The need for a portable light source may arise at the most unexpected moment. In such a case, it is important to have a reliable and effective flashlight at hand, which will provide visibility in the dark for a certain period of time. There are various designs of such devices, among which are universal and specialized. Recently, lighting technology has made significant headway, so hand lanterns have acquired new options. In addition, manufacturers are introducing increasingly advanced light sources and batteries into their designs, which also improves the performance of this product.
Key Features
The operating parameters of the lamps are usually expressed by the operational indicators of the luminous flux. In particular, they emit radiation power, which is indicated by lumens (Lm). Entry-level models, as a rule, provide the power potential of the beam in the range from 3 to 5 Lm, and a powerful hand lamp for special tasks can have indicators from 100 to 150 Lm. Another important characteristic is the voltage, which 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 luminous flux, structural data should also be taken into account. Depending on the purpose, the flashlight may have special protection against moisture and high temperatures. You should also pay attention to the mass, which usually varies between 300-400 g. True, hand lanterns for professional tasks can have more massive structures weighing up to 1 kg.
Types of light sources for lamps
The oldest source for this type of flashlight is an incandescent lamp. Today, such models have virtually dropped out of the manufacturers' lines due to their low efficiency and low working life. They were replaced by halogen analogues, which have a longer service life and a bright glow. The most valuable product of this kind in terms of operational parameters is a manual LED flashlight, which has a wide range of advantages. First of all, it is durability, expressed in tens of thousands of hours of glow. The advantages of the luminous flux of such models are also noted - for example, they have the highest color rendering index. But there are also disadvantages to LEDs. This is a high cost, which, however, is offset by the reliability and resistance of the lamp to mechanical stress.
Optical systems
On how the optics are implemented, 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 simply recessed into a housing niche. More advanced devices are equipped with mirror reflectors that orient radiation in one direction. Also, such modifications can be equipped with focusing lenses. The modern market offers models with two types of reflectors - textured and smooth. If you need a bright manual flashlight with uniform dispersion, then you should refer to models with reflectors of the first type. The second option is preferable if you need a large range of light supply. True, a high beam concentration increases the alignment requirements in the reflector.
Enclosures
In the traditional design, the lamp housing has the following elements - the base, head and shank. Batteries are the basis, which also acts as a link between the optics and the shank. In the head part there is directly a light source, optical elements, and in some models a driver. By the way, this is the most crucial part, especially if the controls are concentrated in it. The shank is responsible for the ergonomics of the structure. Most often, hand lanterns are controlled using buttons located on this site. It may also be provided and the elements of the fixing device. When choosing a model for the case, it is important to consider the materials of manufacture and the level of protection against moisture. The simplest devices are usually made of plastic, and professional and some amateur modifications may include the construction of high-strength steel with titanium.
Operating modes
In most devices, such add-ons are completely absent. Special operating modes are more often implemented in special and professional models. More common are the strobe functions and the SOS signal. In the first case, the flashlight automatically flashes at a certain frequency, and in the second, a light signal is provided in Morse code. In addition, a professional manual flashlight may also have an instant on function. This means that the user will be able to activate the device with minimal impact on the start button. There may be other ways to turn on the light - for example, by turning the head.
Batteries
The most effective and productive to date is a flashlight with a built-in battery. Typically, such devices are charged from the network, indiscriminately. The most common nickel-metal hydride elements are presented in different sizes. They can be replaced at the end of their service life, but in such a way that the new component matches the previous power. Most often, a hand-held flashlight is equipped with an electronic filling in the form of the aforementioned driver. This addition allows you to stabilize the light flux, changing its brightness as well. Battery-powered models are still in demand. These are entry-level flashlights, which usually have a power of 1.5-3 watts. Such elements are presented in different sizes - from low-power disk batteries to the so-called finger-type components of the AAA format.
Conclusion
Despite the modest dimensions, modern flashlights can have a rather complicated device. This is evidenced by the introduction of high-tech electronic filling and reflectors, as well as the use of wear-resistant materials in the structure. In addition, hand lanterns can be equipped with additional accessories. Already as standard, many manufacturers include several light filters and diffusers to diffuse light. The expansion of functionality is also facilitated by the development of optics with the ability to adjust the luminous flux. These and other features make the flashlight a truly useful, reliable, and multi-functional device.