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THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED
WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR ©
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It may appear that any flashlight will do; after all, each emits light and is powered from batteries. However, some lights may be suitable for the user and his purpose, but those same some may not be suitable for his surroundings. Both criteria must be considered. In addition, using a cell phone as a flashlight (even though some have them built in), is uncool and smacks of amateurism. Instead, consider buying one of the lights discussed below. |
Flashlights come in incandescent and LED types. (There are also fluorescent models, but these fall under the category of "Lantern" and will be considered separately at the end of this article.) The incandescent models are the traditional types and typically use PR- or 222-style lamps. In addition, krypton (KRIP-tawn} and quartz halogen (kortz HAY-loh-jenn) lamps have come into usage. The latter two produce a brighter beam with a higher colour temperature and have longer lives.
Single-LED flashlights can be bright and generally have good beam patterns. They draw far less current than other lamp types and so offer the longest battery life. They also do not suffer from filament-shock burnouts. These occur when an incandescent light that is on is dropped or rolls off a flightcase and forcibly hits the floor or other hard object. Because LEDs have no filaments, there is nothing to deform and break under mechanical shock conditions. This does not mean though, that the LED element cannot be damaged by a severe mechanical shock. So refrain from dropping these models, as well.
Disadvantages to the LED flashlight are that:
Don't select ones with multiple-LED sources for stage usage. They spill far too much light. A multiple-LED model can be used for other purposes though, and it can provide a brighter beam than even high-output single-element ones.
For the single-LED models, look for one with the LED source and reflector recessed into the body. This limits that annoying outer glow (side spill) around the main beam. The glow is the direct radiation from the LED. The beam is this plus the light gathered by the reflector and concentrated into a central circle.
Recently, some single-LED flashlights have been introduced that have the LED well inside the body and a lens near the front. These lights have excellent shielding, a very smooth, round beam with sharp edges, and virtually no spill. Try one of these to see if the brightness suits your backstage purposes.
A less-bright single LED light can be used for in-case purposes. That is, one can be kept in a toolbox or flightcase to be used when conditions are dark and one needs to look through a given case. I have one each of these less-bright models in my main toolbox and another in my Designer Kit.
There are LED flashlights out now which have switches for dual brightness levels, built-in laser pointers or automatic flashing circuitry. Some even have all three in one unit. Buy one of these if you have usage for those features, but I don't recommend such models for regular flashlight purposes. The reason is that one often has to push switches multiple times to get to just a regular light, or push multiple times to cycle past those features in order to turn the light off.
I actually have one of these multi-features models but it is kept in my Designer Kit and brought out only when I need one of those features. I do find a laser pointer handy when designating items from a distance to a co-worker or client.
Most road crew members will want something that can be easily suspended from a belt, worn in a holster, or held in a tool pouch or waist wallet. This generally means a light not larger than those powered by double D-cells down to a single A-cell penlight or LED model.
The body type should be aluminum or durable plastic and have flat sides or something to keep it from rolling when laid down. This is important if one has the light on a table or case and pointed at some task. It's also good to not have your light roll off on to the floor and into some inaccessible area, or be damaged from the fall.
Incandescent lamps for `AA'-batteried lights are typically rated around the 1-watt mark. LEDs can be .5 to 3 watts, as well as outside that range. For stage work not during a show, one can use pretty much any light one wants and at any wattage because brightness and spill are less objectionable, if at all.
While backstage or on, select the least brightness necessary to be able to do your work. I have found a middle amount that allows me to see well into just out-of-reach corners, but that is not blinding at close quarters. I like a PR-2 incandescent, or for a little more light, its krypton or quartz version. The PR-2 incandescent is rated at 1.2 watts.
Lately, I have bought a number of LED models to try out and have settled on a 3-watt unit. It is a bit too bright, but it does have a lower light output option. Otherwise, a 1-watt model will work for most general during-show uses. I'd like to see a manufacturer introduce a 2-watt model; I think this could be my light of choice if all other criteria were acceptable.
How brightly a flashlight shines will depend on lamp type, reflector size and shape, and upon the power source. The weakest are the 222-lamp, twin `AAA'-cell penlight and the low-output, single LED -- typically also using one or two `AAA' cells. These are fine for closeup work where a tight circle or oval are suitable. However, for longer distances or wider areas, these will probably not be bright enough; plus the LED model may spill too much, especially if the element sits proud of the flashlight body.
The brightest flashlights of this type use two `D' cells powering PR or high-output LED light sources. These are better for work requiring higher intensity or larger coverage, but must be kept far enough away from a stage and audience during a show to prevent spill on to the performance area and into the house, and so as not to spoil the "night" vision of workers back stage.
In-between models use two `AA' cells. Lights using these are very suitable as a general, personal, backstage light. As such, they are my favourites. They are come with PR or LED light sources and provide a tight pattern. (Again a reminder to be wary of the lack of shielding on LED models -- this can't be stressed enough.) Models using two `AA' cells are a good size compromise and suit well for wearing on a belt.
For stage work, the beam should be concise, generally round and free of shadows and bright spots. Wider patterns are acceptable for work farther from an audience or for vehicle repairs/inspections on the road. Colour should be white, although LED bluish-white is not rejected by some. Personally, I prefer good colour rendition when working but will use LED flashlights for less general purposes. As mentioned, LED colour rendition is improving and is approaching a better white all the time, so keep testing new models for suitability. (Because of this and other reasons, the LED flashlight has improved enough to become my light of choice.)
Your light should shine only upon your work. It should never spill into an audience or on to a stage, nor shine into anyone's eyes. This requires a concentrated light source and/or good shielding. Light sources well recessed into a reflector are a start, but the front edge of that reflector should have a shrouded rim to contain spill emanating from its sides. (It would be nice to see in the future a double `A', sealed-beam flashlight.)
Shrouding is most critical with 222 or LED sources, both of which cast a good beam, but can also radiate light to the sides too much. If you are considering a light which fits all the preferred criteria, but exhibits the spill problem, it can be modified using heat shrink. Select a tube matte black in colour and of a size that will fit over the barrel of the light. Slide it up to the front. Turn the light on in a dark room and shine it on to a flat, light-coloured wall. Move the shrink tubing forward and watch the wall. Slide until the main beam is encroached upon, then back it off a bit and observe the halo outside of the main beam. Adjust the tube to obtain the least halo but so as to still give a full, bright main beam. Now use a heat gun to shrink the tube in place over the barrel, leaving the extended part unshrunken.
The only issues are whether the tube will stick to the barrel and how far out it protrudes. You may find that a band of black electrical tape may be required to secure the heat shrink on to a slippery flashlight body. Excessive length of tubing beyond the front of the light can get deformed in use and spoil the beam shape and/or shielding of spill light. So adjust the shrink extension to the minimum required to shield the light being projected so as to show just its main beam. If it is too long after shrinking, one can always cut the tube shorter.
This is mostly a matter of preference. However, it is suggested that the push-button be considered for most purposes and that it be recessed and near the reflector. The reason for this position is that when the light is held comfortably, the thumb naturally goes to the top and front end of the cylinder that makes up the body of the flashlight.
I also suggest a unit with a button that pushes because it is more likely able to be manufactured as one of the make-before-lock types. This type of switch requires only a slight depression by the thumb to produce light, and then its release to stop it. However, when it is pushed farther, it locks the switch in the "on" position. Thus, one has the choice of momentary or continuous light. The circuit is *made* (light comes on) before the switch *locks*. `Momentary' is great when all that is needed is a quick flash of vision in a dark area. A make-before-lock switch eliminates the annoyance of double-clicking on, and immediately off in this situation.
Two other flashlight types use slide and toggle switches. The latter is usually only found on lantern types of flashlights and will be discussed in that section. Slide switches are found on smaller lights and are OK. However, they rarely come with make-before-lock switch mechanisms. Regardless, some techs prefer these. If you are one and don't care about momentary usage, then select a flashlight with a slide switch. Be sure though, that the slide is stiff enough not to come on inside a case during transit should it happen to rub against some other item in that case.
By the way, some slide switches can be coaxed to make contact before locking, but my experience shows these to have action that is not stiff enough. Thus, lights with these switches can come on during transit and burn out the batteries. )-:
The twist type of switch is not favoured because one must focus the light and defocus it every time it is turned on and off. The nuisance of this becomes evident for those using their lights on a continual basis. It also requires two hands versus the one for a push button. Yes, I realise that the dexterous can twist their lights on with one hand, but it is awkward and wastes time for those instances where just that fast flash of light is required. Plus, the hassle of having to focus the beam every time places this type of light in the "undesirable" category.
Never buy flashlights with magnetic slide switches. The magnet can be handy to stick the light to a steel surface, but in a toolbox, it invariably attaches itself to something and gets switched on during transit. Some are even able to be switched on when magnetically attached to a surface in a vertical position. The weight of the light and its batteries are enough to cause this. Either result is weak or dead batteries at the next gig. In addition, a magnet that is strong enough to attach and hold the full weight of the light increases its heaviness which is not a wanted attribute on a toolbelt crowded with other items.
Another type to avoid is that which has the push button in the end. This is an awkward position, especially for one-handed usage, and it is worse when it's worn on a belt.
When carrying a flashlight with you, a belt clip is the better method as opposed to using either the lanyard or clip that some lights already have, or a holster. Make a belt clip from a snaplink and a keyring. A snaplink is like a chain link but with a spring-retained, thumb-operated mechanism that temporarily opens one side of the link so as to attach it to an eyelet or similar. A keyring is a round ring that is wound around beside itself twice into a coil and the ends are not attached to one another. One can pry it apart to slip a key on. Once the key is captive, the coils spring together again.
Use a small snaplink with a flat-bladed spring clip plus having an enclosed end ring. The end of the bladed clip will dig into a belt or pant waist, making slippage and loss less likely. Use the keyring to attach the light to the snaplink. To do so, remove the light's lanyard and then spiral a small keyring through the remaining hole and then through the snaplink's end ring. Orient these in such a way so that when the light hangs from the belt, its switch is out front and in a place where the thumb can comfortably rests on it. Rotating the light to find the switch every time is annoying. It should hang so that the hand falls naturally around the light with the thumb touching on the switch. You did buy a light with a thumb-operated switch positioned near the reflector, didn't you? (-:
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What supplies voltage for your flashlight makes a difference. Different batteries have advantages over others. Not all are replaceable, meaning the entire unit must be thrown out when the battery or lamp dies. Within the non-disposable-light group, some batteries have to be replaced, some can be recharged by a crank, while others must be taken out for charging, or the entire unit must be taken from service to be placed into a charger cradle. |
Let's get this out of the way first. Given that this planet's inhabitants really need to recycle things in the 21st century, I can't recommend any throw-away models. Recycling aside, these lights are simply not cost effective anyway; it is cheaper to keep a light and to recharge or replace batteries as they deplete. Please don't buy disposable flashlights.
For non-rechargeable power sources, I recommend replaceable alkaline or lithium (LITH-ee-um) cells. Both have an excellent shelf life, a gradual discharge curve, and they offer good cost effectiveness for use. Shelf life is important for flashlights stored in road cases. A light should come on at or near full intensity when its switch is activated, even if it's been stored for some time. In particular, Alkalines are excellent for this capability. General Purpose (carbon-zinc) batteries are not.
Alkalines discharge at a slow, even rate. When the light begins to dim, alkalines provide usable light for a while, although at a lower intensity. However, it's good enough to provide working light for a few moments (and usually through the remainder of the show) until it can be taken aside to change the batteries.
Even if you use rechargeable batteries, I recommend having at least a few flashlights with alkalines. Typical shelf life for the latter stored in a cool environment is five years!
Stay away from carbon-zinc cells. Often marketed as "Heavy Duty", they are very cheap and attractive. However, carbon-zincs have a short shelf life, don't perform well in hot conditions, and simply don't last long enough in usage.
As mentioned, there are batteries that use another element: lithium. This can be found in some smaller flashlights meant to be throw-aways. They last a long time but are expensive. Given that many seem to be in non-replaceable flashlights, I have issues with tossing out an entire light just because the batteries have died. Thus, I have never tested their cost effectiveness in these types of lights. As well, the styles, beam patterns and switch locations have failed to impress me. If someone has found an acceptable one, I am open to changing my mind: aiel@chebucto.biz, Subject: Flashlights.
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Update!
In several of my gig flashlights I have been testing lithium `AA' cells
since shortly after they came out a few years ago. So far the results are
promising even though lithium `AA's retail for four to five times more than
equivalent Alkalines, and more than eight times my quantity price. |
Replaceable lithium cells are expensive but don't require one to toss out an entire light when they die. These lithium cells are supposed to have about double the shelf life of alkalines, so they are best used for devices that are in storage between gigs. They also allow longer current draw which means that they are replaced less often. The manufacturer is advertising up to eight times longer life. You will have to juggle their cost effectiveness over the service life as dictated by your work to see if the higher price is justified. Consider though, that if one couples an LED flashlight with lithium cells, the usable life can be extraordinary. (So far, this has been my experience.)
Rechargeables are very convenient in that one need not remember to run to your local supplier to get a cache of batteries before a series of shows or a tour. They are also cost effective, even given the higher initial price of the cells and their charger.
The disadvantage is that rechargeables used for flashlights in storage don't generally hold a full charge for more than a month, or even just a few weeks. That means one must remember to charge batteries before any show occurring more than a few weeks after the previous. A discharged light is not a situation you need to encounter when you require a portable light source after considerable time between shows.
Another disadvantage is that as rechargeables begin to die, at some point they suddenly dip and then fail quickly. This discharge curve is unacceptable when using a flashlight in the middle of a repair or other critical situation during a show.
Then there is the issue of the charger type. One should have a charger that shuts off once the battery has arrived at full voltage. If it keeps "topping off" the batteries, this can lead to decreased service life. Otherwise, one must monitor the charge and remove batteries when they are full. This is a nuisance one should not have to endure during the flurry of activity that is associated with most shows in this business.
Even considering the disadvantages, I should point out though, that rechargeable battery technology has improved greatly in recent years. I have not tried newer models but have been given favourable reports. Try them out; they should:
- Be replaceable cells -- not entire lights.
- Last for a day without needing replacement or a recharge.
- Recharge quickly.
- Handle many discharge/charge cycles.
- Be cost effective.
In addition, a type of rechargeable flashlight on the market is the wind-up. If the light dies, one can extend a crank, turn it for a while, and bring the light back to higher brilliance. I don't like these for tech work because I am unwilling, and sometimes unable, to pause for a wind-up session. You will have to determine if this type of power source is for you. When considering, be sure to include the preceding criteria regarding the type of light, its switch, and the replaceability of the cells if choosing a wind-up.
Yet another rechargeable type requires that the entire unit be placed into a charger unit. This might be a hinderance if you have no other flashlights available. It is better if you can replace batteries and momentarily be back at work as opposed to waiting for your light to recharge, or having to carry a stock of extra lights. Most of this type require a dedicated charger instead of a more universal charger meant for standard AA, AAA, C and D cells. They can not usually recharge more than one or two flashlights at a time, so one may require two or more chargers. Having to have an extra charger will also be a deterrent for some.
As mentioned earlier, there are also the lantern and fluorescent type of portable lights. These are less suitable for backstage tech work during a show, although they are useful for repairs because of their increased light levels and long battery life.
The lantern type usually uses a 6-volt power source, has a large reflector, plus a toggle, push-button, or slide switch. There is also the type that disperses light in an omni-directional pattern. As just mentioned, all these are better used for purposes other than during a show because they are typically too bright (some even have sealed-beam, PAR 36 lamps!), and are fairly large and heavy. They are well suited for vehicle repairs at night on the road, though. A big advantage is very long battery life; even carbon-zinc lantern batteries can give a reasonable life due to their size. There are now LED lantern lights which give good, although bluish, light, weigh less, and provide excellent battery life.
The same goes for the fluorescent models. These are usually available from stores selling camping supplies, and often incorporate emergency flashers and reflector spotlights. They are good for back-stage repairs where wide-angle dispersal of light and the increased size and weight are not issues. However, they are not suitable near an audience or performance area where spill would be a problem. As with the lantern types, outside of a venue, fluorescent lights can easily handle the largest of tasks where a portable, general light source is needed.
A proper flashlight aids a tech in his or her work but does
not hinder, annoy or interfere with co-workers and their tasks.
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