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5 Things To Know Before You Buy LED Light Bulbs For Your Home
By Jeff Chan
1. They cannot replace all the lights in your house
LED Light bulbs give off directional light. They are poor replacements for bulbs used for lighting large areas - usually called general lighting. They're better for replacing spot and flood lights used in track lighting, accent lighting, recessed lighting and outdoor security.
2. They give off blue light
Most people think that LED bulbs give off a bluish tint, described as a sci-fi creepy sort of light. This is sometimes true so watch out what color you are buying. The great thing about LED light bulbs is that they now come in different shades of white from warm to cold - but these will range from seller to seller.
The best way to tell the color of a light is to look for the rating in Kelvins (K), also known as the color temperature and find a guide that shows the colors of different temperatures. Searching for "color temperature" in Google should give you many results.
3. They do not take heat well
Heat will drastically reduce the life on an LED light bulb. Make sure your investment isn't put to waste by letting your bulbs heat up too much, by keeping them away from heat sources.
4. They cannot be used with dimmers
All LED light bulbs currently being sold do not work with typical dimmers. You can find custom-built fixtures using LED's that come with their own power supplies and dimmer controls. If you're putting in a drop-in replacement LED light bulb, the dimmer you were using previously with your halogen or incandescent bulb will not work.
5. Lumens output is misleading and often exaggerated
In simple terms lumens is measured by taking a lumen measuring device and taking the average of the lumen rating all around a light source.
An LED light bulb might have the same lumen rating as say a 50W incandescent bulb, but it would only be bright at one spot and would light a room pretty poorly whereas the 50W incandescent would do quite well. Similiarly, it could also have a much lower rating than a 50W incandescent bulb yet put out a very strong spotlight.
A lot of seller's exaggerate these ratings since there is no standard out right now for measuring the brightness of an LED bulb. The best way to really know what you're getting is to look at how they compare it to an incandescent or halogen bulb. For example: "This bulb has equivalent light output to a 50W incandescent or 20W halogen." If they include pictures then even better.
We've been in business for over a year selling LED light bulbs all over the US. We specialize in retro-fittable, drop-in replacements for current incandescent and halogen bulbs in all the most common shapes. We provide a superior LED equivalent for most of the common bulbs you'll see being used at home, office or in a retail store.
Eternaleds - LED Light Bulbs for Your Home, Office or Retail Store
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LED Leflector - The Next Generation of Home Lighting
By Ben Anton
Having bright, efficient lighting in both the home and the office is an ever growing important issue. LED lights are the most logical solution for this sort of application and the LED leflector light bulbs are just the right item to install in your office and home to achieve optimal energy efficiency and comfortable working light.
MR16 halogen compatible LED leflector lighting has just emerged onto the market, and those who are looking for a more affordable lighting option are being pleasantly surprised by these lights. More and more home contractors and building planners are incorporating LED lighting into their plans because of their versatility, efficiency and brightness. What is so special about LED leflector light bulbs versus a standard 12 volt light bulb? First of all, they are a completely different type of light bulb technology. LED Leflector lights utilize a Lumileds Luxeon LED that creates a bright home lighting source that has all the energy savings you would expect from an LED light fixture.
Led leflector light bulbs are a versatile light source that can be utilized in the most stylish and eye-appealing light fixtures available. Leflector light bulbs are perfect for vaulted ceiling light fixtures that are present in many new homes or office condominiums. Leflector light bulbs also work well with track lighting systems.
For those who like to set the mood, LED bulbs can be purchased in just about any color that a traditional 12 volt light bulb can be purchased in. This means that you do not have to sacrifice the ambience that you wanted to achieve in order to get a longer lasting, more efficient light bulb. Leflector lights come in white, red, blue, and green and can be found for flood lighting and spot light beam lighting applications as well.
The best part about switching from standard 12 volt light bulbs to the revolutionary new LED light bulb system is that LED light bulbs are many times more efficient than traditional light bulbs. They can provide any where from 50,000 to 100,000 hours of consecutive light � this translates into five to ten years of continual use off of one light bulb without ever having to change it.
We all want to save money and time. Leflector light bulbs can help the average person save not only money on light bulbs and the cost to constantly replace them, but also on the monthly electricity bill. When operated for four hours a day, leflector light bulbs cost a mere 30 cents a day to operate. Traditional fluorescent or halogen bulbs are more costly to operate than most people realize, and LED leflector light bulbs are an effective option for replacing them because they won't have to be changed again for a very long while and they will help to save money on the light bill as well.
For businesses or households looking to achieve a balance between style, efficiency, and longevity, LED leflector light bulbs are one of the more realistic and effective lighting options to choose from.
~Ben Anton, 2007
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for Discount Lights and Knives.
Get what you need for your indoor and outdoor lighting needs, including energy saving LED Leflector light bulbs on the DLK indoor and outdoor lights and knives website.
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Outdoor LED Lighting Ideas
By Tom Houser
Outdoor LED lighting is quite popular during the Christmas season; however, it is becoming more popular throughout the year as well. The advantage of using these lights is that they are quite durable and are not that easy to break like the old glass lights our parents used to hang outdoors. LED stands for light-emitting diode. They use approximately ninety-five percent less energy than older styles of bulbs. These types of lights also last up to ten times longer.
This is also used in outdoor message signs, scoreboards and warning lights. They come in several different shapes, configurations and colors such as green, blue and red. These lights have been around for quite some time and have mainly been used as indicator lighting in various pieces of technology. Due to their popularity and overall energy efficiency, you can now find them in various residential and commercial lighting situations.
The price of outdoor LED lighting will continue to drop as the public becomes more and more aware of this technology. A sixty-watt incandescent bulb will last approximately one thousand hours where a two-watt LED bulb will last sixty thousand hours. You can see the huge difference in efficiency quite easily.
Due to the high costs of electricity, these days' people would be wise to convert their exterior illumination to it. Many homeowners like to leave a light on outside all night so these people should notice a considerable reduction in their electricity usage. Environmentally conscious people will likely have already changed their lighting methods by now.
Another advantage of outdoor LED lighting is that the bulbs run a lot cooler that regular lighting. They do not produce heat energy, which means they are safe to the touch in case small children or pets encounter them. A light that does not produce heat is ideal for landscaping and near plants as well. These types of lights are manufactured as a solid unit so there is no glass or filament that could potentially break. They are resistant to shock, vibration and impact, which means they are much more durable than a glass bulb.
Before you purchase outdoor lighting for the coming barbeque season, consider outdoor LED lighting as an alternative to standard bulbs. You will be doing your pocketbook and the environment a big favor.
Take a minute and visit our site for all your outdoor lighting needs including outdoor LED lighting and outdoor rope lights.
by T.D. Houser
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Outdoor LED Lighting - A Must For The Garden
By Ernest Jarquio
Nothing can make a home look more breathtaking than when it is illuminated at night by a quality outdoor LED lighting system. Some people use them above ground, some in-ground, some surround their decks with them, others use them by their ponds or to light up their pools and wherever it is placed you can be sure that it will add significance and beauty to your home. In addition, outdoor lighting using LED provides a sense of security and safety.
What's Good About LEDs
These lighting fixtures are generally available in strips, clusters, or arrays but if you are using groups of six or more it is necessary to use a regulated transformer so you can get the maximum life out of the lighting systems. These lights offer extreme money savings by only using 2-10 watts of electricity; you can get up to 60,000 hours out of these bulbs, they are very cool running, the turn instantly on and off, they work great in cold weather, and they can withstand moderate power surges, they are often sensor activated, and the bulbs are very durable.
Less Costly Operation
It is said that the light bulbs used in LED lighting will pay for themselves within a year's time. Many people choose outdoor LED lighting so they can illuminate walkways or as occupancy sensors for home security measures. Sometimes home owners use this kind of light in lanterns or votives around their yards which creates a beautiful lighting display any time of the year.
LED for outdoor lighting is also available in holiday selections because they cost a lot less to operate and they are longer lasting. That is the promise of LED lighting, that they will last about ten times longer than outdated incandescent lighting options and there is less need to worry about replacing light bulbs all the time.
Some Disadvantages
While there are many advantages with LED lighting, it also has some disadvantages. For one, these lights may cost more to initially install. They are very heat-sensitive so excessive heat can reduce both output and lifespan, and they typically cast light in one direction at a narrow angle compared to incandescent or fluorescent lamps
LED lighting, which stands for the longer and more complex name of Light Emitting Diode, is a semi conductor device that converts electricity into light. While this form of lighting has been around for years, it has only been more recent where this was used for purposes that were not commercial. While LED's are small in size, they can be grouped together for higher density applications.
Save Money And Save The Environment
Today, the concept is to go green and save the environment. LED lights do just that as they work to also improve and reduce power consumption. They are environmentally friendly and leave a minimal footprint on our environment. Many people are saying that LED lighting is going to be the lighting of the future. Keeping this in mind, it is always a good idea to save where you can in terms of money and the environment, everyone should check out outdoor LED lighting as well as for indoor use too.
Ernest Jarquio is a successful Webmaster and publisher of Lighting-Central.com. He provides more resources on topics such as outdoor LED lighting, flex track lighting and onion lighting that you can research on his website even while lounging in your living room.
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Light on Demand is Less Demanding on the Environment
By Eric Lan
In our strongest efforts to keep mother earth from being completely polluted, the fellows over at Energizer has a line of products that are intended not only to keep you in the "green" but also to keep you safe in time of emergencies. Their new product called "Light on Demand" combines the energy-saving techniques with LED lighting and an ultra portable detachment for emergencies.
The Light on Demand line of products comes in various designs and offerings. From motion sensing, to wall sconces, and night lights you can seriously plug in one of these products in any room. However, the most unique offering of this product is their detachable and rechargeable flashlight that could be used handily around the house or during black outs. Energizer describes the Light on Demand:
"At the heart of each Energizerฎ Light on Demand� product is a removable LED light stick, which is equipped with internal, rechargeable batteries. The light sticks can function in their specific product, or are detachable and can serve as an area light and/or flashlight when the power goes out, providing continual, emergency lighting."
We have always been big fans of LED lighting. According to Wikipedia, Not only are they super energy efficient, but it can last almost last anywhere from 35,000 to 50,000 hours (typical incandescent light bulbs at 1,000-2,000 hours.) Typical lighting, such as halogen floor lamps and arc floor lamps can fit similar types of energy saving light bulbs that can also benefit the earth.
Where can you buy this item? Probably at your local Target or Walmart.
This article was based on products featured on the Visiondecor store and community blog that strives to provide readers a fresh and different viewpoint on the furniture industry, the products they buy, and the lifestyle they live. You can find content topics and shop for products such as living room sets, jewelry armoires, and table lamp in the Visiondecor furniture network.
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Batteryless Flashlights - Possibly Your Best Friend In Time of Need
By Shoaib J.
Recently, batteryless flashlights have consistently been gaining popularity. Though the name is self-explanatory, they are also known as "shake flashlights" or "forever flashlights". There are many advantages and some disadvantages of owning a batteryless flashlight. Here we will try to go over some of the main ones.
Before we go into the advantages and disadvantages of owning batteryless flashlights, let's briefly go over how they actually work. The way you get light of out of a batteryless flashlight is by shaking it back and forth for approximately 30 to 60 seconds. When you're done shaking, a typical shake flashlight will give you about five minutes of light, maybe a little bit more. The mechanism of a batteryless flashlight is pretty simple. Your common 21st century batteryless flashlight will have a coil of copper wire inside of it. Inside that coil of copper wire, a small magnet can usually be found. When you shake that flashlight back and forth, you are essentially creating energy in the form of electricity. That energy is then stored into a capacitor found inside the flashlight. That capacitor powers your batteryless flashlight and miraculously gives you light.
The main advantage of investing in a batteryless flashlight is of course saving on the cost of batteries. You won't ever run out of batteries and find yourself running to the store to get some batteries when you really need your flashlight. Also, batteryless flashlights use an LED (Light Emitting Diode) instead of a regular bulb. Those LEDs can almost last forever, so you won't be running out to get a bulb either. These flashlights normally come in nice, compact sizes and won't go out on you if exposed to a little bit of water. Some of the higher-end models can practically be drowned in water and still come out fine. Pretty neat, huh? Finally, they can prove to be really useful in times of emergencies, when you may not have the luxury of driving to the store to get batteries for your existing flashlight.
There are really only two big disadvantages that come with owning a batteryless flashlight. First, the LEDs utilized by these flashlights are not as bright as some of the high-powered flashlights that use batteries. Second, batteryless flashlights only give you a limited amount of time to work with, usually in the range of five to thirty minutes. So if you need to use your flashlight for long periods of time, you may be better off investing in a nice, high-powered flashlight that uses a different source of power (batteries).
If you would like to get your very own batteryless flashlight, just do a search on Google for "batteryless flashlights" and you will find many websites selling them for reasonable prices.
The final verdict? All in all, it is wise to have at least a couple of batteryless flashlights around the house. You never know when they might come in handy. The advantages certainly exceed the disadvantages when it comes to having your own batteryless flashlight. In the end, it's your personal preference whether you would like to own such a thing or stay with a big, high-powered battery guzzling flashlight.
You can find more useful and practical information about batteryless flashlights at Batteryless Flashlights.
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The GatLight V3 Flashlight - The World's Coolest Flashlight
By Terry Edwards
For years now, Lumencraft has made pocket flashlights their specialty. Their newest model called the GatLight V3, or Gatling V3, is the ultimate high end flashlight that has to be seen to be believed.
Lumencraft launched this newest pocket flashlight in March 2007 and named it after the Gatling Gun. The idea is cool and the design is even better.
The GatLight V3 is made out of carbon fiber and titanium that is aerospace quality. Each individual flashlight is custom-made and will take upwards of 3 months to be delivered. Cost for this impressive flashlight is approximately $375 for the titanium model.
So what makes this light so special? Beyond its looks it is also one of the brightest pocket flashlights in existence.
In back, the flashlight has a push button to turn it on and off. On the outside of the push button it has a rotary knob that adjusts the brightness. You can have it on a low setting to conserve battery life or on the brightest level that provides all the light you could ask for.
These new GatLights are made right here in the United States, something I found to be quite refreshing to say the least. There are over 80 parts that go into making this flashlight, which is about 10 times as many that can be found in a standard type of flashlight.
The titanium used in the Gatling V3 helps to eliminate heat build up when using the light on the highest settings. Another aspect I found that was nice was how the light doesn't go dim when the batteries begin to wear down. Instead, the light simply shuts off when the batteries are fully drained.
The LED light source that is used in the GatLight V3 is said to have a 10 year life to it. (And that is 10 years with the light running continuously.)
The GatLight is a truly amazing mini flashlight. With its unique design and incredible power, it is certainly making itself known in the world of pocket flashlights.
By the way, you can learn more about the GatLight Flashlight as well as much more information on all types of flashlights at http://www.Flashlight.InfoFromA-z.com
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LED Lighting as an Alternative Energy Source
By Anne Clarke
There are many, many advantages to using LED lights as much as possible, especially when we want to save energy on our planet. The light created by LED light bulbs is much safer lighting than that of regular light bulbs � primarily because most light bulbs become very hot when used and can potentially cause fires. With LED lights you will never as much as burn your fingers touching a bulb, no matter how long it has been lit. However, LED lights can (and already do) serve a lot more purposes for the environment of which people are unaware.
LED lights are usually, and most effectively, designed in colors as opposed to translucent lights. As a matter of fact, some of the very first LED lights were designed for Christmas decorations etc. This is because people wanted safer lights to be sure there were no unfortunate accidents occurring due to hot lights and dry pine needles or outdoor leaves and so on during the holiday season. However, research, design and technology have been updated and are continuously being considered for other reasons.
LED lights are already being used for more purposes than you may think � and we should focus on incorporating LED lighting into even more of the lighting we use. The following are examples of some ways in which LED lighting has already been utilized in our economy:
o Christmas lights, as I mentioned before are available as LED lights. They have become more and more popular since the cost of LED lights lessened around the year 2002.
o Exit signs, traffic lights, for example, have been used with LED technology as opposed to other forms of lighting.
o Flashlights, toys and other small devices are using LED lights for the benefit of a LED light�s ability to continue to work longer than a light with regular bulbs. In other words, batteries actually perform better and last longer in merchandise that uses LED light.
o Elevator push buttons.
o Status indicators: the status indicators on all kinds of equipment and technological merchandise have begun to use LED lighting.
o Motorcycles and bicycles already have LED lights for safer nighttime riding.
o Movement sensors.
o Glow lights.
o Thin lightweight displays at places such as subway stations, airports, trams, highway signs busses, and ferries have been using LED lighting for awhile. Nonetheless, I believe that we could use this option even more � LED lighting is a way to improve the environment, reduce electric risks, and eliminate the waste of energy.
o Light bars on emergency vehicles.
o Automotive high-mounted brake lights and truck and bus brake lights have begun to use LED lighting as well.
o Remote controls for stereos, DVD, television, and CD players often use infrared LED lights. It has actually been that way for some time now. People don�t often notice how often they have to change remote batteries � unless it seems like they have to be changed too frequently. Thus, you may not even notice that you own an LED remote until it finally does require a change of batteries. This happened to me and I realized how much more infrequently LED operated merchandise of all kinds allow batteries to last and last.
o Back lighting for LCD televisions and displays frequently uses LED technology.
o New theatrical stage lighting equipment is being created in LED lighting for primary red � green � blue arrangements.
LED lights are usually, and most effectively, designed in colors as opposed to translucent lights. However, these pale to darkly colored lights are quite effective for many purposes. The wonderful idea of LED lighting is one to grasp onto when we reach out for alternative sources of light and energy. Some of the very first LED lights were designed for Christmas decorations, but it does not stop there. LED lights can prevent unfortunate home fires occurring due to the heat generated by burning light bulbs, but are not nearly as inexpensive as we would like just yet. However, research, design and technology have been updated and ways to improve the expenses of LED for more and more purposes are continuously being considered. I hope and predict that in the future the LED modifications we make will certainly make up for the cost in the long run. Because of the ability of LED lighting to last longer than virtually all other forms of regular lighting and because of the safety issues involved, the goal is that LED lighting will become more and more useful as time goes on.
Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and sports. Her background includes home decor and gardening. For more of her articles on the environment, please visit Alternative Light and Energy Sources.
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Surfboard Lighting Concept
By Lance Winslow
There is just not enough time during the day to surf. Many times the best surf is at night, how often do you challenge a sunset to catch that last wave? Well thin you are a surf-aholic and as you have seen out there you are not alone. There is some new killer technology on the horizon for the dedicated surfer.
Recently we have seen WiFi surf boards so you can do your email between sets. This works pretty good and I was jazzed when I first heard of it. Surfing while surfing makes a lot of sense. Still waiting on the mail order as this article is finished, but here is some more information on that.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3812357.stm
If your ocean becomes your office and your surfboard becomes your desk, what if you decide to work late or early? Well this is why I am going to figure out how to run my surfboard laptop, WiFi and headlight on electromagnetic energy? As you know batteries and water do not mix all that well. You say headlight; on a surfboard; come again? Yes, that is what I said; now then I have tried this already via a battery-less flashlight and duct tape.
The waves provide a good amount of movement. Which is need to power up the new electromagnetic induction technology flashlights, which charge a capacitor instead of the working off a battery. Currently there are some nifty micro-flashlights being used which you can buy which use a similar technique and are available thanks to the Everlite Flashlight technology research lab. These smaller flashlights work by shaking them for about thirty seconds and shine for about 6 minutes and they shine quite bright since they use a very bright LED light. Here is a link to this home use flashlight:
http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/details/ee_shakelight.html
Here is a quick movie you can watch online to see how this technology works.
http://www.modernoutpost.com/gear/movies/ee_forever.MPG
I propose we get a really smart Surfboard making entrepreneur with some balls to put on of these flashlights inside the surfboard rather than having to duct tape it on top. We can test it for them and get some free surfboards. I propose that the front of the surfboard have an automotive style headlight lens with the LED light inside. Think on this now, surf on it later.
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is a guest writer for Our Spokane Magazine in Spokane, Washington
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Military Flashlights
By Kristy Annely
Military flashlights have come a long way from the brass body metal screw days of World War II. The flashlight used during those days was called the TL-122A. This flashlight and all other subsequent versions of it had their head angled at ninety degrees to the body. The next flashlight in this range was the TL-122B. It had a plastic body but it had a foul smell about it due to the presence of a waxy compound that was used to seal it. The TL-122C had a design which was moisture proof and the quality of the plastic was improved too. The last in this range was the TL-122D. This one had lens filters along with a spare bulb. In the Vietnam era, the same design was used but now the flashlight also had a switch guard.
At present, the straight line design (or the wand design) is in vogue with the military. There are a number of different models available which have the straight line design. Use of rubber seals and waterproofing technology are basic to all military flashlights. There are special batteries, known as BA-3030 batteries that are used for cold conditions instead of the regular D cell battery or the BA-30 battery. These days, most of the flashlights used by the officers in military services, use xenon lamps. These are extremely powerful and have a very high light intensity. At present, lithium batteries are the most commonly used power source for these flashlights. The run time of these flashlights can be anywhere between one hour to twenty hours.
The weapon lights are required to be more powerful than the ordinary army torch. They give light of an intensity of a hundred and twenty lumens or more. A number of them also use LED technology for light. The price range of these flashlights can be anywhere between $35.00 and $550.00.
Flashlights provides detailed information on Flashlight Bulbs, Flashlight Reviews, Flashlights, Key Chain Flashlights and more. Flashlights is affiliated with Cell Phone Batteries.
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Flashlights
By Kristy Annely
Light is a major requirement of all living beings. No matter where we go, be it for comfort or necessity, we need light. To provide portable, bright light, flashlights exist in our lives. Hundreds of companies fill the markets and offer a huge and amazing range of flashlights for us to choose from.
Flashlights are available in different sizes, shapes, and light colors. Different types such as rechargeable flashlights, mini flashlights, keychain flashlights, sports flashlights, no-battery flashlights, and many more flood the markets.
Bright Guy, Streamlight, Flashlights Unlimited, ZBattery, Cop Quest, Tactical Flashlight Shop, Online Discount Mart, Cops Plus, The Battery Station LLC, Wilderness Survival, Cool Flashlights, SureFire, Target, Quality Items Online, Forever Flashlights, First Alert, Night Star 1, The Led Light, Photon Light, Thomas Distributing, Rayovac, The Sharper Image, Circuit City, Sports Authority, 125 West, Summit Hill, and many, many more are companies which provide multitudes of different flashlights in different sizes, colors, and shapes, all suited for different purposes.
Research shows that there are certain brands that are very popular, as they offer excellent-quality flashlights of different types. Some popular brands include the following besides others: Streamlight, SureFire, MagLite, Garrity, Vector, Energizer, Roadpro, Brinkmann, PLATT, Pelican, Coleman, Inova, and Princeton Tec.
Rechargeable flashlights are those which can be charged and used again and again for a certain number of times. They are available in different shapes like �lantern style�, �pistol style� and others.
No-battery flashlights usually have to be shaken for some seconds before they can emit any light. They are an easy option for which we don�t have to reload our flashlights with batteries time and again.
Mini flashlights can be carried safely in a pocket or bag. They can even be clipped to belts. Very compact, they provide excellent light and can be easily and conveniently taken everywhere. Keychain flashlights are an effective way to carry light too.
Especially suited for sporting purposes are the sports flashlights.
The aforementioned companies usually offer flashlights with guarantees ranging from a year to limited and sometimes unconditional lifetime warranty. Certain companies such as Professional Equipment and Altitude Sports also offer a 30-day money refund policy, if required.
Shipping of the flashlights normally requires an additional fee, but some companies provide free shipping too.
Flashlights provides detailed information on Flashlight Bulbs, Flashlight Reviews, Flashlights, Key Chain Flashlights and more. Flashlights is affiliated with Cell Phone Batteries.
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The LED Home Lighting Revolution
By Jim Hirschman
The Las Vegas Strip may not be converting to them just yet, but LED lights have quickly become a popular home lighting method. These energy efficient light fixtures have been used for decades in a variety of applications, from alarm clock displays to Christmas tree ornaments; technology advances in recent years have enabled them to be used as regular light bulbs for domestic use, instead of incandescent or fluorescent lights. Home owners using LED lights can reduce their power consumption considerably, save big on electricity bills, and help protect natural resources.
The technology for LED, which stands for light emitting diode, was developed in the 1920s by the Russian scientist Oleg Vladimirovich Losev, and largely ignored for the next 30 years. American scientists began reporting on the technology in the mid 1950s, and by the 1960s LED lights were being refined for consumer electronics. This method of lighting was modified over the next few decades, and saw its biggest breakthrough in recent years with the development of white LED, which enabled the technology to be used in home lighting.
LEDs work by carrying a charge across semi conducting material that has been impregnated with impurities. The impurities cause the charge to fall to a lower energy level as it travels, and emit light in the process. The color of LED light can be controlled by the materials used as impurities in the semi conducting material. The most common LED colors are red, blue, white, and yellow.
Beyond home use, LEDs have many applications, including exit signs, railroad and traffic lights, sensor lights, machine vision light sources, flashlights, and phototherapy for skin conditions. LED is so versatile partially because its spectrum of light can be controlled more accurately than other types of light.
The main disadvantage of LED lighting compared to other light sources is that it is hard to direct. While high directivity isn't usually required for home use, it's often needed for industrial or commercial applications like laser technology.
The advantages of LED technology far outweigh the drawbacks, especially when energy efficiency is considered. For home owners, LED is too good an option to ignore.
Visit Jim Hirschman's website for more tips on buying and selling homes in the Sarasota real estate area. You can compare local listings, learn about Jim's professional realty services, and read extensive information on property markets near Sarasota, like the Palmer Ranch real estate area.
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Winter Hiking - Safety and Precautions For A Fun Winter Sport
By Ben Anton
Winter hiking can be a tranquil even surreal experience when done properly. The peace of walking through cold and wintry scenes captured in the outdoors is considered by many to be a great way to spend a day. Additional precautions are needed when hiking in the winter, however, as winter weather can create a number of issues not typically a problem in the summer. It is important to protect yourself from both colder temperatures and potential winter hazards this time of year. Making sure that you have the right equipment for your hike and taking extra time planning so that you can avoid many potentially dangerous situations are important to winter hiking safety.
Essential Equipment
Proper equipment is a winter hiking essential. Your biggest priorities are going to be making sure that you have light and warmth when you need it, as well as food and water to keep you from becoming dehydrated or hungry. A basic multipurpose tool or a pocket knife is important for any hiking situation. A small first aid kit is too. LED flashlights are the smartest choice for a light source. They use very little energy (batteries) and therefore will last much longer than a standard light. Pack both thermal blankets and chemical heat packs to ensure that you and your companions will be able to stay warm enough if caught out in unexpected bad weather. If you'll be camping during your hike, invest in a sleeping bag that's designed to keep you warm in low temperatures. Make sure that you pack all of the necessary equipment that you would bring in warmer weather, and be sure that you put an extra emphasis on safety and first aid.
Careful Planning
When you're planning your hiking trip, take extra time to plan out your route. Do your research and see if you can find out about any safety advisories in the area where you want to hike, and adjust your equipment list as needed to accommodate for any special circumstances that you might encounter based on these warnings. If you're planning a multi-day hiking trip, you might want to have an LED flashlight that has a lantern function as well so that you can illuminate larger areas with it. Begin watching weather reports several days in advance of when your trip is planned for so that you can make any necessary adjustments to your plans. Once your plan is set, make sure you notify two to three people of your expected route and plans for return so they can alert the proper authorities if you do not return as scheduled.
Being Mindful of Temperature
Temperatures often drop quickly during the winter, and it can be very easy to underestimate the effects of these temperature shifts. You must also be mindful of the amount of sweat that your body can produce even in cold weather, as it can not only lead to you having wet clothes and skin in cold weather but you can also be in danger of dehydration. Quickly dropping temperatures can increase your likelihood of becoming sick and can also put you at risk for hypothermia. Because of this, in addition to any blankets or heat packs that you bring, it's important that you dress appropriately for the projected temperatures on the day or days that you'll be hiking. Dress in layers and bring extra shirts, jackets, pants, or other clothing that can be added with relative ease if necessary.
~Ben Anton, 2008
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR.
Find the best LED flashlights, lanterns and lamps on the Coast website for LED Lenser professional lights for hiking, camping and hunting.
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Ultra Bright Flashlights
By Kristy Annely
Ultra bright flashlights are a must have for all campers, hikers, fishermen, electricians and inspectors. Having one of these handy in the glove compartment of your car is a good idea. During a sudden power cut, nothing can make you feel safer than an ultra bright flashlight. These flashlights can give up to three watts of power. They are very powerful, but that is not to say that they are heavy and cumbersome to carry. Most of them come in compact designs and are usually sleek and attractively designed.
You can easily find mini ultra bright flashlights and waterproof ultra bright flashlights too. These are convenient to carry as well as affordable. Whether it is that long planned for boating trip or a trip to the garage to find the old music box, ultra bright flashlights will guide you through it all. These flashlights generally use LED technology. The intensity of the light given out by them is quite high. It usually exceeds sixty five lumens, which is almost as good as a normal bulb. Most of these flashlights are not only waterproof but also shockproof. This makes using these flashlights extremely convenient and safe.
You will find flashlights in the market which can give you a power back up for up to six hours, because of which these flashlights are considered ideal if you are stuck in a no-power situation for long. The high quality ultra bright flashlights can even have up to hundred thousand hours of bulb life. These ultra bright flashlights are not just powerful in terms of the light that they give out but also in terms of their durability.
However, you must exercise caution while using these flashlights. They must not be handled like toys. You must never shine them directly into the eyes as they can permanently damage the retina which means that one can even lose their eyesight because of sheer carelessness.
Flashlights provides detailed information on Flashlight Bulbs, Flashlight Reviews, Flashlights, Key Chain Flashlights and more. Flashlights is affiliated with Cell Phone Batteries.
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Packing Up for a Long Motorcycle Trip
By Jeff Sinason
Things to keep the Motorcycle Rolling
Regardless of your mechanical skills, on long trips you will usually end up having to fix something on your motorcycle. It�s just the nature of motorcycles. At a bare minimum I always carry tire patch and CO2 cartridges to perform those road side tire problems and hope I don�t have far to go till the next motorcycle shop. If the shop is a fair distance away you should have tools that would allow you to remove the tire and hitch a ride. Since I ride a Harley Davidson (not balanced and not rubber-mounted) I always carry a complete set of wrenches, Torx, and Allen wrenches, along with a bottle of LocTite to tighten up those parts that think it would be better to end up on the side of the road. I also carry a small multi-tool that includes a small LED flashlight because it seems I always breakdown after dark. In my tool pouch you can almost (important word there) always find extra fuses, an extra sparkplug and extra light bulbs. And the two most important things, zip ties and electrical tape. After all with those you can fix just about anything that would keep you from making it down the road. I�ve found that for most brands of motorcycles you can find pre-packaged tool pouches that have a good set of tools lined up for you. Sometimes the quality of the tools may be questionable, but hey all they�re going to do is ride around in your saddlebags and they�ll do in a pinch.
Things to keep the Motorcycle Secure
If you plan your trips like me (NOT) you don�t always end up staying at the most reputable establishments. It�s always a good idea to lock your bike and have some way of locking the wheels. At least that way you�ll keep the lazy motorcycle thieves from getting away with your bike. I always carry two keys for every lock with me when I travel. There�s the ones that I carry in my pocket or attached to my belt, and the ones I carry deep in my bag for when I lose the other ones. As for disc lock I really recommend them. They are small, strong and provide a pretty good deterrent. They don�t however address the case where someone comes with a lift and just hauls your bike away. For that you need to carry a heavy duty cable or chain lock to tie your bike to a solid structure. I personally don�t like these due to the bulk and weight that they add to the saddlebags, but then I have pretty good insurance to replace the motorcycle if it�s stolen.
Things to keep the rider going
Taking care of the rider is every bit, if not more so, important as keeping the motorcycle going. When we are out there in the wind there are millions of things that affect our ability to be comfortable and safe. Some of these I�ve discussed in other articles. First and foremost we need to make sure that we are protected from the sun. Getting sunburned on your arms, hands and face can absolutely ruin a good day of riding. I carry a stick sunscreen that has a SPF-30 rating and is waterproof and dries instantly. I use it on any skin that I have exposed to the sun. In addition I always carry a lip balm. Chapped lips can be a very painful thing on the road.
Both sunburn and chapped lips can sneak up on you without you being aware of it. Other things that I pack are a first aid kit that includes bandages, pain reliever and antiseptic ointments. Injuries on the road can become infected very easy due to the road grim that we are constantly hit by.
Perhaps my most important piece of equipment is my cell phone. I always carry that with me and make sure that it�s always charged. Today, there is probably no piece of equipment that is more important than a cell phone in case of emergency. I usually carry a charger for use at night and a 12v car charger. Luckily I�ve installed a lighter on my motorcycle that allows me to charge my phone from the bike. This way I never have to worry about being stranded with a dead phone.
While I�m talking about phones, please make sure that you have I.C.E. number coded into your address book on the phone. I.C.E. numbers are the first thing that emergency workers will look for In Case of Emergency. Having these number(s) in your phone can greatly increase your chances of getting proper medical care. Two basic considerations for the numbers should be:
On long trips you are most likely going to hit every kind of conceivable weather. No matter how hot it may get in the middle of that sunny summer day, there�s probably some cold miserable weather waiting out there for you. If you�re in the middle of the desert you�re sure to run into some rain. After all you are on a motorcycle. To be prepared, I save all of the space in my saddlebags for riding gear. My usual list is:
Of course as has been said millions of times �Dressing in layers is the way to go�. Being able to add layers and take off layers can substantially add to your riding comfort. As far as clothing is concerned keep it to a minimum. Carry enough for a few days and plan wash stops into your trip. This will help keep your load manageable. The key is to pack for all the conditions you are likely to run into but keep the load as sparse as possible. Get creative and figure out multiple uses for different pieces of clothing and the best way to extend the wear-ability of the clothes. After all if you get caught in the rain without your rainsuit, those clothes are good for another day. Aren�t they?
Hygiene
Even a scummy old biker like me likes to clean up every once in awhile. And since I often alternate between camping and motels I carry things to wash up with. These would include a towel, washcloth and those little bars of soap and bottles of shampoo you can get at most motels. It helps that in my day job I travel all the time so I�ve got a life time supply of those.
I�m also trying to keep the last few remaining teeth that I have so that means I have to carry my toothbrush and toothpaste. Since I�ve got long hair I have to carry a brush to get the rat�s nest that forms in my hair every day out. Usually on long trips I don�t shave, but I always have a razor with me. I just use the soap to lather up on my face instead of carrying shaving cream.
One last item you should never leave without is toilet paper. There�s nothing worse than suddenly needing it when you�re out on the road and not having it. I usually start out with a small quantity which would take care of the duties a couple of times. If I end up using that up, I usually restock courtesy of the next gas stop or hotel.
All of this is carried in a small bag that I always have packed so I never have to worry about it. If I use something, I replace it and it�s a thoughtless act to throw that in the T-Bags.
Camping Equipment
Camping equipment is probably one of the hardest things to carry and pack on a motorcycle. This is based mostly on the fact that it usually bulky and doesn�t necessarily pack down real well. Even when they pack down the bags seem to be longer than you would want. They usually end up being to tall if you tie them on standing up, or to wide if you try to have them laying down.
For a tent, I�ve found that the small two man dome tents work best. They are easy to set up, have plenty of room to spread out in at night (if there�s only one person in it), and they pack down pretty nice. My tent originally came in a flimsy nylon bag that I knew would hold up to rolling down the road so I replaced the bag with a sturdier one. My tent is usually bungeed onto my T-Bag and additional one to attach it to the motorcycle.
On the other side of the T-Bag, I have my mattress. As the years have gone by that ground has gotten harder and harder. I use one of those self-inflating mattresses that blow themselves up. While they�re not the most comfortable, it sure beat sleeping on the ground. In the morning all you have to do is open the valve, roll it up and it�s ready to go. I got a bag to carry the mattress in too.
Miscellaneous Stuff
I�ve always found that carrying cameras on a motorcycle trip can be a pain. The old styles (film based) have a tendency to take up to much space. And the digital camera require to much accessory stuff, like chargers, place to download the pictures and such. For a while I was carrying Advantix cameras, since they can be relatively small and take good quality pictures. Now I�ve never been a fan of the panoramic views but that is available on them. I�m now carrying a digital camera and have bought several different memory cards for it. This way I can use the cards like regular film and don�t have to carry all the stuff to download the pictures until I get home.
Other important items are a wallet, credit cards and money. Can�t keep going without these. And the one thing that I consider the most important, a notebook and pens. When I�m on a trip it�s great to be able to keep notes about what you saw, how the motorcycle was running, where I stayed and interesting characters I meet along the way. It�s also important cause if you�re like me and suffer from CRAFT disease (write me if you want to know what that stands for) it�s a great way to refresh your memories of the trip years from now.
Now that the bike�s all loaded up one last thing to remember is that with all the additional weight of the stuff you�re carrying the motorcycle is likely to handle differently. Remember to try to keep the weight as low and as close to the center of the motorcycle as possible. This will help keep the front wheel from getting to light or making the motorcycle a little top heavy. Make sure everything is strapped on real well. Good straps and bungies will give you a good dose of peace of mind knowing that your load is secure.
Be Safe � Enjoy the Ride
Tools
http://www.bikerwares.com
Weeks before I�m ready to leave on a long motorcycle trip, I start getting excited. Often I get to the point where I can think of anything else. Unfortunately, this doesn�t mean that I spend the time getting prepared for it. I usually put this off to the very end. I�ve learned however over the years that this means that my packing never matches what I will really need for the trip. Proof, last year I was in Sturgis with nothing more than a sweatshirt and leather vest riding around in 45 to 55 degree weather. DUMB MOVE. Anyway, to try to avoid that I�ve started putting a list together of the stuff I need to pack for every trip and where I want to store it on the motorcycle. To help me build the list I put everything in categories to help keep it a little more organized. The categories I use are:
- Things to keep the Motorcycle Rolling
- Things to keep the Motorcycle Secure
- Things to keep the rider going
- Protective clothing and gear (Riding Gear)
- Hygiene
- Camping Equipment
- Miscellaneous Stuff
Things to keep the Motorcycle Rolling
Regardless of your mechanical skills, on long trips you will usually end up having to fix something on your motorcycle. It�s just the nature of motorcycles. At a bare minimum I always carry tire patch and CO2 cartridges to perform those road side tire problems and hope I don�t have far to go till the next motorcycle shop. If the shop is a fair distance away you should have tools that would allow you to remove the tire and hitch a ride. Since I ride a Harley Davidson (not balanced and not rubber-mounted) I always carry a complete set of wrenches, Torx, and Allen wrenches, along with a bottle of LocTite to tighten up those parts that think it would be better to end up on the side of the road. I also carry a small multi-tool that includes a small LED flashlight because it seems I always breakdown after dark. In my tool pouch you can almost (important word there) always find extra fuses, an extra sparkplug and extra light bulbs. And the two most important things, zip ties and electrical tape. After all with those you can fix just about anything that would keep you from making it down the road. I�ve found that for most brands of motorcycles you can find pre-packaged tool pouches that have a good set of tools lined up for you. Sometimes the quality of the tools may be questionable, but hey all they�re going to do is ride around in your saddlebags and they�ll do in a pinch.
Things to keep the Motorcycle Secure
If you plan your trips like me (NOT) you don�t always end up staying at the most reputable establishments. It�s always a good idea to lock your bike and have some way of locking the wheels. At least that way you�ll keep the lazy motorcycle thieves from getting away with your bike. I always carry two keys for every lock with me when I travel. There�s the ones that I carry in my pocket or attached to my belt, and the ones I carry deep in my bag for when I lose the other ones. As for disc lock I really recommend them. They are small, strong and provide a pretty good deterrent. They don�t however address the case where someone comes with a lift and just hauls your bike away. For that you need to carry a heavy duty cable or chain lock to tie your bike to a solid structure. I personally don�t like these due to the bulk and weight that they add to the saddlebags, but then I have pretty good insurance to replace the motorcycle if it�s stolen.
Things to keep the rider going
Taking care of the rider is every bit, if not more so, important as keeping the motorcycle going. When we are out there in the wind there are millions of things that affect our ability to be comfortable and safe. Some of these I�ve discussed in other articles. First and foremost we need to make sure that we are protected from the sun. Getting sunburned on your arms, hands and face can absolutely ruin a good day of riding. I carry a stick sunscreen that has a SPF-30 rating and is waterproof and dries instantly. I use it on any skin that I have exposed to the sun. In addition I always carry a lip balm. Chapped lips can be a very painful thing on the road.
Both sunburn and chapped lips can sneak up on you without you being aware of it. Other things that I pack are a first aid kit that includes bandages, pain reliever and antiseptic ointments. Injuries on the road can become infected very easy due to the road grim that we are constantly hit by.
Perhaps my most important piece of equipment is my cell phone. I always carry that with me and make sure that it�s always charged. Today, there is probably no piece of equipment that is more important than a cell phone in case of emergency. I usually carry a charger for use at night and a 12v car charger. Luckily I�ve installed a lighter on my motorcycle that allows me to charge my phone from the bike. This way I never have to worry about being stranded with a dead phone.
While I�m talking about phones, please make sure that you have I.C.E. number coded into your address book on the phone. I.C.E. numbers are the first thing that emergency workers will look for In Case of Emergency. Having these number(s) in your phone can greatly increase your chances of getting proper medical care. Two basic considerations for the numbers should be:
- Make sure the numbers are current. It won�t do any good to have a number that is no longer valid specified as your ICE.
- Make sure that the person that answers that call has some basic knowledge about your medical history. Things like known allergies, blood type and doctors� name. By providing this basic information the emergency medical workers will be able to make much more informed decisions.
On long trips you are most likely going to hit every kind of conceivable weather. No matter how hot it may get in the middle of that sunny summer day, there�s probably some cold miserable weather waiting out there for you. If you�re in the middle of the desert you�re sure to run into some rain. After all you are on a motorcycle. To be prepared, I save all of the space in my saddlebags for riding gear. My usual list is:
- My colors. Can�t ride a bike without those.
- Leather Jacket preferably one that has a removable lining and good ventilation.
- Chaps. Make sure they fit well and are in good condition.
- Fingerless gloves and full fingered gloves
- A couple of extra doo rags. I�m always losing those things.
- Face mask of some sort. I�ve got a windshield on my bike and that protects me most of the time but in heavy rain, hail and the cold a neoprene face mask really helps.
- Sunglasses and/or goggles. I personally like the convertible combos, which can change from sunglasses to goggles and have interchangeable lenses. My personal favorites are the SG-1 from WileyX.
- Rain Suit. One of those cheap sets from Wally World won�t do. Sure they may keep you dry for awhile, but more often than not you�ll get 30 miles down the road and the suit will be flying behind you like streamers. Don�t skimp here. A couple of bandannas will always come in handy.
- If the weather is going to be extremely hot then a polymer crystal cooling bandanna is a great piece of gear to be carrying. I usually carry this in a small baggie that helps keep it fresh and keeps other things from getting wet from it when not in use.
Of course as has been said millions of times �Dressing in layers is the way to go�. Being able to add layers and take off layers can substantially add to your riding comfort. As far as clothing is concerned keep it to a minimum. Carry enough for a few days and plan wash stops into your trip. This will help keep your load manageable. The key is to pack for all the conditions you are likely to run into but keep the load as sparse as possible. Get creative and figure out multiple uses for different pieces of clothing and the best way to extend the wear-ability of the clothes. After all if you get caught in the rain without your rainsuit, those clothes are good for another day. Aren�t they?
Hygiene
Even a scummy old biker like me likes to clean up every once in awhile. And since I often alternate between camping and motels I carry things to wash up with. These would include a towel, washcloth and those little bars of soap and bottles of shampoo you can get at most motels. It helps that in my day job I travel all the time so I�ve got a life time supply of those.
I�m also trying to keep the last few remaining teeth that I have so that means I have to carry my toothbrush and toothpaste. Since I�ve got long hair I have to carry a brush to get the rat�s nest that forms in my hair every day out. Usually on long trips I don�t shave, but I always have a razor with me. I just use the soap to lather up on my face instead of carrying shaving cream.
One last item you should never leave without is toilet paper. There�s nothing worse than suddenly needing it when you�re out on the road and not having it. I usually start out with a small quantity which would take care of the duties a couple of times. If I end up using that up, I usually restock courtesy of the next gas stop or hotel.
All of this is carried in a small bag that I always have packed so I never have to worry about it. If I use something, I replace it and it�s a thoughtless act to throw that in the T-Bags.
Camping Equipment
Camping equipment is probably one of the hardest things to carry and pack on a motorcycle. This is based mostly on the fact that it usually bulky and doesn�t necessarily pack down real well. Even when they pack down the bags seem to be longer than you would want. They usually end up being to tall if you tie them on standing up, or to wide if you try to have them laying down.
For a tent, I�ve found that the small two man dome tents work best. They are easy to set up, have plenty of room to spread out in at night (if there�s only one person in it), and they pack down pretty nice. My tent originally came in a flimsy nylon bag that I knew would hold up to rolling down the road so I replaced the bag with a sturdier one. My tent is usually bungeed onto my T-Bag and additional one to attach it to the motorcycle.
On the other side of the T-Bag, I have my mattress. As the years have gone by that ground has gotten harder and harder. I use one of those self-inflating mattresses that blow themselves up. While they�re not the most comfortable, it sure beat sleeping on the ground. In the morning all you have to do is open the valve, roll it up and it�s ready to go. I got a bag to carry the mattress in too.
Miscellaneous Stuff
I�ve always found that carrying cameras on a motorcycle trip can be a pain. The old styles (film based) have a tendency to take up to much space. And the digital camera require to much accessory stuff, like chargers, place to download the pictures and such. For a while I was carrying Advantix cameras, since they can be relatively small and take good quality pictures. Now I�ve never been a fan of the panoramic views but that is available on them. I�m now carrying a digital camera and have bought several different memory cards for it. This way I can use the cards like regular film and don�t have to carry all the stuff to download the pictures until I get home.
Other important items are a wallet, credit cards and money. Can�t keep going without these. And the one thing that I consider the most important, a notebook and pens. When I�m on a trip it�s great to be able to keep notes about what you saw, how the motorcycle was running, where I stayed and interesting characters I meet along the way. It�s also important cause if you�re like me and suffer from CRAFT disease (write me if you want to know what that stands for) it�s a great way to refresh your memories of the trip years from now.
Now that the bike�s all loaded up one last thing to remember is that with all the additional weight of the stuff you�re carrying the motorcycle is likely to handle differently. Remember to try to keep the weight as low and as close to the center of the motorcycle as possible. This will help keep the front wheel from getting to light or making the motorcycle a little top heavy. Make sure everything is strapped on real well. Good straps and bungies will give you a good dose of peace of mind knowing that your load is secure.
Be Safe � Enjoy the Ride
Tools
http://www.bikerwares.com
Jeff Sinason aka Tools is an avid traveler on his motorcycle. He is also the owner of Bikerwares which is an online store that has a great selection and great prices for motorcycle eyewear and goggles and much more. He is also the owner of Motorcycle Articles which is a great information resource for bikers.
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Cave Hiking - What It Is And What Equipment To Use
By Ben Anton
Cave hiking is considered to be an extreme sport in some circles. However, extreme sport tends to mean that the people who participate have little regard for safety and that is not true with this sport. Cave hiking is a recreational activity that is quite challenging and requires skills of varying levels depending on the type of cave you're exploring.
When you go cave hiking, you need equipment to help you navigate. The sport is physically demanding but fun and rewarding. It is similar to mountain climbing and diving in terms of the physical demand required and the rush you get from accomplishing it. Throughout the world there are many caves that you can explore, especially in the larger countries like the United States.
While cave hiking is not extremely popular, the athletes that do participate in the sport find it quite exciting and different from other sports. There are thousands of caves that can be explored and there are still many that have not yet been explored. If you are new to the activity, you should hire a guide to go with you to make sure that you have a safe trip that is enjoyable - the trip stops being fun when you are trapped in a cave and you don't have the right equipment.
Safety is paramount in cave hiking and there is equipment you need:
LED lights: When you are cave hiking, you should have a few different light sources to help you see in the dark caves. Ideally, you will have a LED headlamp, which is a popular choice of equipment with cave hikers. Headlamps offer you a light source without needing to use your hands. It points in the direction your head is pointed, which is usually where you are headed and need light the most. You will also want to have a LED flashlight with you to shine into other spaces, tight spaces or into a different direction. Lanterns offer a lot of light and are great for lighting up an entire cave. You will want to use LED lights because they offer you a longer battery life and longer bulb life. Always have two light sources with you when cave hiking for extra safety.
Knife: You will need to carry some type of survival knife with you as well while you are cave hiking, such as a Swiss Army knife or hunting knife. A knife is paramount in case you need to cut ropes or vines, etc. while in the cave. It also may be needed if you have to mark your direction in the ground or rock.
Other equipment: Items like ropes, helmets, carabineers, hiking boots, water and food are additional items you will want to carry with you when cave hiking. It is best to check with a guide or take a course with a guide on what is the appropriate equipment and attire for the particular area you will be hiking. Don't cave hike on your own until you have done so with a proper guide.
Always remember - safety first. Tell someone that you are going hiking, when you are entering the cave, where it is located and when you expect to return. This is to ensure that if something goes wrong and you don't return on time, someone knows where to begin the search. Always ensure that if you are new to the area or new to the cave that you take a guide with you who is experienced in that area and cave. This will ensure that you are safe throughout the hike and that you have fun.
~Ben Anton, 2007
Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR and writes for DLK.
We invite you to read more about the cave hiking safety standards and equipment at our outdoor LED lights and knives website.
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5 Handy Tools for Your Vehicle
By Jude Herr
I've compiled a list of 5 common tools that you should keep in your vehicle in case of emergency, just for their sheer usefulness, inexpensive cost and the 99% probability that you will need them at some point in your driving endeavors.
1. Pocket Tool:
You could spend $100 on something like the Leatherman Juice Xe6 tool or, to just store in your vehicle, Performance Tools has a similar pocket tool for $5.99. The Performance Tool Pocket Tool includes: sharp blade, pliers, wire cutter, can opener, bottle opener, phillips head and regular screwdriver, fish scaler, ruler, file, hole punch and a storage pouch.
2. Flashlight:
LED lights are inexpensive, bright and super to keep in your car for emergencies, camping, changing a flat tire at night, etc. GRIP makes a Battery Less LED Flashlight that is powered by a squeezing action. You basically pump a trigger on the handle and in a few seconds it produces an ultra bright LED light. One minute of pumping will produce 4 hours of light, for $10.99 that's a real deal.
3. Jumper cables:
Look for extra-long jumper cables... many jumper cables are barely long enough to reach the battery terminals unless you have both cars nearly touching each other. Or go for a Battery Jumper Pack. These are packs that you charge and keep in your vehicle. They have a big 12v lead-acid battery in them, so if you get stranded, you just hook the pack to your battery and jump your car from it instead of from another car.
4. Tow rope:
This helps someone help you out if you slide into a ditch, etc. GRIP makes a basic and inexpensive one that will tow up to 4500 pounds for $6.99. Or, Smartstraps.com makes a spring-loaded retractable tow strap for $25.
5. First Aid Kit:
You can put together a small one yourself that includes: bandaids, first aid cream, aspirin/ibuprofen, gauze, and antiseptic pads. Inexpensive First Aid Kits can be purchased at any drugstore, hardware or general home store for a few bucks. Some hospitals even give them away for free as a promo. Add a small pack of baby wipes to your first aid kit. These are great to clean off your steering wheel after a greasy snack, wiping up coffee spills or to freshen up the smell of your car by wiping off your dash with one while you're waiting at a red light. The resealable packs can be purchased for a buck at Target and other general stores.
**Tools already in your car: Car jack, tire iron and spare tire (inflated): Yup, your car should come equipped with these items but do you know where they are located in your car AND better yet, do you know how to use them? Be sure to routinely check your spare tire for air - why not check it when you check your oil. (you do check your oil, don't you?)
Jude Herr is the editor for Toologics.com, a Tool Blog which provides information, news and reviews about power tools for the professional tool user and craftsperson. Visit http://www.toolking.com where they leverage their buying power to offer you the best prices on professional power tools and accessories.
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Travel Tips - A Checklist From The Outdoor Experts At DLK
By Ben Anton
If you�re planning a road trip, a little pre-planning goes a long way toward making your journey pleasant and safe. Before you head out on the road, take the time to go through this travel checklist to be sure you�ve covered all the bases.
A. Car Safety Checklist
a. Check the fluids.
- Check the oil, and top up if necessary. Better yet, have an oil change if you�re traveling any long distances. When adding oil, always use the weight recommended for your vehicle.
b. Check all your belts for wear, cracking or tears. Have any that show signs of wear replaced.
c. Check the wiper blades. If it�s been a year or more since they�ve been replaced, do it. Trying to peer through smeared raindrops is a recipe for disaster.
d. Check your tires. Make sure that they�re inflated to recommended PSI, and that the tread isn�t dangerously worn.
B. Emergency Kit
Being prepared in an emergency can spell the difference between inconvenience and tragedy. You can purchase a roadside emergency kit with most of these items in it then add to it, or put together one of your own from scratch. In either case, keep all the items together and easily accessible so that you�ll be able to get to them if you need them.
- A flashlight is a must � most experts suggest two. Do yourself a favor and opt for the best LED flashlight you can find. LED lights tend to be far more durable and can take being knocked around in the boot of your car. They draw less power from the battery, so are less likely to run out of juice just when you need them most. A handheld torch and a lantern are both good ideas. Tossing a couple of inexpensive LED penlight flashlights in the glove can prove handy for map reading and lighting the way to the john if needed.
- A first aid kit is another must. A prepackaged one with bandages, gauze, tape, antibiotic, antiseptic and other basic first aid necessities should be fine.
- Emergency roadside flares can save your life by making you easy to see from a distance. Standard roadside flares can fail to work if they�re damp, and can be dangerous. A number of companies make LED safety lights and roadside LED safety flares that can mark your position on the road shoulder, or serve as an emergency beacon if you�re lost.
- A multi-tool or utility knife will come in handy. A fixed blade hunting knife and pocket knife will give you all the cutting edges you need for most emergency situations.
- Aerosol tire sealant can get you to the next service station in the event of a tire puncture.
- A blanket to wrap up in if need be.
- Jumper cables
- Bottled water
- An extra gallon of engine coolant. While you�re at it, tuck away an extra quart of oil and a pint of transmission fluid.
C. First Aid Kit
- Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin tablets
- Antihistamine
- Anti-nausea/motion sickness medication
D. Health and Comfort
a. Pack a cooler of healthy snacks, juices and water and keep it stocked.
Ben Anton writes for DLK. We invite you to read the entire list of Midwest hunting, and outdoor travel tips at Discount Lights and Knives.
-2007 Ben Anton
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Top 10 Electronic Gadgets Review
By Stephen Ahlfeld
Over the last couple of years there has been large increase in the production of gizmos and electronic gadgets due to technological advances in the electronics industry. I would like to share with you my top 10 list of what I believe are the most influential and interesting electronic gadgets available in the Consumer Electronics market today. The following descriptions are unfortunately not accompanied by pictures but the descriptions should be enough to give you a general understanding as well as to wet your appetite.
1. Widescreen MP4 Player Watch
Our first gadget is the MP4/Mp3 player watch which has recently been introduced to the market. So if you like your music then this is the product you will like. This Mp4 wrist watch has 1GB of memory and features a 1.8 Inch TFT screen, MTV format movie player, built-in FM radio, built-in speaker, and many other added features. There are many different types of Mp4/mp3 watches on the market, but have only recently been introduced. They are definitely worth checking out.
2. MP3 Player Pens - Full Metal Body, High Quality Voice Record
Another gadget to enter the market recently is the MP3 player pen. This MP3 Pen Player supports MP3, WMA and WAV formats. It boasts a Super high quality Voice recording function ,MP3 and WAV playback as well as supporting USB 2.0. This wholesale product is excellent design and already popular with many gadget junkies because of consistent high quality.
3. Sunglasses with MP3 Player and Bluetooth Headset
This has to be one of the most influential technological breakthroughs for any person who loves their mp3/mp4 players. These sunglasses have a Removable clip that converts any sunglasses or glasses into a blue tooth headset and MP3 player. Nice innovative wholesale electronics gadget. The MP3 Player glasses attachment supports MP3, WMA, and WAV. It has a fast connection via USB 2.0 to PC, allowing for quick uploads. Simply Plug and play, drag and drop music files from your computer to your headset music player.
4. MP4 Player with SD/MMC card reader 2.5 inch Screen
This is still my personal favourite . The MP4 player which has a 2.5� LCD TFT monitor and has both AV IN/OUT ( NTSC and PAL) , so you can record TV programs or movies and upload them onto your MP4 player. The resolution is 320*240 @30f/s. This wholesale product is already hugely popular due to its flexibility in terms of being an MP3 player and Movie viewer. It also has built in microphone and additional data keeping functions.
5.Mini Lighter Camera Spy Gadget
Another James bond type gadget. A Cigarette lighter style disguised mini digital camera: hi-tech spy gadget. This discreet smart metal lighter is actually a digital camera capable of holding more than 100 pictures. Just flip your lighter, turn it on, take a picture and close the case. I suppose this is only really for true spies, but certainly worth mentioning.
6.Night Vision goggle DNV-GX2
I have always been a fan of Night Vision goggles and personally own one myself. This is a DNV-GX2, developed with the European partner NOCTRON in Luxembourg and is the most advanced digital night vision device on the market. At 0.001 lux the detection range is about 200m. With high performance components from well known manufacturers, this wholesale product will exceed your expectations. Specs include both NTSC/PAL AUTO, 36 inch display size, 26 degrees view angle, Pixels: 320H*240V*RGB(230K).
7.Flexiglow Multi Tool Flash Drive
This is like a swiss army knife with all the handy tools you need for any emergency fix-it jobs but with a USB flash drive incorporated into it. The Flash Drive Module is easily removable and the retractable ball point pen , means you will never be caught without. In addition there is a super bright LED Flashlight, cleverly concealed in the housing. It also has a Star Screwdriver with a bottle top opener, nail filer, ball point pen as mentioned and the LED light.
8.FotoVivo 7 inch Digital Photo Frame
This is a digital photo frame which you can use to upload photos onto. With the simplicity of technology solutions, Foto Vivo offers the possibility of browsing photos with button-less feature to ease the navigation. Moreover, its considerate design facilitates the end users. ts 128MB storage capability can save more than 200 high quality photos. Its fast photo loading time and the Plug-and-Play feature enable users to enjoy browsing without hassle.
9.Oregon Heart Rate Monitor Watches - Vibra Fit Pro Trainer SE232
A Heart Rate Monitor with the new innovative, vibrating heart zone alarm feature. This is particularly useful when exercising to music with an MP3 player .When you reach the pre programmed heart rate zones the watch gently vibrates to prompt you. The CARDIO VIBRO TRAINER also allows the user to enter age, sex, weight, height and activity level. The "SMART Trainer" programme will then provide realistic Heart Rate limits for the user, with a 5 min warm up and 30 min exercise. Any parameter can be changed to suit the user fitness level or ability.
10.Shaking Torch - Everlight Robust
This product was rated the top gadget of 2004. A very effective and essential gadget for every household for both emergency and general use. All you do is give it a shake for 15-30 seconds, and it will provide up to 5 minutes of continuous bright light! It uses the Faraday Principle of Electromagnetic Energy that guarantees replacement parts will never be needed! It never needs batteries, has a super bright LED light, is waterproof and floats in water.
Steve Ahlfeld � Owner of BestDealsMarket Wholesale Electronics
BestDealsMarket Wholesale ELectronics!
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Facts To Consider In Choosing The Brightest Flashlight
By Terry Edwards
If you are an avid outdoorsman then you know how important a good flashlight can be. Even if you aren't into outdoor activities it is nice to know that you have a bright flashlight available in case of emergency. You simply can't depend on a regular battery operated, household flashlight to work if the power fails. The batteries may be dead after years of storage and if they aren't dead they certainly won't last very long.
For your peace of mind and your family's safety, it is important that you choose the best and the brightest flashlight. The best and most versatile flashlight on the market today would have to be the World's Brightest Flashlight.
The World's Brightest Flashlight will produce 15 million candlepower! How bright is that? Well, it is equivalent to 150 60-watt bulbs. This flashlight was tested and produced a beam of light that could be seen up to 6 miles away.
The bulb that is used for this flashlight is a 60-watt high-powered H4 quartz halogen bulb that is built to last for approximately 1,000 hours. While this is on the extreme end of the scale and not something the average person would ever need, it just goes to show you how far flashlight technology has come over the years.
For almost everyone, the best way to choose the brightest flashlight is to understand the different types of bulbs used in flashlights:
- Incandescent. These are gas filled lamps used for high performance. Streamlight flashlights uses either xenon or halogen bulbs. The halogen bulbs darken less with age than the xenon. Both can fail with extreme impact and both eventually require replacement. They are the most powerful and easily focused for long distance.
- LED. This stands for light emitting diodes. These are longer lasting bulbs, approximately up to 10,000 hours. They are very durable and good for close work.
- Luxeon. This is the latest achievement in LED technology. A very durable lamp that can last as long as 50,000 hours and give the illumination of an incandescent.
- LED/Incandescent combination. This is the best of both worlds. A Streamlight exclusive that combines the durability and longevity of an LED with the illumination power of an incandescent.
Keep in mind nothing is more important than your safety while engaging in outdoor activities or during a disaster. Choosing the best and brightest flashlight for your needs is a vital step in ensuring the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Buy the best flashlight that your budget will allow and have the peace of mind that you are prepared for anything.
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By the way, you can learn more about The Brightest Flashlight as well as much more information on all types of flashlights at http://www.Flashlight.InfoFromA-z.com
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Flashlights - Tips On Finding The Right Flashlight
By Terry Edwards
Every home has a flashlight, although they never seem to have working batteries in them, but that's a whole other story. Flashlights are an important part of every home's emergency preparedness plan, but which type of flashlight is best for you? Here are some quick tips.
Do you know how the flashlight actually got its name? Many years ago these lights got their power from dry cell batteries. Well, the dry cell battery wouldn't last very long so people would switch their flashlight on and off continuously to see in the dark. Sort of like the effects of a strobe light.
Technology has certainly changed from those early days. Longer life batteries, brighter light bulbs and even batteryless flashlights have become the norm. Your choices have never been greater. They include:
- Regular battery flashlight - These units are cheap to buy and operate on 2-4 standard "D" size batteries. They are ideal for the home, garage and car.
- Mini LED flashlight - These small flashlights are great for carrying in your purse or keeping in your vehicle glove box.
- Batteryless flashlight - If you frequently use a flashlight then having one that never needs batteries is the only way to go. These types of flashlights include the shake flashlight, crank flashlight and other varieties as well.
Having a flashlight is important and knowing which type of light will work best for you will eliminate unnecessary frustration in the future.
All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Reprint Rights: You may reprint this article as long as you leave all of the links active and do not edit the article in any way.
By the way, you can learn more Flashlight Tips as well as much more information on all types of flashlights at http://www.Flashlight.InfoFromA-z.com
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No Battery Flashlights
By Kristy Annely
Are you sick of searching for flashlight batteries every time they run out? A wonderful alternative exists. Emitting powerful light, no-battery flashlights are an easy option wherein we don�t have to reload our flashlights with batteries time and again.
Numerous companies exist which provide high-quality no-battery flashlights that emit strong, bright lights. Companies such as Quality Items Online, Forever Light, Think Geek, First Alert, NightStar 1, Hammacher Schlemmer, The Led Light, Merit Line, and Midwest Native Skills Institute offer brilliant flashlights that have powerful beams.
No-battery flashlights usually have to be shaken for some seconds or minutes before they can emit any light for some more minutes, which enables the magnetic field within it to produce electricity and pass it on to the wire that passes through it. While some flashlights require very little shaking, others need a little more extra time to get charged.
Quality Items Online offers no-battery flashlights such as the Diamond Gen III, which emits light for twenty minutes after some seconds of shaking, and Diamond Gen IV, which emits light for around an hour. Such flashlights give long-lasting continuous light and are guaranteed for six years. Waterproof to a few dozen feet, they are an excellent choice among no-battery flashlights.
Coming with a full one-year guarantee are the products of Forever Flashlight. Available in waterproof and weatherproof versions, the no-battery flashlight provided by this company emits a �super-bright blue LED� light that is said to be visible for over a mile. Think Geek is another company that provides flashlights of Forever Flashlight.
NightStar 1 has an excellent collection of flashlights and hence provides flashlights suited for different purposes such as �boating enthusiasts�, �home, tool, and emergency kits�, �backpackers and fishermen�, and �military corps� among others. Coming with warranties, the flashlights have all different colored LEDS, especially suited for different uses. The aforementioned company also offers discounts.
A combination of three bright LEDs and two red LEDs is provided by The Led Light. It is especially suited for people interested in hiking, camping, and other kinds of outdoor activities and excursions.
Merit Line offers a unique no-battery flashlight that uses solar power. With seven bright LEDs and water-resistance feature, this flashlight is available at $19.99.
Midwest Native Skills Institute and Hammacher Schlemmer also provide good-quality, super-bright no-battery flashlights.
Flashlights provides detailed information on Flashlight Bulbs, Flashlight Reviews, Flashlights, Key Chain Flashlights and more. Flashlights is affiliated with Cell Phone Batteries.
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