Testing Runtime - automated

LED Flashlights – General Info
1

There must be some way to test runtime accurately w/o having to remain in sight of the light so that you can note when it shuts off.

The first thing that comes to mind is to get a USB meter, or any meter that logs really...but I don't have those, yet...

I suppose I could rework the trick I picked up for testing battery capacity before I had a discharger - put a clock in the circuit w/ an additional load - but since my only analog clock uses 1AA cell it is a little more complicated to test a light than it was to test a cell (and even then, obviously, the data is only useful when compared w/ tests done w/ the same system)

So, any other 'lower tech' tricks for this?

2

you could rig a photocell like those found in a cheap nightlight (the kind that turn on when the lights go out) and set it up so that when the light goes out, it starts your clock.

Just spitballing.

3

that's a BRILLIANT idea. in fact, I already have photo sensitive screw ins for light bulb sockets, and screw in light bulb sockets that have an AC outlet in them. put the two together and plug a clock in...

probably take me two hours to find them and 5 minutes to set it up lol

thanks

4

lol, no problem, please post some pics of the setup and stuff=)

5

found both sockets, can't find an AC clock!

6

well, at least you can pick one up cheap somewhere.

7

I just thought of the idea that if you happen to have a timer for electrical stuff like this lying around...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0006JLS42/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000E3BUCK&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1DZXZZ17H1GN084HAH7V

You could set the timer at 1:00 then plug it into the photocell switch.

That way when the flashlight stops burning , the timer will activate.

so if you found the timer at 4:00 then you would know that the flashlight went out three hours ago.....etc...etc

It's not precise but it could give you some quick and dirty runtime figures.

Just a thought.

8

clock plugged into light sensitive bulb socket

record time of day, turn light on, clock turns off and resets - when the light shuts off clock starts...so when you get around to checking on it you can tell what time it quit...

9

Thanks, nice thread, nice tricks!!

i will deliver tail cap measurements for my reviewed torches. actual runtime measurements are exacter, though.

10

thanks

I actually forgot I set this up in an extra room and you asking why not do it in the other thread reminded me lol

it gave very different results than my estimates from measurements!