Solar powerd torch

I'm considering buying a solar powerd torch. At $40 NZ it probably isn't anymore economical than a battery torch, also the rechargeables will eventually wear out? Any thoughts? John

On Sun, 8 Jan 2006 08:15:54 +1300, "John H" wrote:

I'm considering buying a solar powerd torch. At $40 NZ it probably isn't anymore economical than a battery torch, also the rechargeables will eventually wear out?

I vote get a good flashlight and a set of NiMH batteries with a solar charger.

Buy a Silva Solar I AA battery charger which charges 4 AA NIMH cells at a time, and use them in a AA powered 3W Luxeon LED torch from eBay. This will give a decent light output, and rechargability and will be impressive. Solar torches, of which I have bought all current models are cr*p since the panel's are all way too small, thet use standard bulbs and look cheap, and perform badly. Don't be tempted.!!
And befor anyone say I was, no I wasn't, I receive these things all the time as free samples since I design torch and solar products...
"John H" wrote in message

I'm considering buying a solar powerd torch. At $40 NZ it probably isn't anymore economical than a battery torch, also the rechargeables will eventually wear out? Any thoughts? John

Buy a Silva Solar I AA battery charger which charges 4 AA NIMH cells at a time, and use them in a AA powered 3W Luxeon LED torch from eBay. This will give a decent light output, and rechargability and will be impressive. Solar torches, of which I have bought all current models are cr*p since the panel's are all way too small, thet use standard bulbs and look cheap, and perform badly. Don't be tempted.!!
And befor anyone say I was, no I wasn't, I receive these things all the time as free samples since I design torch and solar products...
"John H" wrote in message

I'm considering buying a solar powerd torch. At $40 NZ it probably isn't anymore economical than a battery torch, also the rechargeables will eventually wear out? Any thoughts? John

Howdy down there! In some english-speaking parts of the planet, a "torch" is a device that generates very hot gas by combustion. Like, for brazing, cutting, welding.
Maybe you mean (more globally) a flashlight? Very different critter.
TTFN, J

There are a lot of Emglish words that we use that don't make sense. In Canadian English "torch" is not used in the flashlight sense and makes absolutely no sense other than it replaced a burning rag on the end of a stick for light.
Perhaps "electric torch"?
wrote in message

Howdy down there! In some english-speaking parts of the planet, a "torch" is a device that generates very hot gas by combustion. Like, for brazing, cutting, welding.
Maybe you mean (more globally) a flashlight? Very different critter.
TTFN, J

In article , barry@sme-online.com says...

Howdy down there! In some english-speaking parts of the planet, a "torch" is a device that generates very hot gas by combustion. Like, for brazing, cutting, welding.
Maybe you mean (more globally) a flashlight? Very different critter.

And, in many English-speaking parts of the planet, including, for example, England (and other areas using British English), a "torch" is commonly known to be a hand-held, battery-powered, light-shining device.
What, "torch" means in your. "some English-speaking parts of the planet," has zero relation to what it commonly means in other (probably majority-population) areas.
If I were to refer to a "torch," everyone in the vicinity, and probably MOST world-wide English-speakers would think of the same device that I have mentioned.
-- Get Credit Where Credit Is Due http://www.cardreport.com/ Credit Tools, Reference, and Forum

JeB wrote:

On Sun, 8 Jan 2006 08:15:54 +1300, "John H" <89s@yahoo.com.au wrote:
I'm considering buying a solar powerd torch. At $40 NZ it probably isn't anymore economical than a battery torch, also the rechargeables will eventually wear out?
I vote get a good flashlight and a set of NiMH batteries with a solar charger.

I agree. I had one which was solar and wind up which cost about 20 ukp. It was rubbish and the construction quality was bad too. You can get wind up LED torches which do seem to be quite good though. My parents use this one
http://tinyurl.com/7j5wk
-- Malc

Antipodean Bucket Farmer wrote:

In article 1136925533.324895.241890@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com , barry@sme-online.com says...
Howdy down there! In some english-speaking parts of the planet, a "torch" is a device that generates very hot gas by combustion. Like, for brazing, cutting, welding.
Maybe you mean (more globally) a flashlight? Very different critter.

And, in many English-speaking parts of the planet, including, for example, England (and other areas using British English), a "torch" is commonly known to be a hand-held, battery-powered, light-shining device.
What, "torch" means in your. "some English-speaking parts of the planet," has zero relation to what it commonly means in other (probably majority-population) areas.
If I were to refer to a "torch," everyone in the vicinity, and probably MOST world-wide English-speakers would think of the same device that I have mentioned.

I disagree. To most folks in the America's a torch is something used for welding. If I want a flashlight, I'd better ask for a flashlight. You can't assume someone from one side of the globe uses the same words as someone from the other. In Canada, don't ask for a napkin at dinner.
-- Steve Spence Dir., Green Trust, http://www.green-trust.org Contributing Editor, http://www.off-grid.net http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

malc wrote:

JeB wrote:
On Sun, 8 Jan 2006 08:15:54 +1300, "John H" <89s@yahoo.com.au wrote:
I'm considering buying a solar powerd torch. At $40 NZ it probably isn't anymore economical than a battery torch, also the rechargeables will eventually wear out?
I vote get a good flashlight and a set of NiMH batteries with a solar charger.
I agree. I had one which was solar and wind up which cost about 20 ukp. It was rubbish and the construction quality was bad too. You can get wind up LED torches which do seem to be quite good though. My parents use this one
http://tinyurl.com/7j5wk

You can also get the shake and glow LED lights with a moving magnet in a coil.
-- Steve Spence Dir., Green Trust, http://www.green-trust.org Contributing Editor, http://www.off-grid.net http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

Steve Spence wrote:

I disagree. To most folks in the America's a torch is something used for welding.

No, no ,no, a torch is something the villagers use when they storm the mad scientist's castle.
On The Other Tentacle, when someone asks for a solar powered torch, common sense (*) would tend to assume they are looking for a solar charged battery powered lighting device.
And yeah, pick a good flashlight first, and then figure out if/how you are going to power it and if/how you are going to charge the batteries.

William P.N. Smith wrote:

Steve Spence wrote:
I disagree. To most folks in the America's a torch is something used for welding.
No, no ,no, a torch is something the villagers use when they storm the mad scientist's castle.

Yes, I've collected a few they have left behind.

On The Other Tentacle, when someone asks for a solar powered torch, common sense (*) would tend to assume they are looking for a solar charged battery powered lighting device.

yep, I'll agree with that. My point was towards the other fella who felt that if it was knowledgeable in the UK, the rest of us are dolts for not understanding it.

And yeah, pick a good flashlight first, and then figure out if/how you are going to power it and if/how you are going to charge the batteries.

I have a large maglight with rechargeable NiMH, and a shake-to-charge LED light. I'm relighting the mag with a superbright LED.
-- Steve Spence Dir., Green Trust, http://www.green-trust.org Contributing Editor, http://www.off-grid.net http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

But you have to turn all the lights out to tell if they are on. 30mW light bulbs are for somebody else...not me. The moon is brighter, much brighter.
"Steve Spence" wrote in message

You can also get the shake and glow LED lights with a moving magnet in a coil.
-- Steve Spence Dir., Green Trust, http://www.green-trust.org Contributing Editor, http://www.off-grid.net http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

What? "Napkin" what is wrong with a "napkin"? LOL
In the US don't ask for tea. They bring you you iced tea without lemon or sugar in it. Tea is made with luke warm water from the tap. No wonder the Injuns dumped all the tea in the harbour.
Here's one for you. A nippy nappie.
"Steve Spence" wrote in message

Antipodean Bucket Farmer wrote: In article
1136925533.324895.241890@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com , barry@sme-online.com says...
Howdy down there! In some english-speaking parts of the planet, a "torch" is a device that generates very hot gas by combustion. Like, for brazing, cutting, welding.
Maybe you mean (more globally) a flashlight? Very different critter.

And, in many English-speaking parts of the planet, including, for example, England (and other areas using British English), a "torch" is commonly known to be a hand-held, battery-powered, light-shining device.
What, "torch" means in your. "some English-speaking parts of the planet," has zero relation to what it commonly means in other (probably majority-population) areas.
If I were to refer to a "torch," everyone in the vicinity, and probably MOST world-wide English-speakers would think of the same device that I have mentioned.

I disagree. To most folks in the America's a torch is something used for welding. If I want a flashlight, I'd better ask for a flashlight. You can't assume someone from one side of the globe uses the same words as someone from the other. In Canada, don't ask for a napkin at dinner.
-- Steve Spence Dir., Green Trust, http://www.green-trust.org Contributing Editor, http://www.off-grid.net http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

Wanna talk silly? Look at the common name here. "Flashlight" When the hell does this light ever flash? Who would want it to flash?
"Portable Lantern" is a misnomer as "portable" is usually defined as something you can "port" to another location and use so that leaves us with "mobile light"
Politically correct for Mail Man? Person person?
"Steve Spence" wrote in message

William P.N. Smith wrote: Steve Spence wrote:
I disagree. To most folks in the America's a torch is something used for welding.
No, no ,no, a torch is something the villagers use when they storm the mad scientist's castle.
Yes, I've collected a few they have left behind.
On The Other Tentacle, when someone asks for a solar powered torch, common sense (*) would tend to assume they are looking for a solar charged battery powered lighting device.
yep, I'll agree with that. My point was towards the other fella who felt that if it was knowledgeable in the UK, the rest of us are dolts for not understanding it.
And yeah, pick a good flashlight first, and then figure out if/how you are going to power it and if/how you are going to charge the batteries.
I have a large maglight with rechargeable NiMH, and a shake-to-charge LED light. I'm relighting the mag with a superbright LED.
-- Steve Spence Dir., Green Trust, http://www.green-trust.org Contributing Editor, http://www.off-grid.net http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html