FLT-3001-1LW LUXEON LED
FLASHLEDŽ FLASHLIGHT

FLT-3001-1LW Luxeon LED FlashLEDŽ Flashlight, retail $39.95 (www.ledtronics.com...)
Manufactured by LEDTronics (www.ledtronics.com)
Last updated 02-18-07




This is the newest incarnation of the FlashLEDŽ, sold by LEDTronics. It comes in an almost all-aluminum body, has a 1.2 watt Luxeon LED to produce its light, and uses either three N cells or two AA cells in the barrel to power that LED.
Yes, it's "convertible", meaning you can use three N cells for higher brightness, or two AA cells for significantly longer battery life at what I estimate as a 74% reduction in brightness.


SIZE



The FlashLEDŽ came to me ready to use, with three N cells and the N cell adapter sleeve already installed.

To use the FlashLEDŽ, twist the tailcap clockwise (as if tightening it) until the light comes on, and turn it counterclockwise (as if loosening it) to turn the light back off. This is continuous mode.

For momentary or signalling mode, press and hold the black tailcap button to get light; release the button to not get light. Note: This mode only functions when the tailcap is unscrewed 3/4 of a turn or less from the "on" position.

To engage the LOTC (Lock Out TailCap) function of the FlashLEDŽ, turn the tailcap 1 turn counterclockwise from the fully tightened position. This will prevent the light from turning itself on when packed in a box, bag, car glovebox or trunk, etc.
To disengage the LOTC, turn the tailcap approximately 3/4 of a turn clockwise; your FlashLEDŽ will then operate normally.



The FlashLEDŽ can operate on three N cells or two AA cells. Changing them is just slightly different between the two cell types, so I'll explain them both seperately:


For the N cells: Unscrew and remove the tailcap, and set it aside. Tip the three used N cells out of the barrel and into your hand, and dispose of or recycle them as you see fit. Be sure the black plastic liner does not fall out of the barrel. If it does, put it back in, with the end containing the metal contact going in first.

Slip three new N cells into the barrel, button-end (+) positive first. Screw the tailcap back on, then unscrew it slightly (1/4 of a turn) when your FlashLEDŽ springs to life. The sleeve is there to prevent the N cells from rattling around inside the barrel, and ensures they fit the flashlight correctly. The FlashLEDŽ will not function on N cells without this sleeve, so please try not to lose, misplace, or break it.


For the AA cells: Unscrew and remove the tailcap, and set it aside. Tip the used batteries out of the barrel and into your hand if necessary, and dispose of or recycle them as you see fit. If necessary, tip the black plastic liner out of the barrel, and store it in a safe place.

Slip two new AA cells into the barrel, button-end (+) positive first. Screw the tailcap back on, then unscrew it slightly (1/4 of a turn) when your FlashLEDŽ springs to life.


Current usage measures 357mA on three alkaline N cells, and 67mA on two alkaline AA cells.
Both readings were taken on my DMM's 2A scale.




Photograph of the business-end of the FlashLEDŽ, showing the positive (magnifying) lens.

The FlashLEDŽ appears to be at very minimum reasonably durable. One of the first tests I did after measuring the light output was the smack test. I smacked it against a steel rod ten times (five on the tailcap, and five on the bezel), and caused very little physical damage to the flashlight (some very, very minor denting was found on the bezel), and the electrical & optical functionality of the FlashLEDŽ was not changed in the least.

I was able to scratch through the finish of the FlashLEDŽ with the blade of a Swiss army knife; showing that the finish is a type II anodizing.
Would I really try to cut up a brand spanken new flashlight?
You bet your sweet patootie I would, if it's in the name of science.
The body is made from CNC machined aluminum, so even if the finish does become scratched, the rest of the flashlight will not become damaged.

The FlashLEDŽ is weather-resistant, but it is not waterproof or submersible. When I removed the tailcap, relieved the flashlight of its batteries and N cell adapter sleeve, and performed that dreadful suction test, leakage was found. I also suctioned the tailcap, and it leaked too. So while you shouldn't have any problems in rain or snow, please try to keep it away from streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, oceansides, puddles of giraffe pee, snowbanks, slush piles, pet water dishes, tubs, toilets, sinks, and other places where water or water-like liquids might be found.

If you know or suspect it got flooded, take it apart as you might for a battery change, and set the parts in a warm, dry place for a day or so. If it fell into seawater or if someone or something peed on it, douche the parts out with fresh water before setting them out to dry. You don't want your FlashLEDŽ to smell like seaweed or urine the next time you go to use it. Besides, salt (from seawater or potty) can't be very good for the inside.

The central portion of the beam is predominantly white, with some faint yellowish blotches or mottling in it when the flashlight was shined at a white wall. This anomaly is very slight, and is not visible when the flashlight is used normally.
Outside the hotspot, there is a distinct blue and yellow ring. This ring *is* visible when using the flashlight normally, but it really doesn't ruin anything. My opinion here; individual opinions may vary.

There is *some* side spill, but not a whole lot. If you need a flashlight with a LOT of side spill, you may want to choose something else. For most purposes though, I think you'll be alright with this FlashLEDŽ.

The barrel has a grippy, rubbery material covering the majority of it; a smaller band of this material encircles the bezel too. This material isn't just for looks, it helps to aid in retention (the ability to hold the flashlight with cold, oily, or wet hands) too. Do not attempt to cut this material off - you'll most likely be sorry if you do.



Beam photo at ~12".
Measures 229,000mcd (with three N cells) and 53,700mcd (with two AA cells).

Both measurements were taken on a Meterman LM631 light
meter, and alkaline cells were used for both tests.



Beam photo at ~5'.




Beam photo on a popcorn ceiling at ~4'.
Deliberately overexposed by 2 stops to show the outer spill light.


Spectrographic plot
Spectrometer plot of the LED in this flashlight.
Ocean Optics USB2000 Spectrometer on loan from WWW.TWO-CUBED.COM.


ProMetric analysis
Beam cross-sectional analysis.
Image (white LED) made using the ProMetric System by Radiant Imaging.






TEST NOTES:
Test unit was sent by my contact at LEDTronics via Express Mail on 08-13-04, and was received late on the morning of 08-14-04.


UPDATE: 00-00-00



PROS:



CONS:



    MANUFACTURER: LEDTronics
    PRODUCT TYPE: Small handheld flashlight
    LAMP TYPE: 1.2 watt white Luxeon LED
    No. OF LAMPS: 1
    BEAM TYPE: Wide spot; central hotspot surrounded by blue and yellow ring
    SWITCH TYPE: Press tailcap button momentary, twist tailcap continuous on/off
    BEZEL: Metal; LED and lens protected by thin plastic window
    BATTERY: 3xN cells or 2xAA cells
    CURRENT CONSUMPTION: 357mA (N cells) 67mA (AA cells)
    WATER RESISTANT: Light weather- and splash-resistance
    SUBMERSIBLE: No
    ACCESSORIES: Three N cells
    SIZE: 5.78" L 1.02" W
    WEIGHT: 3.0 oz. (N cells & sleeve) 2.7 oz (AA cells)
    WARRANTY: Limited lifetime

    PRODUCT RATING:

    Star Rating





FLT-3001-1LW Luxeon FlashLEDŽ LED Flashlight * www.ledtronics.com






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