Flashlights
Most Frequently Asked Questions
on NightStar Batteryless Shake Flashlights
How does the NightStar Batteryless Shake Flashlight work?
1. What are the main components of batteryless flashlights?
All batteryless flashlights consist of a white LED (light-emitting diode), a copper coil, a magnet, a rectifier, a capacitor, a switch and a housing to hold all the above in place.
2. How does the NightStar batteryless flashlight work?
The alternating current generated when the magnet slides rapidly through the copper coil is converted into direct current by the rectifier and stored in the capacitor. When the batteryless flashlight is switched on, the current stored in the capacitor will light up the LED. Read more about Faraday's principle of induction.
3. How to charge the NightStar batteryless flashlights?
Hold the batteryless flashlight horizontal to the ground and give it a few gentle rapid shakes as you would a pepper shaker. Shaking it vertically will not charge the flashlight efficiently.
4. How long will the batteryless flashlight shine after charging?
After charging, the capacitor can hold a current for hours under normal usage. When it gets dim, just give it a few shakes. During prolonged use, the NightStar batteryless flashlight should be switched off and shaken for between 10 to 15 seconds every two to three minutes, or whenever the flashlight gets dim.
5. Advantages of batteryless flashlights over other battery-operated rechargeable flashlights?
Besides being always ready, the NightStar batteryless flashlight pays for itself quickly by saving you the cost of batteries required to keep standard flashlight in working order.
6. Why are no battery flashlights environmentally friendly?
Since NightStar Flashlight uses renewable energy and no batteries are used, there will be less discarded batteries in our landfills. You're thus doing your part to save the environment.
7. Why are they called a maintenance-free flashlights?
You do not need to buy fresh supply of batteries. You'll find your batteryless flashlight a hassle-free item to keep. No maintenance whatsoever.
8. How should I care for my NightStar no battery flashlights?
Under normal usage, the flashlight does not need any special care.
9. How should I store my batteryless flashlights?
Since the flashlight uses a strong magnet to generate the current, be sure to keep it away from all magnetic-sensitive appliances and articles such as your TV, computer monitor, credit cards, compass etc.
10. Why is a batteryless flashlight great for outdoor activities?
The NightStar batteryless flashlight is small and light enough to carry around. Fits snugly into any backpack or the car glove compartment.
11. Why is a batteryless flashlight ideal for night sky-watching?
Your NightStar batteryless flashlight is not blindingly bright and
glaring and therefore will not affect your night vision compared to using a Maglite
flashlight. It is one of the best flashlights for extended night-time
use. Reduce eye strain.
12. Why different models of batteryless flashlights require different amount of shaking to produce sufficient amount of light?
Several factors will determine how long a batteryless flashlight needs to be shaken and re-shaken to produce sufficient light:-
-
the storage power of the capacitor measured in farads determines how much energy it can hold;
-
the strength of the magnet and the size of the coil will affect the amount of energy being generated and transferred to the capacitor, and
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the length of the batteryless flashlight which will determine the speed of the sliding magnet. The faster it is, the more energy it will generate.
13. Why is the NightStar batteryless flashlight housing made from non-metallic material?
For obvious reasons. Any metallic housing will interfere in the way
the charging magnet moves through the coil in a batteryless flashlight. Magnetic fields generated
in a metallic housing will oppose the magnetic field of the charging magnet
thus preventing it from passing through the coil with sufficient speed to
charge the energy-storage capacitor.
Another reason is the cost factor. Metals are more expensive. Both plastic and acrylic are more durable besides being corrosion-resistant and chemical-resistant. Please use water to clean your NightStar batteryless flashlight.
14. Are there any precautions to take in using or storing batteryless flashlights?
Batteryless flashlight generates a strong magnetic field that surrounds it. Keep the unit at least one foot away from any medical devices, computers, magnetic storage media, or other devices such as:-
- Pacemakers
- Cassette tapes
- Computer disks
- Video tapes
- Credit cards
- Televisions or any device with a cathode ray tube (CRT).
15. To learn the Physics of how a batteryless flashlight work, you may wish to get a copy of this Physics Guide.
It is a 20-page comprehensive tutorial on the science and engineering of the
NightStar flashlight. An ideal information manual for those fascinated by
the operation of a NightStar bo-battery flashlight. Contains numerous
equations and diagrams to help explain the nature of magnetism, electronics
and optics. Written for grades 8 and up.
16. Can I change the LED of the batteryless flashlight?
No. Please DO NOT attempt to remove the light emitting diode (LED) or any internal parts of the NightStar Batteryless Flashlight.
17. Before you buy a batteryless flashlight, read this.
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LED Batteryless flashlight - Just shake and shine!