How to choose a powerful rechargeable LED flashlight - practical advice. How to choose the right LED lamp

The rapid development of technologies and their use in the production of the most ordinary, familiar to man, household items has a downside: the need for choice. An advertisement offering to buy this particular thing will willingly describe all the advantages of the product, without mentioning in a word about the shortcomings, which, so often take place, serve as a continuation of the advantages or come from them. It's just a matter of proper use. A clear illustration of choice is led lantern not so long ago entered our everyday life.

What is a flashlight anyway? This is a source of autonomous lighting. It must provide enough light to perform certain tasks for a sufficiently long period of time. The battery must be either renewable or replaceable.

Benefits of LED Lights

Are there any advantages to an LED flashlight over a conventional one equipped with an incandescent lamp? The undoubted advantages include:

Features of marking LED flashlights

Having decided on the fundamental choice, choosing an LED flashlight for specific tasks and purposes of use, information about the design features of various types of flashlights of this type can help. It will also be useful to know terminology and labeling used by manufacturers.

Design features of lanterns

Reflector

manufactured as one of two types: smooth or wrinkled. The focus and range of the beam depends on the choice of reflector. A smooth reflector gives a spot of light with a pronounced central area and a sharp transition to a weak side illumination area. In this case, an important criterion is the diameter of the reflector: better focusing can be provided by a reflector with a larger diameter. The crumpled reflector got its name because of the rough structure, the purpose of which is to smooth out a sharp transition from the central light spot to the peripheral area. Such a lantern provides even illumination of a fairly wide area, but at the same time loses in the illumination range.

Spectrum of light emission

What to choose, warm or cold radiation LED? The light emitted by various LEDs can range from warm yellowish, like an ordinary incandescent lamp, to cool blue, like a fluorescent lamp. The choice depends, first of all, on individual light perception, since some people do not tolerate the light of a fluorescent lamp. Next, you should start from the tasks and the possible use of a flashlight. You should be aware that cold light has the worst color rendering, complete color distortion is possible, especially the colors of the warm part of the spectrum, from red to yellow, and warm green. So, the grass in the light from the blue diode can be painted in grey colour. Therefore, it would be natural in the open air - in the country, on a fishing trip, on the road - to use a flashlight with a warm-colored LED. Cold light in human perception seems to be brighter, its use in rooms where color reproduction is not of decisive importance, or in winter outdoors, is quite appropriate. It would not be superfluous to add that the use of an LED flashlight for professional purposes, where good lighting is required, coupled with the reflection of all the nuances of the color gamut of objects, may be unacceptable.

Batteries

How to decide on batteries batteries or accumulator what to prefer? It is more profitable to use a battery charger if the flashlight is constantly in operation, while it is possible to connect to electricity. Acquisition costs charger quickly pay off. Batteries are absolutely essential in rural or secluded areas where there is no possibility of recharging. A supply of batteries will serve well on a long trip or in a secluded cottage. Batteries, with their rather long shelf life, are quite suitable for a flashlight, which is intended for occasional use.

LED or xenon lamp

To choose - LED or xenon lamp, you should consider the advantages of both in comparison.

xenon lamp or HID lamp, based on high intensity charge.

Her flaws similar to the disadvantages of a conventional incandescent lamp: the fragility of the glass bulb, relatively large size and relatively short service life. Demanding for additional equipment - a special starting device, ballast and a battery capable of delivering high current.
A significant disadvantage is high price such lamps. Some lamp manufacturers use a simplified version: a conventional incandescent lamp with a spiral, under the bulb of which there is a coating of xenon or halogen vapor. Such lamps have some of the properties of xenon lamps, the service life and efficiency are higher than conventional incandescent lamps.

Its undoubted merit It is considered high efficiency with the possibility of good focusing of a powerful luminous flux, good color rendering.

Let's consider the choice of a flashlight according to the most popular areas of its application.

The use of LEDs in flashlights has long passed from fashion trends to a theoretically and practically justified necessity. They, unlike incandescent lamps, are ideal 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.

Advantages of LEDs over incandescent lamps

With comparable brightness, the power consumption of the diode matrix and the size of the light emitting element are much smaller than any incandescent lamp. This allows you to create compact, but extremely powerful portable lighting devices. The angle of the light beam of the matrix is ​​from 30 degrees, which significantly increases the efficiency of the light source and facilitates focusing.

Disadvantages of LED sources

The small die size at high power has a high heat dissipation coefficient, requiring passive or forced cooling. The sensitivity of the LED matrix to the level of voltage and current of the power source requires the use of current and voltage stabilization circuits.

Types of powerful LED lights

There are two types of high power flashlights, depending on the purpose:

• signal;
• 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.

The brightest LED flashlights

The most powerful industrial flashlight was created by Polarion based on a xenon lamp.

Its luminous flux is 5200 lumens, and the brightness is so high that it illuminates objects that are 1500 meters away. With impressive parameters, it has a lot of shortcomings. The lamp life is only 2500-3000 hours, powerful batteries are barely enough for an hour of full-fledged work.

But in fact, this is far from the limit.

In Germany, a home-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.

How to choose an LED flashlight

Before proceeding with the choice, let's figure out how LED lights differ.

Luminous flux power:

• from 60 lumens to 4600 lumens.

Power supply type:

• batteries;
• accumulators;
• combined (batteries with built-in generator).

Focus type:

• signal (search);
• lighting.

The power of the flashlight depends on how far it will shine.

Battery capacity of various types. Battery capacity AA - 2000-2500 mAh, AAA - 800-1000 mAh The operating time depends on the type of power source.

How to calculate battery life.

The supply voltage of the LED crystal is 3.2-3.4V. Average current consumption 300mA per 100 lumens.

When powering a flashlight with a brightness of 50 lumens from 2 AA batteries with a total capacity of 2000 mAh, they will last for 13 hours of continuous operation of the flashlight:

Run time = 2000mAh / 150mA (LED current)

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. Even if you forget to recharge it, and this usually happens at the right time, the built-in generator will not allow you to be left without lighting.

Powerful light sources are acquired by those who are fond of fishing, hunting, or often go out into nature with an overnight stay.

How to choose a powerful rechargeable LED flashlight

Depending on the operating conditions, we select the type of housing protection

• protection class IP50 provides protection against dirt and dust;
• protection class IP65-69 - products that are not afraid of moisture, and with the marking 67-69 you can even dive under water.

Choose the power of the LEDs based on your needs.

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 9000 mA 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 of 6 Ah.

To cool the matrix, you will need a massive heatsink and a power driver.

Alteration in this version will cost 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 lower cost of the drivers and the diodes themselves.

All information about the calculation of the power driver and the correct connection of the LEDs can be found in the articles on our website.

Budget version of a homemade bright flashlight

The best option for a flashlight would be a compact diode with a power of up to 1 watt. Diode supply voltage 3.2-3.6 V, current consumption 300 mA, 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.

amateur flashlight- used in Everyday life. In terms of light power and protection from adverse effects, it is inferior to professional models, but wins in price.

Professional flashlight- designed for special tasks, characterized by high light power, moisture, dust, shock protection, a large number of operating modes. It is used by security guards, rescuers, divers, military, sailors and other professionals. A professional model costs much more than an amateur one.

Type

Flashlight- occurs most often, is represented by several types:

• manual compact- the optimal balance between functionality and small size, sufficient for daily household needs;
• manual full size- compares favorably with the previous version with a greater power of the luminous flux and wide functionality;
• tactical- is installed on the weapon and is used as a target designator, and also blinds the enemy; characterized by high power.

Tourist flashlights, which are used by outdoor enthusiasts, also belong to hand-held flashlights. This lantern comes in two forms:

• portable- at the flashlight, the light beam is directed perpendicular to the body, and the device itself is equipped with a hook (it is suspended from clothing, freeing hands);
• camping (lamp-lamp)- used for all-round lighting of a camping site, tent, construction site and similar objects. Characteristic features: diffused light and wide beam.

Important A: When choosing a camping torch, make sure it has enough power and battery life according to the conditions of use.

Head Torch- unlike the manual counterpart, it is put on the head with an elastic band or a strap. As a result, the hands are freed, and the light beam is always directed towards the person's gaze. It has a limited luminous flux and is comparable in capabilities to a hand-held compact flashlight.

The headlamp is used by miners, speleologists, stalkers, and also useful for cyclists.

Important: To work with objects that are close to the user, it is worth purchasing a headlamp with brightness control. This will reduce eye fatigue.

Underwater flashlight (for diving)- it is used for work under water when examining the sea or river bottom. It features bright colors (makes it easier to search for a fallen flashlight under water), high luminous flux and a waterproof case. Recommended for divers, connoisseurs of video and video shooting, spearfishers.

Important: The diving flashlight has a cooling system for working underwater. For this reason, it is undesirable to turn on the lamp out of the water at maximum power - it may overheat.

Keychain flashlight- the most compact model that will always be at hand (keychain). It has too little light output, which is enough only for simple tasks, such as illuminating a keyhole. The keychain flashlight is designed for one mode of operation, has no focusing and light filters.

Flashlight shocker- combines a lamp and a stun gun. It features a long, heavy and durable body that can play the role of a baton. Minus - high cost. The perfect solution for self defense.

On sale there is also such a type of lantern as manual lamp. This is a powerful stationary model with large sizes and weight that can be carried. Such a device often has special devices for adjusting the lighting (swivel heads, adjustable stands).

Design

The handheld flashlight consists of head, central("body") and tail parts (cover). A light source, a reflector and other elements, such as buttons, are installed in the head part. The central part is reserved for batteries or an accumulator, and buttons can be located in the tail section.

When examining a handheld flashlight, you should pay attention to such design details:

• head part- replaceable, equipped with light filters and nozzles (multifunctional solution);
• central part- rubberized or corrugated (flashlight will not slip out of wet hands or gloves);
• tail section- with flat stops (makes it possible to install a flashlight in a vertical position).

The headlamp is carried out in single housing (low-power models) or has a spaced design, consisting of two separate parts - a lighting unit (light source, reflector) and a power source (accumulator, batteries) attached to the belt. The two cases are connected to each other by a special wire. This design allows you to increase the power of the headlamp.

The design of a diving flashlight is determined by its power: compact and relatively low-power hand-held flashlights, heavy and powerful models consisting of two bodies (flashlight + power supply).

Light source

incandescent lamp- has a low efficiency (energy is converted into heat), does not last long, does not tolerate mechanical stress and consumes a lot of electricity. These shortcomings are more significant than individual pluses: a relatively low price, simplicity of design, the color of the glow that is familiar to the human eye. In modern flashlights, the incandescent lamp is less and less common.

Varieties of incandescent lamps.

• krypton lamp- outperforms the classic counterpart in compactness and low cost. Budget models are equipped with a similar light source.
• xenon lamp- according to the characteristics resembles the previous version. Features: relatively high cost and whiter color.
• Halogen lamp- Differs in greater brightness of a luminescence and long service life. The disadvantage is the high price. Such lamps can be found in some hand lamps.

Light emitting diode (LED)- characterized by high efficiency, resistance to mechanical stress and low temperature, long service life and economical energy consumption. The design of the LED makes it possible to expand the functionality of the lamp (quick start, several operating modes). LED is used in the vast majority of flashlights.

Disadvantages of LEDs: high price, uneven luminous flux, complex design, "cold" color glow, unusual for vision and distorting the perception of the real color of the object.

Fluorescent Lamp- in terms of efficiency and durability, they occupy a middle position between an incandescent lamp and LEDs. In addition, such lamps are toxic and not sufficiently resistant to mechanical stress. Rarely used in flashlights.

Laser- It has a powerful light beam. Such a flashlight provides a high range of illumination, but the luminous flux is very narrow. The laser model is good as a target designator (for hunting).

Important: If not handled carefully, the laser light may cause irreparable damage to eyesight.

Characteristics

Optical system- concentrates light radiation in one direction. In budget options, such a system is often absent, but more expensive models are equipped with a reflector (reflector), which concentrates the light beam in the required direction.

Reflectors are divided into two groups:

• smooth- form a distant and narrow luminous flux with a very high brightness in the center (the best solution for hunters, tourists);
• textured (crumpled)- provide a uniform flood light that covers a large area close to the user (the right choice for domestic use).

The number of diodes in the flashlight- directly determines the power and uniformity of the luminous flux of the flashlight. In manual models and keychain flashlights, 1 LED is installed, but in more powerful models, the number of LEDs is 2-5 pieces.

Models with a large number of diodes are more powerful and more durable, as they continue to work if one or more LEDs fail. In addition, several diodes provide a uniform light output. With an increase in the number of diodes, the price and dimensions of the lamp increase, as well as energy consumption. At the same time, even one LED gives brightness sufficient for domestic needs.

Maximum luminous flux (light output)- measured in lumens (lm). This value means the maximum brightness that the lamp gives out. The greater the luminous flux, the brighter the glow and the higher the illumination range. True, an increase in light power leads to an increase in energy consumption and a reduction in the operating time of the flashlight.

In addition to the maximum luminous power, the minimum luminous flux is also indicated. These values ​​form the range within which the brightness of the device is regulated, for example, 70-275 lm; 10-350 lumens and so on.

Luminous power depends on the type of flashlight:

• keychain flashlights, compact lamps - 10-20 lm;
• tourist flashlights, some headlamps - 30-100 lm (some models for the forehead - 200 lm and above);
• powerful tourist lamps, tactical flashlights, diving models - 100-300 lm;
• heavy-duty flashlights - 500 lm and above.

For domestic needs, flashlights with a light power of 30-100 lm are enough.

Number of brightness modes- the more modes, the more accurately you can adjust the brightness of the flashlight for a specific situation (reducing the brightness saves battery or battery power). Most luminaires have one level of brightness.

Brightness modes:

• ultra low(up to 3 lm) - for reading programs in the theater;
• short(3-15 lm) - to illuminate the keyhole, to illuminate a small area in a dark entrance;
• average(15-50 lm) - to search for a road at night, this mode is used most often;
• high(50-150 lm) - for orientation in the forest at night;
• ultrahigh(150 lm and above) - for working underwater, lighting distant objects and similar special tasks.

Other operating modes - expand the capabilities of the flashlight. The most common modes:

• flashing(1 flash in 1-3 seconds) - used as a signal for orientation on the ground;
• stroboscope(several flashes per second) - used to give a conditional signal, provides visibility of a person to other road users at dusk, tracking moving objects, protection from animals;
• SOS(3 short - 3 long - 3 short flashes) - a classic international distress signal.

These modes will be useful for lovers of an active lifestyle, as they will help save lives in an extreme situation.

Lighting range- allows you to evaluate the capabilities of the flashlight in relation to the conditions of its operation. This characteristic is affected by the light power and the design of the device.

Manufacturers may indicate the ratio of illumination range to the selected brightness mode in the form proportions: 200 m / 70 lm, 283 m / 138 lm; 400 m / 275 lm; 63m/10lm, 329m/160lm, 490m/350lm and so on.

Lamps with a narrow beam provide a greater range of illumination than analogues that scatter light.

Max run time- the higher this parameter, the longer you can use the lamp without changing the battery / without recharging the battery. At the same time, such models increase in price, weight and dimensions. Many flashlights designed for long battery life are low power.

Manufacturers often associate the maximum time with the selected brightness modes: 7 h 30 min / 70 lm, 4 h / 138 lm, 2 h / 275 lm; 50 h / 10 lm, 4 h / 160 lm, 2 h / 350 lm and so on.

"Long-playing" flashlights will be needed by specialists who have been in "wild" conditions for a long time (tourists, military, researchers). For most users, a 10-hour lamp is sufficient. This time is enough even for country trips.

Important: The maximum operating time is specified by the manufacturers based on "ideal" conditions (suitable temperature, energy saving, no additional modes). In practice, this "ideal" characteristic will be corrected downward.

Nutrition

Batteries- unlike the model with a battery, it does not depend on the mains, which significantly increases the battery life of the flashlight away from urban conditions. You can always take several sets of batteries with you. Minus - the cost of periodic replacement of batteries.

A battery-powered flashlight is good for occasional use (infrequent trips out of town).

Important: among the variety of battery-powered lamps, it is better to give preference to models designed for AA and AAA - the most common batteries. Other batteries are less available. For camping lights, batteries C and D are the best solution.

Battery (battery)- more economical, no need to buy and change batteries. Unlike a battery, a battery cannot be replaced quickly, which means that a discharged lamp in the "wild" conditions will become useless. However, it takes a long time to charge the battery.

A battery-powered flashlight will be useful for tourists and workers who need it for service (watchman, technologist). But for people who use the lamp from time to time, this is not the best option, since long breaks in work negatively affect the battery.

You can purchase a universal version - a flashlight with batteries, which also runs on batteries. This solution is distinguished by the greatest autonomy and duration of operation: the main mode (batteries), the additional mode (batteries).

Most often there are two types of batteries.

• NiMH- despite the relatively small capacity, it is still widespread. Size - AA and AAA (finger).
• Li-Ion- several times greater than NiMH in capacity (at the same weight). Such a battery is highly reliable. The downside is the higher cost. Size - 18650.

The more powerful the flashlight, the more batteries it will need to work (the number varies between 1-4 pieces).

Important Note: NiMH batteries are not always compatible with flashlights designed for batteries of the same size. At a lower supply voltage, the driver (flashlight electronics) will not start working, and at a higher voltage, it will break. The operating voltage of AA and AAA, C and D batteries is 1.5 V, while NiMH batteries of similar form factors are 1.2 V.

Flashlight battery charging method:

• 220V- from household electrical network;
• 12V- from the cigarette lighter in the car (suitable for hand-held flashlights);
• from USB port- from a computer, laptop, tablet and other equipment with such a connector (including USB adapters to the mains);
• Dynamo machine- a manual generator that generates energy due to human muscle strength (an excellent option for tourists, rescuers, scientists and other people working in "wild" conditions);
• solar battery- generates electricity from solar energy. The battery is recharged in sunny weather and twilight, as well as during the operation of artificial light sources. As in the previous case, this method of charging is useful for people who are far from civilization.

Additionally

Frame- made of two materials:

• plastic- light and comfortable for the hand, but not strong enough, the best solution for head models and tourist flashlights;
• metal(aluminum alloys) - durable and heavy, but at low temperatures it unpleasantly cools the hand.

From metal cases, a separate group is distinguished titanium- relatively light and comfortable for the hand, but just as durable. True, a lamp with a titanium body will cost more than models made from other metals, not to mention plastic counterparts.

Housing moisture and dust protection- ensures the stability of the flashlight to adverse external factors. The protection class is marked as follows: IPXX (the first digit indicates the level of protection against dust, the second - against moisture). The higher the index, the higher the protection.

Diving models have the most high level protection- IP68 (dustproof, against prolonged immersion in water for more than 30 minutes at a depth of more than 1 m). Models with a high protection class are more expensive, so you should buy them only if necessary.

The most common water protection classes are:

• IPX4- protection against splashes from any direction;
• IPX5- protection against jets from any direction;
• IPX6- protection against sea waves or strong water jets;
• IPX7- short-term immersion to a depth of up to 1 m is allowed;
• IPX8- long-term operation at a depth of more than 1 m is allowed.

Protection against aggressive liquids- impact resistance chemical substances(fuel, oil) that can damage the surface of the flashlight.

Impact protection- resistance to mechanical stress is useful in extreme conditions. Manufacturers usually indicate that the model can withstand a drop to concrete from a height of 1; 2 or 3 m.

Length and weight- a compact and lightweight flashlight will always be at hand, but the overall lamp is taken only for specific tasks. At the same time, small size and weight always contradict the luminous power and versatility of a flashlight. Find a reasonable compromise between compactness, light output and device capabilities.

Length and weight of some fixtures:

• manual compact - up to 20 cm, up to 200 g;
• manual full-size - over 20 cm, over 200 g;
• forehead - 70-100 g;
• keychain flashlight - up to 10 cm, up to 50 g.

For convenient carrying in a bag, you should choose a flashlight up to 15 cm in size. Those who can sacrifice compactness for power should take a closer look at models from 20 cm. In particular, a long flashlight is useful for self-defense.

Most models weigh between 50-300 g, which does not tire the hand. But the weight of more powerful models increases to 500 g or more. This indicator is especially important for head-mounted devices, as they load the neck (it is recommended to choose models that do not exceed 70-100 g).

Functions

Brightness control- There are two ways to adjust: stepped and smooth. The second method is preferable, as it makes it possible to more accurately select the optimal mode.

Focus adjustment- allows you to choose the right solution from two opposite options (or something in between): a narrow light beam with a long illumination range, but with a small coverage of space, or a wide (diffused) light beam that illuminates a large area, but close to the user.

Charge indication- in some models, an LCD screen is provided that accurately displays data, in other fixtures, manufacturers are limited to an LED that changes color based on the battery charge level.

Luminous flux stabilization- provides a constant level of brightness of the luminous flux throughout the entire time the flashlight is used. An extremely useful feature.

Quick turn on- is done by lightly pressing the button, which is then either released (the flashlight turns off) or pressed to the end (the lamp continues to work). Such a button is good for giving arbitrary signals (Morse code).

Equipment

Nozzles (diffusers, light filters)- expand the capabilities of the flashlight and allow you to change the direction or color of the light flux. With the help of diffusers, diffused light is obtained (good for illuminating a tent), and light filters turn the white color of the glow into red, blue or green (useful for hunting).

Strap- for fixing the lamp on the hand when the fingers are unclenched. Sometimes the strap is used to carry a bulky lamp on the shoulder.

clip- for fixing a flashlight on clothes.

Hook- performs a similar function as the clip, but is found mainly in tourist and camping models. With the help of a hook, a tourist flashlight is hung on clothes or a backpack, and a camping one - on a rope or a tree branch.

Fixing device(for tactical flashlights) - for installation on a unified bar.

cable(for tactical flashlights) - to turn on the lamp at a distance.

memory- to charge the battery of the flashlight.

Case- protects the lantern from adverse effects during storage and transportation. First of all, from dirt, and also protects from weak blows.

• Buy a flashlight in specialized stores, pay attention to products of famous brands.
• Inspect the flashlight for damage and check that it is in good condition.
• You should not choose a lamp with a complex control system.
• If you plan to hike through “difficult” terrain, in addition to the main flashlight, you should take a spare lamp (at least a less powerful one). This will allow you to feel more confident in the forest, cave, tunnel, even if the main lantern fails.
• Read the terms and conditions of the warranty. Manufacturers of quality products give a guarantee for 5 years.

The modern lighting market offers a huge selection of lighting devices with narrow scattering angles and a long range. These are general purpose floodlights, floodlights for transport, theater stages, studios, construction sites, airfields and many others. Powerful rechargeable flashlights also belong to such lighting devices.

When choosing the most suitable, modern and efficient flashlight, you can immediately become confused, because with all the variety of their designs, types of light sources used, range and beam scattering angle and other parameters, it is difficult to immediately stop at a specific model.

In this article we will try to deal with the most important technical features of flashlights that affect the correctness of their choice.

The purpose of powerful flashlights

Powerful flashlights are designed for operation in difficult conditions, where a stable, bright luminous flux is required, the maintenance of which is ensured for a long time. Most often they are used in their work by rescue services, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, speleologists and tourists. Typical representatives of this class of lighting devices are search or tactical lights. There are also powerful underbarrel lights that are attached under the barrel of a weapon with the help of special mounts, camping or having a long duration of work, headlamps or headlamps, the fastening of which allows you to mount them on your head. Therefore, when choosing a powerful flashlight, you should always pay attention to what purpose it is intended for.

The special conditions in which powerful flashlights are usually used dictate special requirements for their design and lighting characteristics. Namely:

• shock resistance and moisture protection of the case;
• the presence in the lanterns of materials with high thermal conductivity, providing efficient heat removal from the light source;
• battery capacity, the value of which directly affects the duration of the flashlight and the stability of its luminous flux;
• versatility of the design of the container for the installation of batteries;
• the ability to adjust the angle of scattering of the light flux;
• the reliability of special fasteners, the effectiveness of anti-slip inserts or notches on the flashlight handle, the presence of a shoulder strap for carrying the flashlight and other nuances.

Body material and handle design

Since it so happened that search lights are the most in demand on the market, we will get acquainted with them as an example.

For the manufacture of the body of modern powerful search lights, anodized duralumin is often used, which is light, durable and corrosion resistant, on the outer surface of which either anti-slip polyurethane coating is applied, resistant to scratches and impacts, or longitudinal, transverse and diagonal notches. The body of such flashlights for the most part is made in the form of a tube that simultaneously performs two functions - a handle and a container for batteries. But there are flashlights with a remote handle. Examples of housings and handles can be seen in the images below.

The images also clearly show the radiator fins, which increase the efficiency of heat removal coming from the light source. The ribs are made by turning the body metal mass closer to the optical part of the lantern.

Waterproof

Lanterns have different degrees of protection against ingress of foreign objects and moisture into their body. Since all flashlights have minimal protection capable of retaining dust particles, but are not able to work with prolonged contact with drops and splashes of water, they can be conditionally divided into two groups, non-moisture resistant and moisture resistant flashlights. According to the system of classification of degrees of protection (IP - Ingress Protection Rating), non-moisture resistant can be assigned a value of IP50, that is, dustproof and moisture permeable. Housings of moisture-resistant lanterns, as a rule, are produced with the possibility of immersing all lanterns under water. Therefore, their degree of protection starts with IP67 and ends with IP69. Sometimes the number indicating the penetration of foreign objects is omitted and the letter “X” is put instead of the first number (IPX7 - IPX9).

Let's decipher the meaning of the numbers 7 - 9. The number 7 indicates the possibility of short-term immersion of the lantern to a depth of up to 1 meter. The number 8 indicates the possibility of a long-term immersion of the flashlight to a depth of more than 1 meter. The number 9 indicates the possibility of a long-term immersion of the lantern to a very great depth, where there is a large liquid pressure.

Sources of light

The light source is perhaps the most important element that characterizes the consumer and operational parameters of flashlights. Conventional incandescent lamps are becoming a thing of the past and are no longer used in modern powerful lanterns. As light sources in modern high-power flashlights, halogen incandescent lamps, xenon gas discharge lamps (HID) and light emitting diodes (LED) are used.

Halogen lamps

This is an improved type of incandescent lamps and it is possible to talk about their advantages only in comparison with traditional options. Filling the bulb of an incandescent lamp with halogen additives made it possible to increase its luminous efficiency, at the same power, and to double its service life (up to 2000 hours) by reducing the burnout of tungsten.

The lamps have an average light output of 22 Lm/W. This is almost twice as high as a conventional incandescent lamp, but still very small, given that the lamp must work in a portable lamp and the energy source has a limited resource. Lamps are very sensitive to frequent switching on, during which they basically burn out.

Like conventional lamps incandescent lamps are becoming a thing of the past, because they are difficult to compete with long-lasting and energy-efficient LED and xenon light sources.

xenon lamps

A characteristic feature of xenon lamps is that the electric discharge of the lamp occurs in xenon, an inert gas, at high pressure and high current densities. For this reason, the lamps have a very high brightness and a visible emission spectrum close to sunlight with a color temperature of 6100 - 6300 K.

Xenon lamps have high voltage ignition and therefore require the use of special ignition devices. After ignition, the lamps light up for approximately 15 seconds.

Xenon lamps are very sensitive to changes in supply voltage. When the supply voltage changes by ± 5%, the lamp power changes by ± 20%. For this reason, when using lamps of this type, it is necessary to use stabilizing devices that maintain the voltage, as the battery is discharged, at the same level.

The light output of a xenon lamp is between 80 and 100 lm/W. Xenon discharge has the highest brightness. According to theoretical estimates, its maximum brightness can reach 2000 mcd/m².

A bright, powerful light flux of the daylight spectrum allows you to evenly illuminate a large area, which makes such flashlights an indispensable tool for search work in accident sites, in conditions of heavy dust and gas contamination in mines, deep wells and caves. The light of a xenon flashlight is noticeable even during the day at a great distance, which is very important for rescue work in the mountains and taiga.

This type of light source is confidently replacing incandescent and gas discharge lamps from modern flashlight models. This fact is easily explained by the following advantages of LEDs:

• the LED, unlike a xenon lamp, is inertialess and when a supply voltage is applied to it, it instantly reaches the nominal glow mode, just like a halogen lamp;
• the heating temperature of the LED is much lower than the heating temperature of the halogen and xenon lamps;
• since when the LED is lit, less energy is spent on heating, LEDs, today, have the highest efficiency - up to 45%. By comparison, a halogen lamp has an efficiency of about 5%, a xenon lamp - up to 30%;
• The maximum light output of LEDs used in industrial production is 120 lm/W. The average light output of LEDs used in rechargeable flashlights is 80 - 95 Lm / W, that is, it is commensurate with the light output of xenon lamps.

Light distribution

Powerful flashlights can be classified both by the type of light source and by the direction of the light flux. Speaking about the direction of the light flux, two types of powerful lanterns can be distinguished, these are:

• spotlights. The beam of light of such lamps has a wide front and is capable of illuminating objects located at a sufficiently large distance, more than five hundred meters;
• long range lights. The beam of light of such lamps has a very narrow directivity so that one bright spot is projected on the illuminated object, but the range of such a beam reaches a value of one and a half kilometers. For information: the range of the flashlight is determined by the distance at which the illumination level is equivalent to the light intensity of the full moon, which is taken equal to 0.25 lux and is optimal for safe movement.

Spotlights are most effective at short and medium distances up to five hundred meters. Their most important characteristic is not the range, but the brightness of the light flux over the maximum area without deep shadow. This is ensured by the special design of the reflectors. Spotlights are ideal for outdoor activities, hunting and fishing.

Long-range flashlights have a completely different purpose. Long-range lanterns are used by speleologists, search engines, miners.

Long-range lanterns usually include lanterns with a lighting range of 500 meters or more. This is also ensured by the design of reflectors and optics, which make it possible to focus the light beam. What is important here is not the scattering of light, but its concentration at one point, the formation of a bright light spot.

Very often, the functions of searchlights and long-range lamps are combined in one lamp. Structurally, such lamps have a movable (in the axial direction) diffuser and a lens mounted on the outlet. By adjusting them, they achieve the creation of a light spot of the desired diameter. When adjusted, the angle of light redistribution and the focal length between the lamp (LED) and the illuminated object change.

Rechargeable batteries

Powerful search-type LED flashlights mainly use two types of replaceable batteries for power supply, these are 26650 and 18650, with an output voltage of 3.7 V. Such batteries are manufactured by many companies, have different prices, declared capacity values, discharge and charge times. Batteries of these types are widely used not only for powering flashlights, but also, for example, for the manufacture of laptop batteries. Therefore, with the acquisition of such batteries, difficulties should not arise.

Different models of flashlights have a different number of batteries. Basically it is 2, 3 elements. There are a large number of models of flashlights with a universal container designed to install 1, 2 or 3 elements by adding a special insert attached to the flashlight to the handle.

Since 18650 and 26650 batteries are the same length, 65 mm, some flashlight models can use both types of batteries. In order for the 18650 elements not to “dangle” inside the container, an adapter plastic sleeve is attached to the lantern.

In small lanterns, installation of the 1st element is possible. It happens that instead of the 1st 18650 element, 2 CR123A elements are used.

More powerful battery-powered LED lights can be equipped with D-type cells with a capacity of 10,000 mAh and a voltage of 1.2 V.

In general, when choosing a flashlight, you should definitely be interested in what batteries they use and what they can be replaced with. To assess the possibility of such a replacement, see the tables of standard sizes of galvanic cells.

If you decide on a search light model, remember that for its successful, reliable and long-term operation, high-quality batteries are needed. I think that if you are going to spend a significant amount of money on a flashlight, you should not save on its most important element.

In the case of flashlights working with a xenon lamp, everything is much simpler in terms of choosing a power supply. All flashlights are supplied with their own batteries, which are supplied with the flashlight. Therefore, when choosing a flashlight, you don’t need to think about anything. However, if you look at it from the point of view of operation, then over time there may be problems with their replacement.

Although there are exceptions. For example, the flashlight shown in the photo below is powered by four 18650 batteries.

Operating modes

The modes of operation of flashlights with a xenon lamp, due to the inertia of switching on the lamp and the limited number of cycles of its on-off, as a rule, have three modes of operation, namely, these are the modes in which the lamp operates at different powers. Each lantern provides for a mode of operation at minimum power, in which the lamp glows stably, a mode of operation at rated power, and a forced mode, in which the maximum brightness of the glow is created. When working in the latter mode, the battery capacity is naturally consumed very quickly.

A powerful LED rechargeable flashlight, in addition to the listed operating modes of xenon flashlights, has two additional operating modes, these are:

• strobe mode. This mode is designed for self-defense against an attacking enemy, by disorienting him in space with very bright and frequent light pulses;
• SOS mode or beacon, to attract the attention of strangers to you.

Summing up, we can conclude that powerful lights with a halogen incandescent lamp have faded into the background. Leadership is shared by lanterns with a xenon lamp and lanterns with LEDs. However, high-power LED flashlights have characteristics comparable to those equipped with xenon lamps, and therefore are increasingly being used.

And finally, we invite you to watch a video review of two portable powerful rechargeable LED flashlights made in China and Germany.