Applied Innovative Technologies crank light

[NutSAK]

I don't typically like crank lights for any purpose because they're cheap and contain NiMH batteries that go bad in short order.  This new one from AIT is different though--like their well-known NightStar shake lights, it uses an ultra capacitor instead of batteries to hold the charge, so it theoretically it should last for many years.  It also has some neat options like separate flood and spot beams and a USB output to allow you to charge other electronic items.

Check it out:

http://www.appliedinnotech.com/products/crank-flashlights/lightstorm-cl1.php

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That actually seem's a well thought out product

[jzmtl]

If it's anything like their nightstar shake light it's a tank. Mine sits on the shelf and never got used, and the charge would hold for months without problem. It's the ultimate emergency light if a bit large.

[NutSAK]

That's why I'm considering this for the vehicles.  The original shake light is great, but 10"  is a bit too long for a glove box.

I could even use the USB output to charge Eneloops or Li-Ion batteries, but I doubt it would ever come to that.  I can also charge Eneloops or Li-Ions from a DC source (car battery) or solar.

[Magnus]

Ultracaps still have very low energy densities compared to li-ion batteries.

[NutSAK]

Ultracaps still have very low energy densities compared to li-ion batteries.

No doubt about that.  But, an ultra capacitor can be charged 100,000 times and has a decades-long shelf life.  Li-Ions have a shelf life of just a few years when stored at 100% capacity.  Total capacity of the cell will degrade to a very low level in about 3-4 years. 

This is not a day-to-day use flashlight, which Li-Ions are perfect for.  This is an emergency flashlight.

[space cowboy]

Looks like the 20 minute runtime is adequate to get you through a task. They do have a 7 inch shake light offered. Anyone know the runtime on the shake light?

[NutSAK]

If you click "more info" here you'll see the specs.

[space cowboy]

Can't access it due to an old browser. Please give us a review on the crank version when you get it. It does sound really good for emergency & no batteries to be found anywhere! I think you are located near the New Madrid Fault in Southern Missouri so, it might be handy to have this type of light. I am sure that the batteries were not available during Katrina & other Disasters.

[Swiss Man]

I have a similar crank light with the JEEP logo on it.  Comes with the cable and multi tips for charginf phones and such.

It stays in my BOB bag at work don't really know what the quality is bought it for a good price.

[NutSAK]

I think you are located near the New Madrid Fault in Southern Missouri so, it might be handy to have this type of light. I am sure that the batteries were not available during Katrina & other Disasters.

Yes, I live about 20 miles from the New Madrid fault, and work 10 miles from it.

[jzmtl]

Still, wouldn't a 123a light and some spares last you a long time and have a long shelf life too? I keep a P3D and 4 spare 123a in mine.

[NutSAK]

Still, wouldn't a 123a light and some spares last you a long time and have a long shelf life too? I keep a P3D and 4 spare 123a in mine.

Yes.

There is that possibility that your cache of CR123s could become non-renewable over the long run, however.

[NutSAK]

I have a similar crank light with the JEEP logo on it.  Comes with the cable and multi tips for charginf phones and such.

It stays in my BOB bag at work don't really know what the quality is bought it for a good price.

It appears to me that the Jeep one is a rebadged Lightstorm DL-1 which is similar to the crank light we're discussing and also made by AIT

[nuphoria]

I love the idea of all "free" power technology and this one seems to be a really good step in the right direction.

Being able to charge your gadgets off the thing is also really cool - certainly something I'd throw in the car or a BOB 

[jzmtl]

I love the idea of all "free" power technology and this one seems to be a really good step in the right direction.

Being able to charge your gadgets off the thing is also really cool - certainly something I'd throw in the car or a BOB 

Oh no, it's not free. Think about it, you have to crank it to produce power, and your body produce heat in the process which contribute to global warming. In order to produce the energy for your body you have to consume food, which methane is a byproduct that also contribute to global warming. Dino oil has to be burnt to bring the food to you, which produce greenhouse gas, and mroe greenhouse gas is produced when food is produced. 


 

[space cowboy]

I am waiting for the sacraficial lamb.. er.. I mean NutSak to give us a thumbs up..hehheh.

[NutSAK]

LOL.  Nice one jzmtl.

Don't wait too long for me SC.  This light looks nice, but it isn't on the short list.

Sorry! 

[space cowboy]

Wahhhh...Wahhh. You got to do it to enlighten us poor boogers! Its your Duty..hehheh.Just kidding you of coarse. We felt the quake a while back here in mid-mo it was kinda mild but, I thought a 300 pound guy broke in our home. Its got me thinking about a battery free light though.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Wahhhh...Wahhh. You got to do it to enlighten us poor boogers! Its your Duty..hehheh.

Man has a point Terry

[NutSAK]

OK, maybe...  If I ever reopen my sale thread and add the 15-20 lights I've been meaning to thin out of the herd, maybe then this one will inch closer to the top of the list...

[Benner]

Do it 

[Sazabi]

OK, maybe...  If I ever reopen my sale thread and add the 15-20 lights I've been meaning to thin out of the herd, maybe then this one will inch closer to the top of the list...

   Like what lights?  List'em.

[Neil]

OK, maybe...  If I ever reopen my sale thread and add the 15-20 lights I've been meaning to thin out of the herd, maybe then this one will inch closer to the top of the list...

I like you sale threads

  

[Raukodur]

anyone have any hands on experience of this?

Seems to have two functions I have been looking for in a light, a floodlight, lantern mode, and crank/dynamo powered so no worry of batteries and charging and light failing at its most needed moment.

[NutSAK]

Swiss Man has the DL1 model, rebranded with a "Jeep" logo.  You may want to inquire more from him.

[Styerman]

Thanks for the link , looks worthwhile .

Chris

[Raukodur]

any comparable high quality flashlights which dont need batteries which can compare to these?

[NutSAK]

I'm not aware of any others that use ultra capacitors like these.  The other crank/shake lights I'm aware of have rechargeable batteries in them that eventually die.

[Raukodur]

so tempted to buy this, quite reasonable price. But cant get it in the UK, would have to consider shipping costs from the US, hich kind of puts me off