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 Debunkers
 Welcome, Administrative: Suggestions & Complaints
 odd behavior of microlight
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| Author | Topic: odd behavior of microlight |
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setnahkt Member |
posted 12-30-2007 10:14 PM
  
I have one of these, and the *#&^% thing keeps turning on in my pants pocket. The switch requires a firm press to turn it on, but the thing goes on in my pocket with the slightest jostle. I first thought it was bouncing up against my keys (it's a keyring light, after all) but it does the same thing off the key ring. I've tried twisting it, shaking it, thumping it, and everything else outside my pocket, and it won't go on unless I press the switch - but in the pocket it not only goes on, it goes on in the "bright steady" mode, that drains the batteries quickly. I am mystified. Suggestions (other than throwing the thing away) would be appreciated. IP: Logged |
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LaneH Member |
posted 12-30-2007 10:22 PM
Beat it hard against a solid surface? Beyond that, not a clue. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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WattKid Member |
posted 12-30-2007 11:45 PM
quote: I used to set off my car security alarm by squatting down or crossing my legs while sitting inside my house. I could establish a clear cause and effect because I could hear when it happened. The keys on my key ring, my pocket knife, nail clippers, or comb would press the panic button on the little radio sender. 1. Carry the light in a pocket by itself. Or the penultimate solution: They make dandy shirt pocket lights nowadays. It would be a great accessory for your plastic pocket protector -- a fashion statement to affirm your geekiness. The ultimate solution: if you're totally comfortable displaying your geekiness I have a 5-LED model that I got from the cheap-Chinese-import bin at the hardware store. ($5.95) I use mine frequently, and yes, my wife does laugh at me. It works great. It's much more convenient than holding a Maglite in your mouth. IP: Logged |
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setnahkt Member |
posted 12-31-2007 12:43 AM
Answered my own question (with a little help from the web) - static. Apparently the electronics that do the multiple modes - high beam, low beam, flash, off - are so static sensitive that just putting the thing in your pocket generates enough static to set it off. I bet it was developed and tested in a humid climate. The solution is, of course, simple - I'll just wear clothes made out of aluminum foil. (Actually, could someone more electronically sophisticated suggest something simpler? I rather like the little thing and if I could fix this just by (for example) wrapping a little fine-gauge copper wire around it, I would be happy. Do you think that would work?) IP: Logged |
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WattKid Member |
posted 12-31-2007 08:31 AM
quote: It looks like you are goig to have to choose between your flashlight and your mink underwear. If you can dismantle it sufficiently, you might be able to provide Faraday shielding for the integrated circuit with something like a gum wrapper -- shiney side out, of course. IP: Logged |
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Eboy Member |
posted 12-31-2007 08:50 AM
Electronic ICs such as for PC memory upgrades are often packaged in anti-static foam/plastic envelopes. You could find one a little bigger than your light and keep the light inside while in your pocket. IP: Logged |
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dlittlew Member |
posted 12-31-2007 10:34 AM
quote: I resemble that remark! IP: Logged |
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WattKid Member |
posted 12-31-2007 11:21 AM
quote: You'd think that if Maglite were to do a little market research, they'd start selling a soft plastic mouthpiece to slip on the tail end of the flashlight. IP: Logged |
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SPQR Moderator |
posted 12-31-2007 11:40 AM
quote: All they have to do is check the shelves, there is a company that does sell such an accessory to fit the Mini-Maglite. IP: Logged |
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WattKid Member |
posted 12-31-2007 01:21 PM
quote: I've never seen it around here. I know lots of guys who hold their Maglite in their teeth. I used to until I got the light to clip on my cap. Nite IZE needs to do a better job of marketing. IP: Logged |
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setnahkt Member |
posted 12-31-2007 01:25 PM
Via email (I admit I was surprised to have an answer this morning to an email snet last night) the company has admitted the problem, says it's fixed, and offered me a "free" replacement if I send them the old one. I suppose I'll go that way. IP: Logged |
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SPQR Moderator |
posted 12-31-2007 01:52 PM
I can't recall the manufacturer, Wattkid, but the local Sportsmanswarehouse ( aka "My Second Home" according to the wife ), carries them if my memory serves. IP: Logged |
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Frank2941 Member |
posted 12-31-2007 04:24 PM
All this is interesting. But, for the rest of us, "What is a microlight?" [This message has been edited by Frank2941 (edited 12-31-2007).] IP: Logged |
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WattKid Member |
posted 12-31-2007 05:18 PM
quote: Follow the link in Set's original post. IP: Logged |
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dlittlew Member |
posted 12-31-2007 06:48 PM
To highjack the topic slightly, I've always liked Maglites because of the manufacturing quality. I used to like the larger models because not only did they provide a good source of light most reliably but they also made a perfectly legal weapon. I may have learned that from a policeman but not because he hit me with his. Any any rate, a few months ago I sprung for a conversion kit for one of the smaller, pocket size models that substituted an LED for the original bulb. It provides a much brighter light and, after months, I've yet to replace the 2 AA batteries. IP: Logged |
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Frank2941 Member |
posted 12-31-2007 10:29 PM
WattKid I saw all of that. It said it was durable, it would withstand serious punishment, would have ultra-high performance in a small package, it is indispensable, etc. Now, if you, or anyone else, would tell me what it really is, and how it is different from any other flashlight, I would appreciate it. IP: Logged |
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LaneH Member |
posted 01-01-2008 08:02 AM
quote: It's LED LEDs have surpassed incandescent in so many ways. They use very little power. They are clean on the spectral layer. And can be really small. And small and bright. Look to you local mass-transit, they're going down that line, I'm guessing. Set, are you going LED? The DC metro is in the conversion process and it is very nice. ------------------ IP: Logged |
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Frank2941 Member |
posted 01-01-2008 10:45 AM
I went to their website and they never said anything about LED's. Apparently, the sellers think that their potential buyers are too stupid to understand about LED's. I have some LED night lights. They are great and I presumably will not have to keep replacing them like with those "Christmas tree type bulbs" as I have had to do with previous night lights. I do have an LED flashlight, but it was very poor quality and nearly worthless-but I still like LED's. IP: Logged |
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setnahkt Member |
posted 01-01-2008 12:26 PM
quote: Not that I know of; decision would be made at a higher level. It would save recycling costs for fluorescents, though. Perhaps I'll suggest it; thanks. IP: Logged |
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setnahkt Member |
posted 01-22-2008 09:43 AM
Well, after a email complaint the company sent me a new "improved" one. Unfortunately it seems to do the same thing as the old one; spontaneously turn on in my pocket, presumably due to static affecting the switch. It's too bad; it would be handly little gadget except for this fatal flaw. I could only recommend it to people who don't wear pants. And I'm glad it's a flashlight, and not a flamethrower. IP: Logged |
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jessho Member |
posted 01-23-2008 11:03 AM
My suggestion is a braided ground strap attached to your shoe. I'ts an easy fix and it might make a fashion statement. In fact, you could mass produce these critters and recommend their use when talking on cell phones while fueling your automobile. My mind boggles at the money that could be made from this device. One flier to a safety consulting firm and you're in the money. IP: Logged |
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setnahkt Member |
posted 01-23-2008 07:10 PM
quote: Wouldn't I have to have multiple straps cross connected to to all my clothing? Wait, I've got; make it all out of a conductive material. Like aluminum foil, or that silver impregated stuff, or carbon. If I did my shoes that way, I could have bragging rights to a small carbon footprint. IP: Logged |
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SPQR Moderator |
posted 01-23-2008 08:17 PM
quote: You'll blend right in, Set. IP: Logged |
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KGB Moderator |
posted 01-23-2008 09:51 PM
I spent an entire observing run at Mauna Kea with an astronomer who was obligated to wrap herself in leftover Christmas tree tinsel as makeshift static protection for the control computer. I got altitude sick, too. IP: Logged |
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