Ends at 7PM PDT. Tanga has the 27 LED Work Light Hook Flashlight for $4 + $2 shipping = $6 shipped. Features a built-in magnet, 27 LED and 3 LED light modes, and requires 3 AAA batteries (included).
I wish almost nothing used AAA cells, except for my single cell keychain LED flashlight.
When they use 3 x AAA they direct drive the LEDs. How fast the battery drains depends entirely on how much current flows through the LEDs. Higher current through the LEDs means more light.
You don't want enough current through them to cause damage (about 20mA is a typical tradeoff without good heatsinking from a larger, more expensive PCB) which would be 0.020A * 27 LEDs = 0.54A... off AAA cells with ~ 1000mAH that's a nominal 1.85 hour runtime (actually longer but only because as voltage drops it gets dimmer and dimmer using less current, and with 3 NiMH cells you're already down to ~ 2.7V by the time you're at the typical 1000mAH capacity point which is too low for even 50% light output from most 5mm/100mW white LEDs).
I'm suggesting that since AA cells tend to come in 2 or 4 packs, not 3, and there is minimal cost difference between decent AA and AAA cells, plus their cost to manufacture one as 4 x AA instead of 3 x AAA would probably be under 20 cents, it would cost the owner very little and still not be especially large to get triple the lumen hours. Isn't only having to recharge the batteries or buy new ones 1/3rd as often worth more than a few dimes added cost?
There is no reason a 4 x AA flashlight would drain any faster when not in use if using the same direct drive circuit (only adding a 3 cent current limiting resistor so the LEDs don't fry since it starts at a higher voltage).
What flashlights are you referring to? Any decent flashlight draws 0 mA when turned off at the switch or head. I have to wonder if you are only referring to the self-discharge characteristics of non-LSD NiMH cells, which would discharge at an equal rate in a 3 x AAA light.
There is no reason a 4 x AA flashlight would drain any faster when not in use if using the same direct drive circuit (only adding a 3 cent current limiting resistor so the LEDs don't fry since it starts at a higher voltage).
What flashlights are you referring to? Any decent flashlight draws 0 mA when turned off at the switch or head. I have to wonder if you are only referring to the self-discharge characteristics of non-LSD NiMH cells, which would discharge at an equal rate in a 3 x AAA light.
This is not the complex discussion you think it is. I'm just talking about two comparatively priced flashlights here which are typically sold side by-side. It has nothing to do with battery size rather it is just poor construction on the part of the other model which obviously has a power draw when not in use. All I'm saying is this model is better than the 4AA flashlight that sells for the same price.
^ What I meant was, I wish they made THIS particular light the same except using 4 x AA instead of 3 x AAA. Granted, when using the encapsulated LEDs with their integral lens on each, you can fairly easily and cheaply make your own since you don't really need to bother with a lens or reflector... but it takes time to do it when something ready made like this is only a few bucks.
Bought a couple of these at HF, Very usefull.. 6 dollars shiped is not bad at all..
http://www.harborfreight.com/27-led-portable-worklight-flashlight-67227.html
Harbor has these for $2.50 with coupon. Only problem is you usually spend more money by going there.
And theyre only $15 on the MAC tool truck...
Shame it takes 3 AAA instead of 4 AA, would've ran 3x as long and size isn't much of a factor on something like this.
But...these do NOT eat batteries like the cheap flashlights do. They're great, and my stores sells out quickly.
^ Is that good or bad?
I wish almost nothing used AAA cells, except for my single cell keychain LED flashlight.
When they use 3 x AAA they direct drive the LEDs. How fast the battery drains depends entirely on how much current flows through the LEDs. Higher current through the LEDs means more light.
You don't want enough current through them to cause damage (about 20mA is a typical tradeoff without good heatsinking from a larger, more expensive PCB) which would be 0.020A * 27 LEDs = 0.54A... off AAA cells with ~ 1000mAH that's a nominal 1.85 hour runtime (actually longer but only because as voltage drops it gets dimmer and dimmer using less current, and with 3 NiMH cells you're already down to ~ 2.7V by the time you're at the typical 1000mAH capacity point which is too low for even 50% light output from most 5mm/100mW white LEDs).
I'm suggesting that since AA cells tend to come in 2 or 4 packs, not 3, and there is minimal cost difference between decent AA and AAA cells, plus their cost to manufacture one as 4 x AA instead of 3 x AAA would probably be under 20 cents, it would cost the owner very little and still not be especially large to get triple the lumen hours. Isn't only having to recharge the batteries or buy new ones 1/3rd as often worth more than a few dimes added cost?
The flashlights with 4 AA's drain quickly even when not in use. I'm still on my first set of AAA's after a year with this.
^ huh?
There is no reason a 4 x AA flashlight would drain any faster when not in use if using the same direct drive circuit (only adding a 3 cent current limiting resistor so the LEDs don't fry since it starts at a higher voltage).
What flashlights are you referring to? Any decent flashlight draws 0 mA when turned off at the switch or head. I have to wonder if you are only referring to the self-discharge characteristics of non-LSD NiMH cells, which would discharge at an equal rate in a 3 x AAA light.
There is no reason a 4 x AA flashlight would drain any faster when not in use if using the same direct drive circuit (only adding a 3 cent current limiting resistor so the LEDs don't fry since it starts at a higher voltage).
What flashlights are you referring to? Any decent flashlight draws 0 mA when turned off at the switch or head. I have to wonder if you are only referring to the self-discharge characteristics of non-LSD NiMH cells, which would discharge at an equal rate in a 3 x AAA light.
This is not the complex discussion you think it is. I'm just talking about two comparatively priced flashlights here which are typically sold side by-side. It has nothing to do with battery size rather it is just poor construction on the part of the other model which obviously has a power draw when not in use. All I'm saying is this model is better than the 4AA flashlight that sells for the same price.
Cheers.
^ What I meant was, I wish they made THIS particular light the same except using 4 x AA instead of 3 x AAA. Granted, when using the encapsulated LEDs with their integral lens on each, you can fairly easily and cheaply make your own since you don't really need to bother with a lens or reflector... but it takes time to do it when something ready made like this is only a few bucks.