EDC LED flashlight fail- input, please?

[KnightoftheRoc]

So, I work night security, unarmed. I used to carry a 3D MagLite, but it was eating batteries like they were candy, and my job doesn't pay for my batteries. So, I found an LED flashlight (2AA) that could clip in a pocket, was plenty bright enough, and had castellations at both ends, so it could be used as a kubaton if needed. I've had it about a year, and up till last night, was pretty happy with it.

We're experiencing some electrical problems at the job, and the bathroom closest to the office is without power (currently ). Needing to do a little sit-and-think, I figured, no problem, I've got my trusty flashlight! I laid it down, lit, on the vanity edge, facing the opposite wall, and the reflected light was plenty. All of a sudden, it starts going into disco mode, flashing rather rapidly, and then after about ten seconds of attempting to induce a seizure in me, it flat out quit. It worked fine for about five minutes prior to this happening, good, steady light, on fresh batteries.

Messing with it later, I managed to get it to light again, but it very quickly goes back to the strobing. I'm thinking it might have overheated a driver circuit- everything else looks fine, as near as I can see with the naked eye. Contacts are all clean, no corrosion, and as I said, fresh batteries. I cannot open either the LED mounting in the front, nor the switch housing in the back.

Anyone ever run across something like this? I've been wanting to get a Surefire, but the money was holding me back, especially considering I had a good, working EDC light already. So, I guess I'll be upgrading after all (TY tax refund!), but I'm worried that if it can happen with this light, can it happen to others, and if so, how common is this? I've had other LED lights, mostly dollar store junk, but never run into this issue before.

[Dr Jekell]

Sounds like a connection problem.

In the head & tail cap you should see a ring with 2 indentations in it.

Using a pair of needle nose pliers, try & tighten them up.

[KnightoftheRoc]

Sounds like a connection problem.

In the head & tail cap you should see a ring with 2 indentations in it.

Using a pair of needle nose pliers, try & tighten them up.

Negative, Ghostrider- that was one of the first things I looked for, being used to Maglites.
Both head and tail caps' contents seem to be pressed in, only evident threading is where the body tube connects to the two end caps. I'll post pics asap, maybe someone will recognize it- the label wore off ages ago, so I have no idea who makes it, or even a model name/number.

[Dr Jekell]

Not like maglights, more like this:

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/8769/img6926w.jpg

[Murph]

Not all LED lights are made the same. I suspect it is time to let this one go and replace it. Fenix has some good AA offerings.

[Boris]

Buy a nice, quality light and set your mind at ease. If battery cost is a concern, look into getting one that will accept RCR123s or an 18650. I haven't bought batteries for a long time now, and I recharge my lights about every couple of months or so.

My camping setup is a Jetbeam RRT-0 and Zebralight H31. Both use RCR123s, are small, and incredibly bright. Another plus of the RRT-0 is it can use both CR123s, and AAs with the extender. Also, SureFire E-Series filters will fit it perfectly. I've found the red and blue ones on clearence for around $5-$6.

[MadMonkey]

I have a 4Sevens Quark123 that uses a single CR123 battery. I've had it for about a year and a half and am about to put in my fifth battery... it works great.

[squinty]

I've had good luck with iTP flashlights. The 2 AA eluma should fill the same niche as your malfing 2 AA unit.

http://www.amazon.com/iTP-SA2-Eluma-Fla ... B0068UY6T2

[Woods Walker]

Did you give the contacts a cleaning with alcohol etc? I had good luck with Fenix, Surefire, 4Sevens, iTP and Mag. The new LED Mags aren’t all that bad and can often be purchased on sale.

[bladeright]

http://www.coastportland.com/a15-led-flashlight.htm


i got this fllashilght for my bday right at a yr ago. takes 3 aaa batteries and uses 1 led flashlight. i have yet to change the batteries. i use it for lots of things, my 3yr gets a hold of it and uses it for a good while. this flashlight is super powerful for the size, i can see across my 3 acre yrd and at least see eyes/shiney/glossy things. and is as small as 2/3 of my fingers.

i also got this cause its supposed to be unbreakable/lifetime guarantee

[Wolfmanjack]

Stay away from the AA two cell mag lights. They do the same thing. We are all having issues with them at work (building engineer) It seems the only thing that helps is to change the position of the batteries. They also do this bright then dim thing that really sucks to. I'm thinking mag light has turned to shit. My old non led ones are still kicking as surplus at home. Reminds me I need to check the batteries.

One thing to try would be to tape the batteries together maybe there is too much spring pressure making the batteries push to an angle inside the flashlight housing.

[sarky]

I've got an INOVA T-2 (120 lumens) and a T-3 (150 Lumens). the T-2 take 2 CR 123 batt. and the T-3 takes 3 of them. I have have no problems with them in the 8 years that i've had them. They are less expensive than the Surefire and are well built.

[Knuckles 63090]

I had a LED flashlight that was pricey and it did the same thing. I was able to replace it. I was talking to a friend who builds electronics and he was telling me that LED's as well as the circuits inside fail. I did not know that LED's could fail. When they do fail its not like an incandescent light bulb. LED's have roughly 1488 hours of lifetime.

[Dr Jekell]

I did not know that LED's could fail.

Most of the time they "fail" by mfg supplying over spec voltage & current, causing the LED to burnout through excess power & heat.

When they do fail its not like an incandescent light bulb.

Most of the time you will notice that it is dimmer than when it was new or brown spots on the LED causing holes in the lights beam.

LED's have roughly 1488 hours of lifetime.

Only if it is being over driven.

A LED being driven at spec power ratings with adequate heat-sinking will get a great many (35,000+) hours of lifetime before expiring.

Some quality mfg will actually run an LED just bellow it's spec power ratings to extend the life & reduce the heat produced.

[Cazo]

It has 6 days of run time and is fully waterproof to 100 meters!

This is a flashlight I think everyone should own, though it may not be perfect for your primary.

I bought my orginal one over 12 years ago and it is still going strong. I carry it in my daypack/car. It has been scuba diving with me dozens of times. I have never had the batteries actualy run out. I just change them once a year so the batteries don't leak.
Pros:
150 Hours of run time (Dude thats over 6 freakin days)
Fully Water proof
Compact
Great for 99% of what you need a flash light for
only $20
Cons:
Its not a tactical light with an ultra bright beam

http://princetontec.com/?q=attitude

[coldshot]

If you want bullet-proof top quality American made goods, check out Malkoff Devices. You can go from the 265 lumen MD2 up to 900 lumens. I have the MD2 and the Wildcat. I run the Wildcat on 2 rechargeable 18650s. Perfect for your type of job....long run time and minimal expense. Some of the Chinese made lights are OK, some are junk. Malkoffs are made here and there customer service is top notch.

[jt526]

Fenix LD20, love that light, AA, from 9 lumens to abou 180ish. Mines been solid for 2? years. Bought another one just last week to keep in the car.

[Kiwi Bowhunter]

I've got an LD10 and an LD20. Both badass lights! I found the LD20 to hard to EDC as it was long and wouldn't fit any of my normal pockets, so it's in the BOB with a Fenix headband, and then I bought the LD10 for EDC!
Great lights, good value too!

Cheers,
Sean.

[liberty45]

What is the difference between a Q5 and R5 LED?

[dca2]

Q5=107 lumens
R5=137 lumens

http://flashlightwiki.com/Cree

[run faster]

Ill probably get crap for this

but I really like my craftsman light. Its like a mini mag size and takes AAs. They come in different colors and are like 20 bucks. I got mine for 3 bucks so that makes it even better lol, the output isnt crazy high but is more than enough for me, and Ive beat it up as I carry it in the shop (gets muddy, greasy, dropped on concrete) still works great. Its a twist turn on but you can press down and it will turn on til you release it which I find very handy. Kmart and Sears carries them, in red, gunmetal, blue, and a goldish

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/craftsm ... 13660.aspx

[KnightoftheRoc]

Ill probably get crap for this

but I really like my craftsman light. Its like a mini mag size and takes AAs. They come in different colors and are like 20 bucks. I got mine for 3 bucks so that makes it even better lol, the output isnt crazy high but is more than enough for me, and Ive beat it up as I carry it in the shop (gets muddy, greasy, dropped on concrete) still works great. Its a twist turn on but you can press down and it will turn on til you release it which I find very handy. Kmart and Sears carries them, in red, gunmetal, blue, and a goldish

http://www.autobodytoolmart.com/craftsm ... 13660.aspx

Hey, if you like it, and it works for you, what's to be hatin' on?