Off Topic: USB Rechargeable Flashlights

[XX Case XX]

I don't understand the concept of the new "USB" rechargeable flashlight systems. Here's why:

When I need to recharge my Streamlight Stinger/Strion LED, I simply place the entire flashlight into the charging cradle and plug it into the wall. Simple.

With these new USB rechargeable flashlights, you plug the USB port into the flashlight, but where does the other end go? The other end has to be attached to some type of power source so where does it go? Into a laptop?

Why on earth would I want to recharge my flashlight with a laptop? That makes no sense because the laptop has to be plugged into a power source as well. And what if I only need to recharge my flashlight and not my laptop? Can someone here explain this to me?

___________
Mike

[Steve Warden]

Just like the flashlight does not need to be plugged into a power source constantly to work, neither does your laptop.
Both have batteries that provide the juice to either light the light or allow you to type away on your laptop without being plugged in.
Plugging the flashlight into the laptop is just sucking juice from the laptop to charge. The laptop is now the flashlight's power source. It's going to drain the battery on your laptop faster, so you'll have to plug it into the wall sooner.

[treefarmer]

Mike,
The other end plugs into the slot that you use to charge your cell phone, at least that is the way the one I have works.
Treefarmer

Phone cable to charger.

Flashlight into same charger.

[Railsplitter]

Interesting topic. I also use a USB to wall adapter like the one that came with my phone but I use a separate one.

I don't know if there is any truth to this but I've read that charging devices using a computer's USB port can damage the computer. It isn't common but it can happen under certain circumstances. I've never heard of a case where it actually happened but I try to use a wall adapter whenever possible just in case.

[zed6309]

I've only got one rechargeable flashlight a Olight , the other end I put into a usb plug and plug into the mains same as charging a phone .

[jerryd6818]

It's not a big deal. Get a single port charging adapter like Philip has/shows or if you have more devices (phone, laptop, etc, etc) get a multi-port like this. They come from one like Philip's up to eight or so ports.

I bought one for Linnea for Christmas that has slots that you lay your phone or phones in and a short charging cable. It also has a proximity charger cradle for her smart watch.

[Mumbleypeg]

My O-light Warrior X Pro charger has a USB port on one end. The end that connects to the flashlight is a magnet. Don't know how it works but it does. And the flashlight is amazing! I can light up stuff in the pasture at least 300 yards away. Closer than that is nearly like daylight!

Ken

[Colonel26]

I really like chargers with the USB port for a couple of reasons. First as TF said you can plug them into a receiver for a wall outlet and charge them that way. As you have said you can plug them into your computer (laptop or desktop) and charge the device that way. But best of all you can plug them into a car adapter and charge them while you’re driving. So the usb opens up a lot of functionality that a plain ol wall plug wouldn’t give you.

[philco]

I don't have one of those fancy lights but I can see where it would be handy to be able to plug it into the USB port in my truck to recharge the light when away from the house.

Edit: Wade it looks like you and I were huntin' and peckin' at the same time.

[XX Case XX]

Okay I'm starting to understand this now. I guess it does make sense.

All of my rechargeable flashlights have that charging cradle, but I also wanted to try the new types like Olight and Fenix. I guess I'l have to come around to the new way.

Anyway, I sure do appreciate the knowledge you guys just passed on to me. Many thanks.

__________
Mike

[Colonel26]

I don't have one of those fancy lights but I can see where it would be handy to be able to plug it into the USB port in my truck to recharge the light when away from the house.

Edit: Wade it looks like you and I were huntin' and peckin' at the same time.

I don’t have a rechargeable flashlight. Mine is a stream light that uses those CRE batteries which I really like, but the olights look really interesting. I do have a recargable spotlight that’s right handy hauling deer in after dark since the headlights on my old tractor don’t work. I like I can plug it in to the truck or in the house.

[jmh58]

Awwww Come on. I am just figuring out this I-Phone.
John

[desmobob]

Why on earth would I want to recharge my flashlight with a laptop? That makes no sense because the laptop has to be plugged into a power source as well. And what if I only need to recharge my flashlight and not my laptop? Can someone here explain this to me?
___________
Mike

USB charging is actually an advantage. An AC wall unit with one or more USB ports is very inexpensive. The one for the 12V DC power socket in your car or truck is even cheaper. Also, lots of folks have portable power banks for recharging phones, etc. which can be used. There are also lots of inexpensive solar panels with USB outputs.

I have several headlamps and flashlights with USB charging, some even having very simple and easy to use magnetic connections to the light, which is much easier than those tiny USB plugs!

[cody6268]

I have three--the Olight i1R (a small keychain light), its replacement the i1R2, and the S1R Baton II, all of which came with just a USB cable. The i1Rs are all Micro USB plug, which means most phone chargers will fit. The S1R Baton II uses a magnetic charger that snaps onto the back of the flashlight which is a magnet as well. But, of my users, nearly all are AA or AAA; with two old school incandescent D-Cells as well. I prefer rechargeables for small lights especially--given some button cell batteries are really hard to find; and for high-output lights, I prefer rechargeable since it means you're not going to be burning through batteries like crazy.

USB chargers are coming with everything these days. It saves the companies money; since most people have phone chargers that are capable of charging such devices. And, it's easier for me to lose the chargers/plugs and not have to shell out a lot of dough for a proprietary unit.

[Unk]

i have these things all over the house. You can plug two USB cords into each of these. I also re-use old cell phone plugs as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Charger-Charging ... 476&sr=8-8

[1967redrider]

I don't charge anything using my computer.

[glennbad]

I'll add something else. Many of you probably know this, but for those who don't, they offer electrical outlets with built-in USB charging ports in them, so you don't even need your charger, just the cable...

[Railsplitter]

I'll add something else. Many of you probably know this, but for those who don't, they offer electrical outlets with built-in USB charging ports in them, so you don't even need your charger, just the cable...

USB Outlet.jpg

Now those are cool. I had never seen those before. Thanks for posting that, Glenn.

[glennbad]

I'll add something else. Many of you probably know this, but for those who don't, they offer electrical outlets with built-in USB charging ports in them, so you don't even need your charger, just the cable...

USB Outlet.jpg

Now those are cool. I had never seen those before. Thanks for posting that, Glenn.

No problem! All the big box stores carry them...Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

[jerryd6818]

Or if you're afeared to mess with electricity, you can just remove the wall plate and plug in something similar to this. Pick one that has a screw to screw into the outlet.

Or something like this. There are dozens of iterations out there.

[mrwatch]

I have a dual USB battery that will power my camera if battery runs down, cell phone and recharge my Convoy U.V. flashlight for night collecting of rocks and fossils. also my NEBO Red Line flash light with built in dim able light bar. It will about blind you. We sometimes stay at primative camp grounds or State Parks with no power. Charge them with the car adapter. We still get power outages here but not as often now. We have the type of power failure LED flashlight that drop into the holder, can use as a flashlight. Also if you have solar charged walk way or deck lights you can bring into the house if power out. Also a Coleman USB or solar charged collapsible dimmable camp lantern to hand in the tent.
Much advantage to USB and prices have come way down, LED is much brighter and smaller now. Some lanterns like the B & H where you just pull it out, I don't like them as all the LEDS stay on at full brightness. Kills the battery life compared to ones the turn of LEDS as you push it part way in for less light. Another is a bought a clip on red multi use LED bicycle light. On off flash, to wear while shoveling snow at night, walking a beach of walking the road.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Reviving this old post to show another option to the USB rechargeable flashlights shown. The is USB rechargeable batteries. My brother was here to visit for a few days back in October. He had bought a 4 pack of these from the Sharper Image website and left 2 of them with me to test in my AA powered flashlight. Pulling the top off the battery exposes a USB connector that can be plugged into any device so equipped. Each battery has micro circuitry and a red light to show when the battery is fully charged. They are marked with the brand MPOWERED and have a 1200mah rating. What I am finding is that when the flashlight goes out, taking the batteries out and testing them shows one of them at 1.5V and the other one at 0V. The circuitry in the battery turns it off when a predetermined threshhold has been reached to keep the battery from discharging too far. Both are then plugged into the USB port on one of the electrical outlets I have converted to take USB. They are lasting about 3 weeks in my EDC flashlight which gets a lot of daily use. I looked online and they are available from several sources including Sharper Image.