[mdlug] SUSPECT: RE: OT: DIY Geek Tools

[Dan Pritts]

On Thu, Jun 28, 2007 at 03:30:36PM -0400, M. D. Krauss wrote:
> There is a sticker on them that says "IMPORTANT: For optimum
> performance it is recommended that you charge the light by winding the
> handle for one minute at least once every 3 months even if the
> flashlight or flashers are not in use."  Maybe this is why your friends
> flashlights died?  Kind of like if you don't start your car for a
> while.

Nope, they were used pretty regularly (they spend a lot of time up
north, even in the winter) and physically wore out/broke after not
a very long time.

I wonder whether they had batteries or capacitors.

batteries would explain the 3 month recharge - and also limits their
lifetime to the shelf life of the batteries (dunno how long you can
expect from nimh's but more than a year or two).  I know capacitors
can die too - can anyone say whether they die from just sitting there?

danno
--
dan pritts
danno at umich.edu
734-929-9770