A short while back, user Klaheta posted here introducing the Mr. Beams Wireless LED lights: https://budgetlightforum.com/t/-/9814
I was intrigued by the MrBeams product offerings, and discussed this with Klaheta further. Klaheta agreed to send me one of the Ceiling Lights at no cost to myself. I received the light promptly and have been using it in different capacities for a couple of weeks now, and am posting my review here. I am not affiliated with MrBeams in any way; I was simply interested in the MrBeams product line as a potential customer.
MrBeams is a manufacturer of battery-operated, motion-activated, LED lights than can be mounted anywhere. They have an assortment of models available via their website: http://www.mrbeams.com.
I was most interested in their Anywhere Ceiling Light as it seemed most appropriate for my interests. I wanted to mount this light in the shower to supplement the lighting; this unit is battery operated with a warm/neutral-white emitter, and is weatherproof, per the specifications on the MrBeams site. The lights are equipped with a motion detector to activate the light, and a light sensor to prevent activation during daylight in an attempt to conserve battery life.
The light is the same size and looks very much like a Smoke Detector. You have a bubble containing the light sensor and motion sensor to one side of a central reflector/optic for the single LED emitter. Per the MrBeams specs, the emitter is a Nichia in either a warm or neutral tint, and rated at 100 lumens. The light has a mounting plate that can be attached to the desired location with wood screws. The actual light module attaches to this via clips (once again, very much like a smoke detector). A separate plate on the back of the light attaches securely with a silicon o-ring gasket seal that would appear to be effective at keeping moisture out of the light, and that cover is retained by single screw to lock it in place. I haven't subjected this light to the Foy-Approved Shower Test, as it is obviously not sealed sufficiently for complete immersion, but it should be sufficient to keep water out under normal conditions.
This light uses 4x C-sized cells connected in series. I checked the current through this light and found that with fresh, new, Alkaline cells, this light drew a parasitic 60mA while in standby, and 370mA with the emitter activated.
The optic gives the light a very defined and even flood at approximately a 75-degree angle. I based this number on the main pool of light having a diameter of 11' when the light was mounted 7' above the ground. This pool has well defined edges with no spill beyond that. <edited to add> I used my admittedly cheap and reported to be inaccurate light meter to check the actual brightness and noted ~42lux @ 1m. This measurement was confirmed via several follow-up checks to verify the results could be reproduced.
This picture was taken with the white balance and shutter speed set to approximate the true brightness and tint that I observed.
I compared the light to my Sipik SK68 running from a single alkaline aa cell and the Sipik was notably brighter, although it did have a more narrow (and less usable) beam angle.
Overall impressions:
I like the design of the light, and it is the only motion-activated LED light of the type that I have seen available. The size and design does allow it to be mounted anywhere, and once it is mounted you won't have to touch it until time to change the batteries. The MrBeams specifications indicate that a set of C-cells should allow over 3,200 activations. One issue I noted with mine is that the motion sensor appears to be entirely TOO SENSITIVE and it comes on at times when there is no activity or motion that should turn the light on. I was able to observe the light activating with no motion noted outside my bedroom window while I had it mounted on my back porch.
The light would work very well as a doorway/threshold light as the light works very well for helping find the correct key, unlocking the doorway, and general illumination. The motion sensor works very well in this application, coming on immediately as you approach, and remaining illuminated until you are through bringing in groceries or whatever else you are doing.
My intended application, of mounting in a shower, was not as successful. The ambient light in the bathroom made the motion sensor unreliable as it is controlled by a light sensor. This is easily enough circumvented, but I found that the MrBeams light did not make the improvement I had hoped for. At a rated 100 lumens, this light isn't suitable for areas where a bright light is desired.
Ultimately, I found that this light is not suited for my particular application. It is hampered by the low brightness of the chosen emitter, and the narrow beam angle of the optic used. I can't help but think that this light would benefit from a slightly brighter emitter that isdriven a little harder. I realize that doing so would decrease the battery life, but the current brightness is a let-down. If you had a small location that could benefit from a motion-activated light source, where a large amount of light was not needed, and permanent wiring is not available, this would work very well. I think this would be a good light for a pantry, closet, or dark doorway. I have used older showers that would benefit VERY well from a light like this. It would also be very nice for illuminating the interior of a small storage shed without power for illumination.
I feel that this light would be particularly poorly suited as a security light. The narrow beam angle makes it difficult to use a security/porch light for entering your house, as possible intruders could be waiting a few feet away and you would never see them.
MrBeams is currently offering the light for $29.99, with a 20%-off and free shipping offer, making the light $24 delivered. Again, I am not affiliated with MrBeams, and will receive NOTHING if you purchase from them. If you have an application where a light of this sort my be helpful, you may be interested in purchasing from them. For small or enclosed locations, where light is needed but not available, this may fill your need. I will continue using this light in different applications with the help of a few family members and will update this thread with their opinions when done.
<edited to include lux meter reading above>
