Re: [Paddlewise] Night Light ???

I read Mark Sanders' remarks on using Eveready but I'm not sure I'd go that
way. At least, I didn't go that way. My signaling flashlight runs on AA
batteries, has 5 LEDs, is waterproof (with O-rings in aluminum), has a
lanyard (which is kinda wimpy) and cost about $14 at WalMart.

Rechargeable (nickel-cadmium, at least) batteries are 1.2v and not 1.5v so
for two of them the voltage is 0.6volts less than two regular alkaline
batteries. This can affect brightness and with LED lights they may simply
refuse to light at all. LED flashlights do not deplete batteries like
incandescent bulbs do so they last a long time. Alkaline batteries have a
longer shelf life (that is, a life while they are not being used) than
rechargeable batteries.

While an incandescent bulb just gets dimmer as the voltage in the batteries
decreases an LED will not; instead it simply reaches a point where it goes
out. It will then restart when the batteries "bounce back" but goes out
quickly again. This can make you think you have a bad connection.

There is a sports warehouse store in Kennewick, WA that carries the largest
selection of LED flashlights I've ever seen and several of them in the $80
class look perfect for use as a kayak signal light. If I paddled more where
there was significant boat traffic I would definitely take a look at these
despite the high price.

And, finally, bear in mind that a boat that can see you can hit you. There
are some boaters out there that will actually aim for a light thinking that
it's someplace they want to go. These are the same people who would aim for
a lighthouse (which would be built on... um... rocks) but what can I say? If
you must use a light to show a nimrod where you are then move it in
different arcs; up and down, around in a circle, and sideways. There are few
shore-based lights that go around in a circle.

I carry another LED flashlight with a red lens fixed in place with silicone
that I use to read the GPS, charts, maps, check the channel on the VHF, and
make funny faces to amuse my wife. My theory is that the LEDs use up less
valuable battery power than the GPS or VHF would using a backlight.

I do not recommend having a fixed light on a kayak unless it's required by
law.

Craig Jungers
Royal City, WA



On 6/27/07, Mark Arnold <mjamja_at_earthlink.net> wrote:
>
> I would like to get a waterproof flashlight for use as a signaling light
> when night paddling.   In looking at a few lights I see ratings on watts,
> lumens, and candlepower.   What is the minimum intensity in any or all of
> the preceding rating units that I should consider for a "white signaling"
> light.
>
> I would prefer something smaller than a regular flashlight which has LED
> bulbs and uses AA batteries.  However, getting something bright enough to
> really help avoid a collision is the most important factor.   Any
> recommendations would be appreciated.
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