3-LED LANTERN

3-LED Lantern, retail $12 (http://cgi.ebay.com...)
Manufactured by uknown, for Golden Gadgets (www.goldengadgets.com)
Last updated 04-28-04




The three LED lantern is...well...a lantern. :-)
It features three white LEDs at the bottom of a diffusing column, and is powered by four AA cells. It comes in a yellow plastic case, with a transparent globe or cylindrical window around the outside, and a milky translucent hood over the top of the unit.

Because the internal diffusing column has no top, you can use this lantern like a regular flashlight should the need arise.


SIZE



Remove the lantern from the box it comes in, feed it (see below), and then you'll be ready to roll.

To turn the lantern on, turn the rotary switch knob on the lantern's front to either side (left or right) about 1/8 of a turn so the black dot on it is aimed at one of the two "light bulb" legends.

To turn the lantern off, turn the rotary switch knob so the black dot on it is directly under the word "OFF" on the lantern's front.
This is an easy and intuitive switching mechanism, so it's kinda hard to screw it up.

The lantern is equipped with a handle so you can easily carry it around, or hang it from something. This handle folds down when not needed. It also comes with a removeable hook, with an open-end width of 3/4 of an inch, so you can attach it to the top of the handle and hang the lantern from any object or projection (tent ceiling, pipe, branch, etc.) that isn't more than 3/4 of an inch in diameter.



To change the batteries in the 3-LED lantern, unscrew and remove the bottom, and throw it away...O WAIT, YOU'LL NEED THAT!!! So just set it aside instead. ;-)

If necessary, remove the four used AA cells from the lantern's body, and dispose of or recycle them as you see fit. Install four new AA cells into the battery compartment, aligning each cell so its flat (-) negative side faces a spring in the chamber for it. When all four cells are in, screw the bottom of the lantern firmly back on, and be done with it. Aren't you glad you didn't get rid of that bottom piece now? ;-)

Advertised runtime is "up to" 40 hours.



This lantern appears at least reasonably durable, and ordinary flashlight accidents (like knocks, bumps, short-distance falls, etc.) should not do it in. No guarantees here, but I think you'll be alright.

The lantern should offer some light splash-resistance, and some light rain resistance too. But I don't believe it's totally weatherproof, waterproof, or submersible. So please try to keep it away from creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, oceansides, docks, puddles of horse pee, snowbanks, mud puddles, tubs, toilets, sinks, fishtanks, pet water dishes, or other places where water or water-like liquids might be found. If it does become flooded, remove the battery door and the globe (both parts unscrew), remove the batteries themselves, and set the parts in a warm, dry place for a few days just to be certain the lantern is completely dry when you reassemble it. If it fell in seawater or if something peed on it, douche the pieces off in fresh water before setting them out to dry.

One unique feature that sets this lantern apart from others is that you can use it like a flashlight if necessary. The top of the diffusing cylinder inside is open, and the globe at the top of the lantern is transparent, so all three LED beams can get out through the top of the lantern.

The handle at the top of the lantern is removeable if desired. Gently pull one side of the handle away from the lantern's body, until it is clear of the receptacle for it. The other side of the handle will slide out of its receptacle when you push the handle in that direction. Store the handle in a safe location until you're ready to use it again. To reattach the handle to the lantern, insert one end of it into the receptacle for it at the top of the lantern, gently pull the other side of the handle and move its end into the other receptacle, then relieve pressure on the handle. It should "spring" into place, and automatically seat itself into the receptacle.

One thing I noticed about the lantern was that the test sample has a finicky switch. Regardless of whether it's rotated left or right, the LEDs didn't always come on, and would flicker or go out if the lantern was used on its side as it might be used for flashlight purposes. And the lantern flickers when just carried around by its handle. I don't know if this will be a problem in the lantern you buy, but it was in the lantern I bought. Just so you know.
I checked the batteries and battery compartment, so I know that's not it.



Photograph showing the central column illuminated.



Photo of the lantern's beam (from out the top), when used as a flashlight.
Measures 25,100mcd on a Meterman LM631 light meter.




TEST NOTES:
Test unit was purchased on Ebay at this link, and was received on the morning of 04-28-04.


UPDATE: 00-00-00



PROS:



CONS:



    MANUFACTURER: Unknown
    PRODUCT TYPE: LED lantern
    LAMP TYPE: 5mm White LED
    No. OF LAMPS: 3
    BEAM TYPE: 360° diffused
    SWITCH TYPE: Rotary on/off on lantern's front
    BEZEL: Plastic diffuser cylinder in center; clear plastic "globe" outside that
    BATTERY: 4x AA cells
    CURRENT CONSUMPTION: Unknown/unable to measure
    WATER RESISTANT: Splash resistant at very minimum
    SUBMERSIBLE: No
    ACCESSORIES: Hanging hook
    WEIGHT: 6.4oz empty, 8.0oz fully loaded
    WARRANTY: Unknown/TBA

    PRODUCT RATING:

    Star Rating





3-LED Lantern * www.goldengadgets.com






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