Hello all
Received this in the mail today.
https://www.fasttech.com/product/1885603
It works pretty well for what I need - emergency power outage lighting.
The light comes with a DC charging port, but no information related to how this works.
There is a photo at
https://img.fasttechcdn.com/188/1885603/1885603-6.jpg
Is this something I just need to experiment with to see how this works?
I was thinking of trying to solar charge the light through this port…
Perhaps that’s not practical?
Joe
IMO, recharge your cells outside of the light with a known properly working charger and avoid potentially hazardous issues.
Obviously FlashPilot is correct about charging, but I think your idea sounds pretty cool.
I would experiment using NiMH and then the risk is relatively low. I like the idea of being able to recharge during the day and then able to have light at night. During an extensive power outage you could have almost indefinite light.
If you try it let us know how it works.
I definitely wouldn't trust it to charge an 18650 in that lantern. Stick to a known charger.
On most of the lights I have seen the DC port was directly connected to the battery.
You can check this out if you open it up or measure for continuity.
Thanks for you replies, and the useful information.
This light also comes with the 3xAAA battery holder, so perhaps NiMH AAA in the holder would be a safe way to experiment with solar charging the light directly.
In the Rechargeable Battery forum I asked what would be the best way to solar charge an 18650 battery, and I received a few replies so far.
“Premium Solar Charger setup: Big #*s solar panel 50W+, Morningstar Sunsaver lead acid battery charger, 12V sealed lead acid battery, Li-ion battery charger with 12V input. Charge 18650 batteries morning, noon, or night.
Budget Solar Setup: Not so big solar panel of 5-10W (foldable?) and with USB output connection. USB single 18650 charger like the Miller series. Charge while the sun is up.
Nerd Solar Setup: Solar Mini-panel 1W, and diode connect to 18650 battery pack, and keep track of voltage with a microcontroller circuit. Wait three days or more for a not quite full charge (CV only) A Solar Rechargeable FlashLite - Done! (2014 BLF Handmade Contest)
I have three of these and they work quite well for an indefinite light source for camping or extended power outages. I modified them with warmer white LEDs:
I saw that yesterday, and thought... 500 lumens from 3*AAA batteries hmmm, I wouldn't think so. Even if true, it must draw about 2 amps. How long would it run at that output? 20 minutes? It looks like it has a pretty ugly blue tint too.
OK... so that's what I thought from the specs... how do you like it? Does it have decent enough run-time for a camping lantern?
The value of the light far surpasses its $8 price. It ran on high for three hours using a “standard” Soshine 18650 battery. Amazingly I haven’t tested it using the 3xAAA battery pack.
I would characterize its light as “daylight” — that harsh and artificial LED white light. Not bluish.
Before I order more, my next phase of emergency light gadget testing will consist of pairing this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KGGBQEW/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?\_encoding=UTF8&colid=2Z8IFD7D3LVOB&coliid=I3VFEONKE8X616
Thanks Night Breaker. I guess it's not really 500 lumens eh?
50,000 mAh for $25 ? LOL... that's believable :rolleyes:
They note: Attention: the capacity calculation method is using the power divide the power, not current divide current
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I don't know what kind of math that is, but it doesn't work for me.
Don’t know about the lumens. It lights up a room. I do have a light meter. I need to start using it, LOL.
Thanks for the heads up on the mAh calculation. I’m a noob, so I naively rely on manufacturers’ claims.
I’m looking for solutions that can serve as emergency lights, leading to off-grid (solar-powered) light sources.
Hi You might want to check this out you dont need solar energy on this one you just need salt and water 
Improved model?
5V step down to 4.2V 400mA.