Got batteries, want light

sandwitch

Senior Member
Joined
May 20, 2018
Messages
564
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

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Joined
Jul 18, 2008
Messages
60,038
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:
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.
 
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Herr der Verboten

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Joined
Feb 14, 2012
Messages
22,535
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

Edit
I see you used
 

RonSwanson

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Joined
May 21, 2018
Messages
15,327
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

Expert Member
Joined
Jan 16, 2018
Messages
1,948
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
20220126_204020.jpg 20220126_204041.jpg 20220126_204106.jpg 20220126_204124.jpg 20220126_210126.jpg
 

Willie Trombone

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Joined
Jul 18, 2008
Messages
60,038
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
 

qscwbt

Expert Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2014
Messages
2,704
566x566


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

Mr M

Well-Known Member
Joined
May 15, 2007
Messages
292
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

Honorary Master
Joined
Dec 20, 2007
Messages
28,673
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.
 
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