just did a quick check of the OP, looks like you are already signed up for two.
(at least I validate myself)
Maybe you mis-typed 2 when you really want 3 total :money_mouth_face: ?
two, 2, too, to, dos (that’s about my limit)
I’ve been checking in on this thread for a couple years now and have been interested since the beginning. I’m really excited that this is going to be in the hands of the people soon. I’m in for 1!
After so much time and last updates I’m not able to resist any longer.
Please put me in for 1.
For that target there is also the waka waka project. They have been running for a couple of years already and have finetuned some products especially aimed at people with no electricity and little money. To prevent re-inventing the wheel, if such a plastic lantern is developed, look what they have achieved sofar. WakaWaka® - Share the Sun
Registered just for this while searching for an 18650 lantern. Put me in for two!
@Den…Would the lampshade/downshade would be fold able to flat size.As with, side directional shade reflector,I am hope its something that can simply clip on the existing outer globe.
Already in for 1, put me down for 1 more, for a total of 2, please!
In for one. Thanks for all the work developing this.
Exactly, i mentioned in the OP about the use of self-sustainable areal light source for areas lacking electricity, and this lantern with a standard 10 watt solar panel can be a light source for years every night. a basic model with basic modes, single tint LEDs, etc
Would it be feasible to design for either four 1.5v AA cells or five 1.2v NiMH AA cells?
It would mean a battery compartment with two different sets of connectors, I guess.
I have far too many 4xAA things I run on NiMH but it means they’re a bit weak and short-lived.
For a new lantern or the existing one?
BlueSwordM
Totally new design. But it could be a fun project to the development people. The Q8 would be too expensive for the purpose.
djozz,
I looked at the organization you pointed to. They have a rather different approach to the subject. They sell not-inexpensive devices and use the income to send the same lights to places/people that need them. As priced, I don’t believe the target needs will be satisfied at the level I am thinking about. Certainly the people with no disposable money will not be served directly.
The stuff below is a brain dump. It needs a few grains of salt.
I would use an alternate approach. I would make this a new BLF project, but with designs attuned to people with essentially no money. Lowest possible cost; highest possible utility.
First of all, I do not think there are many groups around that have the intense urge to make optimal lights. Just because they can, and want to. And have some significant technical skills.
My approach would be to work with a manufacturer (like we are doing now) that can provide manufacturing expertise. They have access to the low cost parts and labor. Then the talent here can design the devices. When ready, the manufacturer can sell to groups and agencies that try to help the third world people.
The charitable groups can order in bulk and distribute as needed. Even in the US for emergency relief.
This allows any organization that needs lights to give away, rather than a multi-layered organization.
Designs must target lowest possible costs and durable units. This is sort of the antithesis of this project. No bells, no whistles. But I suspect that many of the current creators would enjoy the task.
SIGShooter points to a variant. A more durable and more expensive unit for workers (indigenous and external) on the ground. Better built, but very similar to needs of my proposed target population. And probably able to absorb a larger expense for the workers.
Possible configurations could use one or two LEDs, simple brightness control, an internal rechargeable battery of some sort, and a recharge device. Maybe a Li battery format that is not the little round cells we are used to. Whatever is most durable. Cheap sealed solar panel using advanced panel design that is cheap and maybe no or minimal electronics internally. Perhaps the lantern having all the charging smarts. The port to the lamp could charge cell phones. The panel could also charge other devices.
Robust construction. They may not be handled with care. Durable plastic. Metal as necessary. Minimize threaded components. A battery (and maybe electronics) case with a cover screwed on with water proofing. This could be a separable box with the batteries and electronics. Detach the light and connect it to a phone or the solar panel. A hard point to allow owners to make shades.
Any way, my rather random thoughts.
Reduce all costs possible.
@alternety, very good points.
One point though: 18650 cells based non-replaceable battery packs SHOULD be used.
They are the most durable type of cells that exist in terms of longevity and overall durability due to their construction.
The one thing that I have to mention is that since this is a low cost commercial product with a non replaceable cell, there are 3 concerns that have to be address:
1. Build. A plastic build is cheaper in the long run. Parts should be easily 3d printable if really needed.
2. A long lasting battery pack. That means using something like a quad 18650 cell battery pack with charging limited to 4,00V for max longevity.
3. Waterproofing and durability. Using a potted USB port would be best.
I was talking to my ex-Peace Corp daughter today about the lantern and she mentioned that the Peace Corp (at least in Uganda) gives every volunteer a lantern and solar panel that they have to return when their tour is up. I bet the LT would be leaps and bounds better and way more robust. Robustness is important and hard to overrate when you’re posted to village of 100 people with no running water or electricity as some of her fellow volunteers were.
Locals in 3rd world countries would be amazed by the lantern. Flashlights we’re used to are Star Trek level to them. My daughter lit up her Zebra AA at a dinner her host family was having and their jaws dropped at the brightness.
I’m interested, glad there will finally be a good lantern on the market at a hopefully reasonably price
Yes BlueSwordM.
The battery pack should indeed be something like 18650s. They will be the most expensive component.
I gave a brief thought to the LiPo cells that are made as flat pouches. But I don’t think they live as long and are picky about charging.
If implemented, I would probably want to look at some of the other battery formats and sources. A good tie in to auto manufacturers and others using Li cells should produce some recyclable cells. And the cells Tesla is using, if there are low enough prices (I believe Panasonic has backed out of supplying batteries to Tesla). They are larger cells with, I believe, higher capacities. Manufacturers must be getting rid of batteries that fail to meet specs but are still new and usable. Connect with them as a charitable group. For most cell makers, it is probably more cost effective to give under-performing cells to a charity then selling them to a scrap dealer. They will get a tax write-off, and good press. The Tesla rejects would have a different form factor, but more power.