Manual lanterns: characteristics, varieties and batteries

The need for a portable light source can arise at the most unexpected moment. In such a case it is important to have at hand a reliable and efficient flashlight that will provide visibility in the dark for a certain period of time. There are different designs for such devices, including both universal and specialized ones. In recent years, lighting technology has progressed significantly, so the manual lights have new options. In addition, manufacturers are introducing in the design of more advanced light sources and batteries, which also improves the performance characteristics of this product.

Main characteristics of hand lamps

The operating parameters of the lanterns are usually expressed by the operational parameters of the luminous flux. In particular, the radiation power, which is designated by lumens (Lm), is extracted. The entry level models, as a rule, provide the beam power potential in the range from 3 to 5 Lm, and a powerful hand flashlight for special tasks can have indicators from 100 to 150 Lm. The next important characteristic is the voltage that ensures the operation of the light source. This value is determined by the battery and varies on average from 1.5 to 4 watts.

In addition to the characteristics of the light flux, it is also necessary to take into account the design data. Depending on the purpose of the lamp can have a special protection from moisture and high temperatures. You should also pay attention to the mass, which usually varies within the limits of 300-400 g. However, manual lanterns for professional tasks can have more massive designs weighing up to 1 kg.

Kinds of light sources for lanterns

The oldest source for lamps of this type is an incandescent lamp. Today, such models have almost dropped out of the manufacturers' lines due to low efficiency and low working life. They were replaced by halogen analogues, characterized by a longer service life and a bright glow. The most valuable product of this kind in terms of performance parameters is a hand-held LED flashlight, which has a wide range of advantages. First of all, it is longevity, expressed in tens of thousands of hours of luminescence. The advantages of the light flux of such models are also noted - for example, they have the highest color rendering index. But there are drawbacks in LEDs. This is a high cost, which, however, is compensated by the reliability and durability of the flashlight to mechanical influences.

Optical Systems

From how the optics is realized, the concentration of the light flux depends. It is worth noting that cheap models do not have such systems at all, since their light source is merely reclaimed into the niche of the case. More advanced devices are equipped with mirror reflectors, which orient the radiation in one direction. Also, such modifications may be provided with focusing lenses. The modern market offers models with two types of reflectors - textured and smooth. If you need a bright hand-held flashlight with uniform dispersion, you should refer to models with reflectors of the first type. The second option is preferable if you need a long range of light. True, a high beam concentration increases the requirements for centering in the reflector.

Housing versions

In the traditional design, the lamp body has the following elements - the base, the head and the shank. Elements of food are the basis, which also acts as a link between the optics and the shank. In the head part is directly a source of luminescence, optical elements, and in some models and a driver. By the way, this is the most critical part, especially if the control elements are concentrated in it. The shank is responsible for the ergonomics of the structure. Most often, manual lights are controlled using buttons located on this site. Here, the fixation elements of the device can be provided. In choosing a model for the body, it is important to take into account the materials of manufacture and the level of protection from moisture. The simplest devices are usually made of plastic, and professional and some amateur modifications can provide for the design and availability of high-strength steel with titanium.

Modes of operation

In most devices, such additions are completely absent. Special operating modes are often implemented in special and professional models. Strobe and SOS signals are common. In the first case, the flashlight automatically blinks at a certain frequency, and the second provides a light signal on the Morse code. In addition, a manual professional torch can also have an instantaneous function. This means that the user can activate the device with minimal impact on the start button. There may be other ways of switching on the light, for example, by turning the head.

Elements of a food

The most effective and productive to date is a flashlight with a built-in battery. Typically, such devices are charged from the network, without parsing the structure. The most common nickel-metal hydride elements are presented in different sizes. They can be replaced at the end of their service life, but so that the new component corresponds to the former in terms of capacity. Most often, the handheld flashlight is supplied with an electronic filling in the form of the aforementioned driver. This addition allows to stabilize the light flux, changing also its brightness. Still in demand and models on batteries. This is an entry-level flashlight, which usually has a power of 1.5-3 watts. Such elements are presented in different sizes - from low-power disk batteries to so-called finger components of the AAA format.

Conclusion

Despite the modest size, modern flashlights can have a rather complex device. This is evidenced by the introduction of high-tech electronic fillings and reflectors, as well as the use of wear-resistant materials in the design. In addition, hand lanterns can be supplied with additional accessories. Already in the standard configuration, many manufacturers provide for several light filters and diffusers for the diffusion of light. Expanding functionality is facilitated by the development of optics with the possibility of adjusting the luminous flux. These and other characteristics make the flashlight a truly useful, reliable and multifunctional device.