FN Related News...

Recent flashlight-related items posted to FlashlightNews, including news tidbits from light makers and dealers, web site updates, special promotions, and other info

• Looking for a headlamp for the quickly approaching camping season? The check out the newly-improved Tikka XP2 Core from Petzl. The new headlamp features an innovative programmable interface for its rechargeable battery, and allows a user to set output and runtime to fit their individual needs. The company is also offer the new technology as an upgrade package for owners of previous generation TIKKA2 or ZIPKA2 headlamps. (Posted Apr 7, 2011)

• And speaking of camping season and the neat toys that go along with it, solar chargers are becoming a must-have for dedicated campers. One model to consider is the Guide 10 Adventure Kit featured at UberGizmo.com. This solar panel recharges 4 AA batteries, includes a USB output port to charge some of your electronic device, and even has a LED flashlight. The Nomad solar panels put out 7 watts of peak power...enough to run a cell phone for 30 hours, an iPod for 40 hours, or run the built-in LED flashlight for over 20 hours. (Posted Apr 7, 2011)

• In times of disaster like the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan, lighting your way through the darkness is a top priority. A company in Redmond, Washington is helping out not through conventional flashlights, but with its own high-tech candle. Industrial Revolution makes and sells the highly regarded UCO candle Lantern and has been working to ramp up production for shipments to Japan. The company is working to get its products to Japan through both direct donation and retail channels, and have shipped over 20,000 of them over the past few weeks. (Posted Apr 7, 2011)

• Flashlight history may not seem too important, but for Mary Button of Post Falls, Idaho it represents a reminder of a personal tragedy that was averted. She has donated an Eveready flashlight that was carried by her late husband Harry Button during a bridge collapse that nearly cost him his life. In 1971, while responding to an accident call on the Post Falls bridge over the Spokane River, he used his duty flashlight to signal rescuers after being plunged into the river when a 100-foot piece of the wooden bridge gave way. Mrs. Button has donated the flashlight and other memorabilia to the Post Falls Police Department as a reminder of the incident. (Posted Apr 7, 2011)

• Interested in winning a $100 Visa gift card? Call2Recycle, the rechargeable battery and cell phone collection program, is offering that exact prize to the winners of its Earth Day Photo Caption Contest. All you have to do is go to their Facebook page and create a caption for the Earth Day themed photos that they post to the page. Seems like easy money to me. (Posted Apr 7, 2011)

• If you're looking to drop around $1200 on a new gun/weaponlight combo, then a product called the Folding Machine-Gun 9mm might be right up your alley. Of course, average civilians can't legally own such a weapon, but that doesn't mean that enthusiasts won't drool over the idea of adding one to their collections. (Posted Apr 7, 2011)

• The continuing controversy over lithium battery safety has made its way to the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, in the form of a bill that would bar the federal government from enforcing lithium battery handling regulations that are stiffer than current international standards. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration has proposed a new rule that would classify such batteries as 'hazardous materials' and require new safety requirements on the shipping and handling of regular lithium and lithium-ion cells. (Posted Apr 7, 2011)

• Very few flashlight brands are manufactured here in the U.S. anymore, and one of the notable exceptions is industry-giant Maglite. The company recently redesigned its website and the result is a much more user-friendly site (at least in this writer's opinion.) Be sure to check it out!(Posted Mar 30, 2011)

• And speaking of Maglite, Southern California newspaper The Press Enterprise has published a nice article that profiles the company's founder and shining light, Tony Maglica. Ontario: The famous Maglite flashlight's home is here gives some insight as to the 80 year-old Maglica's business principles and the reasons he still runs the company after over 30 years in business. (Posted Mar 30, 2011)

• After several police shooting incidents involving officers accidentally firing their weapons when they thought that they were simply activating their gun-mounted flashlights, the Force Science Institute is advising police officers to not use a particular type of remote flashlight switch. The reasons for the recommendation are outlined in an article posted to PoliceOne.com entitled Gun-mounted flashlight device susceptible to fatal errors. (Posted Mar 24, 2011)

• In response to the those same police shooting incidents, and to the Force Science Institute article, SureFire.com has released a statement directed at its customers and supporters outlining their view of the controversy. The statement is available in a PDF file entitled, Force Science News Response. We have a feeling that this is not a controversy that will go away anytime soon.(Posted Mar 24, 2011)

• On a brighter note (pun intended), the folks at spotlight-led.com have introduced the newest member of their diminutive family of flashlights, the 'Speck'. The new light boasts an output of 35 lumens and and illumination distance of 150 feet, and yet it is smaller than the end of your finger. The 'Speck' is so new it doesn't yet appear on the company's web site, but you can catch a view of it at TruckTrend.com.(Posted Mar 24, 2011)

• If you're the type of person that likes to read product reviews before you spend your hard-earned cash, you might want to check out several recent flashlight reviews from The Gadgeteer. First off is a review of the 4Sevens Preon ReVO LED Flashlight written by Andy Chen. Next up is the Eton Aluminator AFL200 Flashlight Review from Mark Adkins. And for you laser freaks, the Wicked Laser S3 Arctic Laser Review written by Dave Rees.(Posted Mar 24, 2011)

• And speaking of flashlight reviews, Officer.com has a lengthy and detailed review of the Gerber Option 60 Flashlight written by Lt. Frank Borelli. If you're not familiar with the Gerber Option lights, they feature a unique flexible battery configuration that allows users to use several different battery types (AA, AAA, CR123A) in the same light...an option that can certainly come in handy in an emergency. (Posted Mar 24, 2011)

• Like any product, flashlights can become dated over time as new technology emerges. This is especially true of LED flashlights, which have been improving by leaps and bounds over the past several years. Have no fear though, as the folks at Lumens Factory have just announced a new head unit that fits SureFire's E Series of flashlights, as well as many other lights. The new head features a Cree XP-G LED, can run from a voltage supply of 3.7-9V, has 3 modes, and is finished in a durable HAIII finish. (Posted Mar 24, 2011)

• If you're always looking for an excuse to use your flashlights, this weekend presents an opportunity you can't pass up. Earth Hour, a worldwide event designed to raise awareness of energy usage and associated environmental issues, is being held on Saturday, March 26 in more than 4000 cities and towns all over the world. Between 8:30 and 9:30 PM local time, residents are encouraged to turn off or dim their lights. So take advantage of the event by pulling out your flashlights and lanterns, and remember that sometimes a little light is all you need. (Posted Mar 24, 2011)

• If you love multi-function tools and lights, you'll have to order the newest fusion of flashlight and self-defense system...the Million-Volt Zap Cane. Looking like a (nearly) ordinary walking stick, the Zap Cane incorporates a flashlight into the handle, and a million-volt stun-gun into the tip area. So if you can't blind an attacker into submission, you can now shock him into one! (Posted Feb 15, 2011)

• I'm not at all sure the world needs it, but the Czech National Award for Student Design 2010 (web page in Czech) has been awarded to the developer of a self-guiding 'robotic lantern'. Named 'Tvor', the device stands a little over two feet tall and automatically searches for dark places to illuminate. Tech-site Dvice.com has a short rundown on the light, as well as a video of the thing in action. Definitely a neat idea, but I think I'll stick with my flashlights, at least for now. (Posted Feb 15, 2011)

• While we'll probably never see flashlights based on the discovery, scientists at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Karlsruhe, Germany have developed a 'molecular torch' that uses a single molecule to emit light. Using carbon nanotubes, the scientists have been able to achieve a light source smaller than any yet developed. It's complicated stuff, and you can read a complete rundown at the PHYSORG.com web site.(Posted Jan 25, 2011)

• Flashlights may seem like a nerdy interest to some people, but more and more they're becoming the focus (excuse the bad joke there) of mainstream popular culture items. In this case, it's a video game for the popular PlayStation platform. The game, called echochrome ii, is available for download on the PlayStation Network and features a minimalist graphics environment where the player uses a simulated flashlight to illuminate on-screen objects. For more info, be sure to read the PSN Review - echochrome ii at PlaystationLifestyle.net.(Posted Jan 25, 2011)

• Looking for a headlamp to guide you through the remaining dark nights of winter? Then you'll want to read the review of the Black Diamond Sprinter Headlamp that's been posted to OregonLive.com. Guest community blogger Daid Martin has written a very informative review of this moderately-priced and technologically-advanced headlamp.(Posted Jan 25, 2011)

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