a lantern responsibly. This is a piece of equipment that, literally, can save your life.
Armytek offers you flashlights with extended run time!
Armytek's mission is to provide customers with the highest quality products, manufactured using the latest technology and manufactured under strict quality control. Many models use a system of duplication of electrical circuits. This means that even if you seriously damage your flashlight, it will be able to continue working.
Also used technology "Firefly" (Firefly) - up to 100 days of operation at minimum brightness. Even in the most critical situation, you will not be left without light and will be able to signal for help.
These models have a "Firefly" mode with a light intensity of 0.2 lumens, work up to 100 days on just ONE lithium-ion battery. You can buy them
Predator Pro v3.
XB-H Viking Pro v3 XP-L
If the flashlight is purchased in order to practice daily activities such as running, cycling, skiing (for example, you run in the evenings in the park several times a week), it is better to choose models with a built-in battery. Such a flashlight can be constantly used without any remorse at the maximum power mode, receiving a wide bright beam of light. At the same time, when you come home, it’s enough just to put it on charge every time, just like your mobile phone. (often in modern flashlights, a standard micro-USB cord is used for ease of charging).
For autonomous travel, where you have to spend several days or even weeks outside civilization, on the contrary, as a rule, flashlights on ordinary replaceable batteries are used. Taking one or two spare sets with you, you can be sure that you will not be left without electricity in the middle of the night.
In fact, rechargeable flashlights are also sometimes used in autonomous travel. Where particularly bright light is required. But at the same time, you have to somehow solve the problem of recharging them: either use a solar battery, or take Power Bank with you.
Working hours
Many manufacturers list the approximate run time of their flashlights on a standard battery pack. These data can be used as a specific guideline. Especially when comparing different models from the same manufacturer. But one must be very careful when applying these figures to reality, since even industry leaders often make such assessments overly optimistic.
From real tourist practice, we can say that a set of AA batteries in a typical flashlight with a capacity of about one hundred lumens is enough on average for week of normal camping use (daily 2-3 hours low beam and 0.5 - 1 hour full power). So if a long enough trip is expected, or you do not rule out that you can “get stuck” somewhere, using a flashlight at full power all night (for example, getting lost or during rescue work), then it is more than reasonable to have an emergency set of batteries with you.
About the batteries themselves
Alkaline batteries (from eng. Alkaline - alkaline). These are the ones we most often see in any supermarket. The vast majority of manufacturers are also guided by them when developing electronic circuits for their flashlights, as well as indicating their operating time. Practically have no restrictions on application. With the exception of very low temperatures, at which their capacity (and hence the operating time of the flashlight) drops noticeably. The price of one AAA battery is about 50 rubles.
Salt batteries (on the body is most often written "Heavy Duty"). Technologically, these are the predecessors of alkaline batteries. They are still found on our shelves as a cheaper alternative. But in terms of travel, the alternative is not very successful, since the flashlight works 2-3 times less for them. That is, on a two-week trip you have to take a very weighty handful of such batteries with you. The price of one piece is less than 25 rubles.
Unlike old-fashioned flashlights, which worked on a small incandescent bulb, LED lights are much more economical, and their light can be adjusted to your needs and preferences. Today, the variety of LED lamps has a wide range (different in power, number of LEDs, size, power supply, specialization, etc.). But all of them are powered by electric current, the value of which determines the operating time of the lamp (which also depends on the capacity of the power supply element).
Now for more electrical stuff. So, we have a battery that powers the LED flashlight, and we have the LEDs themselves that shine in the flashlight. Depending on what power and how many LEDs work in the lamp, the amount of current consumed will be determined. The more powerful the LEDs and the more of them, the more current will be consumed. Consequently, the battery of the LED flashlight will be discharged faster.
I think it is clear that the larger the battery capacity, the more time the flashlight will shine. Battery capacity is measured in ampere hours. This means that the capacity that is written on the battery itself (when fully charged) can be issued within one hour (well, this is rather theoretical, because if you load the battery like that, it can heat up and greatly reduce its service life). If you consume the battery with a current 4 times less than indicated in its capacity, then it will last for 4 hours. I think the meaning is clear.
How long will the LED flashlight shine, which has a 18650 lithium battery inside with a capacity of 2200 mA? First you need to measure the current consumed by the flashlight. For example, I have a Chinese police LED flashlight that has three glow modes (weak, strong and flashing). In each mode of operation, the flashlight consumes a different current. I took an ordinary electronic multimeter and measured the current consumption with a weak and strong glow. With a weak flashlight consumed 02 amperes, and with a strong 0.8 amperes.
If the battery capacity is divided by the current that is consumed in a particular mode, then we get the glow time of this lamp. Therefore, 2.2 A (2200 mA) is divided by 0.2 A and we get 11 hours of operation (in low mode). And 2.2 divided by 0.8, we get 2.75 hours of work (in strong mode). But there is another point to be taken into account. I started measuring the current at the flashlight when it was fully charged. During operation, the battery sits down and the voltage gradually decreases on it. This also leads to a decrease in current consumption. That is, the flashlight will burn a little longer, but in the end its brightness will be less than it was originally.
P.S. in this way, you can find out the duration of the operation of any device powered by batteries, not just an LED flashlight. But it is worth considering that the most accurate time can be calculated when the device consumes it and the same amount of current. If, in the course of its work, electrical engineering constantly changes operating modes and current consumption, then the approximate time can already be calculated by averaging all current readings. And this, as you understand, is not entirely accurate.
Over a hundred years of development, the light bulb has undergone many changes. Incandescent light bulbs are being replaced by new, energy-saving technologies. One of these is LED lamps. It is this type that is used in the vast majority of modern flashlights.
The light-emitting diode, or as it is also called the LED-lamp, was invented not so long ago, in 1962. However, for a long time they were used only in industrial and consumer electronics, and only in 1997 they began to produce LED lamps for indoor lighting.
We will not go into details of the device and the principle of operation of LED lamps, we will only say that they are more complicated than conventional incandescent lamps. LED lamps are more expensive, but they also have several advantages:
- Long service life, with round-the-clock operation, the lamp will last about 3 years
- Consumes 20 times less electricity than an incandescent lamp
- High impact and low temperature resistance
- They do not contain mercury, which means they are environmentally friendly.
Conventionally, lanterns can be divided into the following types:
Headlight. The main advantage is free hands. The device is attached to the head, and a beam of light shines in the direction where your head is directed. Great for jobs that require both hands to be free. Such a lantern is indispensable for those who like to go out into nature.
Manual lantern - there is one in every home. Not as comfortable to use as a headlamp, but usually has a more powerful battery, and therefore more powerful light output and longer life without recharging. If you need to highlight a hard-to-reach place, then it will be more convenient to hold it in your hand than a forehead one.
Working lantern. It differs in that it gives diffused light 360 degrees, and also has hooks for which it can be hung in a convenient place. Some models also have magnetic mounts or suction cups. The shock-resistant case protects a lamp from damage.
For all types of lanterns, there are general criteria that you should pay attention to when choosing.
Power and range. Power, or brightness, is measured in lumens, and range depends on it proportionally. A flashlight with a power of 50 lumens shines at 30 meters, at 150 lumens - at 100 meters, at 359 lumens - at 200 meters, and at 1000 lumens - at 300 meters. The choice should be based on your needs. If you need a flashlight to work in the garage, then there is hardly any need for a flashlight with a range of 300 meters. But if you are looking for a headlamp for a hike, then you should not save money and it is better to take a more powerful device.
Working hours. It depends on the power of the flashlight and its battery or accumulator. On average, 100 lumens consumes 300 mA. To calculate the operating time of a flashlight, it is necessary to divide the total capacity of the batteries by the amount of current consumed. For example, if you have a 50 lumen flashlight with a total battery capacity of 2000 mAh, then the formula will be: 2000 mAh / 150 mA = approximately 13 hours.
Nutrition. There are two options: batteries or a removable battery. The battery will have to be charged periodically, but you do not need to spend money on buying new batteries. AA batteries are more powerful than AAA and therefore last longer. Two AA batteries have the same capacity as three AAA batteries. But still, for finger batteries, the capacity limit does not exceed 3000 mAh. Therefore, if you need a powerful flashlight with a long range, then consider battery models.
Number of modes. There may be several. A good flashlight should have adjustable light output. Head models can have diffused light or concentrated light modes, as well as a red glow mode.
In order for the flashlight to serve for a long time, its body must be waterproof. Especially if you plan to use it outdoors.
Before buying, hold the flashlight in your hands. If it is a manual type, then pay attention to whether it is comfortable in the hand, whether it is too heavy. Check that all buttons are conveniently located and easy to press the first time. It would be a nice bonus if lock function. If the flashlight is in a pocket or backpack, then involuntary switching on often occurs, which leads to a rapid and unexpected discharge of the batteries. The blocking function will help to avoid this.
Here are the main points to consider when choosing. Decide on the purpose for which you need a flashlight and, based on this, select the appropriate type. Next, decide on the brightness you need. Don't forget about details such as the waterproof case and the locking function.
