? on small battery operated fluorescents

D

Dave

Guest
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it will
not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent use).
Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't find
anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit.
And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am looking
for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal with household
AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately be
used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of alternating current (or
whether alternating current would even be used.) Any ideas on where I could
find info, and possibly schematics? This one would be eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave
 
"Dave"

Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours.
I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately
be used for an F4T5CW bulb.
Click to expand...

** That is a 4 watt rated fluoro tube.

An inverter to drive it would consume another watt or two.

Makes about 6 watts or 1.5 watts per cell - ok ?

The published data on Energiser AAs says that their running time at 1 amp
is less than 1 hour.

http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E91.pdf

Same goes for C size cells.

Only D size cells would hold up for several hours.




..... Phil
 
"Dave" <db5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0eOdnZWk7oEImAPUnZ2dnUVZ_sDinZ2d@posted.internetamerica...
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it
will not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent
use). Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't find
anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit.
And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am
looking for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal with
household AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make
use of a switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would
ultimately be used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of alternating
current (or whether alternating current would even be used.) Any ideas on
where I could find info, and possibly schematics? This one would be
eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave


Hi Dave,
Click to expand...
The item you describe is still available. I could give you info on building
what you want but a trip to Wally World will probably yeild one way cheaper
in the camping department.
By the gist of your post I believe you want the item not the experience of
building one. (?)
If you can't find it there do a search for "two tube battery powered
fluorescent flashlight"

Tom
 
"Tom Biasi" <tombiasi@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:499e0c30$0$5920$607ed4bc@cv.net...
"Dave" <db5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0eOdnZWk7oEImAPUnZ2dnUVZ_sDinZ2d@posted.internetamerica...
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it
will not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent
use). Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't
find anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit.
And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am
looking for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal
with household AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would
make use of a switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage
would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of
alternating current (or whether alternating current would even be used.)
Any ideas on where I could find info, and possibly schematics? This one
would be eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave


Hi Dave,
The item you describe is still available. I could give you info on
building what you want but a trip to Wally World will probably yeild one
way cheaper in the camping department.
By the gist of your post I believe you want the item not the experience of
building one. (?)
If you can't find it there do a search for "two tube battery powered
fluorescent flashlight"

Tom
Click to expand...
Hmm. I looked at WalMart and didn't see anything like it, if that is what
you are talking about. They had other fluorescent lamps of course, but not
a flashlight/fluorescent combination. I'll try the search you suggest
though. Of course, if I can't find something small like I am trying to
replace, I'll be glad to try and built it. If you would care to share your
information, it would satisfy my curiousity at least. :)

Many thanks,

Dave
 
"Dave" <db5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:KOqdnciKjL02iQPUnZ2dnUVZ_t7inZ2d@posted.internetamerica...
<snip>
Hmm. I looked at WalMart and didn't see anything like it, if that is what
you are talking about. They had other fluorescent lamps of course, but
not a flashlight/fluorescent combination. I'll try the search you suggest
though. Of course, if I can't find something small like I am trying to
replace, I'll be glad to try and built it. If you would care to share
your information, it would satisfy my curiousity at least. :)

Many thanks,

Dave
Click to expand...
http://www.target.com/gp/search/179-9849023-8298457?field-keywords=flashlight%20fluorescent&afid=google&CPNG=Sports&LNM=flashlight_fluorescent&LID=1178413&ref=tgt_adv_XSGT2590

Too high priced but a google search for fluorescent flashlight
yielded many possibilities.
 
Dave wrote:
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it will
not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent use).
Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't find
anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit.
And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am looking
for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal with household
AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately be
used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of alternating current (or
whether alternating current would even be used.) Any ideas on where I could
find info, and possibly schematics? This one would be eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave


Look here:
Click to expand...
http://www.conrad.nl/goto.php?artikel=571771
 
On 2009-02-20, Dave <db5151@hotmail.com> wrote:
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it will
not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent use).
Click to expand...
LED lights are all the rage these days, and are likely to have about
the same performance.
 
On Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:49:09 +1100, "Phil Allison"
<philallison@tpg.com.au> wrote:

"Dave"

Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours.
I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately
be used for an F4T5CW bulb.


** That is a 4 watt rated fluoro tube.

An inverter to drive it would consume another watt or two.

Makes about 6 watts or 1.5 watts per cell - ok ?

The published data on Energiser AAs says that their running time at 1 amp
is less than 1 hour.

http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E91.pdf

Same goes for C size cells.

Only D size cells would hold up for several hours.
Click to expand...
---
Phil,

What is it you don't understand about:

"but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW
bulb."?

JF
 
"John Fields"
"Phil Allison"
"Dave"

Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4
AA
batteries, for several hours.
I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately
be used for an F4T5CW bulb.


** That is a 4 watt rated fluoro tube.

An inverter to drive it would consume another watt or two.

Makes about 6 watts or 1.5 watts per cell - ok ?

The published data on Energiser AAs says that their running time at 1 amp
is less than 1 hour.

http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E91.pdf

Same goes for C size cells.

Only D size cells would hold up for several hours.

---
Phil,

What is it you don't understand about:

"but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW
bulb."?
Click to expand...

** The autistic Mr Fields has not got the tiniest clue what my post is even
about.

As usual.



....... Phil
 
On Fri, 20 Feb 2009 21:48:33 +1100, "Phil Allison"
<philallison@tpg.com.au> wrote:

"John Fields"
"Phil Allison"

"Dave"

Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4
AA
batteries, for several hours.
I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately
be used for an F4T5CW bulb.


** That is a 4 watt rated fluoro tube.

An inverter to drive it would consume another watt or two.

Makes about 6 watts or 1.5 watts per cell - ok ?

The published data on Energiser AAs says that their running time at 1 amp
is less than 1 hour.

http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E91.pdf

Same goes for C size cells.

Only D size cells would hold up for several hours.

---
Phil,

What is it you don't understand about:

"but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW
bulb."?



** The autistic Mr Fields has not got the tiniest clue what my post is even
about.

As usual.
Click to expand...
---
Strange, but from what I read it seems he was concerned about the
voltage rating of the F4T5CW, not its power rating.

Why don't you go back, read it again in that context, and see if you
don't agree?


JF
 
"John Fields"
"Phil Allison"
"Dave"

Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into
the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4
AA
batteries, for several hours.
I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would
ultimately
be used for an F4T5CW bulb.


** That is a 4 watt rated fluoro tube.

An inverter to drive it would consume another watt or two.

Makes about 6 watts or 1.5 watts per cell - ok ?

The published data on Energiser AAs says that their running time at 1
amp
is less than 1 hour.

http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E91.pdf

Same goes for C size cells.

Only D size cells would hold up for several hours.

---
Phil,

What is it you don't understand about:

"but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW
bulb."?



** The autistic Mr Fields has not got the tiniest clue what my post is
even
about.

As usual.

---
Strange, but from what I read it seems he was concerned about the
voltage rating of the F4T5CW, not its power rating.
Click to expand...

** What was MY post about ???

Got any idea at all ??

You stupid, fucking, trolling ASSHOLE !!!




...... Phil
 
On Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:25:27 +1100, "Phil Allison"
<philallison@tpg.com.au> wrote:

"John Fields"
"Phil Allison"

"Dave"

Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into
the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4
AA
batteries, for several hours.
I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make use of a
switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would
ultimately
be used for an F4T5CW bulb.


** That is a 4 watt rated fluoro tube.

An inverter to drive it would consume another watt or two.

Makes about 6 watts or 1.5 watts per cell - ok ?

The published data on Energiser AAs says that their running time at 1
amp
is less than 1 hour.

http://data.energizer.com/PDFs/E91.pdf

Same goes for C size cells.

Only D size cells would hold up for several hours.

---
Phil,

What is it you don't understand about:

"but I have no idea what voltage would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW
bulb."?



** The autistic Mr Fields has not got the tiniest clue what my post is
even
about.

As usual.

---
Strange, but from what I read it seems he was concerned about the
voltage rating of the F4T5CW, not its power rating.


** What was MY post about ???
Click to expand...
---
As far as I could tell, you were talking about the power requirements
for the lamp and the inverter (ballast, actually) and the run times
associated with various cell sizes.

What he was talking about, ostensibly, was mating the output of the
inverter (ballast, actually) to the lamp and he wanted to know,
therefore, the voltage rating of the lamp so that he could proceed with
his plan.

Had you been more helpful you might have suggested a source for the
inverter (ballast, actually) or a link to a schematic, but that's OK.

How could you when you didn't even know what the fuck he was talking
about?
---

Got any idea at all ??
Click to expand...
---
You just read it,
---

You stupid, fucking, trolling ASSHOLE !!!
Click to expand...
---
Phil, you ignorant slut! :)

JF
 
"Lord Garth" <lgarth@tantalus.net> wrote in message
news:NIrnl.17292$yr3.10965@nlpi068.nbdc.sbc.com...
"Dave" <db5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:KOqdnciKjL02iQPUnZ2dnUVZ_t7inZ2d@posted.internetamerica...
snip
Hmm. I looked at WalMart and didn't see anything like it, if that is
what you are talking about. They had other fluorescent lamps of course,
but not a flashlight/fluorescent combination. I'll try the search you
suggest though. Of course, if I can't find something small like I am
trying to replace, I'll be glad to try and built it. If you would care
to share your information, it would satisfy my curiousity at least. :)

Many thanks,

Dave


http://www.target.com/gp/search/179-9849023-8298457?field-keywords=flashlight%20fluorescent&afid=google&CPNG=Sports&LNM=flashlight_fluorescent&LID=1178413&ref=tgt_adv_XSGT2590

Too high priced but a google search for fluorescent flashlight
yielded many possibilities.
Click to expand...
Promising, but this is the closest thing we have found to the original
flashlight/fluorescent I am trying to get a backup for.

https://www.usaemergencysupply.com/emergency_supplies/led_fluorescent_flashlight_area_light.htm

Still a little pricey, but...

Thanks,

Dave
 
"Sjouke Burry" <burrynulnulfour@ppllaanneett.nnll> wrote in message
news:499e506c$0$7831$ba620dc5@text.nova.planet.nl...
Dave wrote:
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it
will not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent
use). Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't
find anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit.
And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am
looking for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal
with household AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would
make use of a switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage
would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of
alternating current (or whether alternating current would even be used.)
Any ideas on where I could find info, and possibly schematics? This one
would be eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave


Look here:
http://www.conrad.nl/goto.php?artikel=571771
Click to expand...
Thanks, it looks like what I am wanting, but... Euros. Customs. Import
tarriffs... I'll keep it in mind though.

Dave
 
"Dave" <db5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:0eOdnZWk7oEImAPUnZ2dnUVZ_sDinZ2d@posted.internetamerica...
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it
will not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent
use). Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't find
anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit.
And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am
looking for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal with
household AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make
use of a switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would
ultimately be used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of alternating
current (or whether alternating current would even be used.) Any ideas on
where I could find info, and possibly schematics? This one would be
eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave
Click to expand...
Found this, which looks interesting from the tinkerer's perspective.

http://www.zetex.com/3.0/appnotes/apps/an1.pdf

Thinking about tackling it just for fun. What think y'all? My only real
concern is the transformer, and what to wind it on/whether it matters if I
use 32 AWG enamal-coated wire instead of 34/36 gauge wire for windings #1
and 5, and 28 guage for windings #2/3/4. Ideas?

Thanks all...

Dave
 
"Dave" <db5151@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:APKdnYqbV4d1XQPUnZ2dnUVZ_t3inZ2d@posted.internetamerica...
"Sjouke Burry" <burrynulnulfour@ppllaanneett.nnll> wrote in message
news:499e506c$0$7831$ba620dc5@text.nova.planet.nl...
Dave wrote:
Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4
AA batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear
it will not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent
use). Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't
find anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have
a background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't
quit. And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I
am looking for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal
with household AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would
make use of a switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage
would ultimately be used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of
alternating current (or whether alternating current would even be used.)
Any ideas on where I could find info, and possibly schematics? This one
would be eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave


Look here:
http://www.conrad.nl/goto.php?artikel=571771

Thanks, it looks like what I am wanting, but... Euros. Customs. Import
tarriffs... I'll keep it in mind though.
Click to expand...
The fluorescent tube in that unit appears to be a CCFL. Similar to what
most
laptop computers use. If you want to tinker, get a tube and inverter from
an
old laptop. Alternately, Fry's electronics has sold suitable miniature
inverters
and tubes in many colors.
 
"John Fields"
Phil Allison

** What was MY post about ???

---
As far as I could tell, you were talking about the power requirements
for the lamp and the inverter (ballast, actually) and the run times
associated with various cell sizes.
Click to expand...

** What did the OP claim on that matter ????

( step by tiny step, we may get there eventually )




...... Phil
 
"Lord Garth"


The fluorescent tube in that unit appears to be a CCFL.
Click to expand...

** No it does not.

It looks like a standard fluoro with heater pins each end.

http://www.1000bulbs.com/images/PDF/F-04T5CW-specsheet.pdf



..... Phil
 
On Feb 20, 10:00 am, "Dave" <db5...@hotmail.com> wrote:
"Dave" <db5...@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:0eOdnZWk7oEImAPUnZ2dnUVZ_sDinZ2d@posted.internetamerica...



Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on.  Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours.  Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it
will not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent
use). Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't find
anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer.  I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit..
And patience.  Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am
looking for readily accessible.  Everything I see there seems to deal with
household AC.  I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make
use of a switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would
ultimately be used for an F4T5CW bulb.  Or what frequency of alternating
current (or whether alternating current would even be used.)  Any ideas on
where I could find info, and possibly schematics?  This one would be
eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave

Found this, which looks interesting from the tinkerer's perspective.

http://www.zetex.com/3.0/appnotes/apps/an1.pdf

Thinking about tackling it just for fun.  What think y'all?  My only real
concern is the transformer, and what to wind it on/whether it matters if I
use 32 AWG enamal-coated wire instead of 34/36 gauge wire for windings #1
and 5, and 28 guage for windings #2/3/4. Ideas?

Thanks all...

Dave
Click to expand...
On Feb 20, 10:00 am, "Dave" <db5...@hotmail.com> wrote:
"Dave" <db5...@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:0eOdnZWk7oEImAPUnZ2dnUVZ_sDinZ2d@posted.internetamerica...



Once purchased a small flashlight with a fluorescent (6") built into the
side, and a switch that let you decide which one to turn on. Ran on 4 AA
batteries, for several hours. Wife fell in love with it, but I fear it
will not last forever (it has already lasted 20 years of intermittent
use). Wondering if I could build her something similar, since I can't find
anything like that at the sporting goods store any longer. I have a
background in electronics and a workshop with a junkbox that won't quit..
And patience. Unfortunately, Google doesn't seem to have what I am
looking for readily accessible. Everything I see there seems to deal with
household AC. I am guessing that a device such as I describe would make
use of a switching power supply, but I have no idea what voltage would
ultimately be used for an F4T5CW bulb. Or what frequency of alternating
current (or whether alternating current would even be used.) Any ideas on
where I could find info, and possibly schematics? This one would be
eternally gratefull.

Many thanks,

Dave

Found this, which looks interesting from the tinkerer's perspective.

http://www.zetex.com/3.0/appnotes/apps/an1.pdf

Thinking about tackling it just for fun. What think y'all? My only real
concern is the transformer, and what to wind it on/whether it matters if I
use 32 AWG enamal-coated wire instead of 34/36 gauge wire for windings #1
and 5, and 28 guage for windings #2/3/4. Ideas?

Thanks all...

Dave
Click to expand...
As Phil Allison attempted to point out, the tube you mentioned will
not meet your design requirements of hours of runtime from two AA
Alkaline cells. You might choose newer breed NiMH like Sanyo
Eneloops that hold up to (? Forget exact specs, about 80% charge for
a year), or regular NiMH for a bit longer runtime but a need to
perpetually recharge the flashlight due to high self-discharge rate
when not used. Either will have longer runtime than an alkaline cell
at this discharge rate if kept near fully charged.

Phil also linked a spec sheet for the tube you mentioned, as a 4W tube
it's rated for 135 lumens (initial, new). Not particularly efficient
by today's standards, you would be better off using something like 2 x
Cree XR-E LEDs (about 100 lumen per watt) driven at less than peak
output to retain near maximum efficiency.

Without optics in front of them, they'll light a wide area similar
enough to the result with a fluorescent tube. You can find reasonably
good deals on them, ~ $10 for the better R(n) rated ones, and very
inexpensive driver boards, $2 to 5 each generally depending on which
one you choose) to use 2 x AA or other typical battery combinations at
places like http://www.dealextreme.com or http://www.kaidomain.com.
Only catch is they ship from the Orient so it may take 2 weeks or
more, or a prolonged wait if something is out of stock.

The resulting homemade flashlight using LEDs would also likely be
smaller than using fluorescent.

However, if you really want to go fluorescent you can pick up inverter
boards and tubes in various lengths as a finished product for cheap
from various places that sell computer case modification parts. For
example:
http://www.svc.com/clk4wt2.html

While not able to run from 3V as 2 x AA cells, it'll probably run from
4, maybe 6 at most, AA cells at higher current. No guarantees about
that, but I do recall another light kit I bought there which ran
acceptably at 7V input (I didn't try to go any lower than this). Some
inverters may start out rated for 5V instead of 12V which would make
more sense, here is one:
http://www.goldmine-elec-products.com/prodinfo.asp?number=G16565
 
<emailaddress@insightbb.com


As Phil Allison attempted to point out, the tube you mentioned will
not meet your design requirements of hours of runtime


** My god !!

Someone else was actually paying attention .


Phil also linked a spec sheet for the tube you mentioned,


** He did.

The guy is thorough too.



...... Phil
 
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