Wind-up dynamo torch

LizEstelle

Does this one belong in some other forum?

My local hardware store is offering a non-battery, 3 LED torch powered by a wind-up dynamo for a fiver. Apparently, one minute of winding provides power for 30 minutes of torchlight, which sounds good.

I was thinking of getting it as a stocking filler for Christmas.

Does anyone have any experience of these and whether they're any good?

Canny_Geordie

I have seen them for sale on QVC and on E-bay, they seem great, especially in an emergency. Why not chance your arm, it's only a fiver.

newleaf

Yes, I've got a couple of these and they're very useful. I keep one in the car and one in the house. I got mine at costco, but they also sell them on Qvc - which is where my mum got hers. They're very bright, and when the light starts to go dim you just wind them back up again.

LizEstelle

Stop press.

I've just found another one which is not only a torch but can also recharge mobile phones... or so it claims.

Comments?

newleaf

I have also heard of these but don't have one. I don't see why they should not do what they say, the principle is the same as the wind up radio which has been a huge success in the 3rd world.

mel_anthe

I've got one of those wind-up torches - although mine is just a torch - it doesn't do anything else! I got it from QVC about this time last year and it's great - I use it all the time and I wouldn't be without it

mrbadexample

I've got one too. It's also mains-rechargeable, so I rarely use the wind up. It'd do in an emergency, I suppose, but the LEDs are like me. Not that bright. :rolleyes:

LizEstelle

I wouldn't have thought a minute of winding would pass to a mobile phone the same kind of charge that it gets from 2 hrs on the mains...

Mr_Meanie

I have one of these, I take it camping with me so I know always have a torch that works i.e. no flat batteries.

It's ok for pottering about with but it's not exactly what you would call a bright light , because it uses LED's the colour of the beam is slightly blue so it makes everything a slightly strange colour (I don't like to use it to read read with).

When at home it's kept in the meter cupboard for emergencies, all in all for a fiver I think they are bargain.

LizEstelle wrote:

I wouldn't have thought a minute of winding would pass to a mobile phone the same kind of charge that it gets from 2 hrs on the mains...

I think it's only to give it a quick charge to get you out of a fix not to fully charge it.

newleaf

mrbadexample wrote:

I've got one too. It's also mains-rechargeable, so I rarely use the wind up. It'd do in an emergency, I suppose, but the LEDs are like me. Not that bright. :rolleyes:

mrbe, what are you doin' here? Get your !!! over to the saturday night party quick!

bonvonnie

not seen these wind up torches, but i have some kinetic ones, which you shake for power. great stuff, bright LED light as well.