4D 20-LED LANTERN


4D 20-LED Lantern, retail $37.50 (www.amondotech.com...)
Manufactured by (Unknown, possibly Nuwai)
Last updated 07-30-05




The 20 LED Variable Output Lantern (CK-220) is a cute and loveable little 4xD cell lantern that uses LEDs to produce its light instead of a fragile mantle and very volatile "white gas" in the base. And unlike those gas lanterns, you don't need to pump it to pressurise the tank before you can use the lantern - just twist the knob and away you go.

It has a fold-down handle on top, and comes with a nifty folding "S" hook so you can hang the lantern from nails, tree branches, tent ceilings, or any other handy location.

One of the good things about this lantern is that the intensity is continuously variable, using the knob on the lantern's "tank". The intensity is adjustable from a soft glow to a surprisingly bright light.


SIZE



To use this lantern, feed it 4 D cells first (see directly below), and then you can go camping.

Turn the knob on the lantern's base clockwise (as if tightening it) until it clicks. The LEDs will come on at their lowest intensity. Continue turning the knob clockwise to brighten them. The knob will continue to turn unil it is at approximately the 8:00 position, then it will stop. The LEDs will be at their brightest setting at this point.

Turn the knob counterclockwise (as if loosening it) to dim the LEDs; continue turning counterclockwise until it clicks to turn the lantern completely off.

The lantern comes with a folding "S" hook, which you may unfold, hook into the lantern's handle, and hang the lantern from nails, tree branches, tent ceilings, or other handy locations.



To change the batteries, unscrew and remove the base of the lantern, and set it aside.

Remove the battery carriage, and remove and dispose of or recycle the used D cells from it.

Install four new D cells in this carriage, orienting each cell so its flat end (-) negative faces the spring for it in each chamber.

Insert the now-full carriage back into the bottom of the lantern, orienting it so the two larger metal pieces on one end go in first, and if necessary, turn the carriage so the flat spot on that end fits into the flat spot inside the lantern for it. The battery carriage will drop slightly and then not turn or spin when you have it in correctly.

Screw the bottom firmly back on, and be done with it.

It indicates on the package that the lantern has a runtime of 22 hours in its brightest setting.



This lantern appears at least reasonably durable, and ordinary flashlight accidents (like knocks, bumps, short-distance falls, etc.) should not do it in. No guarantees here, but I think you'll be alright. Because of its all-plasic construction, "The Smack Test" really isn't appropriate here.

The lantern should offer some light splash-resistance, and some light rain resistance too. But I don't believe it's totally weatherproof, waterproof, or submersible. So please try to keep it away from creeks, rivers, ponds, lakes, oceansides, docks, puddles of albino rat pee, snowbanks, mud puddles, tubs, toilets, sinks, fishtanks, pet water dishes, or other places where water or water-like liquids might be found. If it does become flooded, remove the battery door and the globe (both parts unscrew), remove the battery carriage and the batteries themselves, and set the parts in a warm, dry place for a few days just to be certain the lantern is completely dry when you reassemble it. If it fell in seawater or if something peed on it, douche the pieces off in fresh water before setting them out to dry.

The LEDs are advertised to be "Japan made", so there are very likely Nichia brand LEDs in there. In my opinion, Nichia LEDs are essentially the best that money can buy, so color rendition, intensity, and overall device lifetime should be above average.

The dimming function appears to be accomplished by way of PWM (pulse width modulation), in which the LEDs are strobed or pulsed more rapidly than the eye can normally detect, rather than anologue like a potentiometer by itself might provide. So current-based discoloration of the light output should not occur until the batteries are very, very low; and are seriously due to be changed.

The lantern's light is also continuously variable, meaning the brightness does not increase or decrease in visible steps.



Photograph of the lantern, illuminated.



Photograph of a bathtub with the lantern in there and set to high.



TEST NOTES:
Test unit of this lantern and 17 other products were sent by A.L. of Amondotech and were received late in the morning of 07-11-05.

Product was made in China. A product's country of origin really does matter to some people, which is why I published it on this web page.


UPDATE: 00-00-00



PROS:



CONS:



    MANUFACTURER: Unknown - possibly Nuwai
    PRODUCT TYPE: LED camping lantern
    LAMP TYPE: 5mm white Nichia LED
    No. OF LAMPS: 20
    BEAM TYPE: 360° light dispersal
    SWITCH TYPE: Twist knob on lantern's base
    BEZEL: Plastic; LEDs and diffuser protected by plastic cylinder
    BATTERY: 4xD cells
    CURRENT CONSUMPTION: Unknown/unable to measure
    WATER RESISTANT: Splash-resistant at minimum
    SUBMERSIBLE: No
    ACCESSORIES: Hanging hook
    WARRANTY: Unknown/not stated

    PRODUCT RATING:

    Star Rating





4D LED Lantern * www.amondotech.com...






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