It is not surprising that gas lamps are widely used in hiking, camping, and fishing. After all, they have their own characteristics and advantages compared to electric lighting devices. What's special about them and why? led lights Haven't gas paws replaced them yet?
Features of gas lamps
The most important argument in favor of purchasing a gas lamp is natural, even, soothing light. By hanging such a lamp in a tent or placing it on a table in a tent camp, you can not only illuminate a certain area, but also create a charming atmosphere of calm and comfort. Another reason for the popularity of gas lamps is the emission large quantity heat during combustion, which allows the lighting device to be used as a heater.
A gas lamp easily maintains a comfortable temperature in the tent when it is frosty outside. At the same time, no soot, smell, etc. side effects. In addition, at home or in the country, a gas lamp will always come to the rescue if the electricity supply suddenly stops. Modern models are equipped with piezo ignition, so you don’t need matches to light the lamp. Just press a button or turn the gas supply regulator.
Criterias of choice
The first thing you need to pay attention to when choosing a lamp is its main performance indicator – power. As a rule, it is expressed in the brightness of the luminous flux (Lux) and/or directly in its power (W). About 40 Lux or 520 W is sufficient to illuminate a camping tent. In addition, such a lamp can not only illuminate, but also heat the tent. More productive models are already used to illuminate parking areas. And lamps with a power of 200 Lux can illuminate the entire territory of a tent camp, a hangar or a gym.
Of course, the more powerful the lamp, the more fuel it consumes. Therefore, gas consumption is the next most important selection criterion. It is used to calculate the approximate need for fuel and the cost of operating the lighting device. You should immediately decide on the type of gas cylinder connection: collet or threaded. The first ones are more convenient and the second ones work better when low temperatures. Therefore for winter fishing cylinders with threaded connection.
It is worth paying attention to the design features, type of stand, hanging options, the presence of a protective metal grille and the possibility of purchasing accessories, for example, shades, stands, covers, etc. Modern gas lamps are equipped with a piezo ignition system - a durable and reliable ignition unit. But just in case, you can check whether the model you choose is equipped with it.
Gas lamps Kovea
Kovea Company – famous manufacturer gas appliances for tourism. Its products are very popular due to the most optimal ratio price/quality compared to inexpensive and flimsy Chinese analogues and luxury models expensive brands. Kovea gas lamps are powered by gas cylinders produced by Kovea. Therefore, there will be no compatibility problems. In addition, Kovea cylinders, adapters, components and consumables are sold in almost any travel or sports store.
Thousands of tourists, lovers active rest We were convinced of the performance and quality of gas lamps from the Korean manufacturer Kovea. Therefore, it makes sense to get to know some of them better.
The device is made of tiatan and aluminum. Does not contain plastic parts that could melt. Therefore, the lamp is very light, practical and durable. The power is enough to illuminate a camping tent or table at a campsite. At the same time, gas consumption is only 38 g/hour. The device operates from cylinders with a threaded connection, which simultaneously serve as a stand. An adapter is required to connect to the collet cylinder. There is a chain for hanging. The lamp is perfect for fishing in small company, river rafting and hiking, when the weight and dimensions of equipment play a big role.
Lightweight, practical, all-metal lamp can illuminate a parking area and a camping tent. Great option for a carp angler who intends to spend more than one night on the shore. When the gas burns, the lamp generates enough heat to warm the tent in the cold season. The presence of a reflector allows you to illuminate as much as possible large area, and the absence of melting parts increases safety. The lighting fixture is equipped with piezo ignition and a hanging chain. Used as a stand gas cylinder with threaded connection. Light weight, small dimensions with quite high power They will certainly appeal not only to fishermen, but also to tourists, summer residents, and hunters.
Table gas lamp, designed for camping or summer cottages. During transportation, the lampshade is in the case, which is very convenient. To bring the device into working position, simply pull the lamp out. During operation, the collet cylinder is placed in the middle of the body, which is equipped with legs to give stability to the entire device. The lamp can illuminate quite large space, therefore it is used in multi-person camping tents to illuminate a small camp. The device is easy to maintain and fits perfectly into the interior of the room in case the electricity supply is often interrupted.
A powerful lamp capable of illuminating a campsite or huge room. Interestingly, the device is equipped with a removable light reflector, which at the same time protects the lampshade from rain. The lamp is equipped with piezo ignition and operates from threaded type cylinders, which provide better efficiency in the cold and are sold in larger versions than collet ones. Although the latter can be connected to the lamp using a special separately purchased adapter. The lamp will definitely come in handy when camping, in a permanent camp, in the country, and of course when fishing in a large group, when it is necessary to illuminate a large area.
Finally
Gas lamps are fundamentally different from electric lamps. They're just different. Therefore, they practically do not compete with electric lighting devices. The ability to heat a room while simultaneously illuminating it is unique to gas lamps. Because of this, anglers often purchase them for use in the fall, spring, and even winter while ice fishing.
Kovea produces metal unbreakable shades for some models. They have high heat dissipation and are perfect for more efficient heating. Therefore, before purchasing a lamp not only for lighting, but also for heating a tent in winter, it makes sense to check whether compatible shades are made of metal.
All Kovea lamps are designed for tourism and outdoor recreation, therefore they are compact and lightweight. They will help make your stay away from home more comfortable and memorable.
Continuing the conversation about gas equipment, let's talk about gas lamps. The thing, no doubt, is good - it shines, it warms, and it creates coziness. Of course, you can do without it, but you must agree - we already deny ourselves a lot, and life is one and we spend it in the dark...A good gas lamp is a source of bright, non-directional light that can illuminate both a tent and a winter hut. Today they are actively used not only by travelers, but also by hunters, fishermen, and scientists.
The structure of a gas lamp is similar to that of a gas burner, only the head is a rod onto which a catalytic mesh is placed, which ensures a bright glow of the entire device. The mesh is protected from external influences by a glass shade with metal lid, which is attached to metal frame on the gearbox. There is a chain or wire shackle for hanging the device, sometimes a transport case and spare nets. The device is quite simple and reliable; the weakest elements are catalytic mesh and glass shades - they are always available for sale. A set of grids (3 pieces) - 160 rubles, a lampshade depending on the lamp model - from 100 to 730 rubles.
About what is on sale and what is worthy of our attention. As they say, “action one, faces the same...” - Campingaz. The Outdoor adventure series contains the Lumostar line of lamps, replacing the very popular Bivouac lamps. The models are created on the same basis, so first we’ll talk about them in general.
Now “who is who” in the world of Lumostars in the light of my subjectivity. For hiking, of course, Lumostar C 270 PZ is the “number one” candidate due to the included case and piezo ignition. Lumostar C 270 (the same, but without them ) - if you can do without piezo ignition, then a lamp without a cover is a waste of money. Think about how to carry it. My work colleague, having bought a lamp without a case for the occasion, bought a Chinese thermos, took out the flask, inserted a piece of polyurethane in a circle - for several years already walks. So, returning to the Lumostars: I don’t like the Lumostars M - an extra 100 g out of the blue and nothing in return. If you’re carrying it until the winter, and the weight doesn’t play a special role, figure out a case and buy it, they look more impressive.
Coleman Frontier CPS |
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Primus Classic Trekklite |
As usual, the cheapest options are Korean equipment manufacturers Kovea and Jinyang. They differ from their European counterparts primarily in the absolutely transparent (not frosted) glass on the lampshade. Because of this, the light is less diffused and less pleasant to use; if you don't believe me, look up close at an 80-100 watt light bulb. The Kovea company offers a TKL 894 gas lamp with a power of 58 watts, weighing 265 g for 1100 rubles - a compact unit with piezo ignition, a plastic case and an adapter for a “Chinese” cylinder. The lamp is equipped with a chain for hanging. It is worth paying attention to the design of the cover from the case: with a slight movement of the hand it turns into a stand-holder, which increases the stability of the lamp when using a narrow “Chinese” cylinder. The lamp comes with a spare mesh. If you're not a fan extreme travel, and spend time more often in winter huts, then this is very a good option. Model TKL 103 - very small, compact lamp weighing 55 g and power 35 watts, with piezo ignition. It will not be suitable for lighting a winter hut, but it will be just right for a tent. Price - 860 rubles.
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And finally, which have become classics small recommendations:
- gas lamp is necessary element equipment if you're in field conditions plan to write, read, or do other work that requires good lighting (for example, scientific research papers); It is also extremely pleasant to live with a lamp in snow shelters and taiga winter huts. In ordinary hiking conditions gas lamps are actively used only on days out and in cases of waiting out bad weather;
- gas lamps are more often used in winter than in summer, because in winter the daylight hours are shorter, therefore, gas consumption for lighting in winter is almost twice as much;
- Korean-made catalytic meshes fall apart much faster than Coleman/Campingaz. Sometimes the mesh lasts a year, sometimes it falls apart after the first unsuccessful transportation. It is advisable to have two or three spare nets in your travel kit;
- Regularly inspect the condition of the grid before turning on the lamp. If holes appear in the mesh and you continue to use the lamp with a damaged mesh, you may get caught in the lampshade (burning gas can melt the lampshade);
- For normal lamp operation, the pressure in the cylinder can be much lower than for burner operation. It makes sense to “burn out” almost empty cylinders on lamps, and use full ones for cooking;
- Manufacturers recommend firing the mesh without gas supply;
- ask vendors to demonstrate how to dress and fire the mesh;
- If you use homemade cylinders, there is a high probability of the nozzle becoming clogged. It is several times larger than for gas burners;
- if you plan to illuminate your winter hut, take lamps with a power of at least 80 watts; Lamps with matte shades are better suited for lighting tents;
- If your lamp does not have piezo ignition, put it in a case on " permanent place residence" gas lighter. It also doesn’t fit to buy a small carabiner to hang the lamp in the tent.
- Transport case.
- Spare mesh.
- Catalytic meshes.
- Plafonds.
- Installing the lamp on the cylinder.
- Removing the cover from the lamp and removing the grids.
- Removing the lampshade.
- Putting the straightened mesh on the rod of the gas lamp.
- Opening the valve that regulates the gas supply.
- Firing the installed mesh.
- Cooling down of the lamp.
- Installation of a glass shade.
- Installing the top cover.
- Transport the lamp only in a special case.
- Light the lamp exclusively using piezo ignition, matches or a lighter.
- If the mesh is damaged, it should be replaced.
One of the best additions to camping gas burners is lamps. This product serves as an excellent light source and, in addition, it allows you to heat the tent in the shortest possible time. In this case, there is no need to use additional equipment, because the lamp is installed on a gas cylinder intended for the burner.
Product Features
A gas lamp is one of the most practical and reliable devices. The standard configuration of any gas lamp includes:
However, this product also has its own weak sides, which include:
But if necessary, such elements can be easily selected and purchased at any equipment store.
The principle of operation of a gas lamp
The principle of operation of a gas lamp is quite similar to gas burner. The main difference between these devices is the installation of the head, which is a special rod designed to accommodate a special mesh, which ensures the lamp glows. The mesh is reliably protected from external influences by a glass shade and a metal cover, which is attached to the frame of the product. At first glance, it may seem that preparing the lamp for use is not so simple, but in fact there is nothing difficult about it.
Rules for installing the mesh
Installing a mesh on a gas lamp is quite simple; all you need to do is follow the basic rules. Sequence of actions when installing the mesh:
Installing a mesh has a number of its own features. The mesh must first be straightened and put on until it stops. The lower mesh must be pulled all the way down, and the upper mesh must be pulled up. In some modifications of lamps, the mesh must be tied with a knot in the area of the lower stop. For this type of tying, specially designed threads are used, which ensure reliable fastening. In addition, attention must be paid to the firing process. When burning the mesh, you cannot turn down the gas until the mesh is completely burned and smoke stops coming from it. By this point, the mesh should be firmly attached to the rod.
How to use the lamp correctly?
In order for a gas lamp to serve you as long as possible and not let you down at the most crucial moment, you must:
With careful and correct use lamp for about 10 hours a week, one grid should be enough for 6 months of lamp operation.
Changing the mesh in a gas lighting lamp
A gas lamp produces light by burning gas, which heats a special mesh. The mesh is the main element for the operation of a gas lighting lamp. If you want your lamp to provide bright and even light, then please carefully read the instructions below.
First, take a gas lamp. Install it on the gas cylinder. Open the top cover of the lamp, remove the lamp carrying handle from the two “ears” (this action does not need to be performed in lamps such as Bivouac and Lumostar C) and set it aside (see rice. 1). Now you can remove the lampshade (be careful not to break the glass). The glass is held in place by springs at the bottom, but you can easily pull it out. Pay attention to how the glass was held, then you will need to put it back as well. Carefully set the lamp down. Then take one mesh, straighten it on your palm and check that it is not torn. The mesh has two holes, one larger than the other.
Find the diffuser rod in the center of the lamp. Below and above the diffuser on the main rod there are serifs (recesses), and you need to install the mesh on them, so that the diffuser is completely hidden under the mesh. Take the mesh and find it larger hole. Place it on the rod and, being careful not to tear the mesh, pull it down until the larger hole of the mesh reaches the lower notch ( rice. 2). Carefully place the mesh on the rod and the second hole and straighten it ( rice. 3). Most likely, the first time it will be difficult for you to thread the rod through a narrow hole, but this is normal and next time you will succeed.
For the next mesh firing operation, you better go to Fresh air. You will also need matches (or a lighter). Light a match and bring it to the mesh from different sides ( rice. 4). Your task is to make the entire mesh light up. If the lamp is installed on a gas cylinder, then open the reducer slightly so that gas flows into the diffuser. This will speed up the process of burning the mesh. When the mesh burns, it will smoke heavily. When the mesh is completely burned, it will turn into a white ball. Now the mesh is very fragile and cannot be touched, otherwise it will collapse. We also do not recommend shaking the lamp too much - this can lead to destruction of the mesh.
Turn off the gas and carefully, so as not to touch the mesh, put the lamp in place ( rice. 5). Check that the springs hold the lamp well. It shouldn't dangle. Take the lamp carrying handle and insert it into the lugs (this step does not need to be done in lamps like Bivouac and Lumostar C). Check that the handle rises and falls freely on either side of the lamp. Snap the cover on the top of the lamp ( rice. 6). Check that there are no unnecessary parts left around you. That's it, if everything worked out for you, then you can congratulate yourself on the first installation of the mesh.
To light a lamp without piezo ignition, light a match or lighter. Open the top cover ( rice. 7), turn the power control until you hear a hiss of gas. Place a lit match into the lampshade from above, without touching the mesh ( rice. 8). The mesh in the lampshade will flash bright light. Close the lid on top and adjust the light to the level you need. In the future, you do not have to open the lid in order to light the lamp. You can simply insert a match between the lampshade and the lid. The lamp will light up. However, this method of lighting a lamp requires some experience.
If you have a lamp with built-in piezo ignition (and these are all lamps whose name ends in PZ), then you do not have to use matches or a lighter to light the lamp. You just have to turn the power control ( rice. 9), until a characteristic gas hiss appears and press the piezo ignition button (red or green, depending on the lamp model). It is possible that you will have to press the piezo ignition button several times before the lamp lights up. When the lamp lights up, adjust the light to the desired level.
If you use the mesh carefully, i.e. Do not touch it and do not shake the lamp too much, then you will be able to obtain bright and even light for a long time without changing the mesh (only by replacing gas cylinders). The mesh is only afraid of mechanical damage! In any case, we recommend that you always have a spare mesh on hand. If you are making a long trip and the lamp is, for example, in your backpack, then be prepared for the fact that, after taking out the lamp, you will have to change the mesh.
When you notice that the lamp has ceased to give a bright and even light (and the gas cylinder has not run out), then open the lid on top and visually check whether the mesh is intact. If you notice holes on it, this means it’s time to change the mesh. To do this, you need to do all the operations described above.
Thanks to their qualities, LEDs have become a part of our everyday life. They are a semiconductor diode that emits light when voltage is applied.
LEDs have undeniable advantages Compared to conventional lighting fixtures - fluorescent lamps, incandescent lamps and gas discharge lamps. These devices have small sizes, they do not contain filaments, harmful substances, fragile glass flasks. Electricity consumption is several times less compared to conventional light sources, and the service life is much longer.
For homemade products based on LEDs, there are many solutions for the manufacture of various lighting devices. If you create lighting with your own hands at home, you can use various waste materials. Therefore, you can do something original with your own hands and save on purchasing lighting products at retail outlets.
In my article I will tell you how to make an LED lamp from an aerosol can and a faulty one in half an hour energy saving lamp.
The process of making a homemade product can be seen in the video:
List of tools and materials
- aerosol can then deodorant;
-screwdriver;
-knife or scissors;
- soldering iron;
-tester;
-electronic ballast from an energy-saving lamp or a ready-made driver for a current of 0.3A;
-white LED 1W-15 pieces;
-pulse diodes FR207-4pcs;
-thermal paste;
- connecting wires.
Step one. Disassembling the lamp.
We disassemble the energy saving device into its component parts. Disconnect the filament of the glass bulb from the board. Then, if the electronic ballast board is working properly, you can wind the secondary winding around the inductor and power the LEDs through the diode bridge. I will not dwell on this in detail, since the redesign of the electronic board has already been described in the previous article. You can also use a ready-made driver for LEDs in this homemade product with an output current of 0.3A, and the voltage depends on the number of LEDs used in the lamp.
Step two. Manufacturing of LED lamp housing.
LEDs generate heat during operation, so they need to be installed on a heat sink. The efficiency of a radiator depends on the thermal conductivity of the metal, its area and shape. In this case, I used an aluminum deodorant can in such a way that its diameter matched the base of the fluorescent lamp and the wall thickness and surface area corresponded to the task. First, make sure there is no liquid or residual pressure in the cylinder. Next, use scissors to cut top part spray can, and try it on the base, and make holes for fastening with screws.
Using a knife, we make rectangular cuts for the passage of cooling air inside the cylinder. Then we glue the LEDs onto thermally conductive glue; their location depends on your imagination, provided they are evenly distributed. We solder the connecting wires to the LEDs in a serial pattern and connect them to the converted board or driver, observing the polarity.
We turn on the lamp to the network and measure the current consumption of the LEDs - it should be no more than the rated current of 0.3A.
Step three. Checking the LED lamp.
To check the heat transfer of the radiator, I glued the sensor of an electronic thermometer to the lamp body. The temperature was 45 degrees, which is quite good result. It must be remembered that the maximum temperature of the LED housing should not exceed 60 degrees, otherwise it will fail.
And another option with tin cans - from a tin or beer can you can make a lampshade for LED lamp cutting out decorative holes.
Example in the photo. Lampshade from a jar.