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Thursday, January 13, 2011

Product review: Coleman Rechargeable LED Lantern

Coleman LED Rechargeable LanternI've purchased several different rechargeable and dynamo powered LED lanterns. From cheap junk to overly-expensive specialty items. This Coleman hits a sweet spot for price and performance.

Pros:
- Nice and Bright
- 12v rechargable cable (which makes recharging from my Brunton 26W solar panel nice!)
- Light at max intensity actualy lasts a bit longer than the spec says it will. Surprising as this is the FIRST LED lantern that I've owned that actually came anywhere near the spec on the box. VERY PLEASED!

Cons:
- A diffuser might have been a good option (Don't look into the light!)

2 comments:

  1. I have lantern like this but not rechargeable. I also have a small portable solar battery charger. In one day of sun I can charge these batteries and they will light the lantern for over 100 hours.
    A cheap solution is buy a garden walklight powered by a tiny solar cell. Put it outside during the day and bring it in at night for a light source. Add a simple on/off switch for the light to prolong the life of the battery.

    Another trick is buy 2-4 of these garden walklights and put in a better quality rechargable battery in them. Put them in the sun during the day and in the evening take the battery out. The better quality batteries will take about three sunny days to fully charge but once charged they will run LED lights and other low power electronics for many hours.

    Don't throw away those cheap rechargeable batteries. They work they just won't last as long. Use them for less essential equipment or even backup purposes.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I have lantern like this but not rechargeable. I also have a small portable solar battery charger. In one day of sun I can charge these batteries and they will light the lantern for over 100 hours.
    A cheap solution is buy a garden walklight powered by a tiny solar cell. Put it outside during the day and bring it in at night for a light source. Add a simple on/off switch for the light to prolong the life of the battery.

    Another trick is buy 2-4 of these garden walklights and put in a better quality rechargable battery in them. Put them in the sun during the day and in the evening take the battery out. The better quality batteries will take about three sunny days to fully charge but once charged they will run LED lights and other low power electronics for many hours.

    Don't throw away those cheap rechargeable batteries. They work they just won't last as long. Use them for less essential equipment or even backup purposes.

    ReplyDelete