Got batteries, want light

[CamiKaze]

I bought a couple of these recently - now that we're being shedded overnight - and they seem to work pretty well.

https://www.builders.co.za/Lighting...able-LED-Lantern---Black/p/000000000000573936

I have one of these. It's perfect.

 

[TheChamp]

Excellent, have a position open in my garden.

Thanks but I am not greedy, will leave that for my Zimbabwean brothers.

 

[sandwitch]

For anyone who has the Magneto light, have you tried charging your phone on it? When I plug my phone into the Magneto it shows it's charging but the phone battery drains faster than normal instead.

 

[Willie Trombone]

A friend of mine resorts to candles every time eskom fukks us.


I have a pair of 12v 35AH batteries with their charger etc (a self contained unit)
What kind of lighting can be connected to these batteries without the high amp rating setting fire to the neighborhood ?

I'd go with 12v, 7w or 9w bulbs - that way you can put them into any fitting that supports edison or bayonet bulbs:

Search results for: '12v bulb'

South Africa's leading Eco Store for a real Green World since 2002! Promoting sustainable living through the provision of eco-friendly goods, information, and services.

www.sustainable.co.za

9w at 12v = 0.75a
With 35AH at your disposal, you can run 46 of those for an hour on paper, but obviously you want to run for longer.
How does 12 bright 9w LED bulbs for up to 3.5 hours sound? Even longer if you have fewer bulbs.
You could even run an independent circuit that is powered from the batteries during load shedding and from Eskom normally (from a 12v power supply) with a simple switch to flip from one to the other - have the batteries on a trickle charger while Eskom is available.

 

[Herr der Verboten]

I'll have to try and remember to check back in a few months.

and?

 

[Herr der Verboten]

Try to change the battery on the Ultratec without cracking a clip of the clear cover...

The Magneto is much easier to replace the battery. Anyway, I use the Ultratecs inside the house, on the 4 LED flashlight mode. The Magnetos I hang up outside the house strategically, on full brightness for a normal loadshed. Haven't had more issues with the Magnetos than the Ultratecs.

Which batteries did you fit?

These seems to be close

Takealot

Edit
I see you used

BATT 6V4,5 FBT

6V 4.5AH Lead-Acid Rechargeable Battery • L=70 W=47 H=100mm

www.communica.co.za

 

[bwana]

and?

One has taken a bit of a beating but the other three are still in service.

 

[Herr der Verboten]

One has taken a bit of a beating but the other three are still in service.

Was curious as two of mine are not so bright anymore and hopefully new batteries will fix it. Otherwise, I'm going ultratech...

 

[supersunbird]

Which batteries did you fit?

These seems to be close

Takealot

Edit
I see you used

BATT 6V4,5 FBT

6V 4.5AH Lead-Acid Rechargeable Battery • L=70 W=47 H=100mm

www.communica.co.za

I see there are now Lithium Iron Phosphate 6V batteries in that size now, but hella expensive but would have a very long lifetime.

 

[bwana]

Was curious as two of mine are not so bright anymore and hopefully new batteries will fix it. Otherwise, I'm going ultratech...

I've upgraded. I'm not sure how the missus sleeps through all the noise it made but she's been out like a light since Thursday's loadshedding.

 

[RonSwanson]

I don't understand why you have to make something up in these cases? It's not safe. Buy a regular flashlight, a powerful flashlight, and don't create problems for yourself.

Any good recommendations for "regular flashlights"?
Any caveats regarding "creating problems for yourself"?

 

[JSparrow]

Any good recommendations for "regular flashlights"?
Any caveats regarding "creating problems for yourself"?

Necro since I am sitting in the dark. Verpoeste Eskom!

Any of the recognized brands. O-Light, Fenix, Nitecore, Klarus etc. The type of flashlight will depend on your requirements.

Go for rechargeable lights. Mine has a 18650 battery. It does not lose charge when not in use.
Minimum 1000 lumens. Most lights can be adjusted to produce less lumens for indoor use.

Some snaps taken just now. Fenix PD35. 1000 Lumens

 

[Willie Trombone]

Necro since I am sitting in the dark. Verpoeste Eskom!

Any of the recognized brands. O-Light, Fenix, Nitecore, Klarus etc. The type of flashlight will depend on your requirements.

Go for rechargeable lights. Mine has a 18650 battery. It does not lose charge when not in use.
Minimum 1000 lumens. Most lights can be adjusted to produce less lumens for indoor use.

Some snaps taken just now. Fenix PD35. 1000 Lumens
View attachment 1233286 View attachment 1233288 View attachment 1233290 View attachment 1233292 View attachment 1233296

I've always wanted to build one of these

 

[Willie Trombone]

Check these out...

Amazon.com

 

[JSparrow]

Only $670.

No problem. LOL

 

[qscwbt]

You can get these globes that has built in battery. why not get a few of these

 

[Mr M]

Also 2nd the Magneto LED Lanterns.
Battery started losing charge after 2 years. Easily replaced the battery and it's back to normal.
At the price of these lanterns, it can't be beat for functionality and longevity.

 

[grok]

I have one of these, also from Cape union, lasted less than a year now its like the leds are in ultra-low mode permanently. Rather get the one from Builders it at least works when you need it to.

Ps. And it's cheaper than the ultratech crap.

Quoting myself to say I eventually opened that emergency light & replaced the battery, still working fine to this day.

 

[Willie Trombone]

Going to ask for one of these for my birthday

Takealot

25000 Lumen, 513m Throw​

Pretty good value!